
Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 2.82 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 4.63 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 10.44 % |
Market Concentration | High |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market Analysis
The Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size is estimated at USD 2.82 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.44% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Saudi Arabia's entertainment and amusement industry is undergoing a transformative phase as part of the kingdom's broader economic diversification strategy. The General Entertainment Authority, established through a royal decree, has been instrumental in reshaping the entertainment and amusement landscape through strategic partnerships and investments. The Public Investment Fund's Development and Investment Entertainment Company (DIEC) has demonstrated a strong commitment with an initial capital investment of USD 2.6 billion, signaling the government's serious intention to develop this sector. This transformation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's ambitious target of increasing the entertainment sector's contribution to 4.2% of GDP while creating approximately 450,000 job opportunities.
The market is witnessing unprecedented development through mega-projects that are redefining the entertainment and amusement landscape. The kingdom has secured partnerships with global entertainment giants, including Six Flags, National Geographic, Cirque Du Soleil, and IMG Artists, to operate various entertainment venues throughout the country. In a significant development in 2023, major French companies expressed interest in establishing their headquarters in Riyadh, following discussions with the Saudi-French Business Council, indicating growing international confidence in the market's potential. These collaborations are expected to bring world-class entertainment experiences to Saudi audiences while fostering knowledge transfer and industry development.
The cinema sector is emerging as a crucial component of the entertainment industry's growth strategy. The General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) has set ambitious targets, projecting the establishment of 350 cinemas and 2,500 movie screens by 2030, with the industry expected to be valued at around USD 1 billion. DIEC's strategic expansion plans include opening 30-40 cinemas across approximately 15 cities in the near term, with a longer-term goal of establishing 50-100 cinemas in 25 Saudi Arabian cities by 2030. This rapid expansion of cinema infrastructure represents a significant shift in the kingdom's entertainment landscape and demonstrates the government's commitment to providing diverse entertainment options.
The market is characterized by the development of integrated entertainment destinations through various mega-projects. The Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Qiddiya are being developed as comprehensive entertainment destinations and leisure destinations that will offer diverse experiences ranging from theme parks and cultural venues to sports facilities and entertainment centers. These projects are designed to cater to both domestic and international audiences, with Qiddiya alone aiming to attract 17 million entertainment visitors annually by 2030. The scale and scope of these developments reflect Saudi Arabia's ambition to position itself as a leading global entertainment destination while simultaneously addressing the domestic demand for diverse entertainment options.
Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market Trends
Growing Young Population and Consumer Spending
Saudi Arabia's entertainment and amusement market is primarily driven by its predominantly young demographic profile, with over 60% of the population under the age of 34. This young population demonstrates a strong appetite for entertainment, culture, and sports activities, with Saudi consumers spending an average of 6.2% of their income on leisure and entertainment compared to 4.2% spent by the average UK household. The high disposable income and willingness to spend on quality entertainment experiences make this demographic particularly attractive for entertainment providers and investors.
The spending patterns of Saudi consumers reflect their strong demand for diverse entertainment options, with annual entertainment expenditure reaching approximately USD 1.6 billion, significantly higher than other GCC countries like the United Arab Emirates (USD 0.8 billion) and Qatar (USD 0.3 billion). Many Saudis view leisure and entertainment as essential components of quality life and prosperity, showing readiness to increase their entertainment spending when offerings align with their preferences and needs. This consumer behavior has created a robust foundation for sustainable growth in the entertainment sector, including the development of family entertainment centers and amusement parks.
Government Initiatives and Vision 2030
The Saudi government's commitment to developing the entertainment sector is exemplified through numerous strategic initiatives under Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil dependency. A landmark decision was the lifting of the 35-year cinema ban in December 2017, which opened unprecedented opportunities for both international and regional companies to participate in developing the domestic entertainment industry. The government's support extends to establishing dedicated entities like the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), which has been instrumental in facilitating and regulating entertainment activities throughout the Kingdom.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken a proactive role in developing the entertainment infrastructure through strategic partnerships and investments. Notable examples include the joint venture between DIEC and AMC Entertainment for cinema development, and the partnership with VOX Cinemas to establish over 600 screens across the Kingdom. The government's commitment is further demonstrated through the development of major entertainment destinations such as the Qiddiya project, which spans 334 square kilometers and includes six entertainment clusters featuring theme parks, sports arenas, and cultural venues, expected to generate 57,000 jobs upon completion, including roles in live entertainment and indoor entertainment.
