Exploring the Rich History of Cinemas in Saudi Arabia

The historical trajectory of cinemas in Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1930s, a time when employees of the US Arabian-American Oil Company, known today as “Aramco,” planted the seeds of cinematic culture by installing screens within their residential compounds while immersed in the monumental task of oil exploration across the vast expanse of the Kingdom’s desert terrain.
This pioneering era saw the birth of a nascent film industry, catalyzed by the company’s foray into documentary filmmaking, capturing pivotal moments such as the inauguration of the Kingdom’s first oil well in the august presence of Saudi Arabia’s esteemed founding monarch, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. Among the notable productions of this epoch was “The Flies,” a groundbreaking Saudi documentary released in 1950, starring the iconic Saudi actor Hassan Al-Ghanim.
This cinematic endeavor served not only as a source of entertainment but also as a potent educational tool, disseminating crucial information about the perils of the prevalent fly infestation that plagued the Kingdom during that era.
The advent of cinema screens within residential enclaves marked the dawn of a new cultural era, with Riyadh emerging as a focal point for cinematic expression. The bustling city witnessed the sprouting of makeshift cinemas within the Al-Murabba neighborhood, where a vibrant tapestry of cinematic experiences unfolded against the backdrop of burgeoning urbanization. Foreign expatriates, adept at orchestrating the logistics of cinema screenings, played a pivotal role in spearheading this cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for the democratization of cinematic access among the local populace. Each residential square became a canvas for cinematic expression, adorned with meticulously arranged screens, ensconced within barriers to ensure privacy, and flanked by rows of wooden seating, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of the silver screen. This grassroots cinematic movement gained momentum during the late sixties and early seventies, as theaters began to proliferate, offering a diverse array of cinematic experiences tailored to the discerning tastes of Saudi citizens. Local sports clubs, iconic courtyards, and prestigious homes across Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, and Dammam became hallowed grounds for cinephiles, serving as sanctuaries for the communal celebration of cinematic artistry.
However, this formative period was marred by the absence of cohesive institutional support, resulting in a fragmented cinematic landscape characterized by a dearth of organizational structure, strategic marketing initiatives, and curated film selection. Despite these inherent challenges, Jeddah’s Al-Ahwash Cinemas, affectionately known as Backyard Cinemas, emerged as bastions of cultural enrichment, catering to the discerning tastes of the Kingdom’s affluent and middle classes. As dusk descended upon the bustling city, Al-Ahwash would come alive with the flickering glow of celluloid, offering a curated selection of two to three films per night, often featuring timeless classics from Egypt’s illustrious cinematic canon. These nocturnal screenings not only entertained but also served as crucibles for intellectual discourse, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas among cineastes and cultural aficionados alike. The programmatic offerings extended well into the early morning hours, with Indian epics captivating audiences until the break of dawn, cementing Jeddah’s status as a veritable mecca for cinematic exploration and cultural exchange.
The cataclysmic events of 1979, epitomized by the Grand Mosque incident, cast a pall over the Kingdom’s burgeoning cinematic renaissance, prompting the Saudi government to implement a blanket ban on theaters and cinemas in a bid to quell societal unrest. Despite this setback, the indomitable spirit of Saudi cinephiles persevered, finding solace in the resilient tapestry of literary and cultural clubs that emerged as bastions of artistic expression. Since the turn of the millennium, particularly since 2006, these grassroots initiatives have catalyzed a cultural renaissance, with literary and cultural clubs assuming the mantle of guardians of cinematic heritage, hosting screenings, organizing festivals, and curating competitions dedicated to showcasing locally produced documentaries and short films. The Literary Club in the Eastern Province of Dammam emerged as a crucible for artistic innovation, convening numerous Saudi film competitions that galvanized aspiring filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The cinematic landscape experienced a brief resurgence in 2008, buoyed by the release of a Saudi film featuring the enigmatic Fayez Al-Maliki, which garnered screenings in select cinemas across neighboring Arab countries. Despite initial success, commercial viability proved elusive, precipitating a decline in cinematic output and signaling a temporary hiatus in Saudi Arabia’s cinematic odyssey.
In Jeddah, Fouad Jamjum emerged as a seminal figure in the crusade to revive cinema culture, spearheading the establishment of the “Al-Jamjum Quarter,” a testament to his family’s enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to artistic expression. Meanwhile, Riyadh and Medina witnessed a burgeoning renaissance, with cultural entrepreneurs and visionary leaders alike championing the cause of cinematic revival, fueled by a collective desire to reclaim Saudi Arabia’s rightful place on the global stage of cultural prominence.
