Saudi Arabia to allow cinemas to open from 2018 after 35-year ban

Cinemas are set to reopen in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 35 years as part of the young crown prince’s efforts to socially reform the country.

The kingdom said a resolution was passed on Monday paving way for licences to be granted to commercial cinemas, with the first due to open in March 2018.

A statement issued by the culture ministry said the decision to license cinemas was “central to the government’s programme to encourage an open and rich domestic culture for Saudis”.

Culture Minister Awwad Alawwad added: ”This marks a watershed moment in the development of the cultural economy in the Kingdom.

“Opening cinemas will act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification; by developing the broader cultural sector we will create new employment and training opportunities, as well as enriching the kingdom’s entertainment options.”

The measure comes as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme.

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He has pushed for greater social openings, including lifting a ban on women driving next year and bringing back concerts and other forms of entertainment to please the country’s majority young population.

Cinemas were shut down in the 1980s during a wave of ultra-conservatism, with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al al-Sheikh warning of the “depravity” of cinemas as recently as January this year.

The ministry said there would be more than 300 cinemas open with 2,000 screens by 2030.