Saudi Entertainment Ventures Joins Qiddiya Investment Company

File photo by SPA
File photo by SPA
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Saudi Entertainment Ventures Joins Qiddiya Investment Company

File photo by SPA
File photo by SPA

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a global leader in entertainment and developer of the concept of play, has announced the entry of Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) into its group of companies. The move enhances the entertainment ecosystem and achieves integration between QIC’s activities in the sector.
By joining QIC, SEVEN supports the group's objectives in developing the concept of play, enhancing local talents and capabilities, as well as improving the quality of life across Saudi Arabia.
SEVEN will continue to redefine the concept of entertainment in Saudi Arabia and elevate the entertainment experience for visitors by developing and operating 21 entertainment projects in 14 Saudi cities. Investments will total more than SAR 50 billion, SPA reported.
Commenting on this announcement, Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company and Chairman of SEVEN, said:
"This move is an important step that enhances our ability to encourage all Saudi Arabia’s residents and visitors, to embrace the concept of play; with its positive impact on society as a whole.
“It aims to develop knowledge, skills and creativity. This step ultimately aims to create a new concept of fun and improve the quality of life by building an integrated and unprecedented entertainment ecosystem capable of contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification agenda.”
SEVEN has announced a series of partnerships with globally renowned attraction brands such as Transformers and Play Doh from Hasbro, Discovery Adventures from Warner Bros., Hot Wheels from Mattel, Clip ‘n Climb, and Flow House. This offering is further complemented with handpicked retail and food and dining options for all tastes. This follows a series of key announcements in Riyadh, Tabuk, Al Madinah and Yanbu, in addition to nine additional projects that will be unveiled in the coming period.
The announcement of ownership follows the launch of Qiddiya City’s urban plan and global branding in December 2023. Qiddiya seeks to become a leading entertainment, sports and culture powerhouse in the near future, aiming to welcome 48 million visitors annually to enjoy Qiddiya City’s world-class attractions and unique experiences.
PIF launched SEVEN in 2017, while Qiddiya stands as a PIF giga-project. SEVEN reflects PIF’s efforts to develop and empower promising sectors in Saudi Arabia and will contribute to diversifying the economy and increasing the growth of non-oil GDP to meet the aims of Saudi Vision 2030.
Entertainment is one of PIF’s primary strategic local growth sectors, with an aim to enhance integration between projects and companies owned by PIF and increase their operational efficiency. SEVEN will leverage Qiddiya’s capabilities and opportunities to grow investment.



Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
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Heavy Rain in Northern Japan Triggers Floods, Landslides

A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)
A road is flooded after a heavy rain in Sakata, Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan Friday, July 26, 2024. Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. (Kyodo News via AP)

Heavy rain hit northern Japan Thursday, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and forcing hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings of heavy rain for several municipalities in the Yamagata and Akita prefecture, where warm and humid air was flowing.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the affected area’s residents to “put safety first” and pay close attention to the latest information from the authorities.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, one person went missing in Yuzawa city — in the Akita prefecture — after being hit by a landslide at a road construction site.

Rescue workers in the city evacuated 11 people from the flooded area with the help of a boat.

In the neighboring Yamagata prefecture, more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in the hardest-hit Yuza and Sakata towns within an hour earlier Thursday.

Thousands of residents in the area were advised to take shelter at higher and safer grounds, but it was not immediately known how many people took that advice.

Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train services were partially suspended on Thursday, according to East Japan Railway Company.

The agency predicted up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) of more rainfall in the region through Friday evening, urging residents to remain cautious.