Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Future through a Silicon Valley Journey

Background

To catalyze the Kingdom’s entertainment sector in line with Vision 2030, Takamol and the General Entertainment Authority created an international training program for rising managers from major Saudi entertainment companies, including 180 Degrees Events, VR CITY, WOOSH, Alcomedy Club, Afaq Foods, QIDDIYA, Red Sea Film Foundation, ADD Group, and Hamat Holding. Designed to span from January to May 2024, the program combined both U.S. and in-country experiences, providing these young leaders with invaluable exposure to the best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative business strategies of the global entertainment industry. By the end, participants gained tools and insights to redefine the entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and drive the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

Program Overview‍

This immersive, five-month program featured three core elements designed to build skills, inspire creativity, and foster innovation.

• Workshops and Project Development
  The first component included three blocks of hands-on workshops. Leaders were introduced to cutting-edge concepts on the future of entertainment and participated in design-thinking exercises focused on enhancing in-park customer experiences. With guidance from industry experts, they developed practical projects to apply these insights, fostering a proactive approach to innovation that they could take back to their organizations.
• Virtual Expert Sessions
  Complementing the workshops were eight virtual sessions led by global experts in entertainment. These sessions provided participants with knowledge about crowd management, current and emerging trends, and integrating new technologies into theme parks and sports events. Top leaders from companies like Amazon, Lumsden, The Everywhere Group, Merlin Entertainments, Intel, and Six Flags shared insights, ensuring participants gained a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s present and future.
• Immersive Los Angeles Experience
  The program culminated in a two-week, in-depth tour of Los Angeles’ leading entertainment, gaming, and media companies. The delegation had behind-the-scenes access to renowned destinations such as Legoland, Seaworld, and Disney Parks, where they explored real-world applications of crowd management, immersive experience design, and operational innovation. At Disney, for example, participants examined how entertainment giants manage vast crowds and enhance visitor experiences through carefully designed spaces and technology integration.

A highlight of the LA tour was a session with Netflix, where participants gained insight into the creative process behind immersive entertainment, with a focus on the acclaimed “Stranger Things” Immersive Experience. Additional stops included Moment Factory, where they explored multimedia production and design, Two Bit Circus for insights into creating mini theme parks and interactive experiences, and Knott’s Berry Farm, focusing on creativity and operational control in live environments.

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In addition to industry giants, participants engaged with cutting-edge startups like Drop.io, Symphony, Thinair AI, and Tuney.io. These encounters showcased new technologies and designs, from VR and AR applications to advanced AI tools transforming the industry. Visits to Riot Games offered a glimpse into the future of esports, while sessions with Pure Imagination, the Entertainment Technology Center at USC, and Fever highlighted trends in immersive, location-based entertainment. Rounding out the tour, a visit to SoFi Stadium provided insights into future-focused stadium management and sports entertainment.

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Outcomes and Strategic Vision

‍Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, the participants were invigorated with new ideas, technological insights, and a clear vision to apply these world-class innovations in their roles. The program empowered them with a roadmap to drive digital transformation within their organizations, create unique immersive experiences, and improve crowd and event management strategies.

These participants are now positioned to implement forward-thinking changes that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, establishing a globally competitive entertainment sector that caters to a new era of audience expectations. The skills and networks gained through Takamol’s program will help set a new standard for entertainment across the Kingdom, blending cultural relevance with the latest global innovations to attract and engage both local and international audiences.

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