Saudi Arabia has unveiled 29 new entertainment investment opportunities to attract local and global investors through the “Invest Saudi” platform.
Led by the General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Investment, these projects include amusement parks, water parks, and e-gaming centers.
This initiative aims to support Saudi Vision 2030 by boosting economic diversification, enhancing entertainment options, and improving the quality of life.
Announcing New Investment Opportunities
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken a monumental step towards transforming its entertainment landscape with the announcement of 29 new investment opportunities across various sectors.
The focus on the entertainment sector is not arbitrary. It’s a strategic choice based on the sector’s potential for rapid growth and its ability to create a multiplier effect across various industries.
The Scope of 29 Investment Opportunities
The 29 investment opportunities unveiled by Saudi Arabia span a wide range of entertainment sectors, offering a diverse portfolio for potential investors.
These opportunities are strategically distributed across various regions of the Kingdom, ensuring balanced development and access to entertainment for all residents.
Types of Entertainment Projects
The investment opportunities cover an exciting array of entertainment projects, including:
- Mountain Adventure Parks: Capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s diverse topography, these parks will offer thrilling experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
- General Amusement Parks: Family-friendly destinations featuring rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.
- Water Parks: Refreshing oases offering aquatic fun and excitement in the desert climate.
- Virtual Reality-based Entertainment Parks: Cutting-edge facilities showcasing the latest in VR technology for immersive experiences.
- E-gaming Centers: State-of-the-art venues catering to the growing popularity of competitive gaming and esports.
The “Invest Saudi” Platform
The “Invest Saudi” platform serves as the primary gateway for investors interested in these exciting new entertainment opportunities.
This digital portal, developed by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), is designed to streamline the investment process and provide comprehensive information to potential investors.
Major Investments in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is set to inject $64 billion into its entertainment sector over the next ten years, with funding sourced from both public and private entities. This ambitious investment is projected to generate around 450,000 jobs by 2030, contributing 4.2% to the national GDP.
In August 2024, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) introduced a digital platform via the Saudi Business Center to simplify procedures for entrepreneurs and businesses.
This initiative is designed to drive investment and business growth in entertainment, providing streamlined access to essential services, including facility licensing and talent management.
Supporting Vision 2030 Goals
These advancements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to expand economic opportunities and foster cultural industries.
The rapid expansion of the entertainment sector supports the country’s long-term goal of reducing its dependence on oil revenue. Over the past five years, the Kingdom has organized 26,000 events, drawing more than 75 million attendees.
As the entertainment sector continues its fast-paced growth, these new opportunities promise to enhance the quality of life for both citizens and residents, delivering a diverse range of entertainment options to suit all interests.
Redefining Global Entertainment Landscape
The unveiling of these 29 entertainment investment opportunities is not just about creating new leisure options. It represents Saudi Arabia’s vision for a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable future.
It’s an invitation to the world to be part of a transformative journey – one that promises to redefine entertainment in the Middle East and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovative, culturally rich, and technologically advanced entertainment experiences.
Upcoming Entertainment Projects in Saudi Arabia
The Qiddiya City Project
The development of Qiddiya City, a project aimed at creating a Global Entertainment and Sports Hub in the Kingdom, has been awarded contracts worth more than $2.6 billion.
The Qiddiya city, located on the outskirts of Riyadh, is expected to have 60,000 buildings, including golf courses, stadiums, and the Six Flags Qiddiya Theme Park.
Its goal is to attract 40 million tourists annually and contribute $36 billion to the GDP. The city aims to have approximately 48 million visitors per year, with a gaming and e-sports district that will serve as a global competition hub.
Qiddiya AQUARABIA
The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has unveiled plans to develop AQUARABIA, the Middle East’s largest water theme park in Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
Aquarabia will be home to 22 unrivaled rides and attractions featuring 5 record-breaking rides, including the world’s first double water loop, the tallest Junoon Drop water coaster, and 8 uniquely designed themed zones, including Camel Rock and The Den.
