Saudi Arabia: Film showings gross SR127 million in Q1-25

Cairo: Films screened at Saudi theatres grossed around SR127 million in the first quarter of this year, a Saudi cinema official has disclosed amid a thriving entertainment industry in the kingdom.

The takings mark a 4% rise against the first quarter of last year, added Hany Al Mulla, the Executive Officer of the Cinema Association in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.

Citing a high turnout at the Saudi theatres during this past Muslim Eid Al Fitr festival, Al Mulla said the increased attendance of film showings is due to coordination between the cultural, entertainment and tourism sectors in the kingdom, providing a satisfactory experience for film-goers.

He told Saudi TV Al Ekhbariya that the Eastern Province has become a major destination for cinema enthusiasts from inside and outside the kingdom, mainly from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as the region boasts six major cinemas.

He disclosed plans to establish new cinemas fitted with advanced technology, particularly in the cities of Khobar and Dammam.

Al-Mulla hailed the Saudi government's support for the local film industry including the establishment of state-of-the-art studios in the cities of NEOM, AlUla and Riyadh,  as well as educational and training courses.

Saudi Arabia has recently become a magnet for Arab and foreign filmmakers, with events such as the Red Sea International Film Festival, which debuted in December 2021.

Last year, Saudi Arabia disclosed a plan to set up an investment fund to support filmmaking in the Arab world.

Head of the state Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Al Alsheikh said the Big Time Fund will be geared towards upgrading the Arab content in producing, distributing and making films featuring leading actors in the Arab world.