Saudi Arabia $155 billion Invest in arts

Illustration showcasing Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in entertainment, featuring symbols of film, music, gaming, and performing arts set against a twilight desert backdrop. The image reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and become a global creative hub.

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Revolution: A $155 Billion Bet on Culture and Creativity
3. 🎯 Vision 2030: The Cultural Catalyst
4. 🏗️ Mega Projects and Cultural Infrastructure
5. 🎬 Cinema and Film: From Ban to Boom
6. 🎮 Gaming and Esports: A Digital Frontier
7. 🎤 Music, Festivals, and Live Experiences
8. 🏢 Strategic Acquisitions and Media Expansion
9. A New Cultural Identity in the Making

Overview

The head of the General Entertainment Authority said 5,000 events were planned this year alone, including those by Maroon 5 and Cirque du Soleil. Construction of the country's first opera house has also begun in Riyadh.

The investment is part of a social and economic reform programme, known as Vision 2030, unveiled two years ago Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The 32-year-old wants to diversify the economy and reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil, including by increasing household spending on culture and entertainment.

In December, the government lifted a ban on commercial cinemas.

 

General Entertainment Authority chief Ahmed bin Aqeel al-Khatib said: "In the past, investors would go outside the kingdom to produce their work, and then showcase it back in Saudi Arabia.

"Today, change will happen and everything related to entertainment will be done here."

"God willing, you will see a real change by 2020."

A large entertainment city near Riyadh, roughly the size of Las Vegas, is already planned as the country aims to boost its tourism sector.

It follows a range of other firsts for the conservative Gulf kingdom - including allowing women spectators to attend football matches last month and announcing that women would be permitted to drive from June.

 

Last year, Prince Mohammed declared his ambition that Saudi Arabia would once again be "a country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions, traditions and people".

Seventy per cent of the population were under 30 and they wanted a "life in which our religion translates to tolerance, to our traditions of kindness", he said.

Saudi Arabia's royal family and religious establishment adhere to an austere form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, and Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced.

Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Revolution: A $155 Billion Bet on Culture and Creativity

In a bold pivot from its oil-centric legacy, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in entertainment—transforming the Kingdom into a global creative powerhouse. With over $155 billion earmarked for the sector, this cultural renaissance is not just about hosting concerts or building cinemas; it’s a strategic move to reshape national identity, diversify the economy, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global storytelling.

🎯 Vision 2030: The Cultural Catalyst

At the heart of this transformation lies Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for economic diversification. The plan aims to increase household entertainment spending from 2.9% to 6% by 2030, create 450,000+ jobs, and contribute 4.2% to GDP through entertainment alone. This is a seismic shift for a country that only lifted its 35-year cinema ban in 2018.

The entertainment sector is now seen as a vital engine of growth—one that blends leisure, culture, and innovation to attract both domestic and international audiences.

🏗️ Mega Projects and Cultural Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment boom is anchored by massive developments like Qiddiya, a $9.8 billion leisure city near Riyadh featuring theme parks, motorsports arenas, and performing arts centers. Meanwhile, NEOM, the $500 billion smart city, includes dedicated entertainment precincts designed to host global events and immersive experiences.

The Red Sea Project and AlUla are also being transformed into cultural destinations, with state-of-the-art studios and venues for film, music, and heritage exhibitions.

🎬 Cinema and Film: From Ban to Boom

Since reopening cinemas in 2018, Saudi Arabia has launched over 50 venues, with global franchises entering the market. The Saudi Film Fund, backed by $100 million in capital, is investing in both local and international productions. The blockbuster thriller 7 Dogs, with a $40 million budget, marks the largest Arab film production to date.

Government agencies like the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the Film Commission are actively supporting content creation, distribution, and talent development—laying the groundwork for a thriving film ecosystem.

🎮 Gaming and Esports: A Digital Frontier

Saudi Arabia is also making waves in gaming. The Esports World Cup 2025 drew 750 million viewers and offered the largest prize pool globally. The Kingdom plans to host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2027, signaling its ambition to become a global esports hub.

These investments are not just about entertainment—they’re about building digital infrastructure, nurturing youth engagement, and creating new economic pathways.

🎤 Music, Festivals, and Live Experiences

Events like Riyadh Season and MDLBEAST Soundstorm have turned Saudi Arabia into a regional hotspot for music, food, and cultural festivals. The Kingdom is also partnering with global brands like WWE, bringing WrestleMania 43 to Riyadh in 2027—the first time the event will be held outside the U.S..

These spectacles are designed to boost tourism, elevate Saudi Arabia’s global image, and foster a vibrant society in line with Vision 2030.

🏢 Strategic Acquisitions and Media Expansion

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) recently acquired a 54% stake in MBC Group, the leading media conglomerate in the Middle East. This move strengthens the Kingdom’s control over Arabic content production and expands its reach through platforms like SHAHID, the region’s top streaming service.

MBC is now investing in music, gaming, and events—further diversifying its portfolio and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s entertainment ambitions.

A New Cultural Identity in the Making

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment investment is more than economic strategy—it’s a redefinition of national identity. By embracing creativity, storytelling, and global partnerships, the Kingdom is crafting a future where culture and commerce walk hand in hand.

From cinema screens to esports arenas, Saudi Arabia is proving that entertainment is not just a luxury—it’s a legacy in the making.

Source - Societal Vibz

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