The Saudi Film Commission released the second edition of the Saudi Film Industry Yearbook on November 3, 2026, reporting that Saudi film revenues doubled from SAR56.48 million in 2024 to SAR122.61 million in 2025. The 2025 yearbook, announced in Riyadh via the Saudi Press Agency, tracks more than 100 indicators across the entire film value chain, from talent development and infrastructure to incentives, funding and box office performance. It is positioned as a key reference for filmmakers, investors and researchers seeking reliable data on the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding cinema sector.
Could this data-driven approach become the model for other creative industries in the region? The report reveals that Saudi films raised their market share from 7 percent to more than 13 percent, while total box office revenues reached SAR920.81 million from 18.77 million tickets sold, keeping Saudi Arabia at the top of cinema markets in the Middle East and North Africa. The yearbook’s release underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based policymaking as the sector transitions from an establishment phase to one of sustainable growth.
Context and Background
How did Saudi Arabia’s film industry evolve from a nascent sector to a regional powerhouse in just a few years? The Saudi Film Commission, established in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Culture, has been instrumental in building the regulatory and infrastructural foundations for a thriving film ecosystem. The first edition of the yearbook, covering 2024, provided a baseline for measuring progress. The second edition, covering 2025, now offers a comparative view that highlights accelerating momentum across production, exhibition and talent development.
The yearbook’s more than 100 indicators span the entire value chain, including talent development, infrastructure, incentives, funding and box office performance. This comprehensive approach allows stakeholders to identify strengths and gaps, and to make informed decisions. Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, described the report as “an extension of the Commission’s commitment to strengthening transparency and making data accessible as a cornerstone of industry growth and sustainability.” He added that this year’s indicators “demonstrate the film industry’s transition from an establishment phase to one of sustainable growth.”
What does this transition mean for the broader creative economy? It signals that Saudi Arabia is not only investing in film as a cultural pursuit but also as an economic driver. The yearbook’s findings align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying revenue streams, creating jobs and fostering a vibrant cultural sector. By publishing detailed performance metrics, the Commission is encouraging private sector participation and international collaboration, both of which are essential for long-term sustainability.
Key Details from the 2025 Yearbook
What specific metrics demonstrate the industry’s growth? The yearbook reports that Saudi film revenues doubled from SAR56.48 million in 2024 to SAR122.61 million in 2025, raising their market share from 7 percent to more than 13 percent. Total box office revenues reached SAR920.81 million from 18.77 million tickets sold, maintaining Saudi Arabia’s position as the leading cinema market in the Middle East and North Africa. These figures reflect not only increased audience demand but also a growing preference for locally produced content.
On the production side, spending supported by incentive and funding programs reached approximately SAR291.47 million across 52 projects in 2025. The number of production companies operating in Saudi Arabia rose to 179, up from 65 the previous year, while total available studio space reached around 118,000 square meters. This expansion in infrastructure and corporate presence indicates a maturing ecosystem capable of supporting larger and more complex productions.
In talent development, more than 6,800 trainees benefited from film training programs during the year, and the National Film Archive preserved over 83,000 items. Internationally, the Commission participated in 18 international film festivals and events and signed a strategic partnership with the Korean Film Council. Saudi films won more than 17 local and international awards, 12 of which went to films supported by the Commission’s incentive program. Among them is “Hijra” by director Shahad Ameen, which won five awards, most notably the NETPAC Award at the Venice International Film Festival, and represented Saudi Arabia in the race for the 2026 Academy Awards.
International and Regional Impact
How is Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global film hub? The Commission’s participation in 18 international film festivals and events, along with the strategic partnership with the Korean Film Council, demonstrates a proactive approach to international engagement. These efforts facilitate knowledge exchange, co-productions and market access for Saudi filmmakers. The partnership with Korea, a global leader in cinema, is particularly significant as it opens doors for technical collaboration and cross-cultural storytelling.
The success of Saudi films at international festivals, including “Hijra” by Shahad Ameen, enhances the Kingdom’s cultural diplomacy. By supporting films that resonate globally, Saudi Arabia is showcasing its creative talent and narratives to a worldwide audience. This not only boosts the industry’s reputation but also attracts foreign investment and tourism, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives of increasing international engagement and economic diversification.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s dominance in box office revenues reinforces its role as a cultural and economic leader in the Middle East and North Africa. The Kingdom’s investment in cinema infrastructure, including state-of-the-art studios and theaters, sets a benchmark for neighboring countries. As the region’s film market continues to grow, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to serve as a hub for production, distribution and exhibition, driving regional collaboration and competition.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic benefits does a thriving film industry bring to Saudi Arabia? The doubling of Saudi film revenues and the increase in market share directly contribute to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product and create employment opportunities across the value chain. The rise in production companies from 65 to 179 and the expansion of studio space to 118,000 square meters indicate growing private sector confidence and job creation in fields such as production, post-production, marketing and distribution.
Moreover, the SAR291.47 million in production spending supported by incentive programs stimulates ancillary sectors such as hospitality, transportation and equipment rental. The yearbook’s data on ticket sales—18.77 million—highlights the popularity of cinema as a leisure activity, which supports the broader entertainment and tourism sectors. By fostering a self-sustaining film ecosystem, Saudi Arabia is reducing its dependence on oil revenues and building a knowledge-based economy.
