Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a business imperative. In entertainment, a sector that shapes how people connect, play, and spend their time, this responsibility takes on added weight. At Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), we believe sustainability must be at the heart of everything we create because building joy for today shouldn’t come at the cost of tomorrow.
That’s why SEVEN is embedding sustainability from the ground up, through design, materials, energy, and operations.
Sustainability by Design
SEVEN was founded with a clear ambition: to transform the Kingdom into a global leader in entertainment while enhancing the quality of life for Saudis and residents. Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on initiative, it’s a core design principle.
Across our portfolio of 14 destinations, we’re integrating sustainability into every phase, from master planning and construction to operations and guest experience. Our work is aligned with national and international benchmarks, including the LEED Rating System, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and full compliance with the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).
We’ve targeted at least LEED Silver certification across all 14 of our entertainment complexes. In 2024 alone, we achieved 80% water savings, energy savings of up to 20%, and recycled over 75% of construction waste. Environmental performance is monitored at every site, from air and soil quality to noise levels and emissions. Ongoing monitoring has resulted in a consistent 15–20% monthly reduction in Scope 1 emissions, supported by robust systems that track and manage food, general, and hazardous waste.
Across our portfolio, SEVEN projects consistently achieve an Environmental Performance Index of 80–85%, underlining our adherence to environmental best practices.
Abha: A Showcase of What’s Possible
One of the most striking examples of our commitment is SEVEN’s upcoming entertainment complex in Abha. Located in the culturally rich Aseer region, the destination blends heritage with smart infrastructure and green innovation.
Spanning over 30,000 square meters of leasable space, the complex is designed to welcome 2 million visitors annually by 2030. Its architecture takes cues from the local mountain climate and integrates sustainable building materials, energy-efficient systems, and green mobility infrastructure, including EV charging stations. The complex also incorporates LEED-compliant materials, with more than 50% sourced from certified green suppliers.
Among its attractions are a Discovery Edutainment experience and a next-generation AI-powered bowling center, combining low-energy technology with immersive storytelling. But our impact goes beyond the environmental. The destination is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs and contribute SAR 600 million to the local economy, showing how sustainability can also be a powerful economic driver.
Raising the Bar
Entertainment can and should be a platform for environmental leadership. At SEVEN, we believe that sustainable practices not only protect the environment but also enhance long-term business value, reduce risk, and future-proof our developments.
As we continue to reimagine entertainment across the Kingdom, every destination we build is an opportunity to raise the bar, for our industry and for the communities we serve. Sustainability is not a checkbox. It’s a mindset that shapes every decision we make.
Whether we’re pioneering green design in Abha or scaling LEED-certified destinations nationwide, we’re committed to building a future where people and the planet can thrive together.
By: Abdulelah AlFawzan, Chief Projects Office at SEVEN.