Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Trends & Summary

Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market is expected to reach US$ 6.10 billion by 2033 from US$ 2.46 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 10.61% from 2025 to 2033. The market is mostly being driven by the growing technical innovations, particularly in the fields of virtual reality and augmented reality, which have completely changed how consumers enjoy entertainment.

Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Report by Type of Entertainment Destination (Cinemas and Theatres, Amusement and Theme Parks, Gardens and Zoos, Malls, Gaming Centers, Others), Source of Revenue (Tickets, Food and Beverages, Merchandise, Advertising, Others), City and Company Analysis 2025-2033

Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Industry Overview

Amusement and entertainment provide moments of joy, relief, and release from the turmoil of everyday life, and they are thus essential elements of human life. These two aspects encompass a wide spectrum of activities and experiences that cater to diverse tastes. Narratives and creative arts find a place in entertainment in its entirety. It can lead one to new destinations, evoke emotions, and wake the mind up, either through literature, music, plays, or movies. It serves as a means for artists to get their message across and for audiences to connect with the human experience. Sports, amusement parks, and recreational games are all forms of amusement that bring pure elation and thrill.

Lives become more interesting due to these experiences, which foster social interaction and physical exercise. Entertainment and amusement both play a significant positive role in mental and emotional well-being. They stimulate creativity, offer relief from the routine of daily tasks, and deepen bonds with family and friends.

The leisure and entertainment sector of Saudi Arabia is thriving due to a variety of interconnected reasons. To begin with, this sector has been heavily influenced by technological revolutions. The high application of virtual reality, augmented reality, and high-definition monitors has enabled people to experience entertainment in ways not previously imagined. Besides enhancing quality materials, such technologies have created the demand for immersive experiences reaching more people. Furthermore, customers' increased disposable income has also greatly contributed to the growth of the industry. Individuals are keen on investing in entertainment alternatives that promise unique and memorable experiences as they now possess greater disposable incomes with which they can spend money on recreational activities. This has led businesses dealing in entertainment to continuously come up with innovative concepts and offering broad spectrums of services like live events, theme parks, and streaming platforms. In addition, the Saudi Arabian market is expected to be fueled by the increasing use of the internet and smartphones, which have generated new media and platforms for entertainment.

Growth Drivers for the Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market

Investment and Development of Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia's entertainment facilities are evolving rapidly due to large-scale construction and investment activities across the Kingdom. To establish an ultra-luxury tourism and entertainment hub, the development environment includes several mega-projects, including the Red Sea Project that spans 28,000 square kilometers and includes an archipelago of over 90 islands. A complete entertainment system is developed by the development of numerous family entertainment centers, amusement parks, and cultural spaces surrounding major cities, which serve as complements to these infrastructure projects. Examples such as NEOM, a USD 500 billion investment to develop a future city with entertainment districts, indicate the scale of infrastructure investment.

Media production, entertainment spaces, and technical progress are some of the nine primary economic sectors included in the project. Moreover, the development of specialized entertainment areas like the Qiddiya project indicates the commitment to creating excellent facilities. Development plans for theme parks, sporting arenas, motor tracks, and cultural centers are all designed to meet international requirements and attract visitors from both within and outside countries. Outdoor recreational facilities and amenities are also part of these developments.

Growing Spending by Consumers and the Young Population

With over 60% of the population below the age of 34, Saudi Arabia's predominantly young demographic makeup is the prime force behind the leisure and amusement industry in the country. Saudi consumers spend 6.2% of their income on leisure and entertainment activities, higher than the average UK household expenditure of 4.2%, which suggests that this young population has a significant appetite for culture, sports, and entertainment. This segment is highly attractive to entertainment providers and investors because of their high disposable income and penchant for spending money on quality entertainment experiences.

Saudi consumers' consumption patterns illustrate their strong need for a diverse array of entertainment activities; their annual entertainment expenditures amount to around USD 1.6 billion, which is significantly higher than that of other GCC countries such as the United Arab Emirates (USD 0.8 billion) and Qatar (USD 0.3 billion). Most Saudis feel that entertainment and leisure are essential to wealth and good living, and they can afford to spend more on leisure activities when it is convenient for them and meets their preferences. A solid foundation for entertainment industry long-term growth, such as the development of amusement parks and family entertainment facilities, has been laid by this consumption pattern.

