Saudi King Salman will launch the construction of an "entertainment city" near Riyadh Wednesday (April 25th), part of a series of multi-billion dollar projects as the kingdom seeks to diversity its oil-reliant economy, AFP reported Monday.
The 334-square kilometre project in Qiddiya, south-west of Riyadh, would rival Walt Disney and include high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities and a safari park, officials say.
Qiddiya chief executive Michael Reininger said he expects the project will draw foreign investors in entertainment and other sectors, but did not specify the total cost of construction.
Saudis currently splurge billions of dollars annually to see films and visit amusement parks in neighbouring tourist hubs like Dubai and Bahrain.
In February, Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority announced it will stage more than 5,000 festivals and concerts in 2018, double the number of last year, and pump $64 billion in the sector in the coming decade.
