Country Profile: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s enormous investment in arts, culture, sport, and venue infrastructure is part of a long-term plan to position the country as a global cultural centre, boosting tourism while targeting $20bn in revenues and the creation of 100,000 jobs.
As such, the main local operators, while not necessarily always state-owned, are often heavily supported and financed by the regime’s General Entertainment Authority. But that doesn’t mean the project is a one-dimensional one.
Globally visible shows, such as MDLBEAST’s ever-growing Soundstorm festival and recent Guns N’ Roses show at the Mohammed Abdo Arena – Saudi’s latest big-name show, following visits from Eminem, Camila Cabello, Metallica, and others – position KSA as a major buyer of talent. Yet, the…