Why Saudi Arabia’s Creative Boom Matters to Global Storytellers
A perspective on the Saudi creative industry by Fifteen O Five Studios – part of the Coana Collective
As the creative world grows more decentralized, and more people rethink where and how they want to work, unexpected markets are gaining new attention. From our base in Beirut and Dubai, and with work spanning the Middle East, Europe, and North America, we were intrigued – and, spoiler alert: humbled – by what we discovered as we launched our operation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What began as curiosity quickly evolved into something more grounded; we found ourselves not just navigating a new market, but stepping into a country that’s actively redefining what it means to tell stories, build teams, and scale production from the ground up.
The Opportunity: to Create Firsts
Saudi Arabia is not only a new market for production, it is a fresh canvas where any story, any genre, and any storyline has the potential to be groundbreaking. For people like us in the world of advertising, storytelling and production, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create narratives that are fresh, untold, and uniquely impactful.
As a country rooted in heritage yet racing toward a future shaped by innovation, Saudi Arabia offers an inspiring backdrop for storytellers. The government’s Vision 2030 plan, with over $64 billion allocated to entertainment and creative industries, signals a commitment to cultivating a vibrant creative sector. But what makes this journey truly special is the sheer newness of it all. Every story told here has the potential to be the first of its kind, setting the stage for a narrative revolution.
Saudis take immense pride in their culture, and as producers and creators, we have the privilege and the responsibility to bring these stories to life with care and creativity. It’s about honoring the past while creating way for the future.
The People Powering the Shift
The excitement doesn’t stop at the stories themselves. What makes Saudi Arabia’s creative boom truly unique is the energy and openness of its people. Collaborating here means working with individuals who are not only eager to grow, but proud to contribute to something bigger than themselves. There’s a palpable sense of renaissance, driven by Saudis who want their voices heard, their stories seen, and their culture reflected on global stages.
Across art, fashion, film, music, and performance, a wave of talent is challenging assumptions and rewriting narratives. Festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival, MDLBEAST Soundstorm, and Riyadh Season are expanding rapidly, drawing international names while spotlighting local voices. The appetite is not just for entertainment – it’s for expression, exchange, and evolution.
As collaborators stepping into this space, both Fifteen O Five and Coana were more than fascinated by the richness of Saudi culture, we were deeply moved by the warmth of the people. There’s a unique energy here: a pride in identity, a drive to shape the narrative, and a long-awaited opportunity to share a Saudi perspective on the human experience.
This isn’t about importing a model – it’s about building something new, from the inside out, with the people who know and love this place best.
A Market in Motion
Saudi Arabia is not just a market – it’s a societal shift.
A place where the first step can define the path for generations to come. Where stories – whether told through film, sound, design, or live experience – are being given the space to grow, evolve, and resonate. From the early-stage momentum to the scale of national investment, everything here points to a country that’s rewriting its creative future with intent.
But beyond the headlines, it’s the people – their openness, vision, and drive – that give this transformation real weight.
Wherever you are in the world, if Saudi Arabia is a market that interests or intrigues you, we’d be happy to connect, collaborate, and share what we’ve learned on the ground. This is a story we’re building together, and we’re just getting started!
From the teams at Fifteen O Five Studios & Coana
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