Saudi Binladin Group has been awarded contracts to build two entertainment destinations in the Dammam and Alkhobar regions for Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN). The value of the work is approximately $1.3 billion.
To be known as ‘The Waves’ and built on reclaimed land on the waterfront, the Alkhobar entertainment complex will cover around 300,000m2, while the Dammam entertainment complex, spanning 360,000m2, will also be built on reclaimed land, again, on the waterfront.
Entertainment Redefined
To date in 2023, SEVEN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has awarded contracts worth roughly $2.27 billion for the development of its entertainment destinations across the Kingdom.
Earlier this year, a joint venture of Al-Bawani and Urbacon had been awarded contracts worth $640 million for the construction of three entertainment complexes in Tabuk, Yanbu, and Medina.
The Discovery Adventures Center in Tabuk will include a 12-hole indoor adventure golf course, a 10-lane bowling alley, a 10-screen cinema, an e-karting circuit, and retail, food, and beverage outlets. With a built-up area of 72,500m2, it has been designed by US architect Gensler. Other consultants working on the development are Lebanon’s Dar al-Handasah and the local office of KEO International Consultants. The project manager is France-based Egis.
The Yanbu project takes in the construction of an entertainment complex that features restaurants, cinemas, indoor sports facilities, car parking, and additional related structures. Covering a land area of around 36,000m2, the consultant is Dar al-Handasah and Egis is the project manager.
Over in Medina, the project encompasses the construction of a leisure club, restaurants, shops, amusement parks, a live entertainment area, car parking, and further allied buildings. The consultant is Dar al-Handasah and the project manager is Egis.
Elevating Entertainment Expectations
In total, SEVEN is looking to invest $13.3 billion in developing 21 integrated entertainment destinations in 14 cities across the Kingdom, as Saudi Arabia carries out its policy to move away from hydrocarbons and create and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The new destinations will be developed in partnership with leading global entertainment brands such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Clip’ n Climb, Mattel, and Transformers manufacturer Hasbro.