Saudi Arabia Joy Forum 2025
A Billion-Riyal Leap into the Global Entertainment Future
By Mohammed Khaiz Sultan | MAGNAV Magazine
In Riyadh’s glittering Boulevard City, now proudly dubbed the Entertainment Capital of the World, the lights shone brighter than ever as Joy Forum 2025 took center stage. What unfolded wasn’t just another industry gathering; it was Saudi Arabia’s grand statement to the world that its entertainment ambitions have entered a whole new league.
At the heart of it all stood His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Opening the two-day event, Alalshikh unveiled an astonishing 4 billion SAR in new agreements, a move that cements Saudi Arabia’s status as one of the fastest-rising global powerhouses in entertainment, sports, and culture.
A Kingdom on the Global Stage
Since Vision 2030’s launch, Saudi Arabia’s transformation has been both rapid and remarkable. “Entertainment is no longer a luxury,” Alalshikh declared. “It’s an essential pillar for quality of life.” Those words set the tone for a forum bursting with ambition and an unmistakable sense of confidence.
Among the major announcements were partnerships that would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago. WWE’s Royal Rumble will storm into Saudi Arabia next year, and in a first for the brand’s storied history, WrestleMania 2027 will be staged outside the United States right in the Kingdom.
In another bold play, Alalshikh revealed an alliance with UFC President Dana White to create the world’s first global boxing league, launching in 2026, with several marquee bouts hosted in Saudi arenas. Meanwhile, American football legend Tom Brady will spearhead an NFL showcase next March, a prelude to potential league games in the near future.
Music, Movies, and Mega Projects
Riyadh isn’t stopping at sports. The Kingdom is rapidly becoming a creative hub for film and music. Alalshikh announced collaborations with Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records to launch Merwas Studios in Boulevard City, envisioned as the beating heart of Middle Eastern music production.
The country’s cinematic ambitions are no less audacious. The newly established “Big Time Fund” will finance more than two dozen Saudi and international films, including epic historical productions such as Saif Allah Al-Maslul – Khalid ibn Al-Walid and The Battle of Yarmouk. Upcoming releases also include a Ministry of Defense-backed film celebrating the Saudi military’s heroism and another spotlighting the Kingdom’s fight against narcotics.
For streaming fans, an all-new Saudi edition of Takeshi’s Castle is on the horizon, complete with global YouTube icons MrBeast and IShowSpeed and a star-studded lineup of upcoming drama series, such as Abu Al-Muluk Abdulmalik bin Marwan, produced in partnership with MBC Studios and Shahid.
The Rise of Qiddiya and the Power of Partnership
One of the forum’s proudest moments was confirmation that the first phase of Qiddiya, the Kingdom’s monumental entertainment and culture city, will open later this year. The complex, home to a massive Six Flags theme park, is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to redefine entertainment in the region.
Alalshikh credited the achievements to cross-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture. Thanks to this synergy, Saudi Arabia now ranks second in the region for tourism revenue, an extraordinary ascent that mirrors its broader cultural evolution.
A Global Invitation
Joy Forum 2025 wasn’t merely a showcase of numbers or deals. It was a vivid declaration that Saudi Arabia’s entertainment ambitions are global, creative, and deeply human. From Korean pop events to partnerships with international artists, filmmakers, and sports icons, the Kingdom’s message is clear: the world’s spotlight isn’t just visiting Riyadh it’s staying.
As Alalshikh concluded, “Saudi Arabia is not just placing its name on the map; it’s leading the global entertainment industry.”
In that moment, with the world’s eyes fixed on Boulevard City’s brilliant skyline, it was hard to disagree.
