Riyadh – Mubasher: The Saudi General Authority for Entertainment (GEA) signed five contracts with large international recreation companies during a summit in Los Angeles titled "The Future of Entertainment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".
The first agreement was between Saudi's MBC Group and circus show operator Cirque du Soleil, with the latter planning to launch its first show in the kingdom, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Under the second contract, Feld Entertainment will organise international events in Saudi Arabia, including Disney On Ice, Disney Live, and Monster Jam.
The Kingdom inked the third deal with National Geographic, noting that the television network will cooperate with GEA and launch entertainment options. On a separate note, KBW Ventures said it will establish cities using virtual reality (VR) technology.
Another deal was signed with IMG, a leader in sports, media, and fashion events, SPA said.
“These agreements are in line with the importance of the entertainment sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the availability of investment opportunities in it,” GEA’s chairman Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb said.
The deals coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's tour to the US, which began on 20 March. The tour has included meetings with major US businessmen including Virgin Megastore founder and CEO Richard Branson and Walt Disney CEO Robert Allen Iger for a possible collaboration in the Kingdom's rising entertainment sector.
