As it continues its international expansion, Six Flags has confirmed that it is to lend its name to a new theme park near the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has entered into an arrangement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, to develop, design and license the Six Flags brand for a park 40km from downtown Riyadh. It will form part of the kingdom’s wider Qiddiya development, an entertainment, sports and cultural destination expected to open in 2022. Terms of the arrangement between the two parties have not been disclosed.
“The entertainment sector has an important role to play in the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy,” said the PIF in an official statement. “The Six Flags-branded theme park in Riyadh and other similar developments will create new employment opportunities and harness the talent, energy and imagination of Saudi youth. Our investment in this sector is in line with our mission and delivers on a key element of Vision 2030.”
“Our international licensing business provides a unique opportunity to continue our strong global growth,” adds David McKillips, president of Six Flags International Development Company. “We see great potential in the Saudi Arabian market and look forward to collaborating with PIF to create a world-class entertainment destination for Saudi’s young and dynamic population.”
The vision for Qiddiya is for it become “the iconic entertainment destination of the Kingdom”. Recreational and educational facilities will be spread across over six clusters: Theme Parks; Wheels and Wings; Scenic and Animal Encounters; Water and Snow; Sports; Events, Culture and Education. Groundbreaking will take place later this year.
