Saudi cinemas experienced a significant revival after Eid al-Fitr, generating revenues of 38.6 million riyals in the first week following Ramadan, reflecting the Saudi audience's enthusiasm for returning to theaters after a usual period of stagnation. According to the weekly report from the Film Authority, approximately 782,000 tickets were sold, and 29 films were screened during this period.
This level of revenue and audience attendance marks a significant achievement, placing the Eid week in a prominent position within the cinematic release cycle, making it one of the strongest weeks in 2026. In comparison to previous weeks in January and February, which hovered around much lower levels than 30 million riyals, the difference is clear. Last month, the box office recorded only 12 million riyals, with 318,000 tickets sold from 65 films.
Event Highlights
The Saudi film Shabab Al-Bomb 3 topped the revenue list with a total of 15.2 million riyals, selling over 381,000 tickets, capturing about 40 percent of total revenues. This film is an extension of the popular Shabab Al-Bomb series that started as a television show in 2012 and has achieved widespread public success over the years.
The third installment revolves around the character Amer, who plans to travel with his friends during the summer vacation, but his desire clashes with his family's insistence on accompanying them, leading to many surprises. This film has attracted a large youth audience, who have connected with the work through television.
In second place, the film Project Hail Mary earned 6.8 million riyals. This science fiction film stars Ryan Gosling and is adapted from a novel by author Andy Weir. The film tells the story of a scientist who finds himself on a space mission to save Earth from a life-threatening disaster and has garnered notable global attendance.
In third place was the Egyptian film Family Business, which earned 5.2 million riyals. It is a comedic narrative about a family facing financial difficulties and resorting to small-scale scams.
Background & Context
These figures come in a broader context, as a report published by Variety indicates that the cinema market in the Gulf has maintained its resilience during the past period, with continued patronage of theaters at a steady pace. Despite the tensions currently experienced in the region, the number of tickets sold in the Middle East and North Africa during the Eid al-Fitr holiday rose by 48 percent compared to the same period last year.
Saudi Arabia is the most important market in the region, and these figures reflect the revival of its cinematic movement, showcasing the audience's desire to enjoy films after a period of restrictions.
Impact & Consequences
These figures demonstrate how cinema in Saudi Arabia has begun to regain its vitality after a period of stagnation, opening the door for more local and international productions. This revival also reflects the audience's desire to support local cinematic works, which may lead to increased investments in this sector.
This dynamic is expected to continue in the coming months, with more new films that cater to audience interests. The success of local films may encourage filmmakers to present content that aligns with Saudi culture.
Regional Significance
This revival in Saudi cinema serves as a model for other countries in the region, as these figures could enhance cooperation between Arab nations in the field of film production. It may also contribute to attracting foreign investments, thereby strengthening the position of Arab cinema on the international stage.
In conclusion, these positive figures reflect the Saudi audience's passion for cinema, opening new horizons for this vital sector in the Kingdom.