Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN.

AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock “new horizons of joy” while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia.

He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. “Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,” AlFawzan explained.

He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. “We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” he added.

The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. 

AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization.

“It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,” he said. “We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.”

AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN’s offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. “Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,” he said.

Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing both.

“We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,” he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip ‘n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity.

He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life.

“Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,” AlFawzan said. “Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.”

AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,” he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact.

He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. “To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,” AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations.

Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. “Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,” AlFawzan explained.

“With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,” he pointed out. “Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.”

He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world’s first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction.

“But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,” he added.

CBRE Middle East, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has appointed John Fekete as the new general manager for its advisory operations in Saudi Arabia.

Fekete joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the executive director of real estate strategy, spearheading the office, retail and residential strategy of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.

Commenting on his appointment, Fekete said: “I am honored to join CBRE, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate sector. I look forward to working with this talented team to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.”

Throughout his career, Fekete has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA head of real estate.

Michael Young, managing director for CBRE MENA region, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our team; his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the real estate market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to our team.”

A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, John brings a wealth of experience and deep market insight. His exceptional track record and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving outstanding value to our clients. We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our advisory operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”