CAIRO: Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is experiencing robust growth as the Kingdom issued 446 entertainment licences in May, further bolstering its efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy. The state General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced that the latest licences bring the total number of permits issued via the entertainment portal to 12,300.
The breakdown of licences issued in May, as shared by GEA on Twitter, includes 191 permits for live shows at restaurants and cafes, 92 permits for entertainment events, 93 permits for holding entertainment shows, and 23 accreditation certificates for organizing and managing crowds.
Additionally, 19 licences were granted for operating entertainment facilities, 15 licences for managing artistic talent development, seven accreditation certificates for selling tickets for entertainment events, and six permits for entertainment centers.
Established in 2016, the GEA has collaborated with private sector partners to launch a series of events throughout Saudi Arabia, attracting both local and foreign audiences. Despite the challenges due to the global pandemic, GEA head Turki Al Alsheikh stated in March that approximately 120 million people have attended entertainment events in Saudi Arabia since 2019.
Efforts to Boost Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Industry
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides to boost its entertainment industry, organizing star-studded concerts, cinema screenings, theatrical shows, and competitions. Last month, the Kingdom’s Tour 2023, a series of summer entertainment events, commenced with concerts and plays taking place in 17 Saudi cities. Notably, in April 2018, cinemas were reopened in Saudi Arabia for the first time in nearly four decades.
The kingdom’s ambitious goal is to welcome 25 million foreign tourists in 2023, with the flourishing entertainment sector playing a crucial role in attracting visitors from around the world. The ongoing development and expansion of the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia not only provide entertainment options for its residents but also contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy, reducing its dependence on oil revenue.
