The many forces propelling Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film industry forward

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The picturesque landscape of AlUla has seen it grow into an exotic filming destination, with Film AlUla providing an ecosystem of skilled professionals for both domestic productions, and international film projects. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 July 2021
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The many forces propelling Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film industry forward

  • Filmmakers are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by a new era of media and entertainment
  • The market is being driven by the opening of new cinemas and a rapid increase in streaming services

RIYADH: These are exciting times for Saudi Arabia’s film industry. Within the past fortnight, the Saudi Film Festival concluded in Dhahran, the Saudi-Japanese animation “The Journey” had its cinematic release and a “Saudi Film Night” was held at the Arab World Institute in Paris.

These events represent a significant departure from just a few years ago, when there was little or no film production or distribution industry to speak of in the Kingdom.

Behind this change are a number of factors, chief among which is the emergence of young talent, as ambitious Saudi filmmakers take advantage of the opportunities presented by this new era.

“I wouldn’t say it’s easy or hard to break into the film industry,” Sara Al-Munef, a young film director whose short feature “2020 Faces” screened at the Saudi Film Festival, told Arab News.

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“We are being given all the chances: The festivals offer a platform for us to screen our films and to enter competitions with millions in prize money. Many companies are involved in financing new film projects.

“It makes no difference whether you are a man or a woman; now it’s just up to me to deliver something that will be appreciated.”

The market for quality film content is being driven in Saudi Arabia by the opening of new cinema theaters along with the mushrooming of global streaming services such as Netflix and its Gulf equivalent, Shahid VIP. This in turn is generating significant investment in the Kingdom’s film sector.

One such deal was the March 2020 purchase by Netflix of “Masameer: The Movie” following the success of the highly popular YouTube series.

Produced by leading Saudi animation studio Myrkott, the series and film depicts the adventures of Dana, a Saudi girl who attempts to improve the world through robotics and artificial intelligence. The film is now being globally streamed by Netflix in more than 30 languages.

 




Netflix purchased “Masameer: The Movie” and is now being globally streamed in more than 30 languages. (Supplied)

Further investment is coming from Spain-based producer Minimo VFX (co-producer of “The Dark Knight,” “Avatar” and the “Harry Potter” franchise), which recently unveiled plans to invest no less than $250 million in the Kingdom via a joint venture with local partner Saudi Next Level Co.

Their stated goal is to produce localized content while providing high-level training to aspiring film professionals.

Closer to home, Dubai–based MBC is actively backing Saudi content for its online streaming subsidiary Shahid VIP — one example being “Rashash,” a serialized drama with an all-Saudi cast, based on the true–life 1980s criminal of the same name, and the efforts by Saudi police to bring him to justice.

The series was conceived by Tony Jordan, a screenwriter of the long–running UK soap opera “EastEnders” with support from Sheikha Suha Al-Khalifa, and directed by Colin Teague, known for TV serials “Doctor Who” and “Jekyll and Hyde.”




Sara Al-Munef, a young film director whose short feature “2020 Faces” screened at the Saudi Film Festival. (Supplied)

Perhaps the most significant recent breakthrough is “The Journey,” a full-length animated feature film depicting the siege of Makkah by an Ethiopian army in pre–Islamic times. The movie was co-produced by Riyadh–based Manga Productions and TOEI Animation of Japan.

“We wanted to work with TOEI Animation because they are very well known and popular both in the region and across the world,” Abdul Aziz Al-Nagmoosh, director of marketing and distribution at Manga Productions, told Arab News.

“We collaborated with them on the children’s TV show ‘Future Folk Tales’ and then on ‘The Journey.’ We financed the training of about 300 Saudi animators over the past four years, both in Japan and the US. They also had work experience in both those countries and gained skills in production, direction, art direction and even marketing. Then we hired a number of them to work on our projects.”




Masameer was produced by leading Saudi animation studio Myrkott. (Supplied)

Manga Productions is a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, which was established by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2011 with the aim of empowering the youth of Saudi Arabia in three main areas: Education and entrepreneurship; culture and creative arts; and science and technology.

Commercial projects such as “The Journey” demonstrate the wider effort to diversify the national economy away from its current focus on the oil sector. Another indication of this strategy is the positioning of the AlUla historical district as an exotically beautiful film location.

The Hollywood feature “Cherry” — directed by Antony and Joe Russo of “Captain America” and “Avengers” fame — was shot in AlUla in 2020.

Film AlUla — working in coordination with the Saudi Film Commission and the Ministry of Culture — now provides an entire film-production ecosystem, with a range of skilled professionals and production services on hand. The act of shooting a film in the Kingdom has become a lot simpler as well.




Fahad Al-Otaibi, a producer and director of TV commercials and short films. (Supplied)

Speaking to Arab News, Fahad Al-Otaibi, a producer and director of TV commercials and short films, said: “Getting permission to shoot is way easier than before. You used to have to get a lot of different permissions, but now it’s all online and it only takes three to five days.”

