Licences for Amusement Parks & Entertainment Events Required in Saudi

Operators of amusement parks, entertainment centres, live shows and entertainment events in Saudi Arabia are now required to obtain licences from the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) under a newly issued Entertainment Activities Law.

The law states that no entertainment or support activity may be carried out without the required licence, permit or accreditation certificate from the authority. It also requires businesses undertaking support activities to obtain accreditation before operating, while allowing the Council of Ministers to expand the list of activities covered by the law. Private events and shows that are not open to the public are excluded from its scope.

Under the legislation, the GEA may suspend or halt entertainment and support activities, either temporarily or permanently, if they pose a risk to public health or safety, violate the law or regulations, or where doing so is considered to be in the public interest. The authority may also collect a share of up to 10% from entertainment ticket sales, with the exact amount to be determined through implementing regulations.

The law also requires operators to uphold public order and public morals, while obliging venue owners and staff to cooperate with inspectors. Businesses found in violation may be given time to rectify their status before cases are referred to the relevant committee.

Penalties under the law include warnings, fines of up to SAR 1 million, suspension or cancellation of licences, permits or accreditation certificates, and bans of up to five years from carrying out entertainment or support activities.