Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo, Naomi Campbell, Sofia Vergara – and now, YouTube superstar MrBeast. The internet sensation, who recently hit 100 billion views, arrived in Saudi Arabia to launch Beast Land, a theme park inspired by his viral videos where participants face endurance challenges for cash prizes.

“It’s probably one of the best days of my life,” said the 27-year-old, whose real name is James Donaldson, ahead of the launch on Thursday. “One of the top requests I get is: I want to be in a MrBeast video, So now we are creating that in real life where people can come visit and experience it themselves,” he added in an interview with Reuters.

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has transformed its entertainment sector as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, diversifying the economy away from oil and modernizing social and cultural options. Young Saudis, who grew up with few entertainment avenues due to restrictions on cinemas and concerts, now have access to a growing calendar of events. The kingdom hosts Riyadh Season, running almost half the year, featuring daily concerts, sports competitions, boxing, and electronic music parties.

Beast Land, illuminated in neon-blue, combines traditional theme park attractions like rollercoasters with Donaldson’s signature American Gladiator-style challenges. One highlight includes a game where players must hit a button at the right time or fall into cushioned traps, blending thrill with interactive fan experiences.

Donaldson noted that roughly 70% of his fans are outside the United States, making Saudi Arabia a strategic location to both expand his international reach and utilize accessible studio space for filming new video content.

Saudi Arabia has also gained attention for luring global stars with high-profile contracts. Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr reportedly exceeds $200 million, illustrating the kingdom’s financial commitment to becoming a hub for international entertainment.

Despite his popularity, MrBeast has faced controversies, including a lawsuit in Mexico in May over a video filmed near the country’s ancient Maya pyramids. Nevertheless, his visit and the launch of Beast Land underline Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to attract diverse global talent and strengthen its cultural and entertainment offerings.

With the park’s opening, Riyadh continues to position itself as a center for international entertainment, blending traditional leisure with immersive, social media-inspired attractions.

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