LONDON: Reforms are set to transform the small screen as well as the big screen in Saudi Arabia as film fans anticipate the re-launch of cinemas across the Kingdom next year.
The benefits will be felt across the Saudi entertainment industry, which recently received a SR10 billion ($2.66 billion) boost from the government-owned Public Investment Fund to develop the sector in line with Vision 2030 ambitions.
Danny Bates, co-founder of streaming site Starz Play, said the reintroduction of cinemas to Saudi life is “a big positive for the video streaming sector” and “another step toward bringing quality entertainment to Saudi Arabia.”
Demand for movie content is growing rapidly in Saudi Arabia, with the Starz Play subscriber base doubling every six months since it launched two and a half years ago in the Kingdom.
“Our highest content consumption rates per month are coming from Saudi customers,” Bates said, identifying action and comedy as the most popular genres among subscribers there.
Vikings is the most popular series on the Saudi site, which receives around 40 million hits per month, with comedy classics including Friends and How I Met Your Mother also among the most-viewed.
Rather than creating competition, the introduction of cinemas is likely to catalyze further growth, raising the profile of film across the country, Bates explained.
“If Fast and the Furious 8 is playing in the cinemas, viewers can then turn to us to watch Fast and the Furious 1 through 7.”
In addition, the cinema is an ideal platform for the company’s advertising campaigns. “We’ve done this successfully in the UAE and Kuwait and would hope to do something similar in Saudi Arabia.”
According to Ravi Rao, CEO of Mindshare MENA, lifting the cinema ban will generate a new market for advertisers in Saudi Arabia, with “international and local brands vying to be there.”
The development will have a significant impact on advertising in the Kingdom, creating additional touch points and opening new channels of communication.
“Brand integration in movies will take a bigger turn when Saudi audiences can be targeted,” Rao said.
Advertising spending in MENA has seen a continuous decline in recent years but while the downturn is forecast to continue elsewhere, Saudi Arabia can anticipate growth in the industry, fueled by ambitious reforms that are creating new opportunities for investors.
“Ad spend in Saudi Arabia (including the PanArab TV spends) is now at under $2 billion from a high of $2.5 billion two years ago. But with all the cultural and economic glasnost that is sweeping the country, one can start expecting double-digit growth by 2020,” said Rao.
Ema Linaker, an executive director of digital at Golin, said the seismic shifts taking place as Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 targets will draw in advertisers formerly focused elsewhere in the region.
“Just this week, Saudi Arabia unveiled the 2018 budget, the largest in the Kingdom’s history with SR978 billion ($261 billion) public spending. With other markets like the UAE set to contract, a lot of the key advertising groups will be pivoting toward the Kingdom to secure a piece of that investment in 2018.”
More than 50 percent of the Saudi population is under 25 and between 65 and 70 percent are under 30 — demographics that appeal to advertisers anticipating an “abundant fanbase” for film in the Kingdom, Linaker added.
Pointing to a Comic-Con event in Jeddah last February attended by more than 10,000 people, she said: “Cinema looks set to become a national pastime for Saudis, thereby driving up audience figures and increasing the amount of people exposed to cinema advertising.”
Access to Saudi audiences will also have a bearing on how advertisers target consumers, injecting new vigor into the industry.
“From a cultural perspective, the opening up of cinema and entertainment sectors such as music and sports will fuel sponsorships and activation to increase ad spends in the near future,” said Roy M Haddad, director of WPP MENA.
“Brands and agencies will quickly re-invent and adapt to the new social and cultural movement in Saudi. Cinema will act as a trigger for many more changes in brand communication, experience and engagement,” he added.
Like the rest of the region, Saudi advertising is heavily weighted toward television, but with a major uplift across digital platforms, media companies are exploring new ways of engaging MENA audiences online.
“I believe like all Gulf countries we will see Saudi Arabia gradually shift toward digital advertising, driven by its mainly young and tech-savvy population,” said Linaker.
Citing Euromonitor, she said that Saudi Arabia’s advertising industry is anticipated to see flat growth over 2016-2021, as the introduction of VAT and additional taxes on certain commodities dampen private consumption.
Meanwhile, international media agencies will beef up their Saudi teams, creating a larger platform for local talent.
“Ogilvy, Leo Burnett and many other major ad agencies have a local footprint in Riyadh and Jeddah but these tend to be satellite offices and attracting quality ad talent has been a constant challenge,” said Linaker.
“However, we are starting to see young talent coming through the ranks born Saudi, educated in Saudi and passionate about developing a creative culture within the Kingdom.”
“With more investment, talent and opportunities arising, I can see Saudi becoming a hot bed of innovation and creativity quite quickly. It is a huge market and full of opportunity.”
Saudi cinemas will boost movie sector across KSA
Saudi cinemas will boost movie sector across KSA
Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture
RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its third edition with a week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.
Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.
Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.
“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”
Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”
Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.
A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.
“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.
Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”
And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”
Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.
El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.
“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.
Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.
The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.
