Saudi Arabia is earning huge money from…, not oil, Hajj or Umrah

Saudi Arabia is transforming rapidly, and now it not only depends on oil or religious tourism but its developing new industry of cinema. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom is creating different income sources by cultural shifts. 

Earlier recognized as the heartland of Islam, Saudi Arabia is now entering into a more modern era. While oil revenues and Hajj-Umrah pilgrimages have long been its economic backbone, cinema is emerging as a new revenue source. This cultural and economic evolution is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious ‘Vision 2030’ reform plan.

Box Office Collection

In just the first quarter of 2025, films screened in Saudi cinemas generated an impressive 127 million Saudi Riyals (approximately $34 million) in revenue. This was a 4% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, according to Hani Al Mulla, Executive Officer of the Cinema Association in the country’s Eastern Province. Year by year, the Saudi box office is increasing.

Cinema Comeback

Saudi Arabia’s new era of films began in 2018, when the government lifted a 35-year-old ban on cinemas. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opened up the kingdom socially and economically. The first movie screened post-ban was Marvel’s Black Panther in the capital Riyadh.

Since then, the number of cinemas across the country has grown rapidly, showing Saudi is becoming now entertainment hubs and symbols of societal change. 

Saudi Cinema Plans

In the Eastern Province, they have six major theaters, and there are plans to expand the number of cinemas further. This region is a hotspot for movie lovers, and the government is also focusing on increasing demand.

As Saudi Arabia opens more screens and invests in its domestic film sector, cinema can become an important source of income in the country’s non-oil economy.

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