Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia are rapidly transforming the Kingdom’s social and cultural landscape, reflecting the broader ambitions of Vision 2030. Under the guidance of the General Authority for Entertainment, the government is placing huge emphasis on developing world-class leisure and cultural destinations.
In this article, we will explore the key projects driving this transformation including NEOM, Qiddiya, Diriyah, Amaala, and Trojena and examine how investors can get involved.
What Are the Major Entertainment Projects in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its entertainment landscape, with several major projects designed to attract visitors, promote leisure, and boost tourism and cultural engagement. Some of the most significant developments include:
Qiddiya: Entertainment, Sports and the Arts
At the forefront of Saudi’s entertainment ambitions is Qiddiya, located just 40 km outside Riyadh. This expansive development covers approximately 334 square kilometers, making it about three times the size of Walt Disney World.
Qiddiya will feature a Six Flags amusement park, a water park called Aquarabia, a championship golf course, a Formula One racetrack, a 20,000-seat stadium, wildlife safari zones, and luxury resort hotels. The project encourages healthier lifestyles, active sports participation, and family-friendly entertainment, and it expects to welcome tens of millions of visitors by 2030.
The development will also include large residential zones accommodating up to 11,000 homes along with hotels and mixed-use amenities. A particularly exciting upcoming attraction is a Dragon Ball theme park spanning 500,000 square meters, complete with themed rides, hotels, and restaurants inspired by the popular anime franchise.
NEOM: Innovation and Year Round Leisure
Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, this futuristic mega-city is built around sustainability, technological innovation, and advanced urban planning. The NEOM Project features some of the most impressive Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia, including Trojena, a mountain resort designed to operate year-round.
Trojena will feature a ski village with slopes for winter sports, ultra-luxury wellness and family resorts, a vertical “mountain village” called The Vault combining residential, entertainment, dining, and retail facilities, a man-made freshwater lake, water sports, mountain biking, and a nature reserve. The destination aims to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 residents by 2030, boosting the local economy through tourism and jobs.
Diriyah: Cultural and Heritage Entertainment
Diriyah, managed by the Public Investment Fund, emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. It incorporates the historic At Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is envisioned as a hub for cultural and entertainment activities.
Key features include Diriyah Square, a lively retail and lifestyle district with shops, artisan souks, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues; the Qurain Cultural District with cinemas, museums, academies for music, performing arts, writing, traditional architecture, and culinary arts; and the Media and Innovation District, integrating offices, residences, and a 20,000-seat arena for concerts and events. Luxury hotels designed in traditional Najdi architecture, including Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, are part of the project.
Amaala: Red Sea Luxury Destination
Amaala project is an ultra-luxury resort development on the northwestern Red Sea coast. Designed for wellness, arts, luxury tourism, and sustainable living, the project spans thousands of square kilometers and will feature high-end hotels, wellness retreats, private villas, four yacht marinas, a marina village with entertainment options, and cultural and artistic programming. The first phase of Amaala is already under development and contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure as part of Vision 2030.
Additional Notable Projects
Other noteworthy Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia include the Red Sea Project, a sustainable mega-tourism destination offering diving, nature exploration, water sports, and luxury resorts, and Beast Land, a temporary pop-up entertainment attraction in Riyadh created by YouTube personality MrBeast during Riyadh Season, featuring challenge-style rides and interactive games.
How to Invest in the Entertainment Sector in Saudi Arabia?
Investing in the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia can be approached through several channels:
- Giga Projects Participation. The Public Investment Fund backs many of the major Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia , such as Qiddiya, NEOM, and Diriyah, and engages international and joint developers in their development. Partnering with local or international firms engaged in these projects can be a direct entry point.
- Private Entertainment Ventures. Smaller-scale entertainment businesses such as theme parks, family entertainment centers, and event production can collaborate with the General Authority for Entertainment to obtain licenses.
- Tourism and Hospitality. Investing in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and F&B outlets within these projects is another way, especially in destinations like Amaala or Trojena.
- Creative and Cultural Enterprises. Diriyah’s cultural districts and media hubs present opportunities for investment in arts, museums, performance venues, and media companies.
- Sustainability and Tech. Given the emphasis on green energy and innovation, there are opportunities in sustainable infrastructure, smart city technology, and entertainment tech such as immersive experiences and AR/VR.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about entertainment investment in Saudi Arabia:
What Is the Size of the Entertainment Market in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi’s entertainment market is rapidly growing, fueled by giga-projects and Vision 2030 investments.
What is the largest Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia ?
Qiddiya is one of the largest dedicated entertainment projects. However, NEOM with Trojena and Sindalah and Diriyah are also massive in scale.
Which is the biggest project in Saudi Arabia?
NEOM ranks as the Kingdom’s largest giga-project, featuring entertainment, residential, innovation, and ecological developments.
What do Saudi Arabians do for entertainment?
Saudis enjoy both traditional and modern entertainment, including festivals, concerts, theme parks, skiing, and luxury resorts.
What is the vision 2030 for entertainment in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 aims to grow Saudi’s entertainment and tourism, attract investment, and create jobs.
We have explored major Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia , including Qiddiya, NEOM, Diriyah, Amaala, and attractions like Beast Land.
The Kingdom’s commitment to entertainment is not just a social transformation but an economic one, offering huge potential for investors. We invite you to visit the Bayut KSA blog for more insightful and up-to-date content.
