The Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced its intention to invest more than SR50 billion with the aim of establishing and operating 21 full-service entertainment destinations. These destinations will include more than 150 unique entertainment areas in 14 cities around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the company starting the construction work in its entertainment destination at "Al-Hamra" district in Riyadh. This announcement comes in conjunction with the rapid growth being witnessed by the entertainment sector throughout the Kingdom, and the efforts seeking to consolidate the sector's position as a basic pillar for diversifying sources of national income, creating jobs, and contributing to raising the quality of life for citizens and residents. This is in addition to supporting the empowerment of Saudi cities to obtain a better position among global cities. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of SEVEN Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Daoud confirmed that they are working to contribute to building the future of the entertainment sector by developing and operating more than 21 entertainment destinations in 14 cities around the Kingdom. This will enhance unique experiences for the residents of the Kingdom, and cooperate with the most famous company in the world in the field of entertainment, he said. He added, "We believe that the entertainment sector in the Kingdom is full of opportunities, and its role in the local economy is growing, and that it constitutes a solid basis for job creation, as it is a strong engine for many other economic sectors." He pointed out that they will work to provide many opportunities for local small and medium companies, and develop Saudi competencies, localizing technical expertise and transferring knowledge through global partnerships, and continuing to build unparalleled entertainment destinations and areas. SEVEN has started construction work for one of its entertainment destinations located at "Al-Hamra" district in Riyadh, with an investment of more than SR3 billion as the new project, whose land area exceeds 90,000 square meters and a construction area of 167,000 square meters, occupies a strategic location at the intersection of the Eastern Ring Road with King Abdullah Road. It is expected that the number of its visitors will reach 6 million annually by providing entertainment areas according to the best global standards. Al-Hamra district project includes an indoor viewing wheel, an indoor surfing area, bowling alleys that include 10 amazing tracks, an indoor air-flying area full of challenge and excitement, electric karting tracks, as well as cinemas, restaurants, cafes and branded retail stores with local and global brands. Having partnerships with a number of the most prominent international brands in the entertainment sector, the entertainment destination at Al Hamra district will include many attractions to be the first of their kind in the world. It will be developed through global partnerships, including the indoor adventure center from Discovery, the educational entertainment landmark that it allows its users to have an interesting experience through exploration, play and education. — SPA
