Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Joy Forum 2025, one of the world’s largest entertainment industry gatherings, kicked off Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.
The two-day event was inaugurated in the presence of Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), who welcomed international guests to what he called “the entertainment capital of the world.”
In his opening speech, Alalshikh announced the signing of agreements worth SR4 billion for next year, featuring a series of major events and global partnerships.
He highlighted that the journey launched under Vision 2030 in 2016 “was short in time but full of achievements,” positioning Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading entertainment and tourism destinations.
Alalshikh confirmed that this year will witness the opening of the first phase of the monumental Qiddiya project — which includes Six Flags Qiddiya — one of the flagship initiatives of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
He praised the continued support of the Saudi leadership, crediting it for enabling the Kingdom’s rapid transformation.
He also commended strong collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb, Deputy Minister Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, and Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin, noting that joint efforts have helped the Kingdom achieve the second-highest tourism revenues in the region last year.
He extended similar praise to the Ministry of Culture, led by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his deputy Hamed Fayez.
Alalshikh pointed to the global rise of the Saudi Pro League, now followed by fans around the world and featuring many international football stars.
He revealed a new partnership with TKO and its CEO Nick Khan to bring Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia next year, and WrestleMania 2027 — to be held for the first time outside the United States.
He also announced a collaboration with UFC President Dana White to establish the world’s first global boxing league, set to launch in 2026, with several major events to be hosted in the Kingdom. Additionally, the Power Slap event will return next week following last year’s success.
In March, Saudi Arabia will host a major American football (NFL) event in partnership with legend Tom Brady, paving the way for future official league games in the Kingdom.
“We recently won the bid to host WrestleMania after strong competition with London, and we aim to bring the NFL next,” Alalshikh said.
He announced new partnerships with Warner Music and Atlantic Records to establish Merwas Studios in Riyadh’s Boulevard City, led by Hussein Al-Yami, as the regional music hub for the Middle East.
Agreements were also signed with six renowned Arab maestros to create a permanent orchestra in partnership with Rotana and Benchmark.
In the film sector, Alalshikh revealed the launch of the first phase of the Big Time Fund to support over 27 Saudi and international films, including Saif Allah Al-Masloul – Khalid bin Al-Waleed and Battle of Yarmouk, set for release in 2027.
He also announced a national film in partnership with the Ministry of Defense — supported by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman — portraying the Saudi military’s fight against terrorism, expected to premiere late next year or early 2027.
Another film, backed by the Ministry of Interior, will depict the Kingdom’s anti-drug efforts, directed by an acclaimed international filmmaker.
Upcoming drama projects include Abu Al-Muluk Abdulmalik bin Marwan, produced in partnership with MBC Studios, Sela Studios, and Shahid.
The iconic show Takeshi’s Castle will return this year in a special edition co-produced with Big Time Studios, featuring global stars MrBeast and Speed, and will soon stream on international platforms.
Alalshikh announced that the Riyadh Comedy Festival will return next year in a larger format following its record-breaking success.
He also teased an upcoming partnership with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, who will personally announce the details soon, as well as new projects with Korea’s CG company to organize three major events next year in response to the growing popularity of Korean content in the region.
The Saudi film industry will see collaborations with renowned Egyptian director Marwan Hamed on The Blue Elephant 3 and the film Al-Sitt, centered on the life of legendary singer Umm Kulthum.
Alalshikh reaffirmed the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, noting that “entertainment is no longer a luxury, but a key pillar of quality of life and national development.” He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is not merely putting its name on the map but is now “leading the global entertainment scene” through ambitious projects and visionary leadership.
