Saudi Arabia Lifts 35-year Ban On Cinemas, To Operate From Next Year

Saudi Arabia has announced it will lift a ban on commercial cinemas, after they were shut down in the 1980’s during a political revolt.

A resolution was passed on Monday allowing the Board of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media to grant licenses to cinemas, including commercial providers.

“Commercial cinemas will be allowed to operate in the kingdom as of early 2018, for the first time in more than 35 years,” the Culture and Information Minister, Mr Awwad Alawwad said in a statement on Monday, adding that the government would begin licensing venues immediately.

“This marks a watershed moment in the development of the cultural economy, opening cinemas will act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification.” The information minister added.

The measure is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme and follows the announcement that women in the Kingdom will be allowed to drive come June 2018.

The conservative Muslim kingdom had cinemas in the 1970s, but clerics persuaded authorities to close them, citing they were contradictory of Arab culture and norms.

The government anticipates the opening of 300 cinemas with over 2,000 screens by 2030, contributing $24bn to the economy and creating 30,000 jobs.