Strategically, a robust film industry enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power and cultural influence. Films serve as ambassadors of Saudi culture and values, promoting understanding and dialogue internationally. The Commission’s focus on data transparency and accountability further strengthens investor confidence, making the Kingdom an attractive destination for film financing and partnerships. This strategic approach aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of transforming Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the film industry contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? The yearbook’s findings directly support several Vision 2030 objectives, including economic diversification, cultural enrichment and international engagement. By nurturing a vibrant film sector, the Kingdom is creating new economic opportunities, fostering national pride and showcasing Saudi creativity to the world. The Commission’s efforts to develop talent, preserve cultural heritage through the National Film Archive and promote Saudi films internationally are all integral to the Vision’s cultural and economic pillars.
The transition from an establishment phase to sustainable growth, as highlighted by CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani, reflects the Vision’s emphasis on long-term planning and resilience. The strategic partnership with the Korean Film Council and participation in global festivals demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its film industry, it is not only building a dynamic creative economy but also reinforcing its role as a leader in the region and beyond. The Saudi Film Industry Yearbook 2025 serves as both a record of progress and a roadmap for future achievements, underscoring the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to realizing Vision 2030.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Saudi Film Industry Yearbook 2025?
A1. It is the second edition of an annual report released by the Saudi Film Commission, tracking the film sector’s performance through over 100 indicators across the value chain, serving as a reference for filmmakers, investors and researchers.
Q2. When was the Saudi Film Industry Yearbook 2025 released?
A2. The Saudi Film Commission released the yearbook on November 3, 2026, in Riyadh, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q3. Who is the CEO of the Saudi Film Commission?
A3. Abdullah Al-Qahtani serves as the CEO of the Saudi Film Commission. He emphasized the report’s role in enhancing transparency and data accessibility for industry growth.
Q4. How much did Saudi film revenues grow in 2025?
A4. Saudi film revenues doubled from SAR56.48 million in 2024 to SAR122.61 million in 2025, increasing their market share from 7 percent to more than 13 percent.
Q5. What were the total box office revenues in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
A5. Total box office revenues reached SAR920.81 million from 18.77 million tickets sold, keeping Saudi Arabia at the top of cinema markets in the Middle East and North Africa.
Q6. How many production companies operated in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
A6. The number of production companies rose to 179 in 2025, compared with 65 the previous year, indicating significant growth in the private sector’s involvement in film production.
Q7. What is the total available studio space in Saudi Arabia?
A7. Total available studio space reached approximately 118,000 square meters in 2025, supporting larger and more complex film productions.
Q8. How many trainees benefited from film training programs?
A8. More than 6,800 trainees benefited from film training programs during 2025, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to talent development.
Q9. What is the National Film Archive and how many items does it preserve?
A9. The National Film Archive preserves Saudi Arabia’s cinematic heritage. By 2025, it had preserved over 83,000 items, ensuring the legacy of Saudi film for future generations.
Q10. How many international film festivals did the Commission participate in?
A10. The Saudi Film Commission took part in 18 international film festivals and events in 2025, promoting Saudi cinema globally and fostering international partnerships.
Q11. What strategic partnership did the Commission sign?
A11. The Commission signed a strategic partnership with the Korean Film Council, aimed at collaboration in film production, technology and cultural exchange.
Q12. How many awards did Saudi films win in 2025?
A12. Saudi films won more than 17 local and international awards in 2025, with 12 going to films supported by the Commission’s incentive program.
Q13. Which Saudi film won five awards and represented Saudi Arabia at the Oscars?
A13. “Hijra” by director Shahad Ameen won five awards, including the NETPAC Award at the Venice International Film Festival, and represented Saudi Arabia in the race for the 2026 Academy Awards.
Q14. What is the significance of the incentive and funding programs?
A14. Production spending supported by incentive and funding programs reached around SAR291.47 million across 52 projects in 2025, stimulating growth and attracting investment.
Q15. How does the yearbook support transparency?
A15. The yearbook provides over 100 indicators, making data accessible to stakeholders. This transparency is a cornerstone of industry growth and sustainability, as stated by CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani.
Q16. What does the transition from establishment to sustainable growth mean?
A16. It means the Saudi film industry has moved beyond initial development to a phase of consistent, self-sustaining expansion, driven by infrastructure, talent and market demand.
Q17. Where can the full report be accessed?
A17. The full Saudi Film Industry Yearbook 2025 is available on the Saudi Film Commission’s website, providing detailed data for filmmakers, investors and researchers.
Q18. How does the film industry align with Vision 2030?
A18. It supports economic diversification, job creation, cultural enrichment and international engagement, all key pillars of Vision 2030.
Q19. What impact does the film industry have on the regional market?
A19. Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East and North Africa in box office revenues, setting a benchmark and fostering regional collaboration and competition.
Q20. What future prospects does the yearbook suggest for Saudi cinema?
A20. The yearbook indicates a trajectory of sustainable growth, with expanding infrastructure, talent and international recognition, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global film hub.
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