Saudi Arabia: Film AlUla positions itself as a key destination for international filmmakers
Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming
into a global production powerhouse, fueled by government incentives and
long-term investment. At the heart of this evolution is Film AlUla, which is channeling
international production budgets into the local economy while developing a
sustainable creative sector.
According to the Saudi Film Commission, 65 production
companies now operate in the Kingdom, generating over $288 million (SR1.08
billion) in local spending through various incentive programs.
A major catalyst for this growth is
the Kingdom’s 40% rebate, which encourages foreign productions to spend locally
on hiring crews, securing locations, and utilizing services.
This influx of production dollars is
spreading across a growing network of hubs. In addition to Neom, new facilities
such as Jax Film Studios and PlayMaker Studios are expanding the country’s
capacity to support large-scale shoots.
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Film AlUla has positioned itself as
a key destination for international filmmakers, offering a blend of financial
incentives and striking landscapes. Situated in AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage
site, Film AlUla has already hosted more than 1,500 production days, supporting
a range of projects from international feature films to commercials.
Each project generates significant
local spending on accommodation, transportation, catering, and technical
services.
"Film AlUla has evolved from
being just a filming location to becoming a fully integrated production
partner," said Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla.
"We provide rebate incentives, world-class facilities, and comprehensive
support, all while building a sustainable ecosystem."
This ecosystem is focused on
retaining value within Saudi Arabia by encouraging international productions to
hire local crews, train young professionals, and invest in long-term
capabilities rather than simply filming and departing.
A prime example of this is the film Chasing
Red, a collaboration between Film AlUla and international production
company Stampede. Based on the young adult novel by Isabelle Ronin, the film
features Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) and Gavin Casalegno (The Summer
I Turned Pretty).
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Despite the story being set in
Arizona, AlUla’s versatile landscapes allowed the filmmakers to benefit from
financial incentives while showcasing the region’s ability to double for
different environments.
“The film demonstrates AlUla’s
capacity to represent various regions,” said Shaker. “The landscapes are
unparalleled in their ability to stand in for different global settings, adding
a unique character to the production.”
Beyond the visuals, projects like Chasing
Red are helping develop local talent. Through customized training programs
with international partners, Saudi professionals are gaining hands-on
experience on set, from internships to full-time roles.
“Training a local crew is
essential," Shaker emphasized. “It generates jobs, facilitates knowledge
transfer, and supports cultural growth.”
This focus on workforce development
aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and
create new industries. In the film sector, it means building a pipeline of
skilled local talent capable of supporting long-term industry growth.
As more international productions
come to Saudi Arabia, the money spent circulates within the Kingdom,
strengthening the film industry and contributing to the broader economy.
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Film AlUla plays a central role in
this strategy by offering comprehensive production support, including permits,
visas, logistics, and incentives, thus lowering the barriers for studios to
choose Saudi Arabia as a filming destination.
Additionally, the region’s varied
landscapes enable Saudi Arabia to host a wide range of genres, from action and
romance to science fiction, giving filmmakers both creative flexibility and
financial benefits.
Source:
Arab News
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