Saudi Arabia plans to invest $64 billion in developing its entertainment industry over the next decade as part of its social and economic reforms programme, reports said quoting senior officials.
The kingdom's General Entertainment Authority (GEA) will host more than 5,000 entertainment events in the kingdom this year, covering live shows, festivals and concerts across 56 cities.
The calendar will feature the most diverse line-up of live entertainment ever seen in Saudi Arabia, ranging from musicals and family shows to stand-up comedy and live performances from some of the biggest names in global music, said an Arab News report.
The shows will include those by Maroon 5 and Cirque du Soleil, said a BBC report.
The announcement was made at a special event in Riyadh attended by Ahmed Al-Khatib, chairman of the board of GEA, and Faisal Bafarat, GEA’s CEO.
Al Kathib said 500 companies have registered to organise entertainment events in the coming year.
“The authority contributes directly to the objectives of the Quality of Life programme, which aims to achieve a thriving economy and a vibrant society in which citizens and residents enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.
He said the entertainment sector is expected to contribute SR18 billion per year to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with consumer spending estimated to reach SR36 billion by 2030.