Saudi Arabia halts two entertainment events after deadly amusement park accident

Green Mountain Amusement Park accident in Taif last month killed one and injured 22

Last updated: August 25, 2025 | 06:39

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

The ride's arm cracked, causing it to collapse with a massive thump along with the riders still onboard.

X/file

Dubai: Saudi Authorities have suspended two entertainment events in the Riyadh region after the General Entertainment Authority reported safety concerns with inflatable games featured at the sites, Okaz Arabic daily reported.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, has ordered the suspension of the two entertainment events in Riyadh and directed the Riyadh Police Chief to implement the order immediately.

The decision comes in the wake of last month’s tragic accident at the Green Mountain Amusement Park in Taif, when the 360-degree ride collapsed, killing one woman and injuring 22 others.

Also Read: Oman opens world’s largest inflatable amusement park in Salalah

The woman died of her wounds four days ago, while other two women are still in hospital.

The accident occurred as the ride was in operation and loaded with visitors. The ride's arm cracked, causing it to collapse with a massive thump along with the riders still onboard, resulting in injuries that ranged from moderate to severe.

Also Read: Popular Bahrain amusement park shuts down due to non-payment of electricity bill

Prince Mohammed stressed that the safety of visitors to entertainment activities is non-negotiable. He instructed authorities to intensify inspections of amusement rides across the Riyadh region to ensure full compliance with safety regulations.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.