RIYADH: Riyadh has emerged as the epicenter of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic revolution, generating SR391.1 million ($104.2 million) in box office revenue in 2024 – the highest of any city in the Kingdom.
The northern city sold 7.4 million tickets last year, according to a report by Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission. The capital’s young and affluent population, the rapid expansion of multiplexes, and Vision 2030’s push for entertainment have solidified its status as the region’s undisputed film hub.
Overall, the Kingdom’s box office revenues reached SR845.6 million in 2024, with 17.5 million tickets sold and 504 movies streamed.
The Saudi movie market, valued at $584.04 million in 2024, is projected to reach $950.25 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.51 percent, as highlighted in a report by Research and Markets.
This growth is fueled by government support, rising investments, and the easing of entertainment restrictions under Vision 2030.
In an interview with Arab News, the Saudi Film Commission stated: “Since the reopening of cinema theaters in 2018, the Kingdom’s exhibition and distribution sector has experienced steady and dynamic growth in both supply and demand.”
It added: “Today, more than 640 screens across 20 cities are operated by eight cinema exhibitors, a rapid expansion that reflects strong private-sector confidence and investment in the market.”
The Saudi box office has become a key target for international and regional releases, with major titles contributing consistently to weekly revenues, the SFC explained.
Drivers of success
Since the lifting of the cinema ban in 2018, global chains like AMC, Vox Cinemas, and Muvi have aggressively expanded. In September 2024, Saudi Arabia launched a $100 million film fund to attract international studios and bolster local productions, such as “Norah,” which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
The Commission, speaking to Arab News, highlighted the importance of local content, saying: “Equally important, the share of Saudi films at the box office has been rising year after year, signaling growing audience confidence in homegrown content.”
The authority revealed that by mid-July of this year, eight Saudi films accounted for 19 percent of total box office revenue, a milestone that underscores both the strength of local storytelling and the enthusiasm of Saudi cinemagoers.
It added that industry development and talent empowerment remain a cornerstone of the strategy, through initiatives such as the Saudi Film Confex and the Filmathon program.
The Kingdom’s box office revenues reached SR845.6 million in 2024, with 17.5 million tickets sold and 504 movies streamed. (Supplied)
With over 60 percent of the population under 30, demand for entertainment has skyrocketed. Relaxed social norms have encouraged family outings, with 69 cinemas – 628 screens and 65,000 seats – operating across the Kingdom as of October 2023.
Saudi productions like “The Perfect Candidate” and “Born a King” have achieved critical acclaim, while collaborations with international studios are on the rise. The Red Sea International Film Festival has become a pivotal platform for regional talent.
The Commission also emphasized its focus on empowering Saudi films and talent, regardless of where audiences experience them, stating: “Cinemas and streaming platforms are both vital channels, and our priority is to ensure Saudi stories reach as wide and diverse an audience as possible.”
The SFC added: “We want cinemas to thrive, and we want platforms to succeed; together they strengthen the ecosystem, expand opportunities for filmmakers, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for creative content.”
Despite progress, content restrictions and a shortage of skilled filmmakers remain hurdles. Yet, trends like the rise of local storytelling, demand for diverse international content, and streaming platforms like Shahid are reshaping the industry.
HIGHLIGHT
The capital’s young and affluent population, the rapid expansion of multiplexes, and Vision 2030’s push for entertainment have solidified its status as the region’s undisputed film hub.
Shahid Khan, partner and global head of Media, Entertainment, Sports, and Culture at Arthur D. Little told Arab News that their research “shows Shahid has become a real catalyst for Saudi’s film growth.”
He added: “They distribute content, fund productions, train talent, and develop Originals that put local voices front and centre.”
Khan explained that the latest trends show cinemas and streaming platforms serve very different but complementary purposes. He noted that cinemas are designed for big events like blockbuster films and mass-market releases, while Shahid focuses on on-demand access to dramas, documentaries, and niche stories.
He also revealed that Shahid has worked with cinema operators to show live football tournaments, bringing sports fans together in a way that blends streaming and cinema viewing, and that looking ahead, there is potential for limited theatrical premieres of Shahid Originals and exclusive streaming after cinema runs.
Riyadh’s dominance
Riyadh’s northern and central regions lead the market, thanks to urbanization, high disposable income, and Vision 2030 investments. The city’s 17 cinemas and 455,800 seats underscore its pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s cinematic ascent.
“Riyadh generates around SR400 million in box office revenue, making it a key influence on national entertainment trends. The city’s young, affluent, and digitally native population plays a big role in shaping what audiences want across the Kingdom,” Khan said.
He added that Shahid responds by commissioning Originals that reflect youth culture, with comedy, drama, and action dominating, often with humor and themes rooted in everyday Riyadh life, and that the platform aligns major releases with peak moments like Riyadh Season and Eid.
Regarding future opportunities, Khan said that public investment is creating unprecedented opportunities for the sector, and Shahid is well positioned to turn that into more locally rooted, high-impact content.
Riyadh generates around SR400 million in box office revenue, making it a key influence on national entertainment trends. The city’s young, affluent, and digitally native population plays a big role in shaping what audiences want across the Kingdom.
Shahid Khan, partner and global head of Media, Entertainment, Sports, and Culture at Arthur D. Little
“Partnerships with organisations like the Saudi Film Commission give them access to exclusive productions and major cultural events. They have broadcast and archived occasions such as the Riyadh Season and national celebrations, extending their reach far beyond in-person audiences,” he added.
As Saudi Arabia’s film industry continues to thrive, Riyadh stands at the forefront, blending tradition with modernity to redefine entertainment in the Middle East.
With a cash rebate of up to 40 percent on production expenses and comprehensive support from the Saudi Film Commission, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a highly competitive global production hub.
The SFC assists with everything from location scouting and permits to connecting producers with vetted local talent and vendors.
“Our production infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with facilities such as Neom Media Village, JAX Film Studios, and new studios in Riyadh forming part of our national strategy,” the Commission added.
“With authentic and diverse locations, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and business-friendly incentives, Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a destination of choice for filmmakers worldwide.”
The Commission is building a skilled film ecosystem through targeted partnerships. An international pact with Korea focuses on co-developing talent, while domestic university collaborations create specialized academic programs to ensure a lasting pipeline of Saudi professionals.
