Saudis unveil plan to build ‘entertainment city’

MANAMA: Saudi Arabia has unveiled plan to build largest entertainment, cultural and sports city in Al Qidiya, southwest of the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The plan was unveiled by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund.

The city, the first of its kind in the world, will be built over an area of 334 square kilometres. It will also have a major safari area.

Prince Mohammad said that this city will become a prominent cultural landmark and an important centre for meeting the recreational, cultural and social needs of the future generations in the kingdom, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Prince Salman said the most ambitious project comes within the framework of plans to support Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 by creating quality and distinctive investments at home in order to serve the country and the citizens.

It will also contribute to diversify the sources of national income, boost Saudi economy and create more employment opportunities for young people.

Prince Salman said that the Public Investment Fund is the main investor in the project, along with a number of local and international investors. The project will boost the country’s position as an important international centre in attracting foreign investments.

The foundation stone of the project is scheduled to be laid early next year and its first phase will be opened in 2022.

Prince Salman said the project will not only provide entertaiment, fun and joy to the visitors, it will also give them an opportunity live harmoniously in a city built in accordance with international standards.

An entertainment city likely to be built by the Six Flags to be one of the main attractions of the project.