Saudi Arabia is developing more leisure hubs in prime locations across the kingdom, the latest in a series of projects and massive reforms geared towards diversifying the economy away from oil.

The Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company (SEVEN), a fully owned subsidiary of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), that is tasked to invest, develop and operate infrastructure developments in the kingdom, said it is expanding its network of entertainment complexes.

It said that the proposed leisure centres will now be developed in several sites in Jeddah and Riyadh, including Taif, the fifth biggest Saudi metropolis; Yanbu, a major Red Sea port situated 300 kilometres northwest of Jeddah; Al-Kharj, which is 77 kilometres south of the country’s capital; and Tabuk, a historical site rich in rock art, castles and mosques.

Cinemas, theme parks

In total, the state will transform 20 sites, with plans covering the construction of 50 cinemas and two large theme parks in various locations. Each complex will feature movie theatres, play areas, rides, cafes and restaurants, among many others, and cater to families.

“These will delight residents and tourist alike and contribute to positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for entertainment and leisure,” SEVEN said in a statement.

The state-backed company made the announcement at the second Future Projects Forum 2020, organised by the Saudi Contractors Authority to showcase the future projects in the kingdom, just less than a year after kingdom opened the first cinema chain after 35 years of tight social restrictions.

“We have a clearly structured development plan to build 20 entertainment destinations, 50 cinemas and two large theme parks in prime locations across the kingdom,” said Abdullah Al Dawood, chairman of SEVEN.

SEVEN was established in 2018 with an initial outlay of close to $3 billion (10 billion riyals). It is mandated to develop several complexes across the kingdom, as the state seeks to establish itself as a major tourism and leisure hub in the region.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on movie theatres after nearly four decades of tight restrictions. About a year later, American chain AMC Entertainment opened the doors to the state’s first cinema in 35 years.

Other entertainment sites

SEVEN said that another area that will host entertainment complexes will be Buraydah, located in the centre of Saudi Arabia, as well as Abha and Khamis, set in the Asir Mountains and known for “equitable all-year weather.” The port city of Jazan by the Red Sea, Al Hamra and Al Nahda will host entertainment complexes, as well. The facility in Al Hamra is envisioned to serve the densely populated neighbourhoods in the northeast of Riyadh, while the one in Al Nahda will be easily accessible via the Nahda Park Metro Station.

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)

Cleofe.Maceda@refinitiv.com 

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