NEOM Media, Hakawati Partner to Produce Nine Films

NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment have announced a strategic partnership to produce up to nine feature films and establish a world-class production services division in NEOM, in a move set to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry on the global creative stage. The agreement, announced by NEOM on December 10, 2024, brings together NEOM Media’s cutting-edge production infrastructure with Hakawati Entertainment’s deep expertise as a leading Saudi-based film, television, and literary management company. Under the deal, all future NEOM productions will be localized, with two feature films already scheduled to enter production in the first half of 2025. The partnership represents one of the most significant commitments to date in the Kingdom’s fast-expanding media and entertainment sector, and signals growing international confidence in NEOM as a premier destination for film and content creation.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global hub for creative industries under Vision 2030, the national transformation program championed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With its combination of high-end soundstages, diverse shooting locations, and extensive production support, NEOM Media has rapidly emerged as a prominent production destination in the region. By joining forces with Hakawati Entertainment, NEOM is not only expanding its production pipeline but also deepening its commitment to nurturing Saudi talent and building a self-sustaining creative ecosystem. The partnership reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambition to diversify its economy, create jobs for young Saudis, and establish a media industry that can compete on the world stage.

Context and Background

How did NEOM Media become one of the region’s most talked-about production destinations in such a short time? Since its launch, NEOM Media has invested heavily in world-class infrastructure, including state-of-the-art soundstages, a wide range of natural and constructed shooting locations, and comprehensive production support services. These assets have attracted both regional and international productions, helping to establish NEOM as a credible alternative to established film hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia. The partnership with Hakawati Entertainment builds on this momentum, adding a proven Saudi creative partner with a strong track record in film, television, and literary management.

Hakawati Entertainment is a leading Saudi-based company that has been instrumental in developing content for the Kingdom’s growing entertainment market. Its decision to establish an operational presence within NEOM’s media hub, including a best-in-class production services division, underscores the confidence that Saudi companies have in NEOM’s vision. The division will be supported by experienced Hollywood-level talent and significant financial investment, combining the expertise of various suppliers and creatives while leveraging Hakawati’s extensive network across the Kingdom. This collaboration is expected to streamline project execution, elevate filmmaking standards, and create a more integrated production ecosystem.

The timing of the announcement is significant. Saudi Arabia’s film industry has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the reopening of cinemas in 2018, the establishment of the Saudi Film Commission, and a surge in local and regional productions. International interest in Saudi Arabia as a filming location has also increased, thanks to the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, modern facilities, and generous production incentives. By partnering with Hakawati, NEOM Media is positioning itself at the center of this boom, ready to capture a larger share of the global production market while contributing to the development of a vibrant Saudi creative economy.

Key Details

What exactly does the partnership entail, and how will it unfold over the coming months? According to the NEOM press release, a pipeline of nine productions has already been identified for potential filming at NEOM Media, with two features set to go into production in the first half of 2025. Additional projects are under review, reinforcing NEOM’s position as a prominent destination for film and content creation in the Kingdom. The collaboration will localize all future NEOM productions, meaning that more of the creative and technical work will be carried out within Saudi Arabia, benefiting local talent and businesses.

Hakawati Entertainment plans to establish an operational presence within NEOM’s growing media hub by creating a production services division designed to meet the needs of international, regional, and local productions. This division, supported by experienced Hollywood-level talent and significant financial investment, will bring together various talent and supplier expertise, leveraging Hakawati’s network across the Kingdom. The goal is to provide a one-stop shop for productions, from pre-production through post-production, while maintaining the highest international standards.

NEOM Sector Head of Entertainment, Culture, and Media Michael Lynch said: “This partnership with Hakawati marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s media industry. NEOM Media has rapidly become a prominent production destination in the region, offering state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional support, and a skilled workforce. This collaboration reinforces our position as a center for innovation and growth, reflecting the industry’s confidence in our vision. Together, we are poised to unlock significant opportunities, drive the Kingdom’s creative ambitions forward, and establish a world-class media ecosystem.”

