RIYADH, 18 October 2007 — Amusement parks and recreation centers play a significant role in promoting family entertainment in the Kingdom, which lacks cinemas and other popular entertainment facilities. There are more than 500 such centers across the Kingdom involving a capital investment of SR5 billion.
Market analysts believe that the recreation centers at commercial complexes attracted nearly five million visitors during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.
Abdul Mohsen Al-Muqrin, chairman of Rmroma International that owns and runs about 10 air-conditioned recreation centers in various parts of the Kingdom, said Saudi Arabia was a lucrative market for such centers as a result of its strong economy and the high purchasing power of its people.
He also emphasized the prospects for establishing more recreational facilities in the Kingdom in order to meet the requirements of its increasing population. “Another reason for the market growth is the Kingdom’s swelling population with youth being the majority,” Al-Muqrin told Arab News. “Many business groups in the country have now channeled their investments to this sector.”
He said the establishment of recreational facilities inside shopping centers would help families to have fun while shopping. “There are good prospects for such projects in countries such as Saudi Arabia that have a hot climate,” he added.
Al-Muqrin said his company had been successful in establishing a number of recreational centers of international standard, adding that they are equipped with advanced educational and entertainment facilities.
“We have established six recreational cities at major shopping centers such as Marina Mall in Dammam, Venetia Alkhobar, and Badeea Mall and City Mall in Shafa. We are now in the process of opening six more at Badeea Mall-2, Venetia Alkhobar, Grand Center on Al-Olaya Street in Riyadh, and Rmroma City inside Sadhan Commercial Center off King Fahd Road in Riyadh.
He said the company’s recreation centers were located in attractive places, close to beaches and residential areas.
Al-Muqrin emphasized the role being played by recreational centers in providing secure entertainment facilities for Saudi and expatriate families.
“Most of these centers provide educational and entertainment facilities for children,” he pointed out. He said the number of recreational centers in the Kingdom was growing year by year, offering advanced and attractive facilities.
