Saudi Arabia will build three indoor Transformers themed entertainment centers under a new license deal with Hasbro.
Orlando-based AOA - founded by former Walt Disney Imagineers Mike Ostendorf and Tom Acomb - will design the Transformers attractions, which will include rides and immersive environments, branded retail, and themed food and beverage locations. The first is planned for the Al Hamra district of Riyadh and will span more than 10,000 square meters (about 2.5 acres).
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) previously has signed a license deal with the Hasbro to create Play-Doh-themed attractions
"By partnering with SEVEN in the Kingdom, we can bring even more truly unique experiences to fans of Transformers and Play-Doh. We're sure that these new immersive attractions will entertain and delight generations of fans and families for many years to come," Matt Proulx, VP, Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro, Inc., said.
No opening dates yet for the three Transformers attractions. SEVEN is spending more than US$13 billion to create 21 entertainment destinations across the country, including the Six Flags Qiddiya park, now under construction about 40 minutes from Riyadh.
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I'm sure this will enjoy the same dizzying levels of success as other middle east theme parks, LOL!
Seriously, they haven't lost enough money with LIV? I'm reminded of that scene in The Dark Knight, in which the Joker turns a giant stack of cash into a bonfire...
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I want to keep an open mind when it comes to investments linked to Saudi Arabia, but the more of these business deals get announced, the more skeptical I get. These are not "businesses", they are marketing schemes attempting to legitimize new industries originating in KSA - The only legitimate industries KSA has EVER had have been oil and pilgrimage/tourism to Mecca. Now all of a sudden, KSA wants to become a haven for Western tourism and "family" entertainment (along with professional golf - LIV, other sports ownership, and smart cities - NEOM)?
I guess I'll say "congratulations" to the creatives and contractors who have been able to profit from the seemingly limitless wealth of KSA, but I certainly hope that they're being paid up front and can complete their work with a clear conscience.