RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched a new digital platform through the Saudi Business Center to streamline key entertainment services. The platform aims to simplify processes for entrepreneurs and companies, enhancing business activity and investment in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing entertainment sector, according to a post on X.
The initiative, which began on August 11, focuses initially on essential services, including licenses for entertainment facilities, talent management, and crowd management certifications. These services are designed to help businesses operate more efficiently and adapt to the Kingdom’s evolving entertainment landscape.
The GEA plans to expand the platform’s offerings in future phases, introducing additional licenses and support mechanisms. This phased approach reflects the GEA’s commitment to nurturing the entertainment sector, a vital component of Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
By integrating services with the Saudi Business Center, the GEA seeks to streamline procedures for investors and enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors. The authority currently issues licenses for entertainment centers, facilities, ticket sales, talent management, crowd organization, and various entertainment events and shows.
In the second quarter of 2024, the GEA reported a significant increase in both visitor numbers and licensing activities. Over 16 million visitors attended various events, marking a 130 percent rise from the 7 million visitors recorded in the same period in 2023. Licensing activity also grew by 7.3 percent, with 1,529 licenses issued compared to 1,425 in the second quarter of the previous year.
Most of the new licenses were for live shows in restaurants and cafes, totaling 523. This was followed by 433 licenses for entertainment events, 322 for entertainment shows, 93 for entertainment cities, and 60 for crowd management. Additionally, the number of licensed entertainment destinations reached 97 in the second quarter of 2024.
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increased government investment and rising demand for both local and international entertainment options. As of 2024, the Saudi entertainment and amusement market is valued at approximately $2.55 billion, with projections to grow to $4.20 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.44 percent, according to Oxford Business Group.
By 2030, the broader entertainment sector is expected to reach an estimated $1.17 billion, demonstrating an annual growth rate of 47.65 percent. This growth is driven by numerous entertainment projects, including major developments like the Qiddiya entertainment city in Riyadh, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading entertainment hub in the region and attracting significant local and international investments.
