With Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the United States that included meetings with several top entertainment industry executives in Silicon Valley, it is quite possible that entertainment options in Saudi Arabia could be dramatically greater in a decade. But what will that look like?
The Vision 2030 document states that the Kingdom’s leaders “consider culture and entertainment indispensable to our quality of life. We are well aware that the cultural and entertainment opportunities currently available do not reflect the rising aspirations of our citizens and residents, nor are they in harmony with our prosperous economy…Land suitable for cultural and entertainment projects will be provided and talented writers, authors and directors will be carefully supported. We will seek to offer a variety of cultural venues — such as libraries, arts and museums — as well as entertainment possibilities to suit tastes and preferences. These projects will also contribute to our economy and will result in the creation of many job opportunities.”
Recently announced plans to develop the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia do not specifically say whether cinemas – long banned in the Kingdom – would be allowed.
However, according to a report in Arabian Business, new malls being built in Saudi Arabia “are currently designed to include cinemas,” said Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation. “They’re just not open, [but] it appears that they will.”
Cameron Mitchell, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, the owner and operator of the Vox Cinemas brand, has said the development of an entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, which would include opening of cinemas in the kingdom, represents a significant opportunity for the company.
Mitchell told Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast show that the transition will not happen overnight, like many changes in Saudi Arabia.
“I think what we need to be conscious of is I don’t think it will change from where it is today to Dubai. I think there will be a phasing over time where potentially animated films are allowed for families and then there will be a progression over 10 or 15 year period from where they are today to the end goals,” Mitchell said.
