RIYADH: The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) will host an unprecedented number of events throughout the Kingdom this year, with more than 5,000 live shows, festivals and concerts planned across 56 cities.
The 2018 entertainment calendar will feature the most diverse line-up of live entertainment ever seen in Saudi Arabia, ranging from musicals and family shows to stand-up comedy and live performances from some of the biggest names in global music.
The announcement was made at a special event in Riyadh attended by Ahmed Al-Khatib, chairman of the board, and Faisal Bafarat, GEA’s CEO.
Saudi Arabia will invest $64 billion in its entertainment sector in the coming decade, an official said on Thursday, as the Kingdom pursues a program of social and economic reforms.
Al-Khatib said the money will come from both the government and the private sector.
He said that 500 companies have registered to organize entertainment events in the coming year.
The GEA is accelerating plans to provide rich and diverse entertainment options and experiences for people in all parts of Saudi Arabia to enjoy. “The authority contributes directly to the objectives of the Quality of Life program, which aims to achieve a thriving economy and a vibrant society in which citizens and residents enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.
Al-Khatib told the audience: “Our aim today is to speak of the events that will take place in the coming year.” He commended the media and its help in spreading the word: “We are an orchestra, we have done nothing, you have done everything (the media). All I can say is that we have achieved a global goal of quality that competes with London and New York.”
He revealed that the entertainment sector needs SR267 billion ($71 billion) of investment to build entertainment infrastructure in all regions of the Kingdom, and investment in infrastructure between 2017 and 2030 is expected to contribute SR18 billion per year to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with consumer spending estimated to reach SR36 billion by 2030.
“GEA is proud to be one of the drivers of transformation in the Kingdom, through its clear purpose to build a world-class entertainment industry that will put the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the global tourism and entertainment map,” he said.
GEA was first announced in May 2016, and has grown quickly since then.
“This year will witness many exciting events that will take place all over Saudi for the whole family to enjoy,” said Al-Khatib.
“We took this risk to work with media, with all trust. We work together and we help each other. The third-largest industry in Saudi is entertainment and we want to expand it.
“For the first time in the country, a Yanni concert took place in Dharan and 10 percent of the audiences were Bahrainis; the roles have been reversed and we witnessed our side of the bridge being trafficked and not the other way around, for they came to us. I promise you we will see more of this in the future — Emirates, Kuwait, everyone,” he said.
“In the year of 2030, I promise you this will continue and we will be in the top 10 country destinations for entertainment.”
Al-Khatib said many events and theme parks are planned. “We have the likes of Gideya, the largest theme park in the world, and Six Flags, which is under construction. We will continue to improve the infrastructure to build theses theme parks. We know what we want, we have the support from our leaders.
“Today we are organized and focused that Saudis stand on their own feet.”
Bafarat said: “This year will not only provide more opportunities for people to share rich experiences with family and friends, but will also significantly contribute to the continued development of the entertainment industry in the Kingdom. 2018 marks a change in pace thanks to the sheer scale of the program we are offering. Thousands of events will be organized and regulated, providing more opportunities than ever for us to continue to enhance the quality of entertainment events in the Kingdom, as well as adhere to the highest international standards.”
Speaking to Arab News after the event the GEA CEO said.” The events are very extensive, we will not be focusing on one aspect, but will cover all aspects of entertainment that include theme parks, museums, entertainment centers, live shows, sports events, theaters, cinemas, festival and popups.”
“We have, in total more than 5,000 events, both local and international, and on every weekend, we have one big event in one of the big cities in the Kingdom,” Bafarat noted.
He added that the local events too will have some international elements, so if you have a local street festival, you will find some international and regional act into it.
In a reply on how far international shows organized last year were helpful in grooming local talents and local entertainment sector, he said, it was indeed very helpful, earlier global actors were not taking us seriously saying Saudi market is not ready for us to come and stage the show, now we have people knocking the door saying, “we want to bring the show to Saudi.”
Bafarat said: “Our aim is to have a huge impact on our economy, provide jobs, and support medium and small companies.”
He presented the 2018 entertainment line-up highlights, which include 55 headline events alongside thousands of events hosted by private organizers, municipalities and governorates that will be supported by GEA.
“Last year was a benchmark for us, this year it will be 10 times better,” he said. “This is a team effort, we thank all the sectors that have participated.
“The diversity and scale of the 2018 entertainment program will play a significant role in the continued growth of the entertainment industry in the Kingdom with a total of 224,000 new jobs, including 114,000 direct and 110,000 indirect jobs expected to be created in the sector by 2030,” Barafat said.
“Families, young people and children will be able to enjoy live music performances, theater shows, musicals, circus performances, community festivals and much more across the Kingdom,” he said.
After their speeches, an illusionist entertained the audience with magic tricks.
Speaking to Arab News, Majid Al-Hokair, who heads the Committee for Tourism, Events and Entertainment at the Riyadh Chamber, said: “These are very positive changes taking place in the Kingdom with the GEA at the helm of affair.
“Thanks to the GEA for bringing these programs home. The authority is inspired to develop, establish and organize a competitive infrastructure for entertainment in the Kingdom.”
The GEA chairman and CEO also made awards to events organized last year. The winners in different categories include “Luxury KSA” as the best event with local content, “Comic Con” as the best international event with local flavor and “iLuminate” as the best event for live entertainment.
In 2017, the GEA hosted more than 2,200 events attended by 8.2 million people.
KSA looks forward to ‘best entertainment year ever’
KSA looks forward to ‘best entertainment year ever’
How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority
- Quails migrate through Saudi Arabia each year, linking continents, ecosystems, and traditions
- Long tied to Saudi heritage, quails are now under threat, prompting renewed focus on conservation
JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.
They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region’s heritage.
“Quail” is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News.
Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa.
“Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,” said Tatwany. “They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.”
These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year.
“This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,” Tatwany added.
Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: “They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,” said Tatwany.
Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night.
Saudi Arabia’s geography places it on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants.
Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region’s biodiversity.
Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, “indicating their presence in the area” to other birds.
“They do not flush except when approached very closely,” he said. “If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.”
Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps.
Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species.
“In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,” said Tatwany.
The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail.
“In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,” said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom’s ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts.
The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia.
“This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,” said Tatwany. “It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.”
The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. “It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,” said Tatwany.
Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks.
A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later.
Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds.
Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically.
DID YOU KNOW?
Quails live in “coveys,” social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands.
They respond to each other’s calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices.
Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy.
While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production.
“This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,” said Tatwany. “The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons.
“This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.”
Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment.
In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks.
Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table.
Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands.
By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s avian biodiversity.
Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September
- New version of the game to feature Riyadh and famous institutions and landmarks, new and old
- Monopoly is the best-selling international board game in history, Guinness World Records says
RIYADH: The launch of a Riyadh edition of the iconic Monopoly board game was announced on Thursday at a preview event that even feature an appearance by the game’s mascot, Mr. Monopoly.
The new version of the game, which will be on sale in September, was created, according to a statement, to celebrate “the rich heritage and modern transformation” of the Kingdom’s capital and features locations including the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road.
“We strive to include both the traditional and the modern in terms of landmarks and to create a story. So as you’re going through the Monopoly board, you are learning about, and getting insight into, the city of Riyadh, and you’re passing roads that most real residents would pass by on a day-to-day or weekly basis,” Hamad Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of official partner the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), which acted as a cultural advisor for the game’s makers, told Arab News.
“It’s a responsibility and a pleasure to be representing Riyadh on such a platform. And with that responsibility, we have been dedicated to delivering the identity and culture of Riyadh,” he added.
According to Guinness World Records, Monopoly is the best-selling board game in history, with more than 275 million units sold worldwide over the past 90 years.
“There’s something really interesting about seeing our city culturally represented within an international brand,” Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, vice-chairman of SYS, told Arab News. “It says a lot about how far we’ve come and how important our market and our community has become on the international scale that Monopoly would come and do this—and quite right too.”
“I remember playing this game when I was young with my grandfather and family,” Liam Johnson, the racecourse director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Cup, told Arab News, adding that he believed the Saudi Cup’s profile would be raised globally by being featured in an edition of a game that “cuts through the different audiences.”
Diriyah has three places on the board: Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, and Al-Bujairi Terrace — all of which have become staples in Riyadh’s events and hospitality sectors.
“As the birthplace of the Kingdom and its significance to the country, to be able to bring that legacy and that heritage onto the board is a true honor,” Nicola Cope, executive director of brand marketing at Diriyah, told Arab News.
The Ritz-Carlton’s Mazen Allam said: “Over the years, we’ve been privileged to host moments that actually matter, from royal visits, world summits, weddings, quiet weekends, all woven under the fabric of this city. Now, with Monopoly, we get to join families and communities across generations. And the fact that we can create joyful memories that extend beyond our walls is something very special.”
KAFD, home to 95 interconnected buildings, where more than 20,000 people work — not including the thousands of daily visitors and residents, is a pivotal inclusion on the board. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD’s chief marketing and experience officer, told Arab News: “We all grew up playing Monopoly. We understand the game — it’s strategic, competitive, and centered around real estate. Today, KAFD reflects those same qualities. It’s not just an iconic business district; it’s Saudi Arabia’s first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination.
“It only makes sense for KAFD to be featured in the Monopoly Riyadh Edition — a perfect match between a game of strategy and a district that lives and breathes it every day.”
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank
- Attacks this week on village of Kafr Malik led to 3 Palestinians killed
- Kingdom says attacks took place under protection of Israel’s security forces
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in villages in the occupied West Bank.
Dozens of settlers attacked the village of Kafr Malik near Ramallah on Wednesday. Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces and seven wounded in the violence, Palestinian health officials said.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom condemned and denunciated “the continued violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, under the protection of the occupation forces, against Palestinian civilians, including the attacks in the village of Kafr Malik.”
Since the war started in Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 55,000 people there, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has also increased.
At least 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the territory in the same period and attacks by Israeli settlers have ramped up.
The ministry statement reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Israeli violence against unarmed civilians in Gaza, “including the targeting of civilian sites housing displaced persons.”
The Kingdom called for Palestinian civilians to be protected and for the international community to put an end to “Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”
Saudi passports department’s expired visa extension initiative
- The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations
RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has launched an initiative to extend expired visit visas for a final exit.
The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations.
The directorate said that applicants may submit requests through the Tawasul Service on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher portal during the specified period.
It urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.
KSrelief distributes 1,100 food baskets in Sudan
- KSrelief continues to implement its water supply and environmental sanitation project in the Yemeni districts of Midi, Haradh, Hayran, and Abs in the Hajjah governorate, as well as the Razih district in the Sadah governorate
NORTH KORDOFAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed 1,100 food baskets to displaced families in Sudan’s North Kordofan State, benefiting 6,383 individuals.
The distribution is part of the third phase of the 2025 Food Security Support Project and the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts through KSrelief to support Sudanese people amid the crisis.
Meanwhile, KSrelief continues to implement its water supply and environmental sanitation project in the Yemeni districts of Midi, Haradh, Hayran, and Abs in the Hajjah governorate, as well as the Razih district in the Sadah governorate.
In May, KSrelief delivered 4,561,000 liters of potable water and 47,412,000 liters of usable water in Hajjah.
Additionally, 244 waste removal operations were conducted in displacement camps, and 4,048 water transport containers were distributed.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to meet essential needs and improve living conditions in regions affected by conflict.