Riyadh Expo 2030 provides progress update to international exhibitions regulator BIE
- Members of Riyadh Expo 2030 update Bureau International des Expositions on progress toward hosting the event
RIYADH: A Saudi delegation representing Riyadh Expo 2030 took part in a Bureau International des Expositions meeting on Tuesday to review the Kingdom’s readiness to host the global event.
In November 2023, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo between October 2030 and March 2031 in the capital, Riyadh.
The Riyadh Expo 2030 delegation took part in the 175th general assembly meeting of the BIE, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization which oversees and regulates World Expos, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They updated senior officials of the BIE about the latest Saudi developments and preparations for hosting the event. They also discussed progress on work to accommodate an expected 246 exhibitors, including countries, organizations and companies, at a site north of Riyadh.
Under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” the event aims to be a unique platform for innovations and modern technologies which aim to find answers to challenges facing the planet in various fields, according to the Expo 2030 website.
Hospitality sector innovations, trends showcased at Riyadh exhibition
- Event gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector
- Exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals
RIYADH: This year’s HORECA exhibition held in Riyadh is underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global hospitality market.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the three-day event concludes on Nov. 27 and gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector.
The event contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering private-sector growth, promoting tourism, and enhancing the country’s food and beverage industries.
The exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals.
Visitors can sample creative dishes, observe new techniques in food and beverage, and explore sustainable packaging solutions, among other highlights.
Prince Waleed bin Nasser, guest of honor and CEO of Mukatafa Co., highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Speaking at a session on public policies impacting the food and beverage sector, he said: “The vision today aspires for the private sector to play a significant role in the development of the economy. The private sector must take the initiative to have a voice. To achieve this, it needs to be organized and united in presenting a single perspective.”
He also emphasized the need for proactive engagement: “We must work as one, united with a common vision, and present this vision in a professional manner backed by facts, ensuring that the decisions made have a positive impact on the sector and the citizens.”
Culinary competitions are among the highlights celebrating creativity and technical skills at HORECA. Mohammed Naif, a participant representing Saudi Arabia’s Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, told Arab News: “The atmosphere was amazing, and the competition was all about passion and enjoyment. There was a panel of judges and organizers who were very supportive — if you made a mistake, they would help you, and if you had an incomplete idea, they would guide you.
“I encourage anyone with a passion for cooking to join, showcase their creativity, and learn while bringing out their best.”
The exhibition also provided a platform for networking, with exhibitors showcasing local innovations as well as international brands. From cutting-edge hospitality tech to Saudi-inspired culinary creations, the event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for the sector.
MoU signed to strengthen humanitarian ties
- Memorandum was signed by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the PMFHD, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief
- Memorandum highlights the Kingdom’s global leadership in relief, humanitarian aid and charity, and expands the scope of operations and the support for missions of both organizations
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Foundation for Humanitarian Development signed a memorandum of understanding in Riyadh on Tuesday to enhance cooperation in humanitarian fields and establish a strategic partnership for mutual benefit.
The memorandum was signed by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the foundation, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief.
The memorandum highlights the Kingdom’s global leadership in relief, humanitarian aid and charity, and expands the scope of operations and the support for missions of both organizations.
Prince Mohammed praised KSrelief’s exceptional efforts in humanitarian work, saying: “KSrelief’s vast expertise and capabilities qualify it to provide humanitarian services worldwide. Through this collaboration, we aim for the foundation to contribute to global humanitarian efforts alongside KSrelief.”
He also expressed gratitude to the leadership for its continuous support of humanitarian initiatives delivering aid to those in need.
He added: “The foundation has signed numerous MOUs locally and globally, all achieving their goals and benefiting thousands.
“A notable achievement is the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Award for Best Charitable Performance in the Arab World, which has benefited many organizations across the Arab world.”
Issa Al-Ansari, the foundation’s secretary-general, said that the memorandum aimed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as training volunteers, conducting research, and implementing developmental and humanitarian projects.
“The parties have agreed to form a joint team responsible for developing an action plan for implementing the memorandum’s terms, including follow-up mechanisms and regular meetings,” Al-Ansari added.
First group of royal guests performs Umrah
- Schedule includes visits to the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, the Revelation Exhibition, meetings with the imam of the Grand Mosque
- Group arrived in Madinah where they visited the Prophet’s Mosque and toured other historic sites
RIYADH: The first group to arrive in the Kingdom through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit has performed Umrah rituals in Makkah.
The program’s organizing committees ensured that the visitors enjoyed excellent services, including upon arrival in Madinah where they were warmly welcomed by officials.
According to participants, the program, which is implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, reflects the Kingdom’s leaders’ dedication to supporting Muslims worldwide.
They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and perform Umrah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The first group included 250 prominent Islamic figures from 12 countries, part of a total of 1,000 Umrah performers from 66 countries. The guests will visit in four groups as part of the program.
The schedule includes visits to the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, the Revelation Exhibition, meetings with the imam of the Grand Mosque, and participation in various scientific and cultural programs.
The group arrived in Madinah where they visited the Prophet’s Mosque and toured other historic sites, including the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization.
