The number of active commercial registrations for entertainment centers in Saudi Arabia climbed to 8,462 by the end of the first half of 2026, up from 5,216 in 2024 — an increase of nearly 62% in two years.
Riyadh recorded the highest concentration of registrations with 3,580, followed by Makkah with 2,295 and the Eastern Province with 933. The figures point to steady growth in a sector that has expanded rapidly as demand for family and leisure activities rises across the Kingdom.
Licensing requirements
Operating an entertainment center requires an official license before opening. Applications are submitted through the General Entertainment Authority's electronic Entertainment Portal, and where electronic submission is unavailable, direct submission or the designated licensing email may be used.
Applicants must hold a valid commercial registration that includes the "Entertainment Centers" activity, provide proof of site ownership or the owner's approval, and secure approvals from all relevant authorities. They must also submit the required documents and activity details, pay any financial fee set by the Authority, and complete inspection and licensing procedures.
Entertainment activities may not operate without the required licenses from the General Entertainment Authority. The current information available for 2026 does not specify an exact fee for an entertainment-center license or a standard validity period, and does not identify particular operating centers, locations, admission prices, or opening hours linked to these registration figures.
For residents and expats, the growth signals a wider range of leisure options taking shape nationwide, particularly in the largest urban centers.
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