Aquarabia is set to open in 2025 alongside the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park to bring global visitors to the Kingdom for unparalleled world record-breaking entertainment attractions.
Qiddiya Dragon Ball Theme Park
Saudi Arabia has revealed plans to build the World’s First Dragon Ball Themed Park in the Qiddiya Entertainment City.
This groundbreaking park, the first of its kind, will cover an impressive 500,000 square meters and will boast seven unique zones and 30 themed rides.
Among the highlights of the park will be a 70-meter dragon roller coaster, paying homage to the popular Japanese anime franchise.
Additionally, the park will offer Dragon Ball-inspired accommodations and dining options. The development, situated just 40 km from Riyadh, is part of the larger Qiddiya City project.
Qiddiya Speed Park Track
The Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled plans for Qiddiya City’s newest attraction, the Speed Park Track, set to establish itself as a premier venue for Saudi Motorsport and a prominent global destination.
Crafted by experienced race drivers, including renowned former Austrian Formula One racer Alex Wurz, the track boasts a thrilling layout encompassing 21 turns and an impressive elevation gain of 108 meters per lap, weaving through Qiddiya’s breathtaking mountainous terrain.
Against the backdrop of the world’s tallest rollercoaster at Six Flags Qiddiya City and a vibrant water theme park, drivers will navigate the Speed Park Track, offering an exhilarating experience amidst various entertainment options.
Qiddiya City’s Falcon’s Flight
Saudi Arabia has revealed Plans for Qiddiya City’s Falcon’s Flight, which is set to become the world’s fastest, longest, and tallest rollercoaster. This record-breaking ride will be located at Six Flags Qiddiya near Riyadh and is expected to reach a speed of 250kmph and a drop of 640 feet.
SEVEN Formula E Indoor Karting Attractions
Saudi Entertainment Ventures, SEVEN, a Public Investment Fund company, has partnered with Formula E to bring the world’s first indoor karting attractions to Saudi Arabia.
The Formula E Karting attractions will be built at four SEVEN entertainment destinations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha.
The Formula E karting tracks promise an unparalleled world-class racing experience for adventure seekers and aim to accelerate the growth of Motorsports in Saudi Arabia.
SEVEN Entertainment Destination in Al Madinah
SEVEN has announced a 1.3 Billion SAR Entertainment Destination in Al Madinah. Its ambitious plans are to establish a novel entertainment destination, a paradigm of fun and adventure, in the sacred Holy City.
It would be conveniently located adjacent to King Fahad Central Park, and the development would span over 100,000 square meters, with a built-up area exceeding 84,000 square meters.
Moreover, a 4,000-square-meter family entertainment center promises an array of exciting rides. For adrenaline entertainers, an e-karting track stretches over 330 meters across two levels, guaranteeing exhilarating moments for children and adults.
SEVEN Entertainment Destination In Yanbu
SEVEN is also investing $290 million in a new entertainment destination in Yanbu, which is to be located on Nawras Island, to help enhance the city’s entertainment sector and support economic diversification in Saudi Arabia.
Gensler, a leading global architecture, design, and planning firm, handles the project’s design. Drawing inspiration from Yanbu’s rich history as a historic port on the Kingdom’s western Red Sea coast, the architecture celebrates water, incorporating beach and sea elements.
SEVEN Entertainment Destination In Aseer
SEVEN has also unveiled Seven Abha, a $346.6 Million (SAR 1.3 Billion) Entertainment Destination in the Aseer region, as part of the kingdom’s diversification efforts.
The entertainment destination is to be strategically located between Abha and Khamis Mushait, near Abha International Airport.
The development is set to feature unique world-class rides, virtual reality areas, and Discovery Adventures jungle-themed edutainment attraction created in partnership with Warner Bros.
Keep Reading: Qiddiya Unveils AQUARABIA, The Region’s Largest Water Theme Park
