Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector, essentially non-existent before 2019, is being built from scratch with the latest technology. Qiddiya, a $8 billion entertainment city near Riyadh, will feature the world's tallest roller coaster and advanced ride simulation technology. AlUla, the ancient Nabataean heritage site, is being preserved and presented using AR/VR experiences and digital twin technology. Purpose-built e-sports arenas in Jeddah and Riyadh host international gaming tournaments.
This technology deployment serves Vision 2030's quality-of-life goals: keeping Saudi entertainment spending domestic (previously, Saudis spent billions annually on tourism to Dubai and Europe) while creating a new economic sector. The entertainment industry generates technology jobs in content creation, AR/VR development, and event management.
The entertainment technology sector also serves as a soft power vehicle, attracting international visitors and changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia. The technical infrastructure — high-bandwidth connectivity, advanced AV systems, AI-driven crowd management — being deployed in entertainment venues creates capabilities applicable to smart city management more broadly.