Saudi Film Commission Releases 2025 Film Industry Yearbook

Saudi film revenues more than doubled in 2025, rising from SAR 56.48 million in 2024 to SAR 122.61 million, according to the second edition of the Saudi Film Industry Yearbook released by the Saudi Film Commission on November 3rd.

Local films increased their share of the box office from 7% to more than 13%. Total cinema revenues across Saudi Arabia reached SAR 920.81 million from 18.77 million tickets sold, keeping the Kingdom among the largest cinema markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

The yearbook tracks more than 100 indicators across the industry, including talent development, infrastructure, incentives, funding and box office performance. Production spending supported through incentive and funding programmes reached around SAR 291.47 million across 52 projects during 2025.

Industry capacity also expanded, with the number of production companies operating in Saudi Arabia rising from 65 to 179 and available studio space reaching around 118,000 square metres. More than 6,800 people participated in film training programmes, while the National Film Archive grew to more than 83,000 preserved items.

Saudi films won more than 17 local and international awards during the year, including 12 for titles supported by the Commission’s incentive programme. Shahad Ameen’s ‘Hijra’ won five awards, including the NETPAC Award at the Venice International Film Festival, and was selected as Saudi Arabia’s submission for the 2026 Academy Awards.