Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to become a key player in the global film industry. In a landmark announcement, Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), revealed five new film projects set to be produced in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh. These films will be created at the newly launched Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, a modern production hub that represents Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to shape its own cinematic future.
The announcement marks a significant moment in the nation’s cultural and entertainment strategy, aligning closely with Vision 2030—the country’s ongoing plan to diversify its economy and expand its global cultural presence.
Five New Films: Diverse Stories with a Saudi Core
Each of the five films revealed by Al-Sheikh reflects a different theme, genre, or historical significance, catering to both local and international audiences.
- Battle of Yarmouk (Khalid Ibn Al-Walid)
This major production will be filmed in English and tells the legendary story of Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, a revered military leader in Islamic history. The film will center around the famous Battle of Yarmouk, a decisive conflict in the 7th century that shaped the course of the region. The movie is set to feature an international cast, aiming to introduce a global audience to a heroic chapter from Arab history. - A Military-Themed Film in Collaboration with the Ministry of Defense
The second film will focus on true events involving the Saudi military, celebrating the dedication, discipline, and strength of the armed forces. This production is being developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and will be crafted for both local and international viewers. It will serve not only as entertainment but also as a tribute to national service. - The Fight Against Drug Trafficking – A Film with the Ministry of Interior
In partnership with the Ministry of Interior, this film will dramatize real-life stories from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing war against drug trafficking. It is designed to raise awareness and show the challenges law enforcement faces daily. Combining gripping narratives and action, the project seeks to shine a light on the bravery of those protecting the country from the devastating effects of drug crime. - Al-Boulevard – A Modern Saudi Story
Directed by Mohammad Al-Mulla, a rising Saudi filmmaker, Al-Boulevard explores modern Saudi life and youth culture. With a cast of local actors and a storyline deeply rooted in today’s Saudi society, the film is set to capture the essence of life in the Kingdom’s fast-changing urban landscape. It reflects the voices of a new generation and aims to bring their stories to screens worldwide. - Qasr Al-Dhabab (The Fog Castle) – A Saudi Horror Film
Breaking into the horror genre, The Fog Castle will be a Saudi-produced thriller that features a mix of local and international actors. With strong production values and a gripping plot, this film aims to demonstrate the creative range of Saudi filmmakers and bring a fresh, thrilling experience to regional and global audiences.
Al-Hisn Big Time Studios: Saudi Arabia’s New Hollywood
All five films will be produced at Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, a newly built production complex in Riyadh. Constructed in just 120 days, the massive facility covers 300,000 square meters and houses seven state-of-the-art studio buildings. The studios offer top-tier production capabilities that meet international standards.
The complex includes a production village with everything filmmakers need: costume design and storage areas, carpentry and metalworking workshops, high-end editing suites, and luxury living spaces for visiting artists and executives. There are also dedicated offices and creative workspaces designed to support full-scale film production.
Turki Al-Sheikh called the facility “a fortress for Arab and international content production,” emphasizing its role in Saudi Arabia’s long-term cultural strategy. The studio will not only host national projects but also aims to attract foreign filmmakers looking for a new and well-equipped destination to shoot their productions.
A Track Record of Ambitious Productions
This announcement builds on the success of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious film to date: The Seven Dogs. With a reported budget of over $40 million, the movie has been called the largest Arabic-language film production so far.
Starring major Egyptian actors Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz, and directed by the internationally acclaimed duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah—best known for Bad Boys for Life—the film was shot entirely at Al-Hisn Studios. The story was written by Turki Al-Sheikh himself, with the screenplay adapted by writer Mohamed El-Dabbah.
During its production, The Seven Dogs also served as a training ground for Saudi talent. Young Saudi men and women were given hands-on training in film editing, camera operations, set design, and more. The goal is clear: build not just films, but also a skilled national workforce that will drive the Saudi film industry forward for years to come.
Supporting Vision 2030 Through Entertainment
These developments are part of a larger cultural shift happening across Saudi Arabia. Under Vision 2030, the government is working to modernize society, create new economic sectors, and promote the country’s cultural identity. The entertainment sector is a major focus, with the GEA playing a leading role in hosting events, concerts, film festivals, and now—original cinematic productions.
Since cinemas reopened in 2018 after a 35-year ban, Saudi Arabia’s film industry has been growing rapidly. Turki Al-Sheikh has led many of these initiatives, including launching the Joy Awards and Riyadh Season, which have drawn global celebrities and attracted millions of visitors to the Kingdom.
Al-Sheikh noted that 65% of content consumed across the Gulf region is Saudi-made, which highlights both the demand for local stories and the responsibility to deliver them at a high standard.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Saudi Film
The announcement of these five films is more than just a creative milestone—it’s a strategic investment in storytelling, identity, and national pride. Saudi Arabia is clearly positioning itself as a regional leader in the film and entertainment industries.
As production gets underway, the projects are expected to attract local interest and international attention. Each film tells a different story—some historic, some heroic, some personal, and some thrilling—but they all share one thing in common: they are distinctly Saudi at heart.
By blending modern filmmaking with traditional values and local narratives, Saudi Arabia is building a new cinematic voice for itself—one that will echo far beyond the Gulf.
Rabbit Expands Into Saudi Arabia, Transforming Hyperlocal E-Commerce Across the Kingdom
