Joy Awards Spotlights Saudi’s USD 3B Entertainment Market

• Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is rapidly growing, projected to reach USD 5.36 billion by 2031, driven by Vision 2030.
• Family centers, theme parks, cinemas, and digital entertainment lead growth, while cultural tourism in Mecca and Medina expands steadily.
• Events like the Joy Awards drive the digital economy, attracting global participants and boosting tourism, revenue, and premium experiences.

Entertainment Sector

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by Vision 2030, with clear growth in both public and private investments. The market reached USD 2.65 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 2.98 billion in 2026, reaching USD 5.36 billion by 2031.

Entertainment activities in the Kingdom are concentrated in family entertainment centers and theme parks, which account for 36% of the market, alongside a strong cinema segment that generated SAR 845.6 million and 17.5 million tickets in 2024. Meanwhile, digital entertainment and mixed reality are the fastest-growing segments, posting 18.5% CAGR. Cultural and religious tourism in Mecca and Medina is also expanding, supported by educational and religious trips.

Joy Awards

The Joy Awards have become pivotal in driving the digital economy and entertainment industry, distributing over USD 60 million in prizes in 2025. This has boosted overall revenues in the entertainment sector while attracting international participants. Furthermore, it has led to increasing spending on accommodation, food, and leisure experiences, and supporting both domestic and international tourism.

Entertainment activities by region:

• Riyadh dominates the market (52.1%) with family entertainment centers operating at 68% occupancy.
• Mecca and Medina benefit from Hajj and Umrah seasons.
• Eastern Province focuses on waterparks, growing at 6.8% CAGR.
• Emerging cities like Asir, Qassim, and NEOM are exploring indoor and cultural entertainment centers while respecting social norms.

Market Projections

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and gaming sector is undergoing a structural transformation fueled by Vision 2030 policies, increased government infrastructure spending, and a young, tech-savvy audience seeking innovative experiences. Market growth is projected from USD 2.65 billion in 2025 to USD 2.98 billion in 2026, reaching USD 5.36 billion by 2031 (12.4% CAGR).

Leading Segments: 

• Theme parks & family entertainment centers: 36% of the market, with growing demand for integrated experiences in malls across Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Cinema: Box office revenue reached SAR 845.6 million in 2024, with Riyadh leading at SAR 391.1 million.
• Digital entertainment & mixed reality: 18.5% CAGR through 2031, with esports reaching 1 million active players in 2024.
• Cultural & religious tourism: Mecca and Medina see growing visitor numbers during Hajj and Umrah, incorporating educational and heritage experiences.

Revenue Sources:

• Ticket sales: ~50% of total revenue.
• Premium experiences (VIP): Private experiences and exclusive packages, expected 20.1% CAGR to 2031.
• Food, beverages, and retail: Contributing significantly to profit margins.

Visitors & Demographics

• Families: Core segment at 46.8% of visitors.
• Youth & teens: Growing at 13.3% CAGR, increasingly interested in digital entertainment and esports.

Key Players:

• Government entities: Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), Qiddiya Investment Company.
• Private operators: Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Group, Al Othaim Leisure & Tourism, Muvi Cinemas.

Growth Drivers & Challenges:

• Drivers:
  • Government infrastructure spending (+1.4% CAGR impact)
  • Saudi Summer campaigns boosting domestic tourism (+1.1%)
  • Mall investments linked to entertainment centers (+0.9%)
  • Increased female participation and family visits (+0.8%)
• Challenges:
  • Seasonality during Hajj & Umrah (-0.7%)
  • Fragmented municipal licensing (-0.6%)
  • Shortage of specialized engineering talent (-0.5%)
  • Energy supply issues in new city projects (-0.4%)

Future outlook

By 2030, the sector aims to:

• Increase entertainment’s contribution to GDP to 4.2%
• Raise household spending on entertainment from 2.9% to 6%
• Create 450,000+ jobs

With continued investment in digital technologies, esports, and premium experiences, Saudi Arabia’s entertainment economy is expected to keep expanding, attracting both domestic and international tourists.