New program to ignite creativity and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector
Riyadh – A new national initiative is bringing a wave of creativity and opportunity to Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene. The Entertainment Innovations Program, launched by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), is designed to empower young talents, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers to turn their ideas into sustainable and impactful projects.
This program aims to enhance innovation within the Kingdom’s growing entertainment industry and aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global leader in creativity, culture, and innovation-driven growth.
The initiative encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and create forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of entertainment.
It focuses on helping participants build business models, develop brand identities, create prototypes, and design effective go-to-market strategies.
Through these efforts, the program seeks to transform creative ideas into real-world opportunities that can strengthen the entertainment ecosystem and expand global competitiveness.
The Entertainment Innovations Program places special emphasis on empowering young people and entrepreneurs. More than 100 participants will be selected to join the program, forming teams that combine creative and technical expertise.
Each team will receive mentorship from experienced professionals and guidance from industry experts who will help them refine their ideas and prepare them for real-world challenges.
The program unfolds in several stages, beginning with registration through the GEA’s official website. After a careful screening process, selected participants will attend a virtual bootcamp designed to enhance their innovation and teamwork skills.
The journey will culminate in a three-day challenge, where teams will present their projects before a panel of judges. Winners will be recognized for their achievements and provided with resources to further develop their business concepts.
At its core, the initiative focuses on turning creativity into sustainable success. Participants will learn how to build strong business foundations that combine imagination with financial viability.
The program encourages exploration in new areas of entertainment, including digital platforms, interactive storytelling, gaming, virtual experiences, and advanced technology applications.
By promoting a balance between creativity and strategy, the program supports the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector into one of the most vibrant in the region.
The program also highlights the importance of collaboration. It brings together investors, innovators, and creative professionals to form a network that supports the exchange of ideas and resources.
This collaborative environment is essential for nurturing innovation and attracting talent in fields such as technology, design, and entrepreneurship.
It also ensures that entertainment projects emerging from Saudi Arabia reflect both local culture and international standards.
To motivate and reward excellence, the Entertainment Innovations Program offers substantial prizes and development support. A total of SR300,000, or around $80,000, will be awarded to top-performing teams, alongside support packages valued at over $1 million.
These include access to mentorship programs, business incubation opportunities, and exposure to industry networks. Such rewards ensure that outstanding participants receive both financial backing and long-term support to scale their innovations.
The program represents a major step in achieving the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, create new career opportunities, and foster a thriving creative industry.
attracting specialized talent and expanding the pool of young innovators, this initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a modern entertainment sector that blends culture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The Entertainment Innovations Program is more than a competition — it is a national movement to inspire, empower, and connect a new generation of creative minds.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and real-world challenges, it lays the foundation for a sustainable creative economy that will continue to grow and shine on the global stage.
