Saudi Arabia’s cinema industry has generated revenue of SAR3.7 billion ($986.42 million) just six years after the opening of its first cinemas.
According to government data from the General Authority of Media Regulation, the industry sold from April 2018 to March of the current year, over 61 million tickets, screening a total of 1,971 films, including 45 local productions. This growth highlights the rapid adoption of cultural activities in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life.
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Hanaa Al-Omair, president of the Saudi Cinema Association, described Saudi Arabia’s cinema market as the most expanding market in the Middle East, emphasizing its significant growth. The production of Saudi cinematic content, including approximately 19 local films last year, indicates a positive trajectory for the industry. Vision 2030 aims to provide specific support to the entertainment sector, with a target of contributing over $23 billion or 3 percent of the gross domestic product and creating more than 100,000 jobs by 2030.
Growing cinema infrastructure
The data also reveals the expansion of cinema infrastructure throughout the country. Currently, Saudi Arabia has 66 movie theaters with approximately 618 screens and 63,373 seats. Operated by around six companies, these facilities are spread across 22 cities, demonstrating the widespread accessibility of entertainment venues in the Kingdom. Al-Omair expressed optimism about this trend, seeing it as confirmation that the industry is moving in the right direction.
Saudi cinema encyclopedia
As part of the effort to promote Saudi Arabia’s cinematic culture, the Saudi Cinema Association recently announced the release of the first 22 books for the Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia. Published by Josour Al-Thaqafah Publishing House, the project aims to release 100 books in its first year. The initial set of releases will be available to the public during the 10th Saudi Film Festival, scheduled to take place from May 2-9.
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