Saudi Arabia is making a decisive move in the global film and television production landscape with the opening of AlHisn Big Time Studios in Riyadh. This state-of-the-art production hub, officially inaugurated by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, promises to elevate content creation across the Middle East, particularly spotlighting Saudi productions.
Set across an impressive 300,000 square meters, AlHisn Big Time Studios is designed as a one-stop production village, housing every resource a film or TV project might need. The facility features seven expansive studios covering 10,500 square meters, specialized workshops for metalwork, carpentry, and costume design, as well as fully equipped editing suites and offices. In addition to these core production facilities, the studios also include VIP suites and dedicated pre-production spaces, bringing together top talent and tech under one roof.
Speaking at the launch, Al-Sheikh expressed his vision for AlHisn Big Time Studios as a “stronghold” for both local and international content. “We completed these advanced facilities in just four months, underscoring our commitment to rapid growth and the robust development of Saudi Arabia’s creative industries,” Al-Sheikh noted. He added that approximately 65% of content consumed in the region originates from Saudi Arabia, further emphasizing the demand for local content and the importance of a thriving, homegrown production ecosystem.
A central feature of AlHisn Big Time Studios is its collaborative approach, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s creative and technical talents on-site, from camera and equipment manufacturers to seasoned actors and set designers. To deepen industry connections, productions can utilize locations like Diriyah Jax, AlUla, Sony Studios, and MBC Studios in Al-Nargis, with Al-Sheikh stressing that these collaborative options would reduce production costs and streamline timelines while ensuring access to top-tier global technology.
With this strategic launch, Saudi Arabia isn’t just establishing a facility; it’s creating a dynamic production destination set to boost the Middle East’s content creation capabilities and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the international market.