What happened?
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has confirmed that its first completed entertainment destination will officially open in Abha on August 5, 2026.
Who is affected?
Residents, families, tourists and businesses across Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Aseer region, as well as GCC travellers looking for new leisure experiences.
Why does it matter?
The SAR1.3 billion development is the first completed project under SEVEN’s nationwide entertainment expansion and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism and economic diversification goals.
At a Glance
- Location: Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia
- Organisation: Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a Qiddiya Investment Company backed by PIF
- Status: Opening on August 5, 2026
- Who is affected: Residents, tourists, families and regional businesses
- Business impact: SAR1.3 billion investment expected to boost tourism and local economic growth
- What’s next: More SEVEN entertainment destinations are planned across 14 Saudi cities
Saudi Arabia’s first SEVEN entertainment destination will officially open in Abha on August 5, 2026, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s growing leisure and tourism sector. The opening was announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), with the project developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a Qiddiya Investment Company backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Located in the scenic Aseer region, the SAR1.3 billion destination introduces cinemas, Formula E-inspired e-karting, interactive attractions and family entertainment to one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular mountain cities.
A new entertainment hub arrives in Saudi Arabia’s mountain city
Abha has long been recognised for its cool climate, mountain landscapes and cultural attractions, making it one of Saudi Arabia’s favourite summer destinations. Now, the city is adding a new reason for visitors to extend their stay.
Unlike a traditional theme park, SEVEN Abha has been designed as a modern indoor entertainment complex where visitors can spend several hours enjoying a variety of activities suitable for different age groups.
he destination is strategically located between Abha and Khamis Mushait, just a short drive from Abha International Airport, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travellers.
What attractions will visitors find at SEVEN Abha?
According to SEVEN, the entertainment destination features eight major attractions, combining international brands with family-friendly experiences.
Visitors can expect:
- Formula E-inspired indoor e-karting
- AMC cinema
- Play-Doh Imagination Centre for children
- Discovery Adventures experience
- Cyber Bowling
- Indoor golf attractions
- Family entertainment rides
- Live entertainment and event spaces
The wide mix of attractions means the venue caters to families with young children, teenagers, and adults looking for indoor leisure options year-round.
A SAR1.3 billion investment supporting Vision 2030
The entertainment destination represents an investment of more than SAR1.3 billion and covers approximately 64,000 square metres, with a built-up area exceeding 79,000 square metres.
Its design draws inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Aseer region rather than using a conventional commercial style. SEVEN says the project follows the Urban Code of the Aseer Region, helping preserve the area’s cultural identity while introducing modern entertainment facilities.
The development is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy, strengthen tourism and create more lifestyle destinations across the Kingdom.
SEVEN also estimates that the project could contribute more than SAR4 billion to Aseer’s GDP by 2030 while attracting over five million visitors annually.
Why Abha was chosen for Saudi Arabia’s first completed SEVEN project
Abha has become one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, particularly during the summer months when temperatures remain significantly cooler than many other Gulf cities.
The Aseer region has received substantial government investment in recent years through tourism, infrastructure and cultural projects designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Launching the first completed SEVEN destination in Abha supports these ambitions by offering year-round entertainment alongside the city’s existing outdoor attractions.
The project also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of encouraging residents to spend more leisure time within the Kingdom while attracting visitors from neighbouring GCC countries.
More SEVEN destinations are already on the way
Abha is only the beginning of SEVEN’s nationwide expansion.
The company plans to develop 21 entertainment destinations across 14 Saudi cities with investments exceeding SAR50 billion.
Projects are already progressing in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Yanbu, Medina and Tabuk, each featuring entertainment experiences tailored to local communities.
Together, these developments aim to transform Saudi Arabia into one of the region’s leading entertainment and tourism destinations over the coming years.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents, the opening of SEVEN Abha adds another attractive short-break destination within the GCC.
Key reasons to watch:
- UAE travellers gain another family-friendly holiday option within a short flight from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- The development strengthens regional tourism across the GCC.
- Businesses in hospitality, retail and aviation could benefit from increased visitor numbers.
- It highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in tourism and entertainment under Vision 2030.
- More large-scale entertainment projects are expected across Saudi Arabia in the coming years.
FAQs
When does SEVEN Abha officially open?
The entertainment destination is scheduled to open on August 5, 2026.
Where is SEVEN Abha located?
It is located between Abha and Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, close to Abha International Airport.
What attractions are available?
Visitors can enjoy Formula E-inspired e-karting, an AMC cinema, Play-Doh Imagination Centre, Discovery Adventures, Cyber Bowling, indoor golf, family rides and live entertainment spaces.
Who developed SEVEN Abha?
The destination was developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a Qiddiya Investment Company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Why is the project important?
It is the first completed SEVEN destination in Saudi Arabia and forms part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand tourism, entertainment and economic diversification
The opening of SEVEN Abha marks an important milestone for Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector. As the first completed destination in SEVEN’s nationwide rollout, the project brings modern indoor attractions to one of the Kingdom’s most popular tourism regions while supporting broader economic and tourism goals. For GCC travellers, including those from the UAE, it also offers another exciting destination to add to future travel plans.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
- Saudi Arabia Unveils TourismX and AI Tourism Vision to Transform Travel Experiences
- Dubai’s Entertainment Calendar Gets a Major Upgrade: 5 Must-See Events This July
- Saudi Arabia to Witness First Total Solar Eclipse in Over 75 Years on August 2, 2027
- Sphere Abu Dhabi Set to Transform Entertainment on Yas Island
