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“Screen growth in the Middle East has overtaken the rest of the world, with approximately 1,000 new screens added since 2019. By the close of 2024, the region is expected to reach nearly 2,500 screens, reflecting the rising demand for cinematic experiences across MENA, driven primarily by Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is set to lead the MENA region in screen count by year-end, reaching 803 screens, followed by the UAE with 734.” Omdia Forecast: MENA cinema poised for growth projected to reach $1.5 billion and video streaming to $2.9 billion in 2029 [Satnews]

TOP STORY

Saudi leads growing MENA cinema market

Saudi Film Commission

New analysis by Omdia shows that the MENA region will reach nearly 2,500 screens by the end of this year.  [more]

 

MORE TOP STORYLINES

Saudi Arabia Replaces CEO Developing Megacity of Neom

Via Matthew Martin and Christine Burke in yahoo.com: Nadhmi Al-Nasr, who had been chief executive officer of Neom since 2018, will be replaced by Aiman Al-Mudaifer for now, according to a statement on X. Al-Mudaifer has been head of local real estate at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is the owner of Neom, for the past six years. In 2025, teams will start laying the underlying concrete slab for The Line and then begin building upward. It’s expected to eventually contain hospitals, parks and schools and ultimately house nine million residents — all without cars. Designers came up with the foundation for the project by replicating the grid system in Manhattan, widening it and folding it in half to tower into the air, executives from The Line said at a conference on Tuesday in Riyadh.

Khalid bin Salman’s Rising Influence in Saudi Defense Reforms

Via Eleonora Ardemagni in ispionline.it: Saudi Arabia is investing in the reorganization of the defense ministry, and to further improve defense sector’s human skills. This fits into the professionalization path the Saudi armed forces have embraced, also complying with Riyadh’s greater defense autonomy aspirations. The plan foresees three main reform phases: the building of the ministry’s centre and of specific undersecretaries (for instance, on strategic affairs, and on procurement); the reorganization of the forces to increase performance efficiency and facilitate joint operations; the rearming of the forces and the building of capabilities.

Struggling Australia and Saudi Arabia play a crucial Asian World Cup qualifier

Via John Duerden in go.com: Australia hosts Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne on Thursday while Japan and South Korea can take a big step towards North America in 2026 when the third round of Asian qualifying reaches the halfway stage. With only the top two teams from each of the three groups of six progressing automatically to the expanded 48-team tournament, Australia and Saudi Arabia both have only five points from four Group C games, five behind leaders Japan. The sputtering form of the two teams has already resulted in coaching changes since the third round began. Graham Arnold stepped down as Socceroos head coach in September and was replaced by Tony Popovic while Saudi Arabia fired Roberto Mancini in October after a 0-0 draw with Bahrain in Jeddah.

 

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