Saudi King to launch city of entertainment

RIYADH: Saudi King Salman will launch the construction of an “entertainment city” near Riyadh today, authorities said, part of a series of multi-billion dollar projects as the kingdom seeks to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

The 334sq km project in Qiddiya, south-west of Riyadh, would rival Walt Disney and include high-end theme parks, motorsport facilities and a safari park, officials say.

The facility highlights a “relentless effort to develop giga-projects that will help achieve many direct and indirect economic returns”, project official Fahd bin Abdullah Tounsi was quoted as saying in a government statement on Monday.

Qiddiya chief executive Michael Reininger said he expects the project will draw foreign investors in entertainment and other sectors.

Such projects are the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a self-styled liberal change agent who is the chief architect of the sweeping “Vision 2030” reform programme. — AFP