In an industry that thrives on momentum and reinvention, Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of global cinema’s most unexpected success stories. It wasn’t long ago—just six years, in fact—that the kingdom had no commercial cinemas and no meaningful screen sector to speak of. Today, with more than 800 cinema screens and a growing slate of locally produced features, Saudi is not just playing catch-up; it’s redefining what rapid growth looks like.

At the center of this transformation is Film AlUla, the Saudi-born film initiative supporting production in the northwest region of AlUla—home to the kingdom’s oldest UNESCO heritage site. Since rejoining the cultural conversation in 2018 with the lifting of its 35-year cinema ban, Saudi Arabia has moved with unprecedented speed. And leading that charge in AlUla is Zaid Shaker, acting executive director of Film AlUla.

“All the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place,” says Shaker, 10 months into his tenure. “The momentum is real. The industry is thriving. And what we’re building in AlUla is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Building the Infrastructure, At Speed

Opened last spring, Film AlUla Studios boasts 26,000 square feet of state-of-the-art soundstage space and a 61,500-square-foot backlot. It’s more than just a facility—it’s a central hub for both location-based and studio-based production, complete with a recording studio equipped for full orchestras, a new creative production hub, and dedicated activation space.

Shaker reports strong interest from international studios and streamers, especially following their recent collaboration with MBS MENA Limited. “We’re fielding serious inquiries and locking in a robust Q3 and Q4 production pipeline,” he confirms.

From Desert to Soundstage: Why AlUla Works

One of the studio’s key advantages is its flexibility: producers can shoot on location across AlUla’s breathtaking, ancient landscapes, then move indoors to the fully equipped stages. This all-weather capacity allows for year-round productions—a major strategic advantage in a region known for extreme climates.

The goal, says Shaker, is not just to serve one kind of production. “We can host a major feature shooting exteriors while two other high-end projects shoot on our soundstages. It’s built to scale.”

Workforce First: Training From the Ground Up

But the real story in AlUla isn’t just soundstages—it’s Saudis. Film AlUla has centered its entire growth model around training local crew and creating sustainable job pipelines.

“In Norah, which became the first Saudi feature to screen at Cannes, 40% of the crew was local. Siwar, which opened this year’s Saudi Film Festival, had 80%. That’s the proof,” says Shaker.

Through AlUla Creates, a high-level capacity-building program, the region has already produced three short films, some of which screened at the Red Sea Film Festival. Local hires aren’t just encouraged—they’re woven into the ethos of every shoot. “We don’t enforce quotas, but we champion community.”

Sustainable Stories, Sustainable Practices

Shaker is quick to point out that the region’s cultural and environmental significance requires a careful touch. Sustainability is a core principle, and productions are graded on their green practices as part of the rebate process. “We protect what makes AlUla unique. That’s non-negotiable.”

From Cannes to the World: The Rise of Saudi Storytellers

While AlUla actively courts international shoots, the crown jewels remain the kingdom’s emerging filmmakers. The next wave includes Shahad Ameen’s Hijra, partially shot in AlUla and due later this year, and Hobal, a breakout from director Abdulaziz Alshlahei that has made waves both domestically and abroad.

“When we export a Saudi film, we’re exporting culture,” says Shaker. “That’s as important as any economic incentive.”

So What’s Next?

Film AlUla is currently finalizing plans for its first feature under the Stampede Arabia banner—a collaboration with Hollywood’s Stampede Ventures. It’s the first of several international co-productions on the slate. “For me, every international production is a training opportunity for our crew. The two goals aren’t in conflict—they feed each other.”

In a country that didn’t even have movie theaters a decade ago, it’s astonishing to see 42% of all Middle East box office revenue now come from Saudi Arabia. What seemed like a moonshot in 2018 is today a thriving creative economy.

“The energy is real,” says Shaker. “And it’s just the beginning.”