Infrastructure Development and Investment
The rapid development of entertainment infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is supported by massive investment initiatives and construction projects across the Kingdom. The development landscape includes various mega-projects such as the Red Sea Project, which spans 28,000 square kilometers and features an archipelago of more than 90 islands, aimed at creating an ultra-luxury tourism and entertainment destination. These infrastructure developments are complemented by the construction of numerous family entertainment centers, amusement parks, and cultural venues across major cities, creating a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem.
The scale of infrastructure investment is evident in projects like NEOM, which represents a USD 500 billion investment in creating a futuristic city with dedicated entertainment zones. The project encompasses nine key economic sectors, including media production, entertainment facilities, and technological innovations. Additionally, the development of specialized entertainment zones like the Qiddiya project demonstrates the commitment to creating world-class facilities, with plans for theme parks, sports arenas, motor tracks, and cultural venues, all designed to meet international standards and attract both domestic and international visitors. These projects also include outdoor entertainment and recreational facilities.
Tourism Development and Cultural Transformation
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector is significantly bolstered by the Kingdom's broader tourism development strategy, which aims to reduce the estimated USD 30 billion in annual outbound tourism spending by creating compelling domestic entertainment and leisure options. The strategy includes the development of various tourist destinations, from heritage sites to modern entertainment complexes, designed to appeal to both domestic and international visitors. This transformation is supported by new visa policies and programs making it easier for tourists to visit and experience Saudi Arabia's entertainment offerings.
The cultural transformation encompasses the development of various entertainment formats, from live entertainment shows and festivals to theaters and digital events. The Kingdom has demonstrated its commitment to cultural development through projects like AlUla, which covers 22,561 square kilometers and is being transformed into an archaeological, cultural, and touristic complex. These developments are complemented by the introduction of international entertainment events, including concerts, sports competitions, and cultural festivals, which are helping to position Saudi Arabia as a regional entertainment hub while preserving and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The focus on creating diverse entertainment attractions is a key component of this strategy.
Segment Analysis: By Type of Entertainment Destination
Family and Specialty Attractions Segment in Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market
Family and Specialty Attractions (entertainment centers) dominate the Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement market, accounting for approximately 64% of the total market share in 2024. This segment's strong performance is driven by the increasing development of entertainment centers across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The segment includes various facilities such as indoor family entertainment centers, theme parks, water parks, and specialty attractions. Major players like Al Hokair Group and Toy Town have been expanding their presence across the Kingdom, with Al Hokair operating entertainment centers across 97 malls and destinations. The segment's growth is further supported by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to develop world-class entertainment venues and increase domestic spending on entertainment activities.

Cinemas Segment in Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market
The Cinemas segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the Saudi Arabian market, projected to grow at approximately 28% during 2024-2029. This explosive growth is primarily attributed to the ongoing expansion of cinema infrastructure across the Kingdom following the lifting of the cinema ban. Major operators like VOX Cinemas and AMC Entertainment are aggressively expanding their presence, with VOX planning to open 600 theaters and AMC targeting 300 screens. The Saudi government's support through the Public Investment Fund has been instrumental in this growth, with plans to establish 300 cinemas with more than 2,000 screens around the Kingdom. The segment is witnessing significant investments in modern cinema technology, premium viewing experiences, and diverse content offerings to cater to the growing entertainment demands of the Saudi population.
Remaining Segments in Entertainment Destination Market
The Entertainment and Sports Events segment plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's entertainment landscape, offering a diverse range of activities including live shows, festivals, sports competitions, and cultural events. This segment has been particularly important in establishing Saudi Arabia as a global entertainment destination, with the Kingdom hosting various international sporting events, concerts, and cultural festivals. The segment benefits from strong government support through initiatives like the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), which organizes thousands of events annually. The development of world-class venues and facilities across the Kingdom has further enhanced the segment's capability to host large-scale events and attract both domestic and international audiences.
Segment Analysis: By Location - Projects
NEOM Project Segment in Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market
The NEOM project represents the largest segment in Saudi Arabia's entertainment and amusement market by location, backed by an unprecedented investment of USD 500 billion. This mega-project, spanning 26,500 square kilometers in Northwestern Saudi Arabia, encompasses multiple entertainment and leisure components including "The Line" - a 100-mile belt of zero-energy walkable communities. The project's comprehensive scope includes recreational facilities, cultural venues, and tourist attractions, positioning it as a global hub for entertainment and leisure. NEOM's strategic location allows 70% of the world's population to reach it within eight hours, making it highly accessible to international visitors. The project's entertainment sector is one of nine key economic sectors being developed, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for media production, sports, cultural events, and recreational activities.
