Saudi Arabia’s Cinema Industry Booms After 35-Year Ban Lifted

In a striking development, Saudi Arabia's cinema industry has burgeoned into a billion-dollar market since the lifting of a 35-year cinema ban in 2018. Generating a robust $986 million in revenue, the sector has sold over 61 million tickets and screened nearly 2,000 films, including 45 local productions, between April 2018 and March 2024.

This resurgence aligns with the nation's Vision 2030 goals, which focus on cultural diversification and economic expansion beyond its traditional oil base. The cinema sector's growth is part of a broader aim to infuse over $23 billion into the GDP and create more than 100,000 jobs by 2030.

Currently, Saudi Arabia hosts 66 movie theaters with over 600 screens in 22 cities, catering to an increasing number of moviegoers. This expansion is seen as a significant stride in enriching the nation's cultural landscape and quality of life.

The Saudi Cinema Association, led by Hanaa Al-Omair, underscores the positive trajectory of this booming industry. Additionally, the association has launched the first 22 volumes of a Saudi Cinema Encyclopedia, part of an ambitious project to support and document the growing film scene.