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RIYADH: Construction of a new SR1.3 billion ($350 million) entertainment destination in Madinah is now underway, its developer Saudi Entertainment Ventures said.

A joint venture between Al-Bawani and UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Co. will carry out the building work.

Seven Chairman Abdullah Al-Dawood said: “Our entertainment destination in Madinah will transform the entertainment landscape of the region and bring new, unique and exciting experiences to the people of Madinah.”

The project was designed to “enrich the quality of life for millions of Saudis,” he said.

Fakher Al-Shawaf, CEO of Albawani Holding, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate once again with Seven on this groundbreaking project, which aims to establish an exceptional entertainment destination in the holy city of Madinah.”

Ramez Al-Khayat, UCC Holding’s group managing director, said: “This is an exciting project to add to our portfolio. As a leading international construction and contracting company with a wealth of expertise, we will deliver Seven’s entertainment destination with our signature superior quality.”

The entertainment destination is located next to King Fahad Central Park and will cover more than 100,000 square meters, with a built-up area of over 84,000 square meters. The developer said it would feature open paths and gardens to blend with and enhance the existing environment.

As well as a choice of exciting rides set within a 4,000 square meter family entertainment center, the destination will have an e-karting track stretching more than 330 meters over two levels.

There will also be a Discovery Adventures center offering visitors the chance to take part in trekking experiences, tree house trails and other jungle-themed challenges and educational missions, as well as a Play-Doh entertainment center to stimulate children’s imagination and creativity.

The entertainment destination will also be home to a state-of-the-art cinema with Imax and VIP screens and a 10-lane futuristic bowling alley.

A wellness center will provide opportunities to relax and rejuvenate, while a wide range of international and local food and beverage outlets will keep visitors fed and watered.

Seven is investing more than SR50 billion in the development of 21 entertainment destinations in 14 cities across the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Abha, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu and Buraidah.

The wholly owned subsidiary of the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund PIF is mandated to invest in, develop and operate entertainment destinations that cater to the needs of everyone living in Saudi Arabia.