All of this reflects the growing perception — in both public and private spheres — of the media and entertainment industry as a key growth area for the country, driven as it is by the almost universal adoption of smartphones and social media across the Saudi population.

As Al-Nagmoosh puts it, “most Saudis are online most of the time, which is why there will be a focus on movies made for streaming services as opposed to theatrical releases. And that is a shift that is taking place worldwide.”

Indeed, online streaming is opening up possibilities that were never previously available to independent producers and directors lacking the financial and marketing clout of global corporations.




The Saudi-Japanese animation “The Journey,” a full-length animated feature film depicting the siege of Makkah by an Ethiopian army in pre–Islamic times, had its cinematic release. (Supplied)

Al-Otaibi said: “Online platforms such as Netflix are changing the game because they have such a big reach. It can enable a low-budget Saudi film to potentially be a huge international hit. I think we have a better chance with that than we do with cinema distribution.”

He added: “Nobody would have believed seven years ago what is being achieved today, and I’m sure we can’t even imagine how it’s going to be three years from now. You don’t need $100 million to produce the next ‘Friends’ — you need a very good team, a very good story and a very good vision.”

The general consensus of industry hands is that what is needed is time. Saudi Arabia “has to prove itself with its films before it becomes integrated with the global media and entertainment industry — it took South Korea decades of hard work before ‘Parasite’ won the Oscar,” Al-Otaibi told Arab News.

“We need time, we need to try hard, we need to be patient, we need to invest and we need to learn — that’s what’s got to happen over the next 10 years.”

For his part, Al-Nagmoosh of Manga Productions said: “With all the new regulations, and with the new focus of the government on movie production, I think we’ll see a huge increase in production in Saudi Arabia over the next five years.”




The market for quality film content is being driven in Saudi Arabia by the opening of new cinema theaters. (AFP)

The key word for now is “patience.” If there is one message young Saudi filmmakers wish to convey to potential investors, it is that film production is not a rapid-profit, quick-turnaround business.
A full-length feature film can require several years from conception to release, and rushing that process could undermine the quality of the final product.
But with the opening of hundreds of cinemas across the Kingdom, active government support, ample public and private funds, new distribution channels and a talented and ambitious cadre of young filmmakers, the future is looking bright for Saudi Arabia’s film industry.

From being a distant outlier, it appears not long before Saudi Arabia becomes a major player in this sector.


How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

Updated 02 May 2025
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How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

  • AI tools help students with disabilities through speech-to-text, adaptive interfaces, and screen-reading technologies
  • Educators’ roles are evolving as AI handles tasks like grading and performance tracking, freeing teachers to focus on mentoring

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with its Vision 2030 initiative, artificial intelligence is becoming a cornerstone of its education reform.

Across the Kingdom, AI technologies are reshaping classrooms — personalizing learning, streamlining administration and helping students of all abilities engage with their studies in new ways.

“AI technology has significantly changed the way many students, including myself, approach studying and managing coursework,” Abdullah Mohammed, a law student at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News.

“Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible.”

While Mohammed said AI tools have enhanced his learning experience, he also acknowledged the need for caution.

“Some AI tools provide quick solutions without much depth, so if I’m not careful, I might miss the critical thinking part of the learning process,” he said.

Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible, observers Saudi law student Abdullah Mohammed,. (Reuters photo)

Ultimately, however, Mohammed said he is confident AI has better prepared him for the job market.

The strategic alignment between AI and Vision 2030 is clear, according to Abdulrahman Al-Motrif, professor of information technology and educational computing at King Saud University.

“AI supports the goals of Vision 2030 by enabling personalized learning, optimizing resource management and facilitating access to quality education regardless of geographic location,” he told Arab News.

“AI systems can analyze student performance in real-time, allowing educators to tailor instruction to individual learning needs, thereby enhancing student outcomes and supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to cultivate a future-ready workforce.”

Al-Motrif also highlighted AI’s role in promoting inclusive education.

“AI reinforces Vision 2030’s emphasis on equity, accessibility, and lifelong learning by reaching remote communities and students with special needs,” he said.

This demonstrates AI’s impact not just as a technological innovation, but also as a powerful force for social transformation.

Leading platforms like Alef Education and Classera are already putting this vision into practice. Using real-time analytics, they adapt content to each student’s learning style, proficiency and pace.

Classera platform offers a gamified Learning Management System (LMS) app called C-Kids for kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils. (Classer illustration image)

A study by Alef Education found that students using AI-enhanced platforms achieved a 25 percent improvement in academic performance over just one semester — strong evidence of AI’s ability to boost outcomes through personalized learning.

Crucially, AI is helping make education more accessible. In Saudi Arabia’s diverse learning landscape, tools such as speech-to-text software, adaptive interfaces and real-time assessments are opening doors for students with disabilities.

