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Saudi Entertainment Ventures - part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - will develop more than 150 new attractions in the kingdom across 21 integrated entertainment destinations
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2022
Seven Al Hamra is the first of 21 integrated entertainment destinations to break ground Credit: Seven
Development company Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has announced grand plans to invest SAR50bn (US$13.3bn, €12.84bn, £11.07bn) across 21 integrated entertainment destinations in the country.
Part of the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Seven says the multi-billion dollar investment will see the development of more than 150 innovative attractions across 14 different Saudi cities.
Each destination will offer a wide range of experiences as well as extensive entertainment and dining options all under one roof. Seven has agreed partnerships with companies and brands including Clip ‘n Climb, Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel and Hasbro, meaning that each development will also feature several world-first branded attractions.
“We believe that the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia is full of opportunities and plays an important role in the growth of the local economy,” said Seven chairman Abdullah Al-Dawood.
“It also forms a strong basis for creating jobs and is a strong driver for a large number of other economic sectors including the local tourism sector. We will provide opportunities for local SMEs, develop Saudi talent, localise technical expertise and transfer knowledge through our global partnerships.”
Work on the first site in the Al Hamra district of Riyadh is already underway, with the project recently breaking ground. The Al Hamra destination will cost SAR3bn (US$798m, €769.6m, £664.8m) to develop and will be set over 90,000sq m (968,800sq ft), attracting an estimated six million visitors each year.
Attractions at Seven Al Hamra will include an indoor 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 destination will also feature a Discovery adventure centre, an edutainment attraction, Clip 'n Climb and a Transformers-themed ride.
Engineering firm Shapoorji Pallonji has been appointed to undertake the construction and management of the project. Leading designers including AOA, CallisonRTKL, Thinkwell, WME and Ellis Don are also all working on the project.
“The ground-breaking of our first destination is a pivotal milestone and we are excited to bring unparalleled experiences to the people and visitors of the Kingdom,” said Al-Dawood.
The investment is part of the PIF’s wider 2030 Vision plan to develop tourist and entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia, making the kingdom more appealing to international visitors as it attempts to reduce its economy’s reliance on oil while raising the quality of life for citizens and residents.
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