This month, “Beast Land,” which is based on YouTuber MrBeast’s endurance challenge videos, received 100 billion views on the platform. The opening of a theme park is a component of Saudi Arabia’s revitalization initiative. Written by Mohammed Benmansour and Timour Azhari Cristiano Ronaldo, or RIYADH. Campbell, Naomi. Vergara Sofia.
The most well-known YouTuber on the planet, MrBeast, is the most recent star to visit Saudi Arabia as part of the country’s efforts to become a worldwide destination for entertainment. The internet sensation, who has received 100 billion views this month, is in Riyadh to open Beast Land, a theme park based on his films where visitors must complete difficult endurance tasks in order to win substantial financial rewards.
The 27-year-old, whose real name is James Donaldson, told Reuters before to the launch on Thursday, “It’s probably one of the best days of my life,” in one of at least nine interviews done as part of his PR campaign in Saudi Arabia. “I want to be in a Mr. Beast video is one of the most common requests I receive. He replied, “So now we’re making that in real life so you guys can come visit and see what it’s like.”
As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 to diversify the nation away from oil and modernize society, historically ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia has quickly expanded its entertainment alternatives during the past ten years. With movies and music essentially prohibited, young Saudis had few options for entertainment.
The kingdom appeared to be frozen in time to outsiders. Both perspectives have changed. Riyadh Season, which takes place in the Saudi capital for nearly half of the year, has nearly daily events ranging from house music parties and sporting tournaments to boxing and slap contests.
Beast Land, illuminated in neon blue, blends theme park attractions like rollercoasters with trials akin to Donaldson’s American Gladiator, such a game where the last player to press a button when it illuminates is doomed. According to Donaldson, 70% of his admirers live outside of the United States, and Saudi Arabia was an obvious choice because it had conveniently accessible studio space for him to record his most recent season of videos.
“I’d say give it a try, it’s much more developed than you’d think,” he stated. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr is thought to be worth more than $200 million. The kingdom has a reputation for luring international players with enormous rewards.
MrBeast has occasionally caused controversy; in May, Mexico filed a lawsuit against a company they claim collaborated with him after he created a video at the country’s historic Maya pyramids.