Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has arguably experienced the greatest transformation of any local film industry over the past decade. Since ending a 35-year ban on public cinemas in 2017, the kingdom has dedicated significant resources to becoming a leading global production destination — a key part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify Saudi’s economy, society and culture.

It has seen the launch of a highly competitive 40% cash rebate, widespread training of local crew and the construction of state-of-the-art facilities in a bid to attract major international productions to Saudi’s wide range of impressive locations.

This is being supported by a fast-growing network of studios. Established complexes in AlUla and Neom, located in the picturesque northwest region of the country, are now joined in capital city Riyadh by the recently opened Jax Film Studios, MBC Studios and AlHisn Big Time Studios. Just outside the capital in Qiddiya City is a further new entrant, PlayMaker Studios.

“The Saudi film industry has totally changed since my first production there in 2017,” says Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Entertainment and producer of Born A King, the first major international feature to shoot in the kingdom. “Back then, we had to bring everything. Now, there are equipment houses opening with full lens, camera and lighting kits that are up to international standards.”

Sutherland was also a co-producer on 2023 action thriller Kandahar, which was the first Hollywood feature to shoot entirely on location in Saudi, and operates Jeddah-based banner Celtic Arabia. “Saudi is a country that retains its authenticity, unlike some other parts of the Middle East that feel more western. There is a lot to explore because it has locations that have now been opened up to international filmmaking. Few people have filmed the richness of the kingdom, and there’s still a lot of opportunity to discover unique locations.”

One such place is AlUla, a region around the size of Belgium that is known for its red sandstone cliffs and mountains, oases and ancient cities such as Unesco world heritage site Hegra. It is home to AlUla Studios, which opened in 2023 and has hosted productions including Kandahar, Turkey-Saudi feature Siwar, adventure drama Hijra, which premiered at Venice, and Anderson .Paak’s K-Pops!.

Last year, The MBS Group signed a deal to exclusively manage and operate the studios, marking the first move into the Middle East for the US-based studio operator and production services company known as the home of James Cameron’s Avatar franchise.

US production company Stampede Ventures stuck a partnership with Film AlUla to shoot four features there. The first, Chasing Red, filmed at the studios from December 2025 to February 2026, with exteriors doubling for Arizona. Its 130-strong crew comprised US, Serbian, Jordanian and Saudi staff — part of a training programme to help expand the local talent base. Locations included the Banyan Tree hotel, surrounded by dramatic rock formations, the Cloud7 bungalow complex and local restaurant Somewhere.

“Shooting in a remote location means you need a robust pre-production period,” says Grant Torre, vice president of film development and production at Stampede Ventures. “You can’t just go down the street and get a new camera if it breaks. But there is so much more to film when it comes to natural beauty than you would find elsewhere. And the energy of the local crew is also unlike anything we’ve seen. It’s like the late ’90s, when people were still having fun making movies.”

Torre notes the international crew need to be mindful of cultural barriers. “People take prayer times during the day, and you need to be respectful of that,” he says. “The weekends are also different, so we shoot Sunday through Thursday.”

Addressing misconceptions about the role of women in the Saudi workforce, Torre says: “I get a lot of questions about whether women can work or drive in Saudi. That may have been an issue in the past, but it’s not the case now. Our local crew was largely Saudi women, and our director was a young woman. It’s something we’re intentional about.”

Saudi Arabia's unique draws are its "vibrant youth culture, trendy personalities, modern architecture, and untouched natural landscapes that remain fresh and visually exciting," says Noor Dagher, managing partner of Tres Content. "But above all, it's the Kingdom’s rich and distinctive culture that sets it apart—something truly inimitable.

Deserts abound in Saudia Arabia, but the kingdom has a diverse landscape with vast doubling potential.  In the Northwest, home to AlUla, you can find mountains, aoses, and ancient cities like Hegra, a UNESCO world heritage site. In the Tabuk region, deserts are set against craggy mountains. There is 500 kilometres of untouched Red Sea coastline for sea vistas, as well as rugged towns.

"The allure is that it’s genuine, authentic, culturally relevant, and the locations are still fresh to the eyes of the world," adds Film Pudding's Layal Moukahal. "It's the place to be."

Greenery is also available, with verdant mountain retreats and oases that house date palms, wild grasses and hyacinths.   

Architecturally, Saudi Arabia offers historical and ancient monuments, palatial villas and modern, urban buildings.

The country is arid, averaging approximately four inches of rain per year. However, Saudi Arabia has a variable climate depending on what region you are shooting in. In the desert during the summer, temperatures can rise to over 40C. In the north and central parts of Saudi Arabia, winter temperatures can drop below freezing.

Traditionally, Saudi Arabia has been slow in granting permits. Different permits may be required for shooting in cities, in the desert, in national parks and on public roads. But that is improving. 

Most of the permits, visas and access can be issued and solved in an online advanced digital form. But it is worth noting that photographing government buildings, military installations, oil facilities and palaces is prohibited.  If wishing to film in Saudi Arabia it is crucial to have proper local guidance and servicing.

AlUla Studios includes two 25,828 square foot soundstages, production support buildings, an audio recording studio, construction workshops and crew accommodation. Its total capacity is approximately 68,800 square feet of studio space and a four square kilometre backlot.

Jax Film Studios comprises two 1,500 square metre soundstages, virtual production volume (23 metres diameter), production offices, prep spaces and a private cinema. There is a 7,000-plus square metre complex and two 1,500 square metre soundstages.

Neom Media Village hosts four soundstages (up to 2,400 square metres) while Bajdah Studios has two 3,000 square metre domed soundstages, expansive backlots (oasis, fort) and full support facilities. There is onsite accommodation for 350 cast and crew.

PlayMaker Studios has two purpose-built soundstages, workshops and production facilities, production offices and amenities, and backlots spanning more than 50 acres. Future planned facilities include post-production, visual effects, volumetric and music studios. Construction is under way on two additional soundstages.

AlHisn Big Time Studios includes two 5,000 square metre soundstages, a production village with editing suites, dining halls, accommodation suites and an outdoor space of 150,000 square metres to build sets. There is also a 50x50 metre outdoor water tank and 12x12 metre indoor pool, as well as a virtual production stage.

Saudi Arabia covers 2.1 million square kilometres, taking in most of the Arabian Peninsula. Its cities are widely spaced out, meaning pre-production is key for an efficient shoot. However, there is a good network of airports with international flights. Travel between cities is easiest by road, and the modern train network has three routes.

Contact :  Saudi Film Commission info@moc.gov.sa