The opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City on December 31, 2025, represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector and the broader Vision 2030 initiative. As the first Six Flags park designed and built from the ground up outside of North America, the 320,000-square-meter destination is the inaugural anchor of Qiddiya City. UMAYA is proud to have contributed to this landmark project, serving as the lighting design team responsible for the interior and exterior guest experience across all 28 rides and attractions.

Designing the Atmospheric Journey

Lighting design in a themed environment of this scale is a critical component of the guest experience, moving beyond simple illumination to act as a tool for storytelling and navigation. Working alongside Gallegos Lighting Design, UMAYA created a bespoke lighting strategy that defines the nocturnal identity of the park’s six themed lands. The design ensures that as the sun sets over the Tuwaiq Mountains, the park transitions into a dynamic show environment where light emphasizes the intricate architectural detailing and cultural motifs unique to the Qiddiya location.

Each of the six lands—City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune, and Grand Exposition—required a distinct lighting signature. For instance, the Citadel, the park's central hub, is covered by a billowing canopy inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. UMAYA’s lighting design for this area provides a grand yet welcoming glow, acting as a luminous landmark that draws guests into the heart of the park. In the City of Thrills, the lighting is kinetic and high-energy, matching the intensity of record-breaking attractions like Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.

Engineering Excellence in the Desert

The technical requirements for Six Flags Qiddiya City were as demanding as the creative ones. Lighting 28 rides—including 10 high-intensity thrill rides and 18 family-focused attractions—required a sophisticated integration of modern LED technology and advanced control systems. These systems are automated and adjustable, utilizing sensors to manage light levels based on time of day and foot traffic. This allows the park to shift seamlessly from ambient background lighting to high-energy show sequences that synchronize with audio and water features.

Furthermore, the environmental conditions of the Riyadh desert necessitated the selection of high-performance, durable fixtures capable of withstanding extreme heat and dust. UMAYA’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of energy-efficient LED sources and precision optics that minimize light pollution while maximizing visual impact. This approach aligns with the project's goal of creating a world-class entertainment destination that is as responsible as it is breathtaking.

A New Chapter in Saudi Entertainment

Six Flags Qiddiya City is more than an amusement park; it is a central pillar of a new consumer economy. By creating an immersive environment that engages all the senses, UMAYA has helped ensure that the "Power of Play" is palpable in every corner of the park. From the whimsical, bioluminescent-inspired lighting of Twilight Gardens to the industrial, copper-toned glow of Steam Town, our design supports the diverse emotional journeys of millions of visitors.

As Qiddiya City continues to develop into a global hub for sports, culture, and entertainment, UMAYA is honored to have set the stage for its first major success. The light-scapes we have built at Six Flags Qiddiya City ensure that the thrill of discovery continues long into the night, defining a new standard for experiential architecture in the region.