Maraya, meaning 'mirror' in Arabic, is a concert hall in Ashar Valley, Al-Ula, hosting various cultural events in Saudi Arabia. The first Saudi opera house is also under construction in Jeddah, set to be completed by 2027.

Why Opera in Saudi Arabia may be having its Moment

Opera, a genre once foreign to Saudi Arabia, is making its way into the Kingdom's evolving cultural landscape. As the nation witnesses a surge in musical activities and the announcement of its first opera house, the question arises: Can opera capture the hearts of Saudis in the same way other genres have?

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 10th Sep 2024

Entertainment

Saudi Arabia is attracting the film industry by offering attractive production locations like AlUla, known for its cultural and historical significance.

Big Screen Ambitions for Saudi’s Film industry

Saudi Arabia’s film industry is blossoming, reflecting a vibrant culture and Vision 2030’s goals! From the release of Basma to red carpet events like the Red Sea Film Festival, discover how cinema is becoming a cornerstone of the Kingdom.

Aug 5, 2024

Theatre in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a steady growth as part of the country's cultural development. (Source: Pexels)

Soha Khan: Pioneering Saudi Theatre from Ithra to the West End

An interesting narrative of passion and persistenc by Soha Khan, a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia's emerging theatre landscape. It reflects on her transformative journey from Ithra to the West End.

May 22, 2024

Seeing Metallica in Riyadh was a dream for many come true.

Metallica's Concert in Riyadh – in 2013 they would have got arrested for it

On 27 November 2023 the hard rock band Metallica made a surprise announcement on their website: “We’re not done with 2023 just yet, as an amazing opportunity has just come our way to perform at a major festival that we have never played in a part of the world we rarely get to visit. We’re excited to announce that on Thursday, December 14 we’ll be the first hard rock band to ever play at the Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dec 2, 2023

Films and movies once banned now looking to becoming a major industry in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Film Industry: From being banned to Boom

In the cinematic renaissance of Saudi Arabia, the lifting of a 35-year cinema ban has unleashed a wave of creativity and talent onto the global stage. From the pioneering works of female directors to the challenges and triumphs of building a thriving industry from scratch.

Apr 26, 2023

As the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia evolves, more music types are emerging.

XP Music: Shaping Saudi Arabia's new Music Scene

XP Music and MDL Beast are adding to the Saudi music scene, introducing fresh sounds and cultural expressions that resonate with the nation's energetic and enthusiastic youth. As Saudi Arabia embraces a burgeoning art industry, this new music genre faces the challenge of building from scratch.

Jul 2, 2022