Transitioning to the contemporary landscape, December 2017 marked a watershed moment in Saudi Arabia’s cinematic evolution, with the General Authority for Audio-Visual Media sanctioning the issuance of licenses for aspiring cinema proprietors, paving the way for a seismic shift in the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. The inauguration of the first cinema in Riyadh on April 18, 2018, heralded a new era of cinematic renaissance, symbolizing the triumph of artistic expression over adversity. A similar milestone was achieved in Jeddah on January 28, 2019, underscoring the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cultural revitalization. Saudi Entertainment Ventures’ strategic partnership with the First Real Estate Development Company represents a bold step towards the proliferation of cinema infrastructure across the Kingdom, laying the groundwork for a burgeoning cinematic ecosystem.
By November 2020, Saudi Arabia had ascended to the pinnacle as the most lucrative market in the Middle East in terms of box office revenues, eclipsing the UAE’s longstanding reign as the dominant market in 2019. This meteoric rise unfolded against the backdrop of a precipitous 80% downturn in global box office revenues triggered by the ravages of the 2020 pandemic, underscoring the Kingdom’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the temporary closure of cinemas from March to mid-June 2020, ticket sales in Saudi cinemas surged to over $73 million over a span of 40 weeks leading up to November 2020, representing a $2 million uptick in box office revenue compared to the analogous period in 2019. In stark contrast, the UAE registered $51 million in revenue, a mere quarter of its 2019 haul, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s meteoric ascent on the global cinematic stage. Cameron Mitchell, CEO of VOX Cinemas, lauded the Kingdom as the sole cinema market worldwide to record expansion in 2020, attributing this remarkable feat to the unwavering patronage of Saudi cinephiles and the visionary leadership of Saudi Arabia’s cultural custodians. Mitchell further underscored that the Saudi market had bolstered its profitability by an estimated 4% since the outset of 2019, a testament to the enduring allure of cinematic experiences in the Kingdom.
Forecasting Growth and Expanding Horizons: Saudi Arabia’s Cinematic Renaissance
Forecasts for the cinematic landscape in Saudi Arabia are nothing short of optimistic, with projections indicating a staggering growth rate of 8% by the close of 2020. Notably, the Kingdom’s share of the cinema market in the Middle East soared to $110 million in 2019, out of a total market value of $600 million, excluding revenues from Indian and Arabic movie releases, as well as independent content. Anticipated expansions in operational capacity are equally promising, with estimates suggesting a proliferation of 340 screens by the end of 2020, poised to nearly double to approximately 700 screens by the conclusion of 2021.
In a landmark announcement in early 2021, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism unveiled the fruition of the “Launching and Activating the Cinema Sector in the Kingdom” initiative, a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda entrusted to the Quality of Life Program and executed by the General Authority for Audio-Visual Media. A staggering tally of 17 cinemas blossomed across 10 cities, ushering in a new era of cinematic renaissance. The burgeoning cinematic landscape witnessed the establishment of 31 operating cinemas nationwide, a testament to the transformative impact of global operators such as “Fox,” “Movie,” “EMC,” and “Ampere Cinemas.” The strategic distribution of these cinematic havens included the unveiling of cinemas in Dammam, Tabuk, Hafr Al-Batin, Jubail, Dhahran, Al-Ahsa, Abha, Al-Majmaa, along with an expanded footprint in Riyadh and Jeddah.
With the inauguration of these cinematic sanctuaries, the total number of operational screens soared to 317, boasting a collective seating capacity exceeding 32,000 across the Kingdom. Embracing a spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, the Saudi General Authority for Audio-Visual Media embarked on a momentous journey of regulatory reform, paving the way for a more equitable and dynamic cinematic landscape. On April 11, 2021, the authority ratified amendments to the cinematography regulations, ushering in a new era of flexibility aimed at fortifying the sector and nurturing local talent. Notably, local films were accorded exemption from ticket fees, fostering an environment conducive to the flourishing of indigenous creativity and innovation.
