Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector witnessed increased activity and expansion in the number of events and licenses during the third quarter of 2025, according to a report issued by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). The report recorded 12.6 million visitors, reflecting continued growth across various regulatory and operational performance indicators.
According to the report, 468 entertainment events were held across 116 cities in the Kingdom, highlighting the breadth and diversity of activities throughout all regions. The number of companies operating in the sector also rose to 6,499, indicating stronger investment opportunities and continued development of the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia.
On the regulatory side, the GEA issued 1,839 licenses during the third quarter — a 48.9% increase compared to the same period last year — covering various types of entertainment activities, live shows, entertainment centers, and artistic talent management. The report also noted that more than 24,200 inspection visits were conducted, representing an increase of approximately 4%, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards.
The report further indicated that the compliance rate among licensed entertainment activities reached 93%, demonstrating improved quality in entertainment experiences and enhanced efficiency in oversight and monitoring.
The sector also recorded significant progress in service quality, with the visitor satisfaction index rising to 94%, up from 89% in the previous year — a 5% improvement. To ensure the delivery of high-quality entertainment experiences, the authority evaluated more than 203 entertainment events, 672 entertainment centers, and 13 entertainment cities as part of its classification programs for entertainment activities and investors.
The General Entertainment Authority affirmed that its ongoing regulatory and supervisory efforts contribute to enhancing the quality of entertainment activities and enabling investors to develop distinctive and safe experiences that meet public expectations, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a thriving and sustainable entertainment sector.