Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is set for another major leap as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced SR4bn ($1.07bn) worth of new investment and development agreements at the Joy Forum 2025, one of the world’s largest entertainment industry events.
The two-day forum, held at Boulevard City in Riyadh, was inaugurated by Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, who highlighted the Kingdom’s rapid transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and its rise as a global hub for tourism, culture, and live events.
In his opening remarks, Alalshikh credited the sector’s progress to the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He said Saudi Arabia’s entertainment achievements were a direct outcome of the leadership’s vision to diversify the economy and enrich quality of life.
Alalshikh said: “Although the Vision 2030 journey that began in 2016 has been relatively short, it has been rich with achievements that have transformed the Kingdom into a leading global destination for major international events and one of the world’s most attractive tourism hubs”.
The GEA chairman confirmed that more than SR4bn ($1.07bn) in investment and development agreements have been signed for new projects and events to launch in 2026.
The deals form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to develop world-class entertainment infrastructure and experiences, supporting the country’s growing tourism economy.
Alalshikh also revealed that the first phase of the Qiddiya project, including Six Flags Qiddiya — one of the flagship initiatives led by the Crown Prince — is set to open later this year.
Alalshikh praised the Ministry of Tourism for its collaboration with the GEA, noting that this partnership helped make Saudi Arabia the second-highest country in the region for tourism revenue last year.
He also commended the Ministry of Culture for its continued role in supporting creative events and initiatives, which have helped build momentum across the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding leisure and entertainment ecosystem.
Joy Forum 2025: global hub for entertainment leaders
The Joy Forum 2025 gathered international leaders, investors, and innovators from across the entertainment industry to discuss growth opportunities, partnerships, and the Kingdom’s emerging role as a global centre for live experiences and mega-events.
The forum builds on the GEA’s goal to make Saudi Arabia one of the world’s leading destinations for entertainment, tourism, and cultural exchange, aligned with the long-term objectives of Vision 2030.
