NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment have entered into a strategic partnership to produce up to nine feature films and establish a world-class production services division in NEOM, further accelerating the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry in the global creative landscape.
The partnership with Hakawati Entertainment, a leading Saudi-based film, television, and literary management company, is poised to strengthen NEOM’s vibrant media ecosystem by localizing screen production activities for upcoming NEOM projects.
The collaboration aims to foster high-quality content creation by leveraging NEOM Media’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, which includes advanced soundstages, a variety of shooting locations, and comprehensive production support.
A pipeline of nine productions has already been identified for potential filming at NEOM Media, with two features set to go into production in the first half of 2025. Additional projects are under review, reinforcing NEOM’s position as a prominent destination for film and content creation in the Kingdom.
Hakawati Entertainment plans to establish an operational presence within NEOM’s growing media hub by creating a best-in-class production services division designed to meet the needs of international, regional, and local productions.
The division, supported by experienced Hollywood-level talent and significant financial investments, will combine expertise from various talents and suppliers, leveraging Hakawati’s network across the Kingdom. By connecting local talent with opportunities at NEOM Media, the partnership aims to support the sector’s evolution into a creative industries hub, while streamlining project execution and elevating the region’s filmmaking standards.
Michael Lynch, Sector Head of Entertainment, Culture, and Media, stated that, “This partnership with Hakawati marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s media industry. NEOM Media has rapidly become a prominent production destination in the region, offering state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional support, and a skilled workforce.”
“This collaboration reinforces our position as a center for innovation and growth, reflecting the industry’s confidence in our vision. Together, we are poised to unlock significant opportunities, drive the Kingdom’s creative ambitions forward, and establish a world-class media ecosystem,” Lynch added.
“Together with NEOM, we are committed to building a sustainable, world-class filmmaking ecosystem that will not only support our industry’s expansion but also contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision of becoming a global leader in entertainment and media. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and long-term success in the region’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape,” commented Osama Al Khurayji, Chief Executive Officer at Hakawati.
The partnership will also focus on developing Saudi talent through multidisciplinary programs and workshops that provide intensive training, shadowing opportunities, and job placements for the local and international media markets.
