World’s tallest rollercoaster is twice the size of Big Ben and hits 15mph | World | News

Qiddiya is also set to contain a purpose-built Formula One circuit, a Dragon Ball themepark, and an aquapark. Six Flags, which has a number of theme parks across America, was the first attraction to open in the city.

Its soft opening last week saw Falcons Flight not only become the tallest rollercoaster, overtaking Top Thrill 2 in Cedar Parks, in Ohio, but the fastest and longest in the world. Construction began in April 2023 with manufacturers Intamin announcing the final piece was placed in December 2024.

YouTube content creator Shawn Sanbrooke, who posts as Themepark Worldwide, visited the thrill ride shortly after it opened. Speaking in a video, an “emotional” Shawn said: “That thing is absolutely incredible.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have two rides, a front row ride, and also a ride on the second row from the back, this thing is an absolute machine. The height of this, you look at it and you think, ‘It looks like a big camelback’, but honestly, when you’re up there, seeing everything around is absolutely incredible.

“I’m blown away, I just do not know how to describe every element of this. It was so exciting from the start all the way through to the end. This ride is just phenomenal.”

Shawn went on to explain that he found it “really special” riding the mammoth roller coaster in the day looking at the mountainous terrain surrounding the theme park. He described the opening as a “momentous day” for enthusiasts.

Falcons Flight isn’t the only record-breaking thrill ride in the newly opened Six Flags either. The attraction’s Sirocco Tower is the world’s tallest freestanding shot tower, at 145m tall, while the Gyrospin now holds the title as the tallest pendulum ride with a 53m swing.

Meanwhile its Iron Rattler holds the record for being the tallest tilt coaster, with a height of 63.4m. The park’s 73m high Spitfire roller coaster is now the tallest inverted triple-launch roller coaster in the world. 

Former theme park worker Shawn added: “I can’t believe this place is real. It’s making me so emotional talking about it. It really is, I can’t believe the moment is here.”