Hakawati Chief Executive Officer Osama Al Khurayji said: “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with NEOM, a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at accelerating the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry. While film and television production remain at the heart of our business, this partnership goes beyond content creation. Together with NEOM, we are committed to building a sustainable, world-class filmmaking ecosystem that will not only support our industry’s expansion but also contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision of becoming a global leader in entertainment and media. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to fostering creativity, innovation and long-term success in the region’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.”

Talent Development and Training

How will the partnership help develop the next generation of Saudi filmmakers and crew? A central pillar of the collaboration is a strong focus on talent development through multidisciplinary programs and workshops. These initiatives will provide intensive training, shadowing opportunities, and job placements for local and international media markets. By connecting local talent with opportunities at NEOM Media, the partnership aims to help the sector evolve into a creative industries hub while streamlining project execution and elevating the region’s filmmaking standards.

A Hakawati community will be established at NEOM in early 2025, in collaboration with NEOM Media’s Industry Learning Department, to support talent development. Moreover, a working group will identify and implement at least three new training programs by the end of 2025, ensuring continuous opportunities for creative Saudis. This structured approach to skills development is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of talent that can support not only NEOM’s productions but also the wider Saudi media industry.

The emphasis on training and job placement reflects a broader recognition that a thriving film industry requires more than just infrastructure and investment; it requires people with the right skills and experience. By partnering with Hakawati, NEOM Media is tapping into a network that understands the Saudi market and can help bridge the gap between local talent and international production standards. This is expected to create new career pathways for young Saudis in fields such as cinematography, sound engineering, production design, and post-production.

International and Regional Impact

What does this partnership mean for the wider Middle East and for international producers looking for new locations? The collaboration between NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment is likely to have significant implications for the regional film industry. By offering a comprehensive package of facilities, services, and incentives, NEOM is positioning itself as a compelling alternative to traditional production hubs. This could attract more international productions to Saudi Arabia, bringing with them economic benefits, cultural exchange, and opportunities for local talent.

For the Middle East, the partnership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the creative economy. As other countries in the region also invest in media and entertainment, Saudi Arabia’s ability to offer world-class infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem gives it a competitive edge. The involvement of Hollywood-level talent in the production services division signals that NEOM is serious about meeting international standards, which could lead to more co-productions and partnerships with global studios.

Regionally, the partnership could also stimulate collaboration across the Gulf, as productions shot in NEOM may draw on talent and services from neighboring countries. This would further integrate the region’s creative industries and enhance its collective ability to compete on the global stage.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why does this partnership matter for Saudi Arabia’s economy and strategic goals? The media and entertainment sector is a key pillar of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from oil and create new opportunities for its young population. By attracting productions, NEOM Media and Hakawati are contributing to the growth of a knowledge-based economy, generating jobs, and stimulating ancillary industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.

The partnership also has strategic value in terms of soft power. Films and television shows produced in Saudi Arabia can showcase the Kingdom’s culture, landscapes, and modern achievements to global audiences, helping to shape perceptions and foster cultural understanding. As Saudi Arabia continues to open up to the world, its media industry can serve as a bridge between the Kingdom and international audiences.

Furthermore, the establishment of a production services division within NEOM will help retain spending within the Kingdom, as more production budgets are spent locally rather than abroad. This contributes to the development of a self-reliant industry that can sustain itself over the long term. The significant financial investment and Hollywood expertise brought in by Hakawati are expected to accelerate this process.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this partnership fit into Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision? Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for entertainment, culture, and media. The NEOM Media–Hakawati partnership directly supports these objectives by expanding production capacity, developing local talent, and attracting international attention. It also aligns with the broader goals of economic diversification, job creation, and the enhancement of the Kingdom’s international standing.

As NEOM continues to grow as a center for innovation and creativity, partnerships like this one demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to building a sustainable and world-class media ecosystem. With two films already set to go into production in 2025 and a pipeline of nine projects identified, the partnership is poised to deliver tangible results in the near term. In the longer term, it will contribute to the emergence of a vibrant Saudi film industry that can tell stories that resonate locally and globally.

