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

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


US embassy in Riyadh attacked with drones: Saudi defense ministry

General view of the USA embassy in Riyadh. (AFP file photo)
Updated 56 min ago
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US embassy in Riyadh attacked with drones: Saudi defense ministry

  • The embassy issued a shelter in place notice for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said early Tuesday that eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. In an earlier statement, the ministry’s spokesperson said preliminary assessments indicated that two drones had targeted the US Embassy in Riyadh.
The incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the building.
Reports from early Tuesday morning described a loud blast and visible flames at the American embassy, with black smoke rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, where many foreign missions are located. According to Reuters, two sources said there were no reported injuries, as the building was empty at the time of the incident in the early morning hours.
In a post published on X, the US Embassy to the Kingdom announced a security alert for Tuesday. The embassy stated it would remain closed and that all routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments had been cancelled.
The shelter-in-place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran remains active, and American citizens in the Kingdom were advised to continue to abide by it.
The embassy also urged people to avoid its premises until further notice due to the attack on the facility. Travelers were encouraged to review the most recent Security Alerts, reconsider travel plans in case of possible disruptions, and make decisions that prioritize their safety and that of their families.