Vision 2030 and Government Initiatives

 A number of important projects under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil, demonstrate the Saudi government's commitment to growing the entertainment industry. The lifting of the 35-year cinema ban in December 2017 was a historic ruling that created previously unheard-of chances for regional and foreign businesses to contribute to the growth of the domestic entertainment sector. In order to facilitate and regulate entertainment activities across the Kingdom, the government has established specialized organizations such as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Through strategic alliances and investments, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has actively contributed to the development of the entertainment infrastructure. Notable instances include the collaboration with VOX Cinemas to set up more than 600 screens throughout the Kingdom and the joint venture between DIEC and AMC Entertainment for the construction of movie theaters. The construction of significant entertainment destinations, like the Qiddiya project, which covers 334 square kilometers and consists of six entertainment clusters with theme parks, sports arenas, and cultural venues, is another example of the government's dedication. When completed, the project is anticipated to create 57,000 jobs, including jobs in live and indoor entertainment.

Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market

Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles

The entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia faces several regulatory and administrative challenges, such as intricate licensing procedures, protracted approval periods, and content limitations that necessitate cautious handling. While businesses must adhere to stringent local restrictions regarding public gatherings, entertainment content, and safety requirements, the requirement for government permissions for new initiatives and events might cause delays. Both domestic and foreign businesses wishing to enter the market face obstacles due to these regulatory complications and a lack of transparent, efficient processes.

Tourism Dependency

Since both industries mostly depend on drawing tourists from abroad, Saudi Arabia's entertainment and amusement market faces difficulties due to its reliance on tourism. Geopolitical unrest, impediments to international travel, or unfavorable opinions about safety can all lower tourist numbers, which can affect amusement and entertainment industry profits. The demand for theme parks, resorts, and events is also impacted by shifting worldwide travel preferences. The industry must broaden its clientele for amusement and entertainment attractions in order to secure long-term success by fostering robust domestic demand in addition to foreign travel.

Riyadh Entertainment and Amusement Market

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which places a strong emphasis on diversification away from oil and the growth of the leisure and tourism industries, has propelled the market for entertainment and amusement in Riyadh. The city is seeing large investments in live events, movie theaters, entertainment centers, and theme parks. Important initiatives like Riyadh Season and Qiddiya are changing the scene and providing top-notch experiences. But there are still issues like cultural sensitivity, complicated regulations, and reliance on tourism for economic growth. Notwithstanding this, the entertainment and amusement sectors in Riyadh have significant growth potential due to the city's young population, rising disposable incomes, and government assistance.

Jeddah Entertainment and Amusement Market

The market for leisure and amusement in Jeddah is growing quickly due to both local demand and the city's status as a major entry point for foreign tourists. With initiatives like the Red Sea Project and Jeddah Season festivals, Jeddah is becoming a significant entertainment hotspot as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy under Vision 2030. The city's coastal setting and rising demand for recreational opportunities encourage the construction of theme parks, resorts, and cultural events. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, competition from neighboring markets, and reliance on tourism require careful navigation to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Makkah Entertainment and Amusement Market

Being the holiest city in Islam, Makkah has a distinctive entertainment and amusement market. The Saudi government is trying to expand its offers to improve the experience for pilgrims and visitors alike, even if religious tourism is still the major focus. The goal of introducing family-friendly activities and entertainment projects like Makkah Boulevard is to draw tourists for reasons other than religious ones. Makkah's entertainment industry is growing as a result of increased investment in shopping malls, recreational facilities, and cultural events. However, a difficulty to growth in this holy city is striking a balance between religious traditions, cultural sensitivities, and entertainment development.

Saudi Arabia Entertainment and Amusement Market Segments:

Type of Entertainment Destination

1. Cinemas and Theatres
2. Amusement and Theme Parks
3. Gardens and Zoos
4. Malls
5. Gaming Centers
6. Others

Source of Revenue

1. Tickets
2. Food and Beverages
3. Merchandise
4. Advertising
5. Others

City

1. Riyadh
2. Jeddah
3. Makkah
4. Dammam
5. Rest of Saudi Arabia

All companies have been covered from 3 viewpoints:

• Company Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development

Company Analysis

1. Al Hokair Group
2. Fakieh Group
3. Saudi Aramco Amusement Park
4. E-PLUS (Event Plus)
5. Time Entertainment
6. First Entertainment Company
7. Belle Gate
8. The Marvel Experience

Report Details: