GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company, and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that Brian Machamer has been named Park President of Six Flags Qiddiya. The first Six Flags-branded theme park in the Kingdom will be the centerpiece of Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s capital of entertainment, sports and the arts, now under construction 40km from the capital city of Riyadh.
Mr. Machamer is a respected and proven industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience, having overseen multiple international theme park developments at a senior leadership level in regions such as Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.
“I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the Six Flags International team to lead one of the most ambitious theme park and entertainment projects on the planet,” said Six Flags International Development President David McKillips. “Brian’s extensive development and park operational experience will be invaluable as we move forward to create a world-class global destination.”
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am excited to join this impressive team to help introduce Six Flags’ signature brand of thrills to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Machamer. “The Six Flags name is synonymous with innovation at the highest level and Six Flags Qiddiya will be a game changer in the region,” added Machamer.
Mr. Machamer began his career with Universal Studios Florida in 1990 where he spent over ten years, serving in various operational roles as he moved up the ranks. As Park President of Six Flags Qiddiya, he will be responsible for all aspects of the park, including strategic planning, budgeting, and operations.
Six Flags Qiddiya will be one of the key assets to be unveiled as part of the first phase of Qiddiya, which is being built to provide fun and professional opportunities to the Saudi population. It will cover 32 hectares (79 acres) and feature 28 uniquely themed rides and attractions across six lands: The City of Thrills, Discovery Springs, Steam Town, Twilight Gardens, Valley of Fortune and Grand Exposition. The park will also boast a number of record-breaking roller coasters including The Falcon’s Flight, the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Six Flags Qiddiya is scheduled to open in 2023.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 58 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com
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About Qiddiya Investment Company:
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is driving the development of Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts.
As a core tenet of Vision 2030, Qiddiya has a dual economic and social purpose: to advance economic diversification and unlock new professional pathways while enriching lives of youth in the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced the project on April 7, 2017. Ground-Breaking took place on April 28, 2018 and the company, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), was incorporated as a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by PIF on May 10, 2018.
2019 achievements include approval of the Master Plan, release of the design of Six Flags Qiddiya, start of phase one construction, including the first on-site office, as well as the launch of the on-site Welcome Centre, one of 3 buildings that will form the Qiddiya Experience Centre, due for launch in 2020.
Qiddiya is located south-west of Riyadh on a site that spans 334 sq.km. Phase one is to open in 2023, with the third and final phase being complete in 2030.
Visitors will enjoy activities across five cornerstones: Sports & Wellness; Nature & Environment; Parks & Attractions; Motion & Mobility; and Arts & Culture. Development of these areas will give rise to family-friendly theme parks; sports arenas suitable for international competitions; academies for sports and the arts; concert and entertainment venues; racetracks for motorsport enthusiasts; outdoor and adventure activities alongside nature and environment experiences; and historical, cultural and educational activities. Qiddiya will also include a variety of real estate options and community services.
Twitter: @Qiddiya
Website: qiddiya.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/qiddiya-investment-company
