Saudis aim for global film leadership, sign nine movie deals

Saudi Arabia has set its sights on becoming a global leader in the film industry. As part of this ambitious goal, two Saudi entities, Neom Media Hub and Hakawati Entertainment, have signed an agreement to produce nine films and introduce a state-of-the-art production service aimed at supporting high-budget Hollywood productions.

Building a global entertainment hub

The partnership seeks to position Saudi Arabia's film industry on the global stage by leveraging the advanced facilities of Neom, a futuristic city that has become a sought-after filming location. This collaboration also emphasises skill development in showbiz, including the establishment of a Hakawati Community in Neom by 2025. This community will focus on fostering connections with global arts and cultures while boosting Saudi Arabia's entertainment trade.

Michael Lynch, Head of Entertainment at Neom, emphasised the initiative's significance: "This partnership with Hakawati is an important step in developing Saudi Arabia's media industry. It will help establish a world-class media hub in the country."

Hakawati CEO Osama Alkhuraisi echoed this sentiment, saying: "This move will help build a robust film production ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and position the nation as a leader in the global entertainment industry."

Saudi Arabia's film-friendly features

Neom has already gained recognition as a premium filming destination. The $150 million action thriller Desert Warrior, starring Anthony Mackie of Falcon and Captain America fame, was recently shot there. Other major productions include Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki and MBC Studios’ fantasy series Rise of the Witches.

Saudi Arabia’s incentives for filmmakers include a generous cash rebate program of over 40% and access to Neom's cutting-edge production facilities.

Hakawati's growing influence

Hakawati Entertainment, founded in 2020 by Saudi entrepreneurs and film experts, is led by renowned filmmaker Osama Alkhuraisi. The company has already made its mark by producing critically acclaimed Saudi films and series such as Urim, Khurais, and Kut.

Future productions and global ambitions

According to Variety, the first two films under the new partnership will begin production next year. By utilizing Neom's resources and leveraging Saudi Arabia's supportive policies for the film industry, these projects are expected to attract international attention.

Through such initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to redefine its entertainment sector, bridging local talent with global markets while cementing its place as a major player in the world film industry.