Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has announced its fifth entertainment destination in the kingdom, revealing its location to be in the Aseer region. Set on a land of 64,000 sq m, the entertainment destination is the developer’s first project in the area, and will be strategically located between the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait, close to Abha International Airport.
According to official source, the investment value of the project is over $347 million (SAR1.3 billion), and that the development will have a built-up area of more than 79,000 sq m. Furthermore, the destination was designed by Gensler, a renowned global architecture, design, and planning firm, who integrated the architectural style of ancient stone buildings prevalent in the region, paying homage to Aseer’s rich heritage and cultural identity.
The design aligns with the principles of The Urban Code of Aseer Region which aims to promote excellence in urban planning, design, landscape and architecture, while respecting the identity of the region.
HRH Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of Aseer Development Authority (ASDA), said: “Aseer region is witnessing an unprecedented renaissance across different sectors and verticals through the endless support from our leadership. SEVEN’s entertainment destination in Abha is one of the key projects in Aseer which will support our ambition to become a global destination all year round.”
Abdullah AlDawood, Chairman at SEVEN, said: “Abha represents another ambitious project in the framework of our efforts to support the entertainment sector across the Kingdom following the objectives and goals of Vision 2030. We are forecasting a GDP contribution of more than $1.07 billion (SAR4 billion) and over 5 million visitors by 2030. In addition to creating more than hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for the people of Aseer region.”
He added: “We have been keen, in cooperation with the Aseer Development Authority and under the direct supervision of Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud, to ensure that the architectural design of the destination is inspired by the ancient heritage of the region, while providing unique and distinctive entertainment attractions for guests of all age groups, enriching their quality of life. We extend our sincere appreciation to our strategic partners for supporting our efforts to develop the entertainment landscape in the region.”
Developing a SEVEN Destination in Aseer
SEVEN has reported that Modern Building Leaders was appointed to undertake the construction works.
Olivier Crasson, Chief Executive Officer at Modern Building Leaders, said: “‘Modern Building Leaders Co. is honored to be among the pioneering companies contributing to projects under Vision 2030. We are proud to partner with SEVEN in executing this distinguished project, an iconic entertainment landmark in the region.”
He added: “At MBL, we have dedicated our full effort and extensive expertise to accelerate the project, committing to the highest standards of execution using state-of-the-art technology and machinery in construction. We are fully committed to safety and sustainability measures, ensuring the preservation of the environment and the safety of all workers involved in the project.”
SEVEN Abha will be home to eight unique attractions, including a family entertainment centre with various experiences such as arcade games, world-class rides, and immersive Virtual reality areas. Additionally, in collaboration with Warner Bros. the destination will feature a jungle-themed edutainment attraction known as Discovery Adventures.
The destination will also offer a full range of live entertainment events, like indoor e-karting on a multi-level tracks, a 10-lane futuristic bowling concept, an AMC 10 screen cinema, and more. In addition, SEVEN will have a wide range of retail and F&B offerings that cater to many tastes.
To realise its vision for SEVEN Abha, the company has forged partnerships with renowned industry leaders such as Cundall, Theme 3, Top Notch, Holofice, Thinkwell, and Sea Quest.
SEVEN’s investment plan earmarks more than $13.3 billion (SAR50 billion) to build 21 entertainment destinations which will provide unique and innovative world-class entertainment experiences and global partnerships from within the sector. The upcoming projects are located in 14 cities across the Kingdom: Riyadh, Kharj, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Madinah, Yanbu, Abha, Jizan, Buraidah, and Tabuk.