Qiddiya Project Segment in Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market
The Qiddiya project demonstrates the fastest growing trajectory in Saudi Arabia's entertainment market, with ambitious expansion plans through 2024-2029. Located 40 kilometers southwest of Riyadh, this 334-square-kilometer entertainment megaproject is rapidly developing with six entertainment clusters, including theme parks, sports arenas, motor tracks, and cultural venues. The project's aggressive growth is driven by its comprehensive development plan, which includes the world's first Six Flags amusement park in Saudi Arabia, featuring 28 rides across six themed lands. Qiddiya aims to attract 17 million entertainment visitors and 12 million shopping visitors annually, positioning it as a key driver of Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector growth. The project's rapid development is supported by partnerships with over 20 international architecture companies and a team of more than 500 professionals from 30 countries.
Remaining Segments in Location-Based Projects
The Red Sea Project and Other Projects complete the location-based segmentation of Saudi Arabia's entertainment market. The Red Sea Project stands out as an ultra-luxury destination spanning 28,000 square kilometers with over 90 islands, focusing on high-end tourism and entertainment experiences. The Other Projects segment includes significant developments such as Diriyah, featuring UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif, and the Amaala project, which focuses on ultra-luxury wellness tourism and arts. These remaining segments contribute to the market's diversity by offering unique entertainment experiences, from cultural heritage sites to luxury wellness destinations, complementing the larger projects and helping establish Saudi Arabia as a comprehensive entertainment destination.
Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Industry Overview
Top Companies in Saudi Arabia Entertainment Market
The Saudi entertainment market features a mix of established global players and emerging local companies driving innovation and growth. Companies are actively investing in technological advancements, particularly in digital entertainment technology platforms and immersive experiences, to enhance customer engagement. Strategic partnerships between international entertainment giants and local entities have become increasingly common, facilitating knowledge transfer and market expansion. Operational agility is demonstrated through rapid adaptation to changing consumer preferences, with companies diversifying their entertainment portfolios across multiple segments, including theme parks, cinemas, and live events. Market leaders are focusing on expanding their geographical footprint within the Kingdom through new entertainment venue developments, while simultaneously investing in talent development and localized content creation to better serve the Saudi audience.
Consolidated Market with Strong Growth Potential
The Saudi entertainment market structure is characterized by a consolidated landscape dominated by a few major players, including both international entertainment conglomerates and well-established local groups. Global entertainment giants like AMC, Six Flags, and Cirque du Soleil have established strong footholds through strategic partnerships with local entities, while domestic players such as Al Hokair Group and Balubaid Group leverage their deep market understanding and established networks. The market has witnessed increased merger and acquisition activities, particularly in the cinema and family leisure entertainment center segments, as companies seek to strengthen their market positions and achieve operational synergies.
The competitive dynamics are shaped by significant government support through initiatives like Vision 2030, which has attracted substantial foreign investment and encouraged new market entrants. Local entertainment companies are increasingly partnering with international brands to enhance their service offerings and technical capabilities. The market shows a clear trend toward vertical integration, with companies expanding across different entertainment segments to create comprehensive entertainment destination ecosystems. This consolidation trend is expected to continue as companies seek to achieve economies of scale and enhance their competitive positions.
Innovation and Localization Drive Market Success
Success in the Saudi entertainment market increasingly depends on companies' ability to balance international entertainment standards with local cultural preferences and values. Incumbent players are focusing on developing integrated entertainment destinations that combine multiple attractions and experiences, while also investing in digital capabilities to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The ability to forge strategic partnerships, particularly between international entertainment brands and local operators, has become crucial for market success. Companies are also prioritizing the development of local talent and content creation capabilities to ensure long-term sustainability and market relevance.
Market contenders can gain ground by focusing on niche segments and underserved markets within the Kingdom, while also investing in innovative entertainment technology concepts that align with Saudi cultural values. The regulatory environment, shaped by the General Entertainment Authority, plays a crucial role in determining market success, making strong government relations and compliance capabilities essential. Companies must also address the growing sophistication of Saudi consumers, who increasingly demand high-quality, diverse entertainment options. The development of unique value propositions, combined with strong operational execution and customer service excellence, will be critical for both established players and new entrants to succeed in this evolving market.
Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market Leaders
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AMC
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SIX FLAGS
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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
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IMG ARTISTS
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BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market News
- May 2022: Saudi Arabia's leading theater operator Muvi Cinemas launched Muvi Studios. The new Studio will focus on developing both Saudi and Egyptian films for the Saudi public, concentrating on films for the big screen.
