Saudi Arabia is witnessing remarkable growth in its cinema, arts, and entertainment sectors, as shown by the latest report from the Ministry of Commerce. The report revealed that the number of commercial registers for the film production sector increased by 28% in the second quarter of 2023, reaching more than 1,700, compared to more than 1,300 in the same period of 2022.
The impressive growth reflects the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy and promote its cultural and creative industries, as part of its Vision 2030. The Kingdom has been opening up to the world of cinema since 2018 when it lifted a decades-long ban on movie theaters and allowed local and international filmmakers to operate in the country. Since then, Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in cinema-related activities, such as film festivals, awards, workshops, training programs, and co-productions.
The report also showed that Riyadh had the highest number of commercial registers in the film production sector, with 953, followed by Makkah with 501, the Eastern region with 155, Madinah with 51, and Qassim with 22. These numbers indicate that the cinema sector is not only concentrated in the capital but also spread across different regions of the Kingdom, reflecting the diversity and richness of Saudi culture and talent.
The cinema sector is not only a source of entertainment and cultural expression, but also a driver of economic development and job creation. According to a study by PwC, the cinema industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to generate $1.5 billion in annual revenue and create 15,000 different jobs by 2030. Moreover, hospitality, retail, and advertising, bu attracting more visitors and customers to the country.
The growth of the cinema sector in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the Kingdom's vision and ambition to become a regional and global hub for creativity and innovation. The Kingdom has been supporting its local filmmakers and artists by providing them with funding, training, exposure, and opportunities to showcase their work at home and abroad. The Kingdom has also been welcoming foreign filmmakers and investors who are interested in exploring the untapped potential of Saudi market and culture.
The cinema sector in Saudi Arabia is up 28%, but it is not stopping there. The Kingdom is determined to continue its journey of transformation and development in this promising field, by fostering a vibrant and diverse cinematic ecosystem that can cater to the needs and aspirations of its people and the world.
