Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global destination for film production. The Saudi Film Commission, a government body under the Ministry of Culture, leads the effort. Founded in February 2020 and based in Riyadh, the Commission regulates the sector, trains local talent and promotes Saudi cinema at home and abroad. Its production incentives run through the Film Saudi program, managed via the film.sa portal.
The main draw is a cash rebate of up to 60% of eligible production expenses, announced at Cannes in May 2026. This raises the 40% rate introduced in 2022. The update also brings faster payments to ease cash flow for producers, and a new model for managing and disbursing incentives, being launched with the Cultural Development Fund. The program covers feature films, feature documentaries and animated features. Minimum eligible expenditure is SAR 750,000 (about $200,000) for features and SAR 187,000 (about $50,000) for documentaries and animation, with at least five shooting days with the main unit. Eligible costs include above-the-line fees and below-the-line wages, set construction, location and equipment rental, travel, accommodation and post-production. Spending outside the Kingdom, or with suppliers based outside it, generally does not qualify.
International companies can apply through a local entity or an official co-production agreement with a licensed Saudi company. The incentive agreement must be signed before filming begins. The rebate is usually paid after the Commission approves a final audit of the production accounts.
The program also offers non-financial support. The Commission works with the ministries of interior, foreign affairs and investment, and with customs and civil aviation authorities, to help productions obtain permits and approvals. It also organizes scouting visits for international productions. Its online location database covers deserts, mountains, volcanoes, caves, islands, coastlines, green spaces and historical sites across regions from Al Bahah and Hail to Aseer, Tabuk and the Eastern Province. A service provider directory lists crew, equipment rental, VFX, animation, logistics and casting companies in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and AlUla.
For local filmmakers, the Daw’ program offers non-refundable grants to production companies with a legal entity in Saudi Arabia, for feature and short films including fiction, documentary and animation. The Commission also publishes the Saudi Film Industry Yearbook and box office reports.
The updated rebate is part of the Commission’s wider plan to build an integrated production ecosystem covering infrastructure, production services and national talent development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Producers can find full program details, apply for incentives and search locations and service providers at film.sa.
Read more: Cinema & Video International Issue #209
