MIDDLE EAST THEME PARK MARKET TO WITNESS ROBUST EXPANSION BY 2027

BY GABRIELLE

The theme park market in the Middle East is to undergo significant expansion by 2027. According to a comprehensive analysis of the Middle East theme park industry, an increasing number of foreign visitors and a number of new theme parks in the pipeline, will foster future growth for the market in the Middle East.

The report shows that the total number of visitors who arrived in the UAE increased from 15.4 million in 2016 to 17.8 million in 2019. This registers a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +7.5% during the period of 2019 – 2027.

The analysis continues that theme park market growth in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has been predominantly responsible for the increasing number of ticket purchases into attraction sites.

Some of the key players in the Middle East’s burgeoning theme park market include Bollywood Parks, Dreamland Aqua Park, Fantasia Land, Ferrari World, DXB Entertainment, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark, Luna Park, Yas Waterworld, among others.

BRAIN MACHAMER NAMED PRESIDENT OF SIX FLAGS QIDDIYA

BY GABRIELLE

Brian Machamer as been given the role of park president of Six Flags Qiddiya, the first theme park from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation in Saudi Arabia.

The park will be the most expensive and largest of Six Flags theme parks to date.

Having started his career in 1990 at Universal Studios Florida, where he remained for over ten years, Machamer has decades of experience in the industry. He has overseen major theme park developments around the world, including Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE.

As president of Six Flags Qiddiya, Machamer will have responsibility of all aspects of the site, including budgeting, operations and strategic planning.

Speaking of the new appointment, Brain Machamer said:

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am excited to join this impressive team to help introduce Six Flags’ signature brand to thrills to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Six Flags name is synonymous with innovation at the highest level and Six Flags Qiddiya will be a game changer in the region.”

David McKillips, international development president at Six Flags, commented:

“I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Six Flags International team to lead one of the most ambitious theme park and entertainment projects on the planet.

“Brian’s extensive development and park operational experience will be invaluable as we move forward to create a world-class global destination.”

Six Flags Qiddiya will stretch over 32 hectares, comprising of six different lands. Within the lands will be 28 themed rides and attractions, including Falcon’s Flights, poised to be the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster in the world.

Six Flags Qiddiya is due to open in 2023.