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Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector surges as Platinumlist marks decade of massive growth
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with its market projected to reach $4.63 billion by 2030. Platinumlist, the premier ticketing platform operating across the Middle East, has released a new report detailing a decade of change in Saudi Arabia's event landscape – highlighting evolving consumer behavior, digitalization and the rise of immersive formats. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. Fueled by Vision 2030 and the General Entertainment Authority's push for private-sector participation, more than 3,700 businesses are now engaged in the Kingdom's entertainment industry. Platinumlist, which opened its first office in Saudi Arabia ten years ago, said it has invested $27.9 million in technology and local talent since entering the market. 'Vision 2030 and its initiatives have been instrumental in transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism industry in all sectors, such as Sport, entertainment, and business sectors,' Moayad Qudus, Senior Business Development Manager at Platinumlist, told Al Arabiya English. From concerts to culture hubs Public events in Saudi Arabia have evolved far beyond the Arabic pop concerts that dominated the market in 2016 and 2017, according to Platinumlist. Today, no single category leads, with experiential formats such as immersive zones and seasonal festivals accounting for 24 percent of events, followed by Arabic music and concerts (23 percent), family content (13 percent), youth-focused segments (13 percent), and business conferences (3 percent). Flagship events like Formula 1, Riyadh Season's Winter Wonderland, and the Diriyah Biennale have helped elevate the Kingdom's global profile, while inbound tourist spending reached approximately $40.95 billion in 2024, the platform highlighted in its report. Immersive tech and entertainment destinations Saudi Arabia is moving beyond individual events to create multi-purpose entertainment destinations, Platinumlist's report revealed. Locations like Qiddiya and AlUla blend music, art, and outdoor experiences into a single venue. Digital innovation – including AI-driven personalization, AR/VR integration, and smart crowd control – is now standard. 'The integration of culture, creativity, and cutting-edge tech is shaping once-in-a-lifetime experiences that define Saudi's unique entertainment identity,' Qudus said. 'By opening the market to private investment and building world-class venues across the Kingdom, these programs have driven growth and diversity in the entertainment sector,' he told Al Arabiya English. 'Looking ahead, continued public–private collaboration and a focus on immersive, technology-driven experiences will further reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a global entertainment hub.' Shifting consumer habits Consumer habits have also shifted sharply in recent years, according to Platinumlist. In 2017, 73 percent of buyers planned events weeks in advance. Today, 31 percent purchase tickets just hours or days ahead, with mobile transactions now representing over 70 percent of all sales. Saudi Arabia was the first GCC country to implement mobile ticketing with dynamic QR codes, which Platinumlist said has reduced fraud by 85 percent. Ticket affordability has also improved, the platform said. The average order value dropped from $373 in 2018 to about $66.65 in 2025, opening access to a wider audience that includes students, families, and younger demographics, the report stated. A decade of milestones Platinumlist now partners with over 300 organizers across Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Esports Authority. The company has supported ticketing for more than 1,500 events nationwide, underlining its role in the Kingdom's entertainment evolution. With the entertainment sector expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.44 percent, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself not just as a regional leader, but as a global destination for world-class experiences.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh ready to buy ex-Premier League club – but rules out crisis side Sheffield Wednesday
SAUDI ARABIAN boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is reportedly interested in buying one of two English clubs. It was claimed last week that Alalshikh had taken part in talks with Championship side Millwall ahead of a potential bid. 3 3 However, the Lions denied that discussions were held. Officials also insisted the club was not for sale. With a bid for Millwall understood to be off the table, talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan revealed that Alalshikh has now turned his interest to recently-relegated Southampton. Jordan also admitted that he put the idea of buying Sheffield Wednesday to him amid unrest over the club's current ownership. However, the Saudi boxing mogul refused. The talkSPORT presenter explained: "No it's not talk, they are interested because they've told me. "I've told him and tried to talk him out of Millwall because I don't think it's a proper football club, but that's a different discussion. "But it is Millwall, and he likes Southampton. I suggested Sheffield Wednesday to him. He doesn't want Sheffield Wednesday. "He doesn't want a club in the north. He wants a club in the south. And Millwall and Southampton are the two clubs that he thinks are interesting to him." It is understood that several English clubs have sounded Alalshikh out over a potential takeover. The 43-year-old has become a prominent figure in the boxing world in recent years, brokering some of the biggest fights in the sport. His role as chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority means he has varied business interests. Having recently sold LaLiga 2 side Almeria, he is now looking to buy a club in the Premier League or Championship. Southampton were relegated from the Prem this season after finishing 12th in the table. The Saints appointed Will Still as their new manager at the weekend. 3
