Saudi Arabia’s SEVEN to invest SAR50bn to develop entertainment destinations in 14 cities

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will invest SAR50bn to develop 21 integrated entertainment destinations with over 150 attractions, in partnership with prominent international brands, across 14 cities in Saudi Arabia.

Construction on its first entertainment destination in Al Hamra district of Riyadh has begun.

SEVEN will introduce a new concept in the world of entertainment; its destinations will offer various experiences including a wide range of entertainment attractions, a variety of local and international dining outlets and many more – all under one roof.

The entertainment destination in Al Hamra, which has an investment value of more than SAR3bn, is set on a land area of ​​more than 90,000 square metres with a built-up area of ​​167,000 square metres and occupies a strategic location at the intersection of the Eastern Ring Road and King Abdullah Road.

SEVEN has also secured partnerships with leading global entertainment companies, including Clip ‘n Climb, Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel for its Hot Wheels brand and Hasbro for its Transformers and Play-Doh brands, to develop world-first entertainment attractions.

Abdullah AlDawood, chairman, SEVEN, said: “SEVEN is redefining the future of entertainment in Saudi Arabia through our 21 entertainment destinations across 14 cities with more than 150 world-class attractions that enhance the quality of life for the people of Saudi Arabia. We are partnering with leading entertainment brands and will continue to do so to develop entertainment destinations like no other. The ground-breaking of our first destination in Al Hamra district in Riyadh is a pivotal milestone and we are excited to bring unparalleled experiences to the people of and visitors to the kingdom.”

SEVEN Al Hamra is expected to attract six million visitors per year by providing world-class entertainment attractions. It will feature many signature entertainment experiences including an indoor hubless wheel, Wave House indoor surfing, a 10-lane bowling alley, indoor skydiving, an indoor karting racetrack, as well as cinemas, restaurants, cafes, international retail stores and fitness.

The company has awarded Shapoorji Pallonji to undertake the construction and management of the project.

M D Saini, the MD and CEO of Shapoorji Pallonji, said: “Saudi Arabia, through Vision 2030, has ambitions to become one of the best places to live and visit in the world. We at Shapoorji Pallonji feel honoured that SEVEN chose to partner with us on this ambitious and path-breaking venture. We are already executing multiple projects in Saudi Arabia and this project will certainly add significantly to our business portfolio and further establish our long-lasting legacy in Saudi Arabia.”

It has also partnered with AOA, CallisonRTKL in collaboration with Thinkwell, WME and Ellis Don to design these destinations.

The entertainment destinations are strategically located to serve the wider population of Saudi Arabia, ensuring that they are easily accessible to all.

The upcoming projects will be located in Riyadh, Kharj, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Madinah, Yanbu, Abha, Jazan, Buraidah, and Tabuk.