MrBeast, the YouTuber with the largest following globally, boasting over 450 million subscribers, launched a temporary amusement park in Riyadh on Thursday. This move marks the latest celebrity venture into Saudi Arabia, as the nation aims to establish itself as a significant entertainment hub.
The park, “Beast Land,” will operate from November 13 to December 27, offering challenges akin to those in MrBeast’s popular videos, where participants vie for substantial rewards.
Incorporated into the Riyadh Season, an annual festival designed to promote the capital as a tourist hotspot, MrBeast’s park aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to attract renowned figures and diversify its oil-dependent economy.
“Most of our audience is international, with a significant number watching from the Middle East,” MrBeast shared with AFP in Riyadh.
“Often, our activities are held in Western regions, and I wanted to create something exciting for our fans here,” he continued.
Earlier, he released a video from the entrance of the new park in Riyadh, designed as a blue tiger’s head with lightning bolt eyes, mirroring his logo, illuminated by neon lights.
“This is the wildest project I’ve undertaken, and I can’t wait for you to experience it,” he exclaimed in the video.
With more followers on social media than the population of the United States, the 27-year-old influencer, Jimmy Donaldson, has crafted a digital empire through his prolific content, often featuring competitions and challenges.
With over 75% of Saudis under 35, the kingdom is an ideal setting for influencers like MrBeast, whose content primarily appeals to younger audiences.
Smartphone and internet penetration in Saudi Arabia both exceed 98%, significantly above the global average, as reported by PwC.
Saudis are “among the world’s most enthusiastic media consumers,” according to the consultancy.
In 2023, Time magazine recognized MrBeast as one of the world’s most influential people, while Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately half a billion dollars.
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its entertainment offerings, with projects like Qiddiya near Riyadh, envisioned as an “entertainment city” featuring theme parks and a motorsports track.
