It’s back to the movies in Saudi Arabia, once again

Opening of cinemas is a very tangible and immediate aspect of the kingdom’s Vision 2030

Much has been written and pondered upon as Saudi Arabia embraces change and sets a bold path for the future. Now, for the first time in more than 35 years, Saudis will be able to visit a cinema and embrace the best that Hollywood and the regional studio hub has to offer. It is no less than a cultural renaissance taking place right in the heart of the region.

On Wednesday, this new era began with the screening of the blockbuster Black Panther in a concert hall that has been converted into a cinema complex in Riyadh. In the coming months, more theatres will open and an estimated Dh100 billion will be spent on constructing purpose-built multiplex cinemas in towns and cities across the Kingdom. The measure represents a significant investment, providing a boost to local economies, creating jobs, revitalising towns and malls, offering employment opportunities and rolling back the social obstacles that have hindered Saudi Arabia in the recent past. This is exactly the type of social and economic impetus projected under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Indeed, it’s estimated that there will be 30,000 new jobs created by the opening of some 2,000 cinema screens by that year.

In the coming months, other milestones are expected to bring in change and openness to the kingdom. Women will be permitted to drive and new initiatives will make it easier for tourists to sample the best that the country has to offer. Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s plan for his country is indeed a bold one, but it is one that has already heralded change — and there’s no going back now.