Visitors to Saudi Arabia’s entertainment events surged to over 16 million in the second quarter of 2024, marking a nearly 130% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and boost its entertainment sector.
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) reported that 1,529 new entertainment licenses were issued during Q2 2024, up from 1,425 the previous year, an increase of 7.3%. Among the newly licensed venues, 523 were for live shows at restaurants and coffee shops. Additionally, 97 new entertainment destinations received licenses in this period.
Last year, Saudi Arabia’s entertainment events attracted over 72 million visitors across 117 cities. The Kingdom’s strategy includes expanding its entertainment offerings, such as concerts, cinema, theatrical shows, sports events, and competitions, to draw larger domestic and international audiences.
Established in May 2016, the GEA has been instrumental in promoting various entertainment activities, including the annual Riyadh Season, which was launched in 2019 to position the city as a global entertainment and tourist hub.
