Serving the themed entertainment community

Latest News

  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open separately ticketed Peppa Pig theme park
  • Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital advertising with high impact tourism attraction
  • Christie HS Series projectors integrate selfies into show at Vietnamese nighttime spectacular
  • Loveland Laser Tag implements Semnox’s Klaimprize self-service redemption kiosks
  • Christie laser projectors take flight at Branson’s Beyond the Lens!
  • Space Center Houston to honor Apollo program during Spring Break
  • Jason Surrell joins Storyland Studios as Executive Creative Director
  • Museum professionals advocate for Congressional funding during annual AAM Museums Advocacy Day
  • Home
  • Opportunity Hub
    • Leads & Opportunities
    • Webinar Calendar
    • Submit a Webinar
  • Explore
    • Features
    • News
    • COVID-19
  • Issues
    • 2020
      • #85 – Looking forward to the future
      • #84 – Everything the industry has to offer
      • #83 – Waterparks and more!
      • #82 – Solving Problems with Innovation
      • #81 COVID-19 and beyond
      • IPM guide to AV 2020
    • 2019
      • #80 – IAAPA 2019
      • #79.5 – IAAPA Expo 2019 Preview
      • #79 Europe and Waterparks
      • #78 – Asia/Tech
      • #77 – The Best in Themed Entertainment
    • 2018
      • #76 – Year End/Trade Show Round-up
      • #75 – IAAPA 2018
      • #74 – EME/Waterparks
      • #73 – Asia and Technology
      • #72 – Dubai/Museums
      • #71 – MENA/Entertainment
    • 2017
      • #70 – IAAPA 2017
      • #69 – Game Changers
      • #68 Going Global: Technology on the International Stage
      • #67 – Experience Design: Many Faces Many Places
      • #66 Theatrical Influence and Convergence
    • 2016
      • #65 IAAPA 2016
      • #64 Waterpark, Zoo & Aquarium 2016
      • #63 Technology 2016
      • #62 International
      • #61 Museums and Expanding Markets
    • 2015
      • #60 – IAAPA 2015
      • #59 – Zoos/Aquaria and Waterparks 2015
      • #58 – Technology 2015
      • #57 – International 2015
      • #56 – Museums 2015
    • 2014
      • #55 – IAAPA 2014 / Tenth Anniversary
      • #54 – Waterparks, Zoos and Aquariums 2014
      • #53 – Technology 2014
      • #52 – International 2014
      • #51 – Museums 2014
    • 2013
      • #46 – Museums 2013
      • #47 – International 2013
      • #48 – Technology 2013
      • #49 – Waterparks 2013
      • #50 – IAAPA 2013
      • 2013 Wrap-Up
    • 2012
      • #45 – IAAPA & WWA Wrap-Up
      • #44 – IAAPA
      • #43 – Waterparks
      • #42 – Technology
      • #41 – International
      • #40 – Museums
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • About
    • About InPark
    • Privacy Policy
  • IPM books
    • Screens to scenes: Christie’s visual technology
    • Tales from the Expo
    • Themed entertainment in academia
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linked
    • Youtube

Former Disney Parks executive Philippe Gas named CEO of Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s “Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts”

Nov 05, 2020 Joe Kleiman Attractions, Business, Europe & Middle East, Homepage Slider, News, People, Theme Parks, Water Parks, World markets Comments Off on Former Disney Parks executive Philippe Gas named CEO of Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s “Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts”


Former Disney Parks executive Philippe Gas named CEO of Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s “Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts”

November 5, 2020 — Qiddiya Investment Company today announced the appointment of Philippe Gas to the position of Chief Executive Officer effective November 29, 2020. Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s future capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts guided directly by the inspired leadership of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of Qiddiya, as a keystone of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for long-term prosperity.

Mr. Gas brings a wealth of experience to the role, moving into the position from a 30-year tenure with The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as President & Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan & Disneyland International. Before moving into this global leadership role, Philippe was the Chief Executive Officer of Euro Disney SCA, the first tourism destination in Europe, for seven years and then successfully led the launch of Shanghai Disney Resort, The Walt Disney Company’s first theme park in mainland China and its largest international investment to date.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism and a Board Member and the General Secretary of Qiddiya’s Board of Directors, commented on the appointment: “The Qiddiya giga-project sits at the core of the future of Saudi Arabian entertainment. Philippe has an impressive international track record of delivering world-class entertainment destination experiences and leading large organizations, which makes him the right person to oversee this next, crucial phase of development as we rapidly journey toward the much-anticipated Grand Opening of Qiddiya. I want to thank Michael Reininger for laying the foundation for our future success with his steadfast leadership over the past few years and on behalf of the whole Qiddiya team I wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

“Qiddiya is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to develop an unforgettable offering that will transform entertainment for an entire region and create cherished memories for current and future generations. I am grateful to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman and the Qiddiya Board of Directors for entrusting me with this prestigious responsibility. The Qiddiya team has delivered a lot in a short amount of time and it is my honor to take the helm at this critical juncture so that together, we can launch an incredible new entertainment experience to the world,” Philippe Gas added. 

Mr. Gas replaces founding CEO Michael Reininger, who will remain for a handover and advisory period before departing Qiddiya Investment Company after nearly three years of dedicated service and overseeing delivery of several key project milestones. Mr. Reininger’s entrepreneurial skillset has been instrumental in seeding the foundation of Qiddiya and in the last three years, he has put together successful project teams in anticipation of this planned transition. 

