RIYADH, Aug 25: Authorities in Riyadh have suspended two entertainment events after inspections revealed that safety standards were not being met. The move followed warnings from the General Entertainment Authority about the dangers posed by inflatable rides at the venues.

The suspension comes just weeks after a tragic accident in Taif, western Saudi Arabia, where a young girl lost her life when an electric ride malfunctioned and collapsed at a recreational resort.

Safety consultant and assessor Abdulhadi Al-Qarni said such incidents highlight recurring problems in the sector. He identified key risks, including overloaded rides, the absence of proper weighing mechanisms to determine safe limits, outdated equipment nearing the end of its service life, and insufficient maintenance practices.

Al-Qarni criticized some operators for cutting corners by opting for low-cost maintenance, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents. He stressed that without stricter enforcement and systematic oversight, such tragedies are likely to persist.

To address these issues, Al-Qarni called for:

Al-Qarni further urged the creation of a professional license for amusement ride operators, covering both Saudi and non-Saudi workers. He argued that this field should be regulated just as stringently as other professions.

He also noted that some amusement parks rely on foreign companies unfamiliar with the Saudi environment. To mitigate this, he recommended establishing a specialized national body in the private sector to oversee inspections, provide evaluations, and conduct periodic technical follow-ups.