Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s extravagant spending on entertainment has drawn significant criticism, particularly as many Saudi citizens struggle with rising living costs, unemployment, and poverty. The latest in these high-profile expenses is a $10 million one-week theatrical production of SS Hanem, featuring Egyptian actress Esaad Younes, set to take place at the Mohammed Al Ali Theater in Riyadh. This short-lived event is part of the Crown Prince’s ambitious Riyadh Season, a series of entertainment initiatives meant to transform Saudi Arabia into a global cultural hub. Critics, however, argue that such high-cost events are tone-deaf to the pressing financial needs of Saudi citizens and are primarily aimed at improving bin Salman’s international image.
High Costs for Short-Term Events
The decision to spend 10 million riyals on a week-long play has raised eyebrows, especially given the economic realities facing many Saudi citizens. The play is part of a larger trend in the kingdom’s entertainment spending under bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative. However, many Saudis feel alienated by these high-end, costly events, which they say cater to a wealthy elite or international visitors, making them inaccessible to ordinary citizens who are bearing the brunt of economic inflation and job shortages.
Turki Al Sheikh, bin Salman’s advisor for entertainment, announced the event as part of Riyadh Season, an annual series of entertainment events designed to position Saudi Arabia as a cultural destination. However, many see it as a tactic to distract citizens from domestic issues and polish bin Salman’s reputation on the world stage. Critics argue that such displays, including high-cost concerts and theatrical productions, do little to benefit the average Saudi and primarily serve as a form of “image-washing” for the Crown Prince.
Lavish Contracts and Celebrity Guests
Another notable expense during Riyadh Season is the $6 million contract signed with Egyptian satirical comedian Bassem Youssef, known for his prior criticisms of Saudi Arabia’s spending on foreign celebrities. In addition to his lucrative contract, Youssef’s deal includes accommodations in luxury hotels and complimentary business-class flights. Critics view his participation as emblematic of the allure of Saudi wealth, which has drawn high-profile celebrities and influencers despite prior criticisms.
Meanwhile, the government has also invested in efforts to attract Hollywood filmmakers and international artists, offering incentives like a 40% cashback on expenses and substantial bonuses. The Saudi Film Fund, a new initiative with a $100 million budget, seeks to attract international studios to collaborate on productions in the kingdom. Critics argue that such funding is unlikely to yield tangible benefits for the broader Saudi public and instead serves to enhance bin Salman’s image abroad.
Expensive Projects Amid Economic Struggles
The entertainment spending spree doesn’t stop at theatrical performances and celebrity contracts. The Saudi government has invested heavily in a wide range of entertainment events and infrastructure, including a $4 billion Kingdom Tour 2024 festival, which will feature concerts, dance performances, and movie screenings from local and international artists. These extravagant expenditures are being made while many Saudis face high levels of poverty and unemployment.
In addition, Saudi Arabia recently hosted an international dog festival, with various competitions and activities costing an estimated 5 million riyals. The event, which included agility contests, hunting displays, and even a “dog beauty” contest, added another costly event to an already substantial entertainment budget, raising questions about the government’s priorities during a time of economic hardship for many Saudis.
Misaligned Spending and Public Outcry
Bin Salman’s entertainment-driven Vision 2030 is ambitious, with plans to host more than 3,800 events at an estimated cost of $64 billion. Critics argue that while these efforts may attract tourism and global attention, they come at a high price for the Saudi public, who have seen little benefit from these initiatives. Reports indicate that poverty and unemployment are growing concerns in the kingdom, with many struggling to make ends meet as inflation drives up living costs. In contrast, these costly events are perceived as irrelevant to the pressing needs of ordinary citizens.
In addition to entertainment, the Crown Prince has also introduced the Golden Pen literary competition, focusing on works that can be adapted into films, with a prize pool of $740,000. While cultural investment is generally seen as beneficial, critics argue that these resources could be better allocated to addressing urgent social and economic needs in the country.
