Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority to host first IAAPA Mideast trade summit

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Saudi Arabia's latest entertainment projects will be highlighted during the summit. (Photo/Saleh Al-Ghanem)
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Updated 19 February 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s entertainment authority to host first IAAPA Mideast trade summit

  • Firms include Disneyland Paris, Europa Park, Six Flags Qiddiya
  • Saudi Arabia’s bid to further develop the nation’s booming industry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has announced that it would be hosting here the first IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit in partnership with the Global Association for the Attractions Industry — as part of efforts to further boost the nation’s booming industry.

The summit will take place from March 5 to 9 and will mark the first IAAPA participation in the Middle East.

Leading local and international experts are expected to explore new challenges, developments and global innovations in the entertainment sector. The three-day event will include workshops, live discussions, and panel sessions.

Speakers are expected from leading firms including Disneyland Paris, Europa Park, Liseberg, Compagnie des Alpes, Parques Reunidos and Six Flags Qiddiya. Companies will display their products and services.

The summit includes sessions to highlight the latest entertainment projects in the Kingdom. The participants will be able to tour some of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment initiatives including Boulevard Riyadh City and Boulevard World.

The IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers will provide a program dedicated to professional development from March 5 to 7 at the JW Marriott in Riyadh. The program will feature five modules totaling 13 hours led by industry experts.

The IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit is part of the GEA’s efforts to develop the entertainment sector in line with international best practice, to meet growing domestic demand.

 


France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

Updated 16 January 2026
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France, Saudi collaborate on space for artists in Riyadh

  • L’Institut francais, Riyadh Art will open La Fabrique on Feb. 22
  • ‘New cultural chapter’ between the nations, says France envoy

RIYADH: L’Institut francais in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, an initiative of the city’s royal commission, have announced the opening of La Fabrique, a space for artists, on Jan. 22.

The project is based in the Riyadh Art Hub in JAX District and will enable Saudi and French artists to create, experiment, and bring their visions to life, according to a press release from the organizers.

La Fabrique also offers the public a rare opportunity to witness creative production including movement performances, digital and immersive arts, photography, music, cinema, cuisine and poetry.

At its core, La Fabrique fosters artistic exchange between French and Saudi artists, fostering new encounters, shared practices, and co-creation.

The initiative is aligned with the vision shared by French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have placed cultural cooperation at the heart of the renewed Saudi-French strategic partnership.

Anchored in the ambitions of Vision 2030, La Fabrique is a part of Riyadh’s transformation into a major international cultural hub.

Developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the project strengthens the long-standing cultural dialogue between the two nations, the press release stated.

Patrick Maisonnave, ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, said: “La Fabrique embodies the spirit of a new cultural chapter between France and Saudi Arabia.

“By bringing our artists together, we are not only sharing techniques and traditions, we are opening a space where imaginations meet, new forms emerge, and creativity becomes a bridge between our two societies.

“This initiative reflects our belief that artistic dialogue is one of the most powerful ways to build understanding, trust, and a shared future. It stands as a concrete example of France’s contribution to the ambitions of Vision 2030.”