RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has raised film incentives to 60 percent to boost film production in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Film Commission has announced the updated cash rebate program as part of efforts to support growth in the sector, attract high-quality projects and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for filmmaking, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The update includes raising incentive rates to a maximum of 60 percent of eligible expenditures, alongside enhanced mechanisms to ensure sustainable value for film projects.
The announcement came as the commission is taking part in the ongoing 79th Cannes Film Festival, where filmmakers, producers and investors from around the world gather each year.
The updated cash-rebate program introduces a set of practical enablers that support every stage of production through clear processes, streamlined pathways and competitive financial support.
These include improved and accelerated disbursement processes, enhancing cash flow efficiency for production companies and creating a more supportive operating environment for project delivery in line with production timelines.
It is part of the Film Commission’s ongoing efforts to develop an integrated production ecosystem that includes infrastructure, production services and national talent development, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop creative industries as well as maximize the economic and cultural impact of the film sector.
As part of its work to further strengthen an integrated support ecosystem, the commission is working with several national entities, most notably the Cultural Development Fund, to launch an enhanced model for managing and disbursing incentives.
This will improve the overall beneficiary experience, increase operational efficiency, expedite processing timelines and provide integrated financing solutions to support film projects.
Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: “The announcement represents an extension of the Kingdom’s vision to build a sustainable film sector rooted in empowerment and partnership.”
He added: “Over the past period, we have worked on developing a number of regulatory and operational aspects related to the incentives program, most notably the launch of the financial audit and disbursement procedures guide, with the aim of improving implementation efficiency and providing filmmakers with greater clarity. Through the program, we are focused on developing an integrated ecosystem that enables filmmakers to work with confidence, empowers the private sector, and attracts quality investments that contribute to transferring expertise and knowledge to local talent.
“The program marks an additional step toward strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a production hub connected to opportunity, and reflects a continued ambition to develop the sector.”
Cultural Development Fund CEO Majed Al-Hugail said: “The efforts to enhance the mechanisms for disbursing incentives come as part of a broader strategy for the cultural sector, through the development of financial and operational solutions that support the sustainability of cultural projects.”
He added: “Today, the speed and clarity of procedures have become key factors shaping production and investment decisions in the global film industry. Through this program, we aim to provide a more efficient and flexible experience that meets the needs of projects at various stages and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a reliable partner for international productions.”
