Saudi Entertainment Centres Jump 62% to 8,462

The number of active commercial registrations for entertainment centres in Saudi Arabia reached 8,462 by the end of the first half of 2026, compared with 5,216 in 2024—an increase of nearly 62% in just two years, reflecting steady growth in the sector across the Kingdom.

Riyadh led the country with 3,580 registrations, followed by Makkah with 2,295 and the Eastern Province with 933. It is worth noting that these figures refer to commercial registrations that include the “Entertainment Centre” activity, and do not necessarily mean all venues are currently open or hold operating licences from the General Entertainment Authority.

How centres are licensed

Operating any entertainment centre—whether a family entertainment centre, a standalone venue, or a centre located within another facility—requires an entertainment-centre licence beforehand. The commercial registration must include the “Entertainment Centre” activity, and the application may be submitted by the establishment owner, a company representative, or an authorised proxy.

Required documentation includes written approval from the site owner as well as any licences or approvals mandated by other authorities. Applications are submitted through the General Entertainment Authority’s Tarfeeh portal, with an alternative email channel available if the portal cannot be used. The applicant pays the fee set by the Authority after approval for licence issuance.

For residents and families, the rising number of registrations signals more entertainment options taking shape nationwide. No official fixed fee, licence validity period, or verified list of currently operating centres, locations, opening hours, or admission prices was identified in the available information.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving