In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a cultural renaissance, with music and film emerging as powerful tools of expression and transformation. Once a conservative landscape with limited public entertainment, the Kingdom is now opening its doors to global arts and creativity. The lifting of cinema bans, the introduction of film festivals, and the rise of local artists signal a new era fueled by Vision 2030 — an ambitious plan to diversify the economy and modernize society. From hosting international concerts to producing award-winning films, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a hub for artistic innovation. This blog explores the Kingdom’s evolving entertainment scene, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities it offers to local talent and global audiences alike.
For decades, Saudi Arabia maintained a highly conservative stance toward entertainment, especially music and cinema. However, in recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed a cultural renaissance. Under Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a global cultural and entertainment hub.
A Cinematic Comeback: Reopening Theatres
The ban on public cinemas was lifted in 2018 after 35 years. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Saudi film industry.
Cinema Growth in Numbers:
- 2018: 1 cinema
- 2024: Over 60 cinemas across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam
- Goal by 2030: 350 cinemas and 2,500 screens
- Box office revenue (2023): $250 million
- Saudi Arabia is now the largest box office market in the Middle East, surpassing the UAE.
Saudi Films Going Global:
Saudi filmmakers are gaining global recognition:
- “The Perfect Candidate” (2019) by Haifaa Al-Mansour was the first Saudi film to compete at the Venice Film Festival.
- “Raven Song” (2022), directed by Mohammed Al Salman, was Saudi Arabia’s official submission to the Oscars.
- “Norah” (2023) became the first Saudi film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival.
The government’s Saudi Film Commission now offers funding and training to aspiring local filmmakers, aiming to create a self-sustaining film ecosystem.
The Beat of a New Nation: Music on the Rise
Music concerts, once banned, are now a regular feature across the Kingdom. The Saudi government has embraced music as part of its soft power strategy.
Music Industry Highlights:
- First major public concert held in 2017 by Mohammed Abdu
- Launch of the Saudi Music Commission in 2020
- By 2023, music contributed $450 million to the national GDP
- More than 100 major concerts and music festivals held since 2021
Global Stars, Local Talent:
Saudi Arabia has hosted global artists such as:
- BTS (K-pop)
- David Guetta
- Post Malone
- Alicia Keys
- Black Eyed Peas
And local artists like Dalia Mubarak, Mohammed Abdu, and Rabeh Saqer have become national icons.
Events like the MDLBEAST Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh (which drew 700,000+ attendees in 2023) are transforming the Kingdom into a musical hotspot.
Government Support: Vision 2030 in Action
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), launched in 2016, is investing billions into the entertainment sector:
- $64 billion earmarked for cultural and entertainment development
- Film and music included in school curricula
- Programs supporting women in entertainment careers
Saudi Arabia’s strategic partnerships with global giants like AMC Theatres, Warner Bros., and Live Nation are further accelerating growth.
A Cultural Transformation
What was once unthinkable is now commonplace: Saudi families attending cinemas, women performing on stage, and international stars headlining mega events in Riyadh.
While challenges around censorship and conservative pushback remain, the Kingdom is clearly on a path of modernization and openness. The rise of music and film in Saudi Arabia is not just entertainment—it’s a signal of sweeping societal change.
Final Thoughts
As Saudi Arabia redefines its cultural identity, it is building a creative industry that resonates with both local pride and global ambition. The surge of music and film is not just about art—it’s about progress, economy, and expression.
