Arab cinema is going through a quiet revolution. Across the Middle East, screens are lighting up with bold new stories, fresh voices, and rising talent. At the heart of this transformation is Saudi Arabia. After lifting its 35-year cinema ban just a few years ago, the country has quickly built hundreds of theaters and poured billions into local productions. A $100 million film fund launched in 2024 has only fueled the momentum.
But it’s not just Saudi Arabia. The entire Gulf cinema scene is expanding. The UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are seeing major investments in local filmmaking and cinema infrastructure. Big Gulf cinema chains are upgrading theaters, adding luxury touches, and giving regional stories more space to shine.
At last year’s Red Sea International Film Festival, more than 120 films from 81 countries were shown. Local filmmakers like Roula Dakheelallah and Ali Kalthami stood out. Kalthami’s film Mandoob — gritty, daring, and deeply Saudi — became a box office hit. It tackled themes many filmmakers once avoided, like patriarchy, loneliness, and the country’s underground economy.
Arab Cinema Expands Across Modern Theaters
Meanwhile, moviegoers in the UAE are becoming more selective. People often search for the best cinema in Dubai when they want more than just a blockbuster — they want the full experience. Reclining seats, perfect sound, indie films, and even Arabic classics are making a comeback. The competition between luxury cinemas has become a cultural trend of its own.
Meanwhile, Cinema City Abu Dhabi is gaining popularity among audiences seeking curated Arab content and festival favorites.
At Cannes Film Festival 2025, the Arab world made its presence felt. Iraq’s The President’s Cake won the Camera d’Or, while Once Upon a Time in Gaza from the Nasser brothers picked up Best Director. Egypt’s Aisha Can’t Fly Away premiered in Un Certain Regard, showing that Arab stories are not just local — they’re global.
Back in Saudi Arabia, things are moving fast. Analysts believe there’ll be over 2,500 cinema screens across MENA by the end of 2024, with Saudi leading the way. The film industry is expected to contribute more than 4% to the country’s GDP by 2030, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. Even massive projects like NEOM are shifting focus, putting more energy into small, local productions rather than chasing Hollywood dreams.
So yes, Arab cinema is evolving. But more than that, it’s finding its voice — one that’s deeply rooted in culture, unafraid to explore difficult truths, and ready to be heard far beyond the region. From small screens in Abu Dhabi to packed theaters in Jeddah, the future of film in the Arab world looks brighter than ever.
