Why everyone’s going to the movies in Saudi Arabia

Like most young people growing up in Saudi Arabia, I adored movies. Sci-fi, adventure, comedy, I would spend hours watching my favorite actors. But for all the thrills, spills and adventures beamed into my family’s home via satellite TV, I yearned for the magic of cinema.
Traveling overseas I had the chance to see the superstars of film stand five meters tall on the screen, with action amplified by state-of-the-art screens and sound systems. I was instantly captured by the glamor of Hollywood.
When movie theaters were reintroduced to the Kingdom four years ago after a 35-year ban, I was thrilled because it meant my days of being a ‘film tourist’ were over. Cinemas were back — and they were going to be bigger and better than ever.

Blockbuster growth
Saudis love the cinema. Last year the Kingdom established itself as West Asia’s top theatrical market, with revenues of $238 million, almost doubling from $122 million in 2020. Cinema isn’t a supporting actor in Saudi’s development, it is at the heart of the Vision 2030 plan to create a vibrant society that entertains, creates jobs and contributes to a strong economic future.
Among the goals of Vision 2030 is a drive to attract local investors, international partnerships and entertainment corporations to boost the average household spend on entertainment from 2.9 percent to 6 percent by the end of the decade. Cinema is central to this plan, and it is predicted to become a billion-dollar-plus industry by 2030. The numbers are staggering and will have a profound impact on helping the economy successfully diversify.

Supporting local movies
Arabic movies are some of the most successful in Saudi Arabia. Comedy “Waafet Reggaala” raked in more than $15 million last year, “Mesh Ana” earned $8.2 million and “Mama Hamel” $5.9 million. These features are products of Egypt’s celebrated film industry, and show the desire of Arab audiences to watch movies in their own language, with relatable storylines, and characters.
We know the foundations of a strong cinema industry for the Kingdom won’t be built on ticket sales alone, but on Saudi movies made right here for Saudi filmgoers that will offer the local industry a sustainable future. The Kingdom is not short of talent in front or behind the camera and global events such as the annual Red Sea International Film Festival, first held in 2020, are putting Saudi cinema’s aspirations in the spotlight.
The festival has thrown its full weight behind Saudi talent, launching a fund to back the production of 26 film projects from Saudi Arabia and supporting 28 talented Saudi film directors, more than half of whom are women.
The NEOM city giga-project is also helping to boost the careers of a new generation of cutting-edge filmmakers in the Kingdom who have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, stunning natural locations and world-class talent — generating revenue and establishing jobs.
With ongoing support from government agencies and rising infrastructure investment, all bodes well for a strong local film industry in the years ahead. The development of the local film industry will continue to support and drive box office growth in the Kingdom.

Booming box office

While our movie industry has a lot of catching up to do, the last few years have shown a deep love for cinema, for the experience, the emotion it elicits and the impact it can have. While movie theaters around the globe are still adjusting to the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabian box offices are booming.
We are witnessing a new golden age for cinema in KSA, thanks to the support of our leaders’ ambitions and the devotion of filmgoers. The Kingdom is establishing itself as a movie production destination of choice, and discerning Saudi moviegoers are showing their support for local and international content through rising admissions.
Exciting and amazing things are happening with cinema in Saudi Arabia — it would make a great storyline for a movie.

• Sultan Alhokair is the founder and CEO of Muvi Cinemas