- September 2022: Flash Entertainment officially opened its KSA headquarters in Riyadh, committed to contributing to rapid growth across Saudi Arabia's entertainment industry and supporting the Kingdom's Saudization goals. The strategic opening of Flash's headquarters in Riyadh demonstrates the company's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to foster a diverse economy and establish the Kingdom as a world-class live entertainment and tourism destination.
Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints/Challenges
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitutes
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
- 4.5 Insights on Current Trends and Technological Innovations in the Entertainment Sector
- 4.6 Impact of Government Regulations and Initiatives on the Entertainment Industry
- 4.7 Brief Analysis of Investment Opportunity
- 4.8 Insights into Other Economic Contributors to the Entertainment Sector
- 4.9 Insights into Major Entertainment Infrastructure Development Projects in Saudi Arabia
- 4.10 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 By Type of Entertainment Destination
- 5.1.1 Cinemas and Theatres
- 5.1.2 Amusement and Theme Parks
- 5.1.3 Gardens and Zoos
- 5.1.4 Malls
- 5.1.5 Gaming Centers
- 5.1.6 Others
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5.2 By Source of Revenue
- 5.2.1 Tickets
- 5.2.2 Food & Beverages
- 5.2.3 Merchandise
- 5.2.4 Advertising
- 5.2.5 Others
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5.3 By City
- 5.3.1 Riyadh
- 5.3.2 Jeddah
- 5.3.3 Makkah
- 5.3.4 Dammam
- 5.3.5 Rest of Saudi Arabia
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Market Concentration Overview
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6.2 Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 AMC
- 6.2.2 SIX FLAGS
- 6.2.3 National geographic
- 6.2.4 Cirque Du Soleil
- 6.2.5 IMG Artists
- 6.2.6 AVEX
- 6.2.7 THE MARVEL EXPERIENCES
- 6.2.8 Disney Frozen
- 6.2.9 Broadway Entertainment
- 6.2.10 Got Talent Global
- 6.2.11 FELD ENTERTAINMENT
- 6.2.12 AlShallal Theme Park
- 6.2.13 Jungle Land Theme Park
- 6.2.14 Loopagoon Water Park*
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPERTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
8. DISCLAIMER AND ABOUT US
Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Industry Segmentation
The entertainment and amusement market encompasses various industries that provide recreational activities and experiences, including theme parks, cinemas, live performances, gaming, and more.
Saudi Arabia's entertainment and amusement market is segmented by type of entertainment Destination (cinemas and theatres, amusement and theme parks, gardens and zoos, malls, gaming centers, and other entertainment destinations), the source of revenue (tickets, food & beverages, merchandise, advertising, and other sources of revenues), and by city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Dammam, and Rest of Saudi Arabia).
The report offers market size and forecast values for the Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market in USD million for the above segments.
By Type of Entertainment Destination | Cinemas and Theatres |
Amusement and Theme Parks | |
Gardens and Zoos | |
Malls | |
Gaming Centers | |
Others | |
By Source of Revenue | Tickets |
Food & Beverages | |
Merchandise | |
Advertising | |
Others | |
By City | Riyadh |
Jeddah | |
Makkah | |
Dammam | |
Rest of Saudi Arabia |
Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Research FAQs
How big is the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market?
The Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size is expected to reach USD 2.82 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 10.44% to reach USD 4.63 billion by 2030.
What is the current Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size?
In 2025, the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size is expected to reach USD 2.82 billion.
Who are the key players in Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market?
AMC, SIX FLAGS, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, IMG ARTISTS and BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT are the major companies operating in the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market.
What years does this Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size was estimated at USD 2.53 billion. The report covers the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Saudi Arabia Entertainment And Amusement Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the entertainment and amusement industry in Saudi Arabia. We leverage decades of consulting expertise in the recreational entertainment and leisure entertainment sectors. Our extensive research covers all major segments, including water park developments, theme park operations, carnival events, and amusement park facilities. The report offers detailed insights into entertainment technology trends, examining both indoor entertainment and outdoor entertainment venues. These range from arcade gaming centers to adventure park attractions.
This detailed analysis serves stakeholders across the entertainment center spectrum. It is valuable for family entertainment center operators and recreational facility managers. The report, available as an easy-to-download PDF, explores emerging interactive entertainment solutions and live entertainment trends. Our research encompasses various entertainment venue types, including amusement facility developments and entertainment destination projects. The analysis covers entertainment equipment and amusement equipment innovations, while examining the evolution of commercial entertainment and entertainment attraction offerings. Stakeholders gain valuable insights into both traditional and modern entertainment center operations. This is supported by comprehensive data on entertainment technology adoption and consumer preferences.