China’s Haichang to develop first ocean park in Saudi

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Hong Kong-listed Haichang Ocean Park has announced plans to develop the first large-scale ocean park in Saudi Arabia.

The company, Asia’s largest ocean park owner and operator, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia.

Haichang’s entertainment venues in Saudi cities will comprise family entertainment centres, water parks, zoos and safari parks, it said in a statement.

These, along with major tourism infrastructure, will aim to attract global and local visitors and drive the long-term, sustainable growth of the tourism sector.

Qu Cheng, executive director of Haichang Ocean Park, said: “Our goal is to leverage on Haichang’s over 20 years of extensive experiences, coupled with world-renowned IPs and the latest technologies available, to create the entertainment venues, including the first world-class ocean park.”

Qu said the company plans to partner with sovereign entities and the private sector to develop the attractions.

Haichang is working closely with local partners and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Investment and General Entertainment Authority, to identify suitable sites.  

The company currently owns and operates six parks in Dalian, Yantai, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Sanya in mainland China. In addition, it has also licensed its brand to four other parks. 

The Shanghai park is under its phase two expansion and a new ocean park will soon be open in Zhengzhou this year. 

In addition, Haichang is expanding its scale through developing a network of Haichang Aquarium and Discovery Center in China. This new line of business will reach 50 venues by the end of the year.

The Hong Kong-listed firm also plans to expand its operations in southeast Asia by developing marine-life theme parks, the statement added.