Al Shallal Theme Park

Al Shallal Theme Park is an entertainment park in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, close to the North Corniche. Families and thrill-seekers come in the evening for its rides, indoor attractions, restaurants and lakeside walks. There is no minimum age, so younger children are welcome too. The bigger rides include a roller coaster, a slingshot and a free-fall drop over the lake. For something calmer, take the Ferris wheel or the large ship ride, ideally around sunset. Indoors, in the air-conditioned section, the first and second floors hold electronic games and children's rides. An ice rink has restaurants and seating around it, so parents can watch from the side. Next to it, a boat ride winds through the Amazon Forest area. Science fans can try the zero-gravity ride, then head to the white dome, where a replica spacesuit and a short tour of the planets await, followed by large wraparound screens. Kiosks near the exit sell souvenirs. The outdoor part of the park sits among lakes with boats and waterfalls tumbling over brown rocks, all meant to echo Jeddah's Red Sea setting. The sea air drifts through, and the lights come on after dark. The dome honours Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Arab Muslim astronaut, who launched the Arab SAT II satellite. Opening hours are 16:30 to 01:00 from Saturday to Wednesday, and 16:30 to 01:30 on Thursday and Friday.