ABHA: Saudi Entertainment Ventures will officially open its first entertainment destination, SEVEN Abha in Asir region, with a special ceremony on Aug. 5. It is the first of 14 locations the company is planning across the Kingdom.
Chairperson Abdullah Al-Dawood described the launch as a “defining moment” for the company. He highlighted the authentic identity, cultural heritage and singular landscape of Asir, and said the new destination offers a fresh model of integrated entertainment that is rooted in its setting, reflects its spirit and speaks to the aspirations of its community.
It is the first of many destinations, he added, that will provide regions across Saudi Arabia with distinctive experiences designed to enrich the lives of residents and visitors, nurture local talent, provide opportunities, and build a sustainable entertainment sector in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
SEVEN, which is wholly owned by Qiddiya Investment Company, said its expansion was part of a broader push to provide wider leisure options, improve quality of life, and grow the entertainment sector in line with Vision 2030 and Public Investment Fund strategies.
SEVEN Abha is more than a conventional entertainment venue, the company said, adding that as the first of its projects to reach completion, it reflected an emphasis on efficient, high-quality delivery, and on experiences tailored to the identity of its region and the needs of its guests.
Set in the area around Abha International Airport and surrounding developments, the destination experience begins even before arrival, SEVEN said, an idea distilled in the phrase: “You reach Asir before you land.”
The destination is anchored in “Asir’s Living Legacy,” the company continues, a concept that connects the airport with the region’s cultural, tourism and entertainment attractions in one continuous journey that allows visitors to move seamlessly between them, as if living the very story of Asir from touchdown to departure.
The destination opens to guests on Aug. 6 with the start of a five-day launch celebration designed around the identity of the region. It begins with “Roots of Asir,” which will honor local heritage and traditional crafts. This will be followed by “Makers of the Peaks,” spotlighting local talent and young entrepreneurs; “Family Summits,” with experiences and interactive workshops for all the family; and “Taste of Asir,” celebrating the flavors of the region and its culinary traditions. It closes with “Nights of Asir,” an evening of shows, activities and community gatherings.
The varied everyday attractions include Formula E Karting, as well as several experiences developed in-house by SEVEN, such as the Kawaken theme park, Golfi minigolf, Cyber Bowling and a Scene Cinema.
Backed by investments of more than SR45 billion ($12 billion), SEVEN said it plans to open 14 destinations in 13 cities, including Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam and Khobar, that combine visitor attractions with the clear goals of enriching quality of life, encouraging local economic development and placing Saudi culture at the heart of every project.
