Seven awards $346m contract for new entertainment venue

Saudi Arabian developer Seven is investing SAR1.3 billion ($346 million) to develop a new entertainment destination in the Jazan region.

The development has been awarded to Riyadh-based Alfanar Projects.

Located adjacent to the North Corniche Park along Jazan’s waterfront, it will span more than 60,000 sq m, with 73,000 sq m of built-up space.

Designed by global architecture company Gensler, the project is inspired by the region’s natural features. It incorporates elements of the Red Sea coastline, rugged mountains, and jasmine flowers.

The venue will feature several attractions, including an indoor golf course, thrill rides, a cinema complex, and a Hot Wheels-themed electric karting track.

It will also host an indoor adventure centre operated by Discovery Adventures.

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In January, it announced plans to open the first of 21 destinations next year as part of its mandate to build entertainment complexes in remote corners of the country.

Seven is a subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund. It is investing more than $13 billion to build 21 entertainment destinations in 14 cities around the Kingdom.

Riyadh will also host its own dedicated entertainment and sports giga-project, Qiddiya City, valued at $9.8 billion.