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 Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the 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. 

In 2020, Qiddiya progressed from planning to construction phase, with site preparation works currently underway.

Qiddiya is located south-west of Riyadh on a site that spans 366 sq.km. Phase one is set to open in 2023.

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, including the Middle East’s first Six Flags branded park; sports venues suitable for international competitions; academies for sports and the arts; concert and entertainment venues; racetracks and grandstands 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.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Print

  • Disneyland International, disneyland paris, executive management, management changes, New hires and promotions, Philippe Gas, Qiddiya, saudi arabia, Shanghai Disney Resort, Six Flags Qiddiya, Walt Disney Attractions Japan
  • tweet
Related articles
  • Jason Surrell joins Storyland Studios as Executive Creative Director
    Jason Surrell joins Storyland Studios...

    Comments Off on Jason Surrell joins Storyland Studios as Executive Creative Director

  • CYAN Water Park in Saudi Arabia to exclusively feature ProSlide water rides
    CYAN Water Park in Saudi Arabia to...

    Comments Off on CYAN Water Park in Saudi Arabia to exclusively feature ProSlide water rides

  • Gretchen Baker named Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History
    Gretchen Baker named Director of...

    Comments Off on Gretchen Baker named Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History

  • Former Universal Studios Hollywood exec David Miller joins San Diego Zoo Global as Chief Marketing Officer
    Former Universal Studios Hollywood exec...

    Comments Off on Former Universal Studios Hollywood exec David Miller joins San Diego Zoo Global as Chief Marketing Officer

More in this category
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open separately ticketed Peppa Pig theme park
    LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open...

    Mar 01, 2021 Comments Off on LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open separately ticketed Peppa Pig theme park

  • Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital advertising with high impact tourism attraction
    Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital...

    Mar 01, 2021 Comments Off on Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital advertising with high impact tourism attraction

  • Christie HS Series projectors integrate selfies into show at Vietnamese nighttime spectacular
    Christie HS Series projectors integrate...

    Mar 01, 2021 Comments Off on Christie HS Series projectors integrate selfies into show at Vietnamese nighttime spectacular

  • Loveland Laser Tag implements Semnox’s Klaimprize self-service redemption kiosks
    Loveland Laser Tag implements...

    Feb 26, 2021 Comments Off on Loveland Laser Tag implements Semnox’s Klaimprize self-service redemption kiosks


Quick Takes

My Tweets

Latest Issue

Leads & Opportunities

  • Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for entertainment company client
    Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for...

    Feb 16, 2021 Comments Off on Eleventh Hour seeks Technical Proposal Writer/Manager for entertainment company client

    The position is ideal for a technical proposal writer who...
  • Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist
    Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist

    Feb 16, 2021 Comments Off on Little Canada seeks Visual Arts Specialist

    Little Canada is a highly detailed and animated journey...
  • Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager
    Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager

    Feb 15, 2021 Comments Off on Scenario seeks LA-based safety manager

    The main office/shop located in San Fernando with various...
  • Steelman Partners and Gensler designing 75 hectare resort near Angkor Wat
    Steelman Partners and Gensler designing 75 hectare resort...

    Feb 10, 2021 Comments Off on Steelman Partners and Gensler designing 75 hectare resort near Angkor Wat

    The initial phase is expected to be completed by 2025 at an...
  • Walt Disney Imagineering seeks Business Planning and Operations Executive
    Walt Disney Imagineering seeks Business Planning and...

    Feb 03, 2021 Comments Off on Walt Disney Imagineering seeks Business Planning and Operations Executive

    The Director will lead financial planning and tracking and...

Top Posts

  • Christie HS Series projectors integrate selfies into show at Vietnamese nighttime spectacular
    Christie HS Series projectors integrate selfies into show at Vietnamese nighttime spectacular
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open separately ticketed Peppa Pig theme park
    LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open separately ticketed Peppa Pig theme park
  • Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital advertising with high impact tourism attraction
    Diamond Balloon combines aerial digital advertising with high impact tourism attraction
  • VST Enterprises' technology being integrated into Circle Pass Enterprises' COVI-PASS Digital Health Passport
    VST Enterprises' technology being integrated into Circle Pass Enterprises' COVI-PASS Digital Health Passport
  • Crayola IDEAworks® traveling exhibit unleashes colorful creativity in young minds
    Crayola IDEAworks® traveling exhibit unleashes colorful creativity in young minds
  • Sally Brings the Animal Animatronics of Five Nights at Freddy's to Life in New Attraction Concept
    Sally Brings the Animal Animatronics of Five Nights at Freddy's to Life in New Attraction Concept
  • Uncompromised authenticity: George Wade marries brands and LBE
    Uncompromised authenticity: George Wade marries brands and LBE

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Categories

  • IPM Interviews
  • Theme Parks
  • Museums
  • Water Parks
  • Attractions
    • Haunts
    • Zoos & Aquariums
  • World markets
    • Asia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • Latin America & Mexico
    • North America
  • Technology & Media
  • Business
    • Events
    • People
  • World Expos

InPark Magazine

2349 E Ohio Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207 USA
262.412.7107
mpalicki@inparkmagazine.com

View our Privacy Policy

Copyright 2018 InPark Magazine / All rights reserved
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram