Saudi Sees Music and Comedy Boom Amid 300% Increase in Performer Numbers
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 300 per cent increase in the number of registered performers in the space of just two years. Between 2021 and 2023 the number of performers registered through the Entertainment Portal of the General Entertainment Authority reached 9,529, an increase of 300%.
There were 4,576 Saudi performers (48 per cent), and 4,953 performers from 100 countries worldwide.
Performers present live performances at more than 1,457 restaurants and cafes, most notably musical performances and stand-up comedy.
Entertainment venues share performances with:
- 46 per cent for music
- 38 per cent for singing
- 16 per cent for stand-up comedy
The Entertainment Portal is the official website for obtaining licenses for activities and services of the General Entertainment Authority, with the aim of developing and organising the entertainment sector, supporting its infrastructure, and facilitating business and procedures for investors and those wishing to provide entertainment services.
Complaints and inquiries can also be filed through the portal.
The portal allows those who are registered to participate in four key services, namely:
- Entertainment event permits
- Recreational activity licences
- Restaurant and cafe registration services
- Service providers’ services
In order to issue permits for live performances in restaurants and cafes, the authority stipulates that the sites are suitable for presenting performances according to certain conditions, the most prominent of which is providing full details of the location and content of live shows and lists of performers.
