Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha

audi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. (SPA)
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Updated 29 April 2025
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Foreign ministers co-chair Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Doha

  • Discussions include ways to enhance cooperation between the countries in the energy, sports and tourism sectors

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, co-chaired a meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council’s executive committee in Doha on Tuesday.

The topics for discussion included ways to enhance Saudi-Qatari cooperation in the energy, sports and tourism sectors, and investment activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi and Qatari delegations also reviewed progress on initiatives implemented so far, praised the cooperation between the council's coordinating committees, and emphasized the need to maintain the momentum in service of the shared interests of both countries.

Sheikh Mohammed said the council is evidence that Qatar and Saudi Arabia are “able to achieve exceptional results in the fields of politics, security and military cooperation,” the Qatar News Agency reported.

Riyadh and Doha have also become prominent international destinations in the sports, culture and tourism sectors, he added, and role models for future hosts of major sports and cultural events. Their achievements not only boost their national economies, he said, but help project a strong image of both countries on the international stage.

Earlier, Prince Faisal was welcomed at the airport upon arrival in Doha for his official visit by Ahmed Al-Hammadi, secretary-general of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, the Saudi ambassador to Qatar. His trip follows an official visit to Oman where he held talks with his counterpart, Badr Al-Busaidi, on Monday.


Curtain rises on Qiddiya studios in boost for Kingdom's film industry 

Updated 06 December 2025
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Curtain rises on Qiddiya studios in boost for Kingdom's film industry 

  • The studios feature two high-spec, purpose-built soundstages, flexible workshops, and fully integrated production facilities designed for large-scale international and regional productions

JEDDAH: Qiddiya Investment Co. has announced the opening of PlayMaker Studios in Qiddiya City, marking the launch of Saudi Arabia’s latest film production hub. 

The opening is a milestone for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing film and creative industries, adding strategically to the production infrastructure available in the country. 

The studios feature two high-spec, purpose-built soundstages, flexible workshops, and fully integrated production facilities designed for large-scale international and regional productions. 

Modern production offices and on-site support amenities are also available, providing a seamless, end-to-end production environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. 

With strong demand for studio space, construction has begun on two additional world-class soundstages, scheduled for completion in 2026, which will expand PlayMaker Studios’ capacity and allow it to host multiple major productions simultaneously. 

The company has established a dedicated on-the-ground team to support producers with permitting, logistics, and operations. 

PlayMaker Studios also offers streamlined access to Saudi Arabia’s 40 percent production cash rebate, one of the world’s most competitive incentives, the SPA added. 

As part of its long-term strategy, the studio will introduce dedicated post-production, visual effects, volumetric, and music facilities, further strengthening the Kingdom’s creative and production ecosystem. 

The complex is set to become both a creative powerhouse and a central pillar of Qiddiya City’s entertainment offering. 

Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., said: “PlayMaker Studios is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s ambition and builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing success in the creative industries. 

"It strengthens this momentum and advances our vision to create a world-class destination where innovation, culture, and entertainment converge, and where the global film industry can find a new home in the Kingdom.” 

Located at the heart of Qiddiya City — the world’s first destination where culture, sport, and creativity converge — PlayMaker Studios sits just 40 minutes from Riyadh, offering producers integrated logistics, premium accommodation for production teams, and direct access to a dynamic entertainment environment designed to inspire world-class content creation.