Saudi Arabia slashes cinema license fees, ticket prices set to drop

Saudi Arabia slashes cinema license fees, ticket prices set to drop
The Saudi government aims to stimulate the cinema sector and increase its contribution to the economy. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Short Url
Updated 22 April 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia slashes cinema license fees, ticket prices set to drop

Saudi Arabia slashes cinema license fees, ticket prices set to drop
  • Saudi Film Commission is encouraging cinema operators to offer discounts and promotions to attract more moviegoers
  • Initiative aims to increase the number of cinema halls, make Saudi films more accessible, and encourage more people to visit cinemas across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Cinema ticket prices in Saudi Arabia are set to drop significantly after the Film Commission’s recent decision to cut cinema operating license fees.

The move, approved by the commission’s board of directors chaired by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, aims to foster growth, boost audience engagement and establish Saudi Arabia as a regional filmmaking hub.

The commission has simplified the licensing process and reduced fees for various operations, including permanent, temporary and special-needs cinemas, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Applicants can now easily obtain licenses to operate a production studio, create visual and audio content, distribute or import films, and obtain no-objection licenses for cinematography through the Cultural Licenses Platform, Abde’a.

License fees for operating permanent or temporary cinemas in Saudi Arabia have been significantly reduced in various categories of cities:

In category “A” cities, the cost of a permanent cinema license has been reduced to SR25,000 ($6,666), down from SR210,000. In category “B” cities, the fee is now SR15,000, reduced from SR126,000, while in category “C” cities, the cost is SR5,000, down from SR84,000.

For temporary cinema licenses, the fees have also decreased. In category “A” cities, the cost is now SR15,000, down from SR105,000. In category “B” cities, the fee is SR10,000, reduced from SR63,000, and in category “C” cities, it is now SR5,000, down from SR42,000.

The commission also reduced the fee for a license to operate a cinema, whether for showing one or more films on a permanent or temporary basis.

The reduced fee for a permanent cinema in “A” category cities is SR3,000 per branch, down from SR21,000 per screen. In “B” category cities, the new fee is SR2,000, reduced from SR12,600, while in “C” category cities, the cost is SR1,000, down from SR8,400.

For temporary cinemas, the reduced fee in “A” category cities is SR500 per branch, reduced from SR5,000 per screen. In “B” category cities, the fee is now SR500, down from SR5,000, and in “C” category cities, the current fee is SR500, also down from SR5,000.

The commission is encouraging cinema operators to offer discounts and promotions to attract more moviegoers. This initiative aims to increase the number of cinema halls, make Saudi films more accessible, and encourage more people to visit cinemas across the Kingdom.

These measures are part of the Film Commission’s efforts to achieve the strategic goals of the film industry by fostering growth in the number of box offices across the Kingdom and boosting the economic contributions of companies in the sector.

Additionally, the commission aims to support cultural and creative diversity in cinema, create a competitive environment that encourages investment in the film industry, and enhance the overall movie-going experience. This approach is designed to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional center for the film industry.

Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: “At the commission, we are working to stimulate the film industry by encouraging private-sector companies operating cinemas in the Kingdom to provide discounts and promotional offers to cinema viewership, with the aim of enhancing the film culture in the Kingdom.

“We also work intensively to enhance the presence of Saudi films by stimulating the showing of Saudi films in various cinemas.”


Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises
Updated 3 min 21 sec ago
Follow

Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

Saudi cabinet calls for Arab-Islamic summit, urgent political solutions amid regional crises

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet discussed the Kingdom’s call for an Arab-Islamic summit to address ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, in a session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.

The cabinet also stressed the urgent need for a political resolution to the crisis in Sudan, urging all parties to honor the commitments outlined in the "Jeddah Declaration" of May 2023. It emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, a cessation of hostilities, and the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

The cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s recent hosting of the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution, which brought together representatives from 90 countries and international organizations.


Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 

Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 
Updated 05 November 2024
Follow

Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 

Understanding fans key to building sports brands, says football marketing guru 
  • Manchester United connects with audiences and “converts followers to fans”
  • Saudi clubs should find their own unique point of view 

RIYADH: Understanding your fan base is a key element of successfully marketing your sports brand, Manchester United’s director of marketing told the audience at the Athar Festival of Creativity in Riyadh.

During his keynote speech, “Cultural Connection, Unbreakable Bonds and the Power of Stories: Lessons Learnt From a Career in Sports Marketing,” Matt McKie talked about his experience working in notable roles for the Olympics, Nike and EA Sports.

Whether you are a football fan or not, there is no denying that Manchester United is one of the most well-known clubs in the world. But how did it gain its reputation?

Like many popular teams, it is about connecting with your audience and Manchester United has a unique way of “converting followers to fans,” McKie told Arab News.

“I would say the absolute key to finding an audience and growing is really understanding your fans and, in the UK and in Europe, football clubs are bigger than just sports assets, than community assets, they mean more,” he said. “There will be generations of families that have gone to watch the team and support them, so honoring that and respecting that is absolutely key.”

