Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is progressing towards diversification under Vision 2030. The digital economy is a standout performer, contributing 14% of GDP, while government-led giga-projects open long-term opportunities across various sectors. Despite a dip in oil activities that reduced the current account surplus to 3.2% in 2023, tourism income surged by 38%, boosting the servi
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a period of sustained economic growth, outperforming other G20 nations in 2022. This expansion is attributed to higher global energy prices, resulting in a fiscal surplus and supporting diversification efforts and the non-oil sector.
– Several emerging markets have developed internationally known film industries – Streaming services are leveraging local content to expand to new markets – The global industry is receiving funding from more emerging market sources – Many countries are targeting increased investment in local production As audiences return to entertainment in physical venues following the…
With increasing oil and gas prices and an expanding non-oil sector, Saudi Arabia has been logging record trade surpluses in recent years, while securing government revenue for future investment. The Kingdom is expected to be among the fastest-growing economies in the G20 in 2022 – and was on track to fulfil that forecast by the middle of the year. Indeed, in the first three months of 2022 G
Since its establishment in September 1932, the Kingdom has poured its considerable financial resources into a series of large-scale economic development, diversification and modernisation initiatives. Saudi Arabia has attracted international attention for the momentum of its socio-economic transformation, taking place under the auspices of the Vision 2030 development blueprint. Firming oil prices
Key initiatives include a privatisation programme which would see the divestment of a number of state-owned giants, such as the partial listing of Aramco, the creation of the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund and the increased participation of women in the job market. The Kingdom has played a key role too on the international stage in 2017, becoming the first country to host President Trump,
With more than SR3.3bn ($879.8m) in spending earmarked for culture and media by 2020, Saudi Arabia’s government is hoping to attract significant private sector investment in the development of its creative and entertainment industries. To this end, state agencies are working hard to encourage international investment, talent and media sector expertise in the Kingdom, and they aim to help develop…
Interview: Ghassan Al Shibl What do you see as the main digital trends in the Saudi media sector today? GHASSAN AL SHIBL: The current shift towards digital media creates an additional level of complexity for media companies as we must be at the forefront of change and break news before competitors. Access to digital media is much easier, it provides a global reach but also requires in-depth knowledge…
With more than SR3.3bn ($879.8m) in spending earmarked for culture and media by 2020, Saudi Arabia’s government is hoping to attract significant private sector investment in the development of its creative and entertainment industries. To this end, state agencies are working hard to encourage international investment, talent and media sector expertise in the Kingdom, and they aim to help…
Television in Saudi Arabia is arguably facing its biggest shift in 25 years as more traditional broadcasters disrupt digital consumption patterns. Over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services, led by Netflix, have changed the business model for networks and television producers around the world. Certain Netflix content has been available to subscribers in Saudi Arabia since January 2016, and…
