Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya merges with SEVEN to boost entertainment sector

Qiddiya Investment Company (Qiddiya) has merged with entertainment business Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to advance its entertainment ecosystem and expedite construction of the multi-billion dollar project, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

“This step ultimately aims to create a new concept of fun and improve the quality of life by building an integrated and unprecedented entertainment ecosystem capable of contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification agenda,” said Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya and chairman of SEVEN.

By joining Qiddiya, SEVEN is set to support the development of the concept of play and advance local talent and capabilities while enhancing the quality of life in the country.

SEVEN will continue to advance the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector by developing and operating 21 entertainment projects in 14 cities at an investment of more than SAR50bn.

Founded in 2017, the Public Investment Fund-backed (PIF) firm opened Saudi Arabia’s first cinema after more than 35 years in partnership with US-based AMC Group. It has announced a series of collaborations with globally renowned attraction brands such as Transformers and Play Doh from Hasbro, Discovery Adventures from Warner Bros., Hot Wheels from Mattel, Clip ‘n Climb, and Flow House.

Meanwhile, Qiddiya was among the first of the so-called giga-projects announced in 2018 and was scheduled to open in 2022 and attract 1.5 million visitors. The first theme parks – Six Flags and Aqua Arabia – are now expected to open in 2025.

The acquisition with SEVEN the launch of Qiddiya City’s urban plan and global branding in December 2023. The entertainment offering aims to welcome 48 million visitors annually.

Read: Saudi’s Qiddiya City to build world-first Dragon Ball theme park