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The General Entertainment Authority said entertainment activities and events across the kingdom attracted 45.7 million visitors in the first half of 2026. Overall visitor satisfaction reached 96 percent while the authority strengthened the sector’s regulatory framework to advance Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The GEA issued more than 2,500 licenses for entertainment and related activities during the period and performed over 8,500 inspection visits nationwide.
Coordination with 29 government entities allowed the authority to unify procedures and ease the investor journey in the entertainment sector. It also issued 1,127 classification certificates that apply consistent standards to raise service quality. Operating companies in the sector now exceed 7,200 according to the authority’s update.
More than 400 investors gained access to visitor experience measurement tools and the GEA prepared over 900 reports that evaluate satisfaction levels and performance indicators. These documents support ongoing improvements to events and activities. The authority addressed 586 complaints in the second quarter through structured follow-up processes aimed at elevating service standards and user engagement.
Majed Al-Gharabi the head of the regulatory affairs sector at the GEA said the results reflect the authority’s success in establishing a comprehensive regulatory system encompassing legislative development enhanced oversight performance measurement and investor empowerment. These efforts have reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position among the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets while increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy and quality of life he pointed out. Al-Gharabi noted that the authority continues to foster a supportive regulatory environment that attracts investment and advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The regulator’s work occurs under the guidance of Saudi leadership and with the close follow-up of Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh who serves as chairman of the GEA board. Such oversight has helped align licensing inspection and classification processes with broader economic diversification targets. The first-half indicators demonstrate measurable progress in both visitor volume and service reliability across the kingdom.
