How Saudi Arabia is Shaping the MENA Film Landscape.

If there’s one thing clear in 2025, it’s that Saudi Arabia’s cinematic ambitions have become a catalyst for regional change. Since reopening its cinemas in 2018, the Kingdom has rapidly grown to become a major player. As of 2024, it reported 630 screens across 64 cinemas nationwide.

The pace of growth remains impressive: the cinema sector in 2024 generated SR 845.6 million ($225.4 million) in revenue and sold approximately 17.5 million tickets, according to the Saudi Film Commission. Although slightly lower than peak years, the stability and infrastructure build-out are what matter.

For distributors and producers, Saudi Arabia’s move isn’t just about numbers—it’s rewriting the regional strategy. More screens mean greater capacity, broader programming, and stronger competition for audience attention. In Saudi cinemas, US films still dominate about 60% of market share, but regional productions from Egypt and Saudi Arabia now account for roughly a third of the slate.

Saudi Arabia’s strategy goes beyond just exhibition. Investment in production, studio infrastructure and incentives are accelerating. For example, the Cultural Development Fund and other backers rebranded the Saudi Film Fund as Riviera Content, with fresh investments of SR 32.5 million ($8.7 million) announced in 2025. The Kingdom’s aim is clear: to produce films not just for local consumption, but for export and global collaboration.

This push isn’t happening in isolation. The entire MENA region is on the move. Cinema infrastructure is expanding, market forecasts point to doubling potential by the early 2030s, and the ripple effect is real. For distributors, this means one thing: when one market shifts, the whole ecosystem accelerates. More screens, more content needs, more opportunities for localized storytelling—and strategic distribution become more critical than ever.

Saudi Arabia may have thrown the first big rock in the pond, but now the ripples are reaching every corner of MENA. And for those of us involved in distribution, production and exhibition—it’s a moment to lean in, understand the dynamics and ride the wave.

Distribution Manager - Bassam

Sources:
"Saudi film industry is rolling out at the red carpet” - July, 20, 2025
AGBI News