https://www.boursedirect.fr/fr/actualites/categorie/economie/arabie-saoudite-coup-d-envoi-d-un-projet-de-cite-du-divertissement-afp-ccff73c91ca1dc04565cd79d4310829694090a69
Saudi King Salman on Saturday night kicked off the construction of a gigantic "entertainment city" near the capital Ryad, a mega-project that is part of the kingdom's desire to open up to diversify its economy, which is too dependent on oil.
The giant recreational park project in Qiddiya, southwest of Ryad, will cover 334 km2. It is presented as the equivalent of a Disneyland where authorities hope to attract "17 million visitors by 2030".
According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, Qiddiya will have a multitude of entertainment and entertainment attractions, including theme parks, sports facilities and cultural centers.
The first phase of development should be completed by 2022, the statement said.
This mega-project is part of the reforms initiated by the son of the king, the Crown Prince Mohammed ben Salmane, 32, who was present at the ceremony Saturday night.
More than half of the Saudi population is under 25 years old. The kingdom was closed up to this point, and the wealthiest Saudis went abroad for entertainment.
Pictures at link