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Cristiano Ronaldo, Naomi Campbell, Sofia Vergara — and now, MrBeast, the latest celebrity to make a splash in Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene. As part of the kingdom’s broader efforts to position itself as a global entertainment hub, popular YouTuber MrBeast—whose real name is James Donaldson— was in Riyadh to inaugurate Beast Land. This new theme park, inspired by his videos featuring large-scale endurance challenges with hefty cash prizes, opened its doors on November 13, 2025.
During a series of interviews prior to the launch, the 27-year-old star expressed excitement, saying, “It might be one of the best days of my life.” He added, “Everyone keeps asking: I want to be in a MrBeast video. Now, we’re bringing it to life so visitors can step into a real MrBeast experience.”
Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid cultural change in recent years, breaking away from its historically conservative roots. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the country has introduced a plethora of entertainment options, transforming Riyadh into a vibrant hub for events. The city’s annual Riyadh Season now hosts daily concerts, competitions, and festivals — from boxing matches and slap contests to house music nights and sports tournaments.
Beast Land, located in Riyadh, features both traditional theme park rides such as rollercoasters and the signature challenges familiar to MrBeast fans. One such game involves participants slapping a lit-up button, with the last person to do so falling into a cushioned pit. Donaldson noted that a significant portion—around 70%—of his audience is outside the US. Saudi Arabia was an obvious choice for filming because of the accessible studio space, enabling him to produce his latest seasonal videos. He encourages others to visit: “Give it a shot. It’s more developed than you might think.”
The kingdom has also been luring international stars with substantial financial incentives. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr is reportedly worth over $200 million. While MrBeast’s presence has been mostly welcomed, it has occasionally stirred controversy; Mexico, for instance, filed a lawsuit earlier this year against a company he collaborated with during a visit to the ancient Maya pyramids.
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