RIYADH, February 10, 2025 — Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) has signed a strategic agreement with TAWAL, a leading telecommunications and IT infrastructure company, during the LEAP25 conference to develop comprehensive digital infrastructure across its 21 entertainment destinations in the Kingdom. The partnership, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, aims to design, manage, operate, and maintain a neutral infrastructure compatible with all telecom operators, significantly enhancing connectivity for millions of visitors.
Context and Background
SEVEN, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is investing over SAR 50 billion to develop 21 entertainment destinations across 14 cities in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy and boost tourism and entertainment sectors. TAWAL, a subsidiary of stc Group, brings expertise in telecommunications infrastructure, managing over 16,000 towers and providing comprehensive ICT solutions. The LEAP25 conference, a premier technology event in Riyadh, provided the platform for this collaboration.
Key Details
The agreement encompasses indoor coverage systems (IBS), multi-band antenna distribution systems, and neutral communication towers at SEVEN destinations. This infrastructure will bolster 4G and 5G network capabilities, enabling ICT service providers to deliver exceptional digital services. “This partnership is a strategic step toward strengthening the digital infrastructure at our entertainment destinations, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences and providing an advanced technological environment,” said Abdulrahman Al-Ali, Chief Information Technology Officer at SEVEN. The neutral infrastructure design ensures all telecom operators can offer services, promoting competition and better coverage.
Implications and Impact
Enhanced digital connectivity is expected to improve visitor experiences through seamless streaming, interactive attractions, and efficient crowd management. The deployment of 5G-capable infrastructure supports emerging technologies like augmented reality and smart venue applications. Economically, the partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to attract 150 million annual visits by 2030, as world-class digital amenities become a key differentiator for entertainment destinations. Regionally, this development positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital tourism infrastructure, potentially attracting global tech partnerships.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This agreement directly supports Vision 2030 by advancing digital infrastructure, a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s transformation into a digitally empowered society. By integrating cutting-edge telecommunications into entertainment venues, SEVEN enhances the quality of life for citizens and visitors, driving economic diversification and tourism growth. The collaboration with TAWAL reflects the private sector’s role in realizing national ambitions, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the agreement between SEVEN and TAWAL about?
A1. The agreement aims to develop internal and external digital infrastructure at SEVEN’s 21 entertainment destinations in Saudi Arabia, including indoor coverage systems and neutral communication towers.
Q2. When was the agreement signed?
A2. The agreement was signed on February 10, 2025, during the LEAP25 conference in Riyadh.
Q3. Who are the parties involved in the agreement?
A3. The parties are Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and TAWAL, a leading telecommunications and IT infrastructure company.
Q4. What is SEVEN?
A4. SEVEN, or Saudi Entertainment Ventures, is a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) developing 21 entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia.
Q5. What is TAWAL?
A5. TAWAL is a telecommunications and IT infrastructure company, a subsidiary of stc Group, that manages over 16,000 towers and provides ICT solutions.
Q6. What specific infrastructure will be developed?
A6. The infrastructure includes indoor coverage systems (IBS), multi-band antenna distribution systems, and neutral communication towers.
Q7. How will this improve connectivity?
A7. It will enhance 4G and 5G network capabilities, allowing telecom operators to provide better service and enabling ICT providers to deliver digital services.
Q8. Who will benefit from this digital infrastructure?
A8. Visitors to SEVEN destinations, telecom operators, ICT service providers, and the broader Saudi tourism ecosystem will benefit.
Q9. What is the investment behind SEVEN’s destinations?
A9. SEVEN is investing over SAR 50 billion to develop 21 entertainment destinations across 14 cities.
Q10. How does this agreement support Vision 2030?
A10. It advances digital infrastructure, enhances tourism experiences, and contributes to economic diversification, key goals of Vision 2030.
Q11. What is LEAP25?
A11. LEAP25 is a major technology conference held in Riyadh, focusing on innovation and digital transformation.
Q12. What is a neutral infrastructure?
A12. Neutral infrastructure is designed to be compatible with all telecom operators, avoiding exclusivity and promoting competition.
Q13. How many destinations will receive the infrastructure?
A13. The infrastructure will be deployed across all 21 of SEVEN’s entertainment destinations.
Q14. What role does the Public Investment Fund play?
A14. The PIF is SEVEN’s parent company and provides strategic direction and funding for the entertainment projects.
Q15. What technologies can be enabled with 5G?
A15. Enhanced 5G can support augmented reality, interactive attractions, and smart venue applications for visitors.
Q16. Who made the official announcement?
A16. The announcement was made via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on February 10, 2025.
Q17. What is the expected visitor impact?
A17. Visitors will enjoy seamless connectivity, faster streaming, and improved digital services, enhancing their overall experience.
Q18. How does this align with Saudi tourism goals?
A18. It supports the goal of attracting 150 million annual visits by 2030 by making entertainment destinations more appealing.
Q19. Is this partnership exclusive?
A19. No, the infrastructure is neutral, allowing any telecom operator to provide services at the destinations.
Q20. What is the significance of this agreement at LEAP25?
A20. Signing at LEAP25 highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and digital transformation.
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