In a remarkable milestone, Saudi Arabia commemorated the sixth anniversary of the reopening of cinema halls in the kingdom, marking a significant cultural shift since 2018. Gulf News reported on the resurgence of cinema in the country, highlighting the remarkable growth and achievements in the film industry over the past six years.

Since the revival of cinema halls, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a rapid expansion in both the number and distribution of cinemas across the kingdom. Presently, there are 66 cinema halls with a total of 618 screens, spread across 22 cities, boasting a staggering 63,300 seats, making it the largest cinema infrastructure in the Arab world.

Over the past six years, Saudi Arabia has screened approximately 2000 movies, including 45 domestically produced films. The cinematic revival has proven to be economically fruitful, with the exhibition of these movies generating a revenue of 3.7 billion Rials. Notably, in 2023 alone, the country sold 16.6 million tickets, indicating a robust demand for cinema experiences among the Saudi populace.

In addition to film exhibitions, Saudi Arabia has also ventured into organizing various film festivals, further enriching its cultural landscape. Recently, the kingdom hosted the Gulf Cinefa festival, showcasing its commitment to fostering cinematic arts and providing a platform for regional talents.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia has embarked on international collaborations to expand the reach of its films and engage with global audiences. In a significant move, the Saudi Film Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Bona Film Group, paving the way for Saudi films to enter the Chinese market. The agreement also encompasses areas of mutual cooperation such as training, skill development, and joint film production funds, strengthening ties between the two countries in the realm of cinema.

Under the initiative titled 'Saudi Film Night', the Saudi government aims to promote its cinematic offerings in five countries, including Morocco, Australia, China, India, and Mexico. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to sharing its cultural heritage and cinematic achievements with the world, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration on a global scale.

As Saudi Arabia celebrates six years of reopened cinemas, the kingdom continues to chart new horizons in the realm of film, solidifying its position as a burgeoning hub for cinematic arts in the Middle East and beyond.