SUSTG.com / Research

Discover stories, topics, and more about Saudi Arebia faster.

Recent stories from sustg

MUST-READS

  • SEVEN launches $293mln entertainment destination in Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu

    Construction is underway on a new entertainment destination in the Saudi Arabian city of Yanbu, with an investment value of 1.1 billion Saudi Arabia riyals ($293 million), spearheaded by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN). The company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the kingdom’s state-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), has awarded the contract to a joint venture (JV) between Al Bawani Co. Ltd and UCC Saudi, to transform the seafront promenade on Al Nawras Island.

  • The impact of entertainment ventures on Saudi Arabia’s economy

    The results of these efforts are evident in the figures published by the Saudi Central Bank for July, which revealed a surplus of $17.7 billion in the Kingdom’s current account balance during the first quarter of 2023. This reflects a significant revenue boost from tourism, reaching $9.8 billion in the first quarter compared to $3 billion in the same period the previous year.

  • Saudi entertainment industry scheme targets 100k graduates

    Training programs launched by the General Entertainment Authority are offering courses for 100,000 people in the Kingdom as part of efforts to promote the Saudi entertainment sector. Part of the Happiness Creators initiative, the programs were launched in October 2021, and include 29 courses that meet international training and performance standards. Course graduates are awarded accredited attendance certificates, according to the GEA.

  • Saudi Arabia’s SEVEN breaks ground on $347mn entertainment project in Almadinah

    SEVEN’s entertainment destination in Almadinah is located next to King Fahad Central Park and is set on a development area over 100,000 square metres with a total built-up area of over 84,000 square metres. The park seamlessly weaves itself into the development, blending the park’s picturesque trails with the destination’s carefully curated open paths and gardens, enabling visitors to discover an entertainment oasis with enhanced choices and quality offerings to enrich the region’s communities.

  • Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments CEO sees ‘tremendous’ potential in Saudi Arabia

    Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments, which owns Legoland and Madame Tussauds, said Saudi Arabia represents "tremendous" opportunities and that its Dubai operations are under study for further expansion as part of the company's global growth push. Scott O’Neil, Merlin Entertainments' chief executive, told The National that Saudi Arabia is a "very interesting" market as the kingdom develops its tourism sector and that he aims to visit Riyadh in the next few months.

  • Saudi summer entertainment to enthrall 16 cities

    A major entertainment calendar is due to kick off this week in Saudi Arabia, covering 16 cities across the kingdom where the entertainment industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The “Kingdom’s Tour 2023” will take place in the cities of Riyadh, Dammam, the Northern Borders, Hafr Al Batin, Tabuk, H’ail, Al Qassim, Al Ihsa, Al Kharj, Wadi Al Dawasir, Jeddah, Taif, Al Namas, Al Baha, Jizan and Abha.

  • Saudi to launch 24 theme parks and 420 entertainment centers by 2030

    Saudi Arabia‘s leisure market holds significant growth potential with a sea of mega tourism and entertainment developments being announced including setting up of over 24 theme parks and 420 entertainment centres as well as the creation of over 35 entertainment-based venues. A major gathering of the entertainment and leisure industry in the Middle East, SEA will run from May 28 to 30 at Riyadh’s International Convention Centre.

  • Training & developing Saudi young talent essential to the future of KSA’s entertainment industry

    The findings from a recent advisory board meeting, held in Riyadh, revealed that for Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry to continue to grow exponentially, it would need to cultivate a dynamic and creative workforce, develop and hone the skills of the country’s youth, and lean into the global success of the kingdom’s giga-projects. The findings emerged from the Saudi Entertainment & Amusement (SEA) Expo advisory board meeting in April, which brought together the kingdom’s foremost experts in the entertainment industry to discuss current market dynamics and trends, challenges, and potential solutions, and map out the future of the entertainment and leisure landscape in the country. The findings will be used to shape the agenda of the SEA Expo and its three-day summit, set to take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center from May 28th -30th.

  • 22 Local Startups Nominated for Saudi Entertainment Industry

    The General Entertainment Authority has nominated 22 startups for the first Entertainment Business Accelerator, which aims to provide support for entrepreneurs interested in the sector. The authority launched the business accelerator on Feb. 26, in a step that seeks to empower local competencies and emerging projects, given the unprecedented leap in recreational activities, in line with the Kingdom’s trends to diversify sources of income and increase non-oil revenues.

  • Water entertainment set to boost Saudi Vision Plan

    The total number of entertainment venues in the Kingdom is expected to exponentially grow, with licenses being granted for more than 24 amusement parks and 421 entertainment centres in January 2023. Whether visiting animals at the zoo and seeing a splash pad for kids, shopping at the mall and witnessing a FlowRider surf simulator, or staying at a hotel with a full set of water slides, these attractions are growing rapidly due to their contribution in raising the overall quality of life, helping to form healthy relationships, and driving economic growth.