The more I learn about MrBeast, the more he strikes me as the Larry Ellison of social media. In the “do not anthropomorphize the lawnmower” kind of way [1].

1. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15886728

Human Rights in Saudi Arabia: https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-...

There's no way the "royal family" paid for this directly. More likely, it's an effort by the RCRC (Royal Commission for Riyadh City) or whichever agency is sponsoring theme parks. Possibly the PIF--Public Investment Fund--or maybe even private Saudi funding sources.

Ah, so we've transitioned from sportswashing to theme park washing, with Mr. Beast being the useful idiot in this case.

Just as a general sense ... the best theme parks have big investments in rides and attractions.

Temporary theme park seems like a stunt more about marketing than an attraction that is worthwhile.