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Six Flags in Talks with Saudi Government for Future-Construction of Theme Parks | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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The Texas Giant roller coaster ride (L) is seen at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in Arlington, Texas July 23, 2013. A woman who plunged from the Texas Giant roller coaster ride at the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park died of multiple traumatic injuries in a fall that was ruled an accident, authorities said on Monday. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES – Tags: SOCIETY) – RTX11WN0


Six Flags in Talks with Saudi Government for Future-Construction of Theme Parks

by | Jun 29, 2016 | Business |

Six Flags in Talks with Saudi Government for Future-Construction of Theme Parks

Texas, United States – Theme park chain Six Flags Entertainment Corporation said it was in direct discussions with Saudi Arabia to pursue developing amusement parks in the Kingdom.

Six Flags’ chief executive, John Duffey, and executive chairman, Jim Reid-Anderson, met earlier this month with Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss potential opportunities in the Kingdom, as Saudi Arabia seeks to increase tourism numbers to the country as part of its Vision 2030 and National Transformation Plan.

“We consider culture and entertainment indispensable to our quality of life. We are well aware that the cultural and entertainment opportunities currently available do not reflect the rising aspirations of our citizens and residents,” the 2030 plan said in April.

Duffey was quoted as saying that the company was “very honored to be provided with an opportunity to enter into a partnership” in the Kingdom.

“We share Saudi Arabia’s vision to bringing entertainment to the country. We share the same vision with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and are prepared to providing multiple options in a bid to translate that vision into reality,” he added.

Six Flags is the biggest amusement parks operator in North America, where it has 18 parks that were visited by 29 million people last year, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue.

The company operates approximately 20 theme and water parks in North America and signed an agreement with a private Ho Chi Minh City based company in March to open two parks in Vietnam.