Current Record Holder for World Highest Roller Coaster
The tallest roller coaster in the world is the upcoming Ultra Hypercoaster at Six Flags Qiddiya in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a planned height of approximately 689 feet (210 meters) and a drop of over 500 feet (152 meters). The project is being developed by Six Flags in partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and the ride is expected to feature a multi-launch system and a top speed exceeding 155 mph (250 km/h). The coaster is designed by Intamin and is positioned as the centerpiece of the Qiddiya entertainment district, which aims to become a global tourism and leisure hub. More details about the project are available on the official Six Flags Qiddiya page Six Flags Qiddiya.
As of the latest public updates, the Ultra Hypercoaster remains under construction, with the target opening window set for the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and construction milestones. The ride will use a state-of-the-art magnetic launch system and steel track, and it is expected to feature a sustained high-speed layout with airtime hills and inversions. The total investment in the Qiddiya project is reported to be several billion dollars, with the roller coaster serving as a flagship attraction for the Kingdom's entertainment sector. For background on the Qiddiya project's financial structure, see the official Public Investment Fund overview Public Investment Fund.
Key Specifications and Engineering Details
Height, Speed, and Track Layout
The planned height of 689 feet (210 meters) would make the Ultra Hypercoaster the tallest coaster in the world, surpassing previous record holders such as Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point. The coaster is expected to reach a top speed of over 155 mph (250 km/h), with a total track length of several miles and a ride duration of approximately three minutes. The layout includes a multi-launch system, steep drops, and high-speed turns, with the primary focus on sustained airtime and high g-forces. The ride vehicle design is being optimized for low friction and high-speed stability, using magnetic levitation and linear synchronous motor technology.
Structural and Safety Systems
The coaster's structure includes a reinforced steel tower foundation, advanced braking systems, and redundant lift and launch mechanisms to meet international safety standards. The ride will be subject to rigorous testing and certification by Saudi Arabian and international regulatory bodies before opening. The design incorporates real-time monitoring systems for track stress, train speed, and weather conditions, with automatic shutdown protocols for safety. Intamin, the manufacturer, has a long track record of building record-breaking coasters and is providing the full engineering and systems integration for the project.
Financial and Strategic Context
The Ultra Hypercoaster is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia's entertainment and tourism sector to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, with the Qiddiya project representing a multi-billion-dollar investment in leisure infrastructure. The ride is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, contributing to the Kingdom's target of becoming a top global tourism destination by 2030. The project is financed through a mix of public funds and private partnerships, with the Public Investment Fund playing a central role in coordinating the development. For more on the economic strategy behind Qiddiya, see the official Saudi Vision 2030 portal Saudi Vision 2030.
The financial impact of the world's highest roller coaster extends to the regional economy through job creation,