General Entertainment Authority Drew 8.3M Visitors With Saudi Events

In its third-quarter report for 2024, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has announced that it has held 536 events that drew 8.3 million visitors, underscoring the growing demand for diverse entertainment options in the Kingdom.

The report reveals a 20% increase in licence applications, with a total of 9,000 submitted during the quarter, compared to 7,498 in the previous quarter. This surge reflects the burgeoning interest in entertainment ventures across the nation. Additionally, the GEA issued 1,827 licences in the third quarter, marking a 5.7% rise from the same period last year. These licences included 481 for entertainment events, 412 for shows, and 567 for live performances in restaurants and cafes, along with 82 for crowd management.

In terms of regulatory oversight, the GEA conducted 21,749 control visits during the quarter, a 3.9% increase from the previous quarter, with Riyadh leading the way at 7,108 visits, followed closely by Makkah with 6,222 visits.

This growth trajectory aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote vibrant cultural experiences.