JEDDAH: Six Flags International, the world’s largest amusement park company, has named Brian Machamer as president of Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags theme park, which will be built in Qiddiya, outside the capital Riyadh.
The appointment comes as Riyadh strengthens plans to become the Kingdom’s entertainment, sports and arts showpiece.
Machamer is a leading name in the entertainment industry and has more than 25 years’ experience developing many of the world’s top-level theme parks in countries such as Singapore, the UAE, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
World-class destination
Commenting on the move, David McKillips, president of Six Flags International, described the Qiddya theme park as “one of the most exciting entertainment projects in the world” and said Machamer’s experience will ensure the establishment of a world-class destination.
Machamer said: “This is a lifetime opportunity to collaborate in introducing the Six Flags brand to Saudi Arabia.”
This is a lifetime opportunity to collaborate in introducing the Six Flags brand to Saudi Arabia. The Six Flags Qiddiya will change the region’s game rules for family entertainment.
Brian Machamer
He said that Six Flags Qiddiya “will change the region’s game rules for family entertainment.”
Machamer began his career with Universal Studios in Florida, where he worked for 10 years from 1990. As president of Six Flags Qiddiya, he will oversee all park-related operations, including strategic planning, budgeting and operations.
Entertainment
Six Flags Qiddiya will be unveiled as part of the first phase of the Qiddiya project. The 32 hectares park will include 28 games and landmark attractions in six areas of the project: The City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune and Grand Exposition.
The park will also feature rides, such as the Falcon’s Flight, and the world’s tallest, highest and fastest roller-coaster. It is expected to open officially in 2023.
Saudis spend $30 billion on tourism abroad every year. By providing new entertainment options for citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia, this project aims to redirect some of the overseas tourism spending back into the Kingdom.
This supports Vision 2030’s objective to increase spending within the Kingdom on culture and entertainment activities, from about 3 percent of household income to 6 percent.