An important marketing tactic for McKie involves researching the upbringing and backgrounds of athletes before their rise to stardom. This is a way to humanize them and create campaigns with a personal touch.

Manchester United's director of marketing Matt McKie talked about his experience working in notable roles for the Olympics, Nike and EA Sports. (AN photo/Loai Elkelawy)

“I think humanizing athletes is an important marketing tactic (and) I think it’s an important human tactic,” he said. “These are individuals in the public eye, there are millions and millions of people watching them, expecting things from them. They have the same problems we have ... so it’s incredibly important that we understand that.”

McKie highlights unique brand identities for emerging football clubs, such as FC Como and Venezia, in Italy, and Forest Green Rovers in England. Venezia is known for its love of fashion while the latter has claimed the title of becoming the first fully vegan football club.

“It’s really about building a profile and understanding who the audience is and then you can serve them the things that will drive them down towards being a fan, and a committed fan, that comes to games etc.

“It’s very important in women’s sports because of the very high proportion of fandom that exists there. It’s important as marketers that we actually bring them closer, we understand them, we give them content that’s going to engage them and not just bring the ideas of men’s football across and expect it to work.”

For Saudi teams, McKie’s advice is to “have a point of view.”

“Within Saudi, a lot of these teams are new or relatively new in the grand scheme of football. So there’s an opportunity to have a point of view and stand for something … to form a team that plays a certain way and isn’t bound by baggage that can come from being a really big heritage brand.”


KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 
Updated 05 November 2024
Follow

KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 
  • The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning

RIYADH: Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Kingdom’s delegation, visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, which began on Monday and ends on Nov. 8.

The pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, features spaces for meetings, workshops and dialogue sessions. It includes over 40 interactive activities and hosts 150 representatives from various Saudi entities. 

The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning, showcasing innovative projects and successful experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Saudi delegation, visited the Saudi pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)

It also showcases the Kingdom’s achievements under Vision 2030, including sustainable transport networks, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced municipal services in cities. 

On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with several delegation heads to discuss enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise. 

He discussed potential collaboration between Riyadh and Istanbul with Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, focusing on the exchange of skills.

He also met with Anar Guliyev, a member of the cabinet and chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan, to discuss cooperation.


Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

Athar Festival begins in Riyadh
Updated 05 November 2024
Follow

Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

Athar Festival begins in Riyadh
  • Almost 2,000 people registered for second edition, says organizer
  • Veteran Gulf publisher aims to gather region’s creative community

RIYADH: The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity kicked off on Tuesday with a full house in Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will feature 100 regional and international speakers and is expected to bring together almost 2,000 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, with Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS, as vice chairman.

In an interview with Arab News, Fairservice said: “Athar has a role in bringing together the creative community, and the marketing community.

“The whole ethos of Athar is to create a community, albeit just for a couple of days, where everybody can come together and communicate and share ideas and develop new ones.”

He highlighted the increase of attendees this year, compared to last year’s event.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner of Motivate Media Group and chairman of Athar Festival, delivers a speech on the first day of the festival on Nov. 5, 2024 in Riyadh. (Loai Elkelawy)

“All of our numbers have pretty much doubled on last year. We have almost 2,000 attendees registered and, as you can see around us here, it’s absolutely buzzing. The main stage area is completely full. There are probably 100 people standing at the back watching our first keynote speaker today,” he said.

“In terms of other numbers, we have 400 entries for the awards for tomorrow night, of which there are 211 shortlisted.”

Fairservice’s knowledge of the region comes from living in Dubai for 47 years. He formed Motivate Media Group back in 1979 and launched one of the country’s first English-language magazines, “What’s On,” which had a primary readership of tourists and expatriates.

The inspiration behind it was simple — there was no media. It was, he recalls, an era “with no television, no radio, no newspapers, no magazines.”

Today, Motivate Media Group publishes numerous magazines such as “Emirates Woman,” “Gulf Business” and “Business Traveler Middle East.”

“We’ve grown the company organically and have gone into every different aspect of media across the board,” said Fairservice. “It’s been a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to have been able to do this from the ground floor.”

Athar Festival will continue on Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations and fireside chats focused on growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
Updated 05 November 2024
Follow

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
  • The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is intensifying efforts to deliver aid to Lebanon and recently supported those in need of medical assistance in Turkiye.

The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aid will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Countries such as the UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.

In Turkiye, KSrelief recently concluded a week-long voluntary medical program for specialized surgeries in Tarsus. A team of 32 volunteers performed 31 open-heart operations, five therapeutic catheterizations, and 18 diagnostic catheterizations.

The Saudi aid agency also completed a medical project in Reyhanli for victims of the earthquake in February last year. During this campaign, the medical team treated 537 patients in family medicine, 417 in dermatology, 380 in optometry, and 219 in endocrinology.

In February 2023, KSrelief launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to aid earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye, raising more than SR524 million ($139.5 million) from more than 3.4 million donations.