In an ongoing drive to position Saudi Arabia as a leading entertainment and cultural hub, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has spearheaded the construction of a $5 billion studio complex in Riyadh’s Boulevard Riyadh City.
Complete with state-of-the-art recording facilities, rehearsal spaces, and advanced audio and video production technology, the complex aims to host both Saudi and international talent and enhance the kingdom’s entertainment industry. However, this ambitious project has sparked criticism as it comes at a time when many Saudi citizens are reportedly grappling with poverty and rising costs of living.
Entertainment at an Expensive Price
The newly opened studio complex is designed to serve as a focal point for the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia. With cutting-edge sound studios for recording, podcast production, and radio broadcasting, the complex also includes dedicated rehearsal spaces for over 50 musicians, isolated rooms for pre-concert rehearsals, and a specialized studio for electronic music production. The project was inaugurated by Turki Al-Sheikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, as part of the launch of Riyadh Season 2024. The season opened with a major concert featuring international artists like singer Ciara, and Al-Sheikh touted the complex as a milestone for the kingdom’s entertainment industry.
The project is part of MBS’s broader cultural vision, which includes initiatives like the Kingdom Tour Festival, partnerships with streaming platforms like DAZN, and high-profile international collaborations. While these ventures aim to showcase Saudi culture and attract global attention, critics argue that they prioritize global appeal over addressing local challenges.
Economic Disparity in Saudi Arabia
Despite the Crown Prince’s heavy investments in entertainment and culture, reports suggest that many Saudi citizens are struggling economically. In Riyadh alone, more than 13,000 families reportedly rely on charity organizations for basic food supplies, and many Saudis face daily challenges amid economic uncertainty.
This stark contrast between luxury investments and citizens’ basic needs raises questions about the government’s financial priorities. While the new studio complex is intended to enhance the country’s global image, critics argue that such spending could be redirected toward social welfare programs, job creation, and infrastructure improvements that would more directly benefit the Saudi population.
“Sportswashing” and Entertainment Expansion
The recent wave of Saudi investments in entertainment and sports has drawn scrutiny for what many see as “sportswashing” or “image-building” tactics. These projects, including the construction of stadiums, international festivals, and cinematic ventures, are viewed as MBS’s efforts to enhance his personal and political reputation on the global stage. While entertainment spending has increased, critics argue that it comes at the expense of essential services and public welfare.
Turki Al-Sheikh’s announcement of the Kingdom Tour Festival, featuring performances from local and international artists, is another example of this focus on entertainment. The festival, expected to cost $4 billion, includes a lineup of concerts, theater performances, and film screenings. Additionally, the launch of an Al Hilal channel on the DAZN platform further expands Saudi Arabia’s presence in the entertainment sector, showcasing the kingdom’s ambition to become a leader in sports and media.
Social Impact and Public Reaction
The vast spending on high-profile entertainment projects has led to mixed reactions among Saudi citizens. Some applaud the modernization of the kingdom’s entertainment sector as part of a broader cultural shift that aligns with MBS’s Vision 2030 goals. However, others express frustration, arguing that the focus on luxury projects and international events has overlooked pressing social needs.
According to critics, the $5 billion studio complex and similar projects risk creating a two-tier society, where the elite enjoy the benefits of global-scale entertainment while many ordinary Saudis face economic hardship. As Saudi Arabia’s social fabric transforms, the disparity between high-profile entertainment spending and the realities of daily life for many citizens has led to growing public criticism.
A Cultural Shift with Social Trade-Offs
MBS’s $5 billion studio complex reflects a new era for Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions, transforming the kingdom into an entertainment hub with the resources to attract international attention. However, the question remains whether this high-cost investment aligns with the needs of Saudi citizens. While the project aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position on the global stage, critics argue that this focus on luxury comes at the expense of addressing urgent social and economic concerns within the kingdom.
As MBS continues his efforts to reshape Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, balancing international image-building with domestic welfare will be essential. For many Saudis, the future of the kingdom’s cultural transformation depends on ensuring that these investments in entertainment do not overshadow the real needs of its people.
