How Saudi Arabia is building demand for its studios as new ones join the scene

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push to position itself as a major international production hub is well underway, driven in part by rapid and concerted studio infrastructure development. Early complexes such as Neom and Film AlUla are now being joined by Jax Film Studios and the recently opened PlayMaker Studios at Qiddiya City, creating a diverse choice of facilities for international productions.

Supported by a competitive incentive programme that includes a 40% rebate alongside an expanding pool of local talent, the film and TV production industry is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy and positions the Kingdom as not only a destination for breathtaking location shoots, but also a total life-cycle production hub.

Saudi Film Commission’s inaugural annual report reveals that 65 production companies now operate in Saudi Arabia, generating more than $288m (sar1.08bn) in local expenditure through national incentive programmes.

Film AlUla has carved out a distinctive position by pairing the Unesco world heritage site’s spectacular natural landscapes with production infrastructure. “Since launching, Film AlUla has hosted over 1,500 production days, supported award-winning regional and international films, launched our own world-class studio complex and built a rapidly growing ecosystem across infrastructure, people and creativity,” says Zaid Shaker, Film AlUla’s acting executive director. “Film AlUla has moved from primarily being a filming location to becoming a fully integrated production partner with rebate incentives, facilities and global-standard support.”

High-spec facilities

The studio complex, which opened its first phase in 2023, comprises two major soundstages supported by production buildings. It also includes construction workshops, costume and wardrobe spaces, catering facilities and a large backlot, as well as a sound-recording studio that can accommodate a 32-piece orchestra with advanced acoustic treatment.

The facility’s four-film collaboration with Stampede Ventures begins with Chasing Red starring Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno, with production commencing this month. Also part of the partnership is upcoming thriller Fourth Wall, starring Emma Roberts.

Neom, the megacity development in northwest Tabuk Province, was an early entrant into the global production community with its soundstages. Since its autumn 2022 launch, the development has hosted more than 40 productions across its two hubs: Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios.

Projects to use Neom include major international features such as Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior, starring Anthony Mackie and Aiysha Hart, which screens at Red Sea after premiering in Zurich, and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki with Shah Rukh Khan. The facilities have also supported regional productions such as MBC Studios’ fantasy series Rise Of The Witches and reality series Million Dollar Island.

At Cannes in May, Saudi Film Commission announced the development of Jax Film Studios. Located in Riyadh and spanning more than 7,000 square metres, it features two soundstages and a virtual production studio designed by VFX leader Pixomondo and powered by Sony’s Verona LED technology.

Jax’s location offers logistical advantages such as access to Riyadh’s international airport, five-star hotels and a growing ecosystem of creative and technical talent. The virtual production studio opened in November, and the facility also includes private screening rooms, production prep areas and VIP lounges.

PlayMaker Studios, which officially opened in Qiddiya City this month, represents a further major addition to the studio landscape. Spanning more than 50 acres, it features two high-­specification soundstages with two additional stages due to be completed in 2026. The timing of PlayMaker’s launch coincided with the start of pre-production on Unbroken Sword, a historical action feature directed by Alik Sakharov (Game Of Thrones, House Of Cards).

Strong rebate

Film AlUla offers additional incentives of up to 10%, particularly around training initiatives that prioritise local workforce development. With a minimum five-day production requirement and pre-approval needed before filming, the incentive structure is designed to encourage meaningful engagement with the Saudi production ecosystem.

A major component of Saudi Arabia’s studio strategy is workforce development. Film AlUla’s initiatives include the Afalula training scheme that features 189 hours of hands-on experience; the Stampede Ventures partnership designed to support 50 Film AlUla trainees (which is being implemented on the Chasing Red shoot); and masterclasses from international industry figures.

The AlUla Creates initiative backs female filmmakers and designers through development funds and mentorship, while partnerships with institutions such as Esra School, Clermont-­Ferrand International Short Festival and the UK’s Pinewood Studios provide technical training and apprenticeships.

Shaker says AlUla has “upskilled hundreds of Saudi creatives, embedded local talent on productions and empowered new filmmakers to enter the industry”.

Building foundations

As in any region, expansion of facilities creates pressure to maintain occupancy rates with a balanced combination of domestic and international productions.

For Film AlUla, says Shaker: “A key challenge has been ensuring that AlUla’s rapid growth aligns with the broader regeneration plans of AlUla County and Saudi Arabia.

“Building a new film ecosystem from the ground up requires significant workforce development, infrastructure investment, alignment across government stakeholder and [supporting] international productions while training a young industry.”

To this end, Shaker ticks off AlUla’s goals in 2026: “To become a top global film destination, attract more regional and international productions, power a sustainable Saudi film ecosystem by developing the next generation of [talent], strengthen international collaborations, champion Saudi and regional storytelling and drive economic growth in AlUla through the use of film as a catalyst for jobs, skills, tourism and long-term creative industry development.”

Saudi Arabia’s other studios are also planning to grow. Neom’s plans include increasing its stage count to more than 25 soundstages within a comprehensive media hub of between 850,000 and 1 million square metres by 2045. PlayMaker Studios is expanding with two additional soundstages in 2026, alongside plans for dedicated post-production, visual effects, volumetric and music studios.

Saudi Arabia has set a target to produce and shoot 100 films by 2030, comprising both local and international productions. With infrastructure in place and more coming, the challenge is to sustain the influx of productions. Long-term relationships with the international production community will help to cement the Kingdom as a go-to destination and keep its soundstages full.