Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has attracted more than 120m visitors since, 2019.
Highlight events included all-star football matches, restaurant openings, cultural events and more than 1,380 music concerts.
Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al Al Sheikh, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Advisor at the Royal Court announced the figures, reporting data from 2019 until the first quarter of 2023.
Entertainment in Saudi Arabia
Al Sheikh said that the record number comes as a culmination of support from Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the emerging sector.
Al Sheikh said that among what the GEA has achieved during this period were organizing the largest Holy Quran and Azan competition in the world, and issuing 11,136 licenses for various entertainment and support activities after the launch of the New Licensing System in 2019 for nine entertainment and support activities.
In addition, 470 entertainment destinations have been licensed in more than 42 cities and governorates in the Kingdom, and more than 1,402 restaurants have been licensed in 50 cities and governorates in the Kingdom with more than 3,728 permits, as well as licensing more than 3,738 establishments in the areas of recreational and support activities.
Al-Sheikh said that the activities amounted to 8,732 during the aforementioned period, including activities, entertainment shows, and live performances in restaurants and cafes.
He also pointed out that the number of days of events reached more than 76 thousand days, including more than 1,381 concerts.
Moreover, more than 82 plays were held during the same period, with more than 350 theatrical performances, and more than 6,610 talented performers were enabled to participate in events and live shows in restaurants and cafes in addition to holding one of the most prominent art festivals interested in the entertainment industry (Joy Awards) in three editions.
This came along with organising one of the most important festivals in the world for playing the oud (Oud Festival), with unprecedented prizes in three editions, in addition to a major chess tournament and two baloot tournaments.
In terms of football, the Super Classico Championship was held between Brazil and Argentina, the Maradona Cup between Barcelona and Boca Juniors, and the Riyadh Season Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against stars of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
The GEA also organized the Beauty Competition for Arabian Horses and more than 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars, jewellery and others.
Al Sheikh said the authority’s sponsorship of many television shows and series, including the “Ramez” pranks show, the “Tash Ma Tash” series, the “Saudi Idol” talent show, and the “Bodyguard” play, in addition to holding more than 12 poetry evenings, and organizing more than five WWE shows.
The largest and most modern worldwide “Merwas” art and entertainment factory has also been established for music recording, podcasting and cinematography, and includes 22 studios in one building, which is certified as the best studio in the world by Guinness World Records.
Al Sheikh pointed out that the GEA has obtained several Guinness World Records certificates, which contributed to the creation of a large number of direct and indirect jobs.