In a strategic bid to foster the development of the cinema industry and enhance accessibility for all citizens and residents, the Saudi General Authority for Audio-Visual Media announced a pivotal reduction in the fees levied on ticket sales. This decisive move saw a recalibration of the fee structure across three tiers, namely 15%, 10%, and 5%, thereby augmenting investor confidence and amplifying opportunities for sustained growth and prosperity.
The Kingdom’s cinematic landscape witnessed an unprecedented surge, with the tally of cinemas surging from 31 at the close of 2020 to an impressive 54 by the conclusion of 2021. The number of screens burgeoned to 473, boasting a collective seating capacity exceeding 48,090, underscored by the unveiling of 23 new cinemas across nine regions. From Hail to Tabuk, and from Jazan to Asir, Medina, Al-Qassim, the Eastern Province, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and Riyadh Province, the Kingdom’s cinematic odyssey unfolded with resplendent grandeur, marking a quantum leap in its cultural renaissance.
Vision 2030: Nurturing a Thriving Cinematic Ecosystem
Central to the transformative aspirations of Vision 2030 is the steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving cinematic ecosystem, characterized by a robust infrastructure and a vibrant community of filmmakers and content creators. In a concerted effort to fortify the requisite infrastructure for film production, a slew of initiatives were introduced, spanning the gamut from filming studios to post-production facilities, marketing services, distribution networks, logistical facilitation, and event organization.
Foremost among these initiatives is the “Strengthening the Local Film Sector” initiative, a cornerstone of the Ministry of Culture’s mandate, aimed at galvanizing indigenous talent and catalyzing the production of locally curated content. Under the aegis of the Film Authority, a subsidiary body of the Ministry of Culture, seven locally produced films were showcased in cinemas, signaling a paradigm shift towards the localization of cinematic narratives and the celebration of Saudi cultural heritage.
A Glorious Past, A Promising Future: Celebrating Saudi Cinema
The annals of Saudi cinema are replete with seminal milestones and artistic triumphs, dating back to the golden era of Saudi filmmaking in the 1950s. The indomitable spirit of creativity found expression in the form of Hassan Al-Ghanim, heralded as the first Saudi film actor, whose portrayal in the eponymous “The Flies” captivated audiences and ignited imaginations. Throughout the decades, visionary directors such as Abdullah Al-Muhaisin imbued the silver screen with evocative narratives, chronicling the societal upheavals and cultural nuances of the Kingdom with unparalleled insight and sensitivity.
One such cinematic gem is “The Assassination of a City,” a poignant portrayal of the Lebanese Civil War, juxtaposing the serenity of Beirut’s landscape with the ravages of conflict. This magnum opus captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning accolades at prestigious film festivals, including the coveted Nefertiti Award for Best Short Film at the Cairo Film Festival in 1977.
As the cinematic landscape evolved, so too did the creative vision of Saudi filmmakers, culminating in a diverse array of cinematic genres and narrative styles. From the evocative imagery of horror films to the pulse-pounding action sequences of thrillers, Saudi cinema has emerged as a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, reflecting the myriad facets of Saudi society and the human experience at large.
The dawn of a new era beckoned in 2017, with the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s historic decision to grant licenses for the establishment of cinemas, heralding a renaissance of cinematic expression after a hiatus spanning three decades. However, long before the advent of modern cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s cinematic landscape was dotted with primitive theaters, which flourished under the patronage of illustrious Saudi families such as the Jamjooms and Al Badibs. These humble enclaves served as crucibles of cultural exchange, hosting screenings of police dramas, American westerns, and Egyptian classics, albeit subjected to stringent censorship regulations.
Fouad Jamjoom: A Trailblazer in Saudi Cinema
At the vanguard of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic odyssey stands Fouad Jamjoom, a luminary in the realm of film production and distribution, revered as the progenitor of modern Saudi cinema. In 1962, Fouad, in tandem with his brother Abdul Aziz, laid the foundation for the seminal “Jamjoum Cinema” in Jeddah’s Al-Jamajmah neighborhood, heralding a new era of cinematic enlightenment. The brothers’ visionary enterprise culminated in the establishment of a burgeoning cinematic empire, marked by a constellation of theaters, including Abu Safiya Cinema, serving as bastions of cultural enrichment.
Fouad’s indomitable spirit of innovation extended beyond the silver screen, as evidenced by his audacious foray into theatrical production in 1980. Although thwarted in his attempts to stage a theatrical extravaganza featuring luminaries such as Faykh Farid Shawqi and Hussein Fahmy.