Saudi Arabia is accelerating a sweeping expansion into global entertainment and leisure, committing an estimated thirty-two billion dollars to theme parks, motorsport venues and large-scale water attractions as part of its economic transformation strategy.

Among the flagship projects is a Six Flags theme park set to anchor a major entertainment district near Riyadh.

The development is designed to position the kingdom as a regional destination for family tourism, featuring record-breaking roller coasters and large-scale hospitality infrastructure.

Construction milestones have advanced steadily, with officials signalling that the project forms a core component of broader efforts to diversify non-oil revenue.

Formula One has also become central to Saudi Arabia’s international branding strategy.

The kingdom already hosts an annual Grand Prix in Jeddah, and additional motorsport facilities are under development to expand capacity and integrate racing into mixed-use entertainment complexes.

Authorities have framed the investments as catalysts for job creation, skills development and private-sector growth in hospitality and event management.

Aquarabia, promoted as one of the region’s largest water parks, is another pillar of the leisure expansion.

Designed to feature high-capacity slides, wave pools and immersive attractions, the project aims to attract domestic visitors while reducing outbound tourism spending.

Developers say the park will incorporate advanced water management technologies suited to the kingdom’s climate conditions.

The multi-billion-dollar programme aligns with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and cultivate sectors such as tourism, sports and culture.

Entertainment spending by Saudi households has risen in recent years, supported by regulatory reforms that have opened cinemas, concerts and international sporting events to broader audiences.

Economic planners argue that large-scale leisure infrastructure can stimulate ancillary industries ranging from construction and logistics to digital media and retail.

International partnerships have played a prominent role in project delivery, reflecting Riyadh’s effort to combine global expertise with domestic investment.

While the scale of spending underscores the kingdom’s ambition, officials maintain that the projects are structured to generate sustainable returns through ticket sales, hospitality revenues and international tourism flows.

With multiple attractions scheduled to come online over the next few years, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a major new player in the global entertainment economy.