Joy Forum 2025 launched Thursday in Riyadh, underlining Saudi Arabia’s rapid ascent as a global hub for entertainment and tourism, driven by Vision 2030
Joy Forum 2025, a flagship global event spotlighting the entertainment industry, opened Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh, marking another significant step in Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global entertainment and tourism destination.
The forum was inaugurated by Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), who in his keynote address highlighted the Kingdom’s extraordinary progress in the sector. He credited the remarkable achievements to the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Alalshikh pointed to Vision 2030 as the driving force behind the sector’s rapid development, noting that although the journey began less than a decade ago, it has already delivered transformative results.
Among the major announcements, Alalshikh revealed that the first phase of the Qiddiya project — including Six Flags Qiddiya, one of Vision 2030’s most ambitious entertainment initiatives — is on track to open later this year.
In a show of continued momentum, the GEA chairman also announced the signing of more than SAR4 billion in investment and development agreements for 2026. These will support a broad spectrum of entertainment projects and events across the Kingdom.
He underscored the vital cooperation between the General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, which has helped Saudi Arabia become the second-highest tourism revenue generator in the region last year. Alalshikh also praised the Ministry of Culture for its role in nurturing creative talent and supporting cultural initiatives that enrich the entertainment landscape.
Joy Forum 2025 will continue over the coming days with panels, exhibitions, and high-level meetings that bring together global entertainment leaders, developers, and creatives, all converging in Riyadh to witness — and contribute to — the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving entertainment scene.
