RIYADH: Online sensation MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber, has officially launched Beast Land, a theme park in Riyadh inspired by his videos featuring elaborate endurance challenges and large cash prizes. The launch comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global entertainment hub under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative.
The 27-year-old YouTuber, whose real name is James Donaldson, recently celebrated 100 billion views on his channel. Ahead of the opening, he told Reuters, “One of the top requests I get is: I want to be in a MrBeast video. So now we’re creating that in real life where you can come and experience it.”
Entertainment Boom in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, once known for its ultra-conservative restrictions on cinemas and concerts, has rapidly expanded its entertainment options in the past decade. Events such as Riyadh Season now run for almost half the year, featuring boxing, sports competitions, music festivals, and other cultural activities. The kingdom has increasingly attracted international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Naomi Campbell, and Sofia Vergara.
Beast Land Experience
Beast Land features a combination of theme park rides, rollercoasters, and American Gladiator-style challenges. One highlight is a game where participants must avoid being the last to press a button when it lights up, facing a cushioned fall if they fail. The park is illuminated in neon-blue and designed to recreate the immersive experience of MrBeast’s viral video challenges.
Donaldson emphasized the park’s international appeal, noting that 70% of his fans are outside the U.S., and Saudi Arabia offered accessible studio space to film new content. “I’d say give it a try—it’s much more developed than you’d think,” he said.
Saudi Arabia has a track record of attracting global talent with lucrative contracts, such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr, reportedly exceeding $200 million. While MrBeast has occasionally sparked controversy—Mexico filed a lawsuit in May over a video filmed at the ancient Maya pyramids—the Riyadh launch signals his ongoing global influence in entertainment.