Can Saudi Arabia become a global leader in entertainment and media? With strategic investments, international partnerships, and a clear focus on talent development, the Kingdom is laying the foundation for exactly that. The NEOM Media–Hakawati collaboration is a significant step forward, and it reflects the confidence that both Saudi and international players have in the future of the Kingdom’s creative economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the partnership between NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment?

A1. NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment have announced a strategic partnership to produce up to nine feature films and establish a world-class production services division in NEOM, aimed at accelerating the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry.

Q2. When was the partnership announced?

A2. The partnership was announced on December 10, 2024, according to a NEOM press release issued via the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. How many films are planned under this partnership?

A3. A pipeline of nine productions has been identified for potential filming at NEOM Media, with two features set to go into production in the first half of 2025.

Q4. What is Hakawati Entertainment?

A4. Hakawati Entertainment is a leading Saudi-based film, television, and literary management company with a strong track record in content creation and talent management.

Q5. What will the production services division do?

A5. The division will meet the needs of international, regional, and local productions by providing comprehensive production support, leveraging Hollywood-level talent and significant financial investment.

Q6. Who is Michael Lynch?

A6. Michael Lynch is the NEOM Sector Head of Entertainment, Culture, and Media. He described the partnership as an important milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s media industry.

Q7. Who is Osama Al Khurayji?

A7. Osama Al Khurayji is the Chief Executive Officer of Hakawati Entertainment. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its role in building a sustainable filmmaking ecosystem.

Q8. What infrastructure does NEOM Media offer?

A8. NEOM Media offers high-end soundstages, diverse shooting locations, and extensive production support, making it a prominent production destination in the region.

Q9. How will the partnership support Saudi talent?

A9. The partnership will develop Saudi talent through multidisciplinary programs, workshops, intensive training, shadowing opportunities, and job placements for local and international media markets.

Q10. What is the Hakawati community at NEOM?

A10. A Hakawati community will be established at NEOM in early 2025, in collaboration with NEOM Media’s Industry Learning Department, to support talent development and creative exchange.

Q11. How many training programs will be implemented by the end of 2025?

A11. A working group will identify and implement at least three new training programs by the end of 2025, ensuring continuous opportunities for creative Saudis.

Q12. What does localization of productions mean?

A12. Localization means that all future NEOM productions will be carried out within Saudi Arabia, benefiting local talent, suppliers, and the broader creative economy.

Q13. How does this partnership align with Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 by expanding production capacity, developing local talent, attracting international attention, and contributing to economic diversification and job creation.

Q14. What impact will this have on the regional film industry?

A14. It will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in the creative economy, attract more international productions, and stimulate collaboration across the Gulf region.

Q15. What economic benefits are expected?

A15. The partnership is expected to generate jobs, stimulate ancillary industries like tourism and hospitality, and retain production spending within the Kingdom.

Q16. How does this partnership enhance Saudi Arabia’s soft power?

A16. Films and TV shows produced in Saudi Arabia can showcase the Kingdom’s culture and modern achievements to global audiences, fostering cultural understanding and shaping perceptions.

Q17. What is NEOM Media’s role in the Saudi film industry?

A17. NEOM Media provides state-of-the-art facilities and support services, positioning itself as a center for innovation and growth in the Kingdom’s media sector.

Q18. Will international productions be able to use the new division?

A18. Yes, the production services division is designed to meet the needs of international, regional, and local productions, offering a comprehensive range of services.

Q19. What is the significance of Hollywood-level talent in this partnership?

A19. It ensures that productions meet international standards, enhances the quality of content created in NEOM, and signals confidence in the Kingdom’s media ecosystem.

Q20. What are the next steps for the partnership?

A20. The next steps include starting production on two features in the first half of 2025, establishing the Hakawati community, and implementing new training programs by the end of 2025.