International CEOs, experts set to discuss entertainment industry in Riyadh

JOY Entertainment Industry Forum 2019 is set to welcome several experts, CEOs, global companies, and international academics to take part in conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh.

The two-day event, held October 13-14, will feature discussions with industry pioneers about successful entertainment sectors, design strategies, and detailed plans on how to implement change.

Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) said in a statement that “the forum aims to create a robust platform to build and develop the entertainment industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as establish new entertainment opportunities, and exchange international experiences in various prospects of the field.”

The event will bring together researchers, designers, developers, and businessmen who are interested in designing, developing, evaluating and marketing events for the local Saudi market, the GEA added.

More than 12 workshops will be held, which will include: “A Start-Up Guide to the Entertainment Industry” by CEO of Syrup Entertainment Advisory Mostafa Shirah, “Entertainment Marketing” by Head of Digital & Content at WKC Noor Taher, and “Theme Park Development” by President of Parks and Attractions Don Patts.

A-list Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities are also set to attend, but names have yet to be announced.

Announced by the government of Saudi Arabia in 2016, Vision 2030 is a sweeping set of programs and reforms set to liberalize the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

The GEA was established in 2016 and is aligned with the Vision 2030 objectives that emphasize the importance of the entertainment as a means to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy.

Some of the events that the GEA has organized include: Jeddah Season, a six-week entertainment which ran from June 8 to July 18, and al-Soudah Season, which included the Flowerman Festival. The GEA also organized a five-day National Day Season to celebrate the Kingdom's 89th National Day.