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event
JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan's cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals. The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country's hospitality. Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns. Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming. The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures. The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
Leaders
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Sudanese Culture Shines at 'Passport to the World'
Sudanese heritage has taken center stage at the 'Passport to the World' festival, which runs through May 24. The event offers an immersive cultural experience with live folk music, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that bring Sudan's customs, celebrations, and community rituals to life. Visitors can savor authentic Sudanese cuisine at a dedicated food corner featuring traditional dishes, desserts, and beverages that reflect the nation's rich hospitality. Attendees are also invited to don traditional Sudanese attire and learn about the cultural significance of regional colors and patterns. Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the festival celebrates the cultural richness of expatriate communities in the Kingdom and fosters coexistence through engaging, hands-on programming. Following previous highlights of Filipino and Bangladeshi cultures, the event's Sudanese finale in Jeddah has drawn enthusiastic crowds. A similar showcase in Alkhobar earlier this year was also met with great acclaim. Related Topics: Passport to the World: Saudi Arabia's Fascinating Journey through Nations Ministry of Interior Unveils Special Seal for 3rd World Summit on AI Saudi Passports Directorate Ready to Welcome Umrah Pilgrims Saudi Arabia is establishing unprecedented airport infrastructures in the world. Short link : Post Views: 123 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Law amended to limit service of private security guards to 8 activities during work hours
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has amended Executive Regulations of the Law of Private Security Services under which service of private security guards is limited to eight activities during work hours. Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has approved amendment of article two of the regulations in this regard. The amendments also stipulate that 24-hour service of security guards are available for 15 vital commercial activities. According to the amended article, facilities that are required to provide private civilian security service during work hours include private and international educational and training facilities; wedding and event halls; private clinics, medical centers, and complexes; and facilities licensed by Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority or the General Entertainment Authority during the duration of the event. These facilities also include restaurants with an area exceeding 1,000 square meters according to the commercial activity license; women's gyms; hypermarkets and grocery stores with an area exceeding 2,000 square meters according to the commercial activity license, and camps and sites designated to accommodate pilgrims in the holy sites during the period from Dhul Hijjah 1 to Dhul Hijjah 15 of each year. The amended article 15 requires 24-hour private civil security guards for certain types of commercial establishments. These include hotels, banks, exchanges and money transfer shops, hospitals, and gold and jewelry stores, and similar establishments located outside the facilities required to provide private civil security guards; markets, malls, and closed and open commercial centers containing 30 or more stores, or with a commercial area exceeding 3,000 square meters according to the building license. Establishments obligated to provide 24-hour security also include human resources company employee shelters, car and heavy equipment sales centers affiliated with agencies, maintenance centers affiliated with car and heavy equipment dealerships with an area exceeding 2,000 square meters according to the building permit, car showrooms with an area exceeding 2,000 square meters according to the commercial activity license, and buildings and towers with more than 50 units intended for residential or commercial rent. The list of these establishments also includes gated residential complexes with more than 10 villas or more than 50 residential units, amusement parks and tourist facilities with an area exceeding 3,000 square meters according to the commercial activity license, private libraries with an area exceeding 2,000 square meters, and entities obligated to provide private civilian security guards in accordance with other regulations and laws. Factories and warehouses are also required 24-hour service as per the directive of the regional police director, after the facility submits a feasibility study from a licensed security consulting firm. The study must be submitted within two months of notification. It is noteworthy that the Law of Private Security Services is a set of legal rules that regulate the work of civilian guards for private sector establishments. The law regulates the operations of establishments that recruit civilian security guards and prepares them to protect private or public establishments.
