The General Commission for Audiovisual Media held a meeting chaired by the Commission's President, Mr. Rida bin Mohammed Al-Haidar, attended by several government entities concerned with drafting regulations and frameworks for organizing audiovisual presentations in public spaces, in preparation for the opening of cinemas in the Kingdom. Al-Haidar emphasized that the goal of the meeting was to discuss the executive plan and the requirements of the relevant entities to launch cinema regulations in a way that ensures screenings align with national values and principles, offering purposeful content that complies with Islamic rulings and ethical standards in the Kingdom. He further explained that the Commission will continue to hold similar meetings with government and private entities at its headquarters in Riyadh until the issuance of the cinema screening regulations is completed.

The Board of Directors of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, chaired by the Minister of Culture and Information, Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad, had previously approved on the 23rd of Rabi’ al-Awwal (corresponding to December 11, 2017) the issuance of licenses for those interested in opening cinemas, with the aim of promoting cultural and media work through supporting entertainment activities and events, while also stimulating economic growth and diversity to create job opportunities in new fields.