At King Saud University, collaborations with AI developers have produced tools for visually impaired students, converting written content into audio and using advanced screen-reading technology.

“AI has transformed the learning environment into a more interactive and engaging space,” said Al-Motrif. “Gamified learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems provide immediate feedback and customized challenges.”

These innovations not only enhance academic performance, but also spark motivation and sustained engagement among learners.

AI is also streamlining back-end operations. Platforms like Madrasati now use AI to monitor attendance, track engagement and assess academic progress, freeing educators to focus more on teaching and mentoring.

Yet AI is not replacing teachers — it is redefining their roles.

“In AI-supported classrooms, educators serve as facilitators, mentors and human connectors in an increasingly digital ecosystem, using AI-generated insights to identify learning gaps,” said Al-Motrif.

A book issued by UNESCO cited the success of “Madrasati” as a globally innovative and distinguished educational model during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Madrasati illustration image)

Still, challenges remain. One significant obstacle is the shortage of Arabic-language content online — making up only 1.2 percent of global digital resources — which limits the effectiveness of AI systems trained on data-rich environments.

To fully realize AI’s benefits, Saudi Arabia must invest in digitizing traditional materials, promoting Arabic content creation and partnering with AI firms to develop language-specific algorithms.

Some institutions are already leading the way. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and King Abdulaziz University have adopted AI-powered systems to personalize instruction and track student performance, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

These successes show that AI is not merely a technological upgrade — it is a catalyst for reimagining education.

Photo: Pexel/Pavel Danilyuk

By leveraging AI thoughtfully, Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality, personalized and inclusive education while advancing its Vision 2030 goals.

But achieving this future will require more than just technology. It will demand investment, collaboration and a commitment to ensuring that innovation, pedagogy and policy move forward together.

With sustained effort, AI could become the foundation of a dynamic, future-ready education system — one that prepares all learners for the opportunities of the digital age.
 

 


Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Riyadh on Thursday.
Updated 01 May 2025
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Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo and the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy Jorge Montero in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, Saudi-Peruvian relations, aspects of joint cooperation in various fields, and a number of international issues of common interest were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.


Cameroon joins Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition

Updated 01 May 2025
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Cameroon joins Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition

  • Cameroon becomes 43rd member state of the Saudi-led coalition

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition announced that Cameroon has officially joined, becoming the 43rd member state of the coalition, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The step underscores a growing commitment to combating terrorism and fostering regional and international security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.  

The announcement was made during an official ceremony at the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh, where the flag of Cameroon was raised alongside the flags of the 42 member states; a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity in the fight against terrorism.

The event was attended by Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, acting secretary-general of the IMCTC, Iya Tidjani, Cameroon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the Cameroonian representative to the coalition, a delegation from Cameroon’s embassy, and representatives of member states.

Al-Moghedi welcomed Cameroon’s admission to the coalition, describing it as a significant step that strengthens joint efforts to combat terrorism and enhances coordination and integration in the intellectual, media, financial, and military fields.


Makkah Municipality approves 3,149 housing permits for Hajj

Updated 01 May 2025
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Makkah Municipality approves 3,149 housing permits for Hajj

  • This step comes as part of the ongoing efforts to provide pilgrims with a safe and comfortable housing environment

MAKKAH: Makkah Municipality approved 3,149 official housing permits for this year’s Hajj season, following the completion of all required technical and regulatory conditions.

This step comes as part of the ongoing efforts to provide pilgrims with a safe and comfortable housing environment.

The municipality said that the main technical and regulatory requirements include: ensuring compliance with building permits and approved architectural plans; reviewing safety reports, emergency staircases and generators; verifying maintenance contracts and training workers on safety standards; reviewing and approving the establishment’s records and ensuring their consistency with aerial photographs; and fully complying with safety forms among others. 

Makkah officials continue efforts to ensure the highest degrees of technical and regulatory readiness to provide the best possible experience during this year’s pilgrimage.


6,000 Qur’an copies distributed at Tunisia Book Fair

Updated 01 May 2025
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6,000 Qur’an copies distributed at Tunisia Book Fair

  • At the Kingdom’s pavilion, visitors can browse an extensive collection from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, including translations of Qur'anic meanings and editions in different narrations and formats

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has distributed more than 6,000 copies of the Qur’an to visitors at the 39th Tunisia International Book Fair.

The distribution began when the fair started on April 25, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The fair will run until May 4. 

At the Kingdom’s pavilion, visitors can browse an extensive collection from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, including translations of Qur'anic meanings and editions in different narrations and formats.

Visitors to the pavilion can also experience a range of interactive electronic applications that provide educational content and religious services.

Among the highlights are a 3D Hajj and Umrah application, a correct citation application, and virtual reality experiences that offer immersive tours of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

The ministry’s participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serve the Qur’an and support Islam and Muslims worldwide.