RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has launched the National Interactive Entertainment Co. to create immersive storytelling experiences rooted in the Kingdom’s heritage and Islamic history. The newly established firm, known as QSAS, will focus on developing, owning, and operating world-class interactive exhibitions throughout the Kingdom, according to a statement. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with the creation of thriving business opportunities. It also supports PIF’s strategy to strengthen the local private sector through partnerships in construction, event management, and technology. Mishary Al-Ibraheem, head of entertainment, leisure, sports, and education at PIF, said: “The tourism and entertainment sector is a strategic local priority for PIF, as we focus on enriching the tourism and entertainment experience.” He added: “QSAS will contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as an attractive tourist destination with storytelling inspired by history, culture and heritage, and will invest in local talent to build new economic activity focused on providing interactive experiences; a sector which is witnessing significant global growth.” The statement also revealed that QSAS will play a key role in localizing knowledge and technology within the private sector content creation industry, with expectations to generate over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. The firm plans to offer a variety of interactive exhibitions, including both permanent and touring displays, designed to provide multisensory immersive experiences that enhance local culture and boost the tourism sector. This initiative is part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, a Vision 2030 project aimed at accommodating 30 million pilgrims by 2030. It also complements the Ministry of Tourism’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by the same year.