NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment to Produce Nine Films in Saudi Arabia

NEOM Media and Hakawati Entertainment have revealed a strategic partnership to produce up to nine feature films and create a top-tier production services division in NEOM, driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry on the global creative stage.

The partnership with Hakawati Entertainment is set to strengthen NEOM’s dynamic media ecosystem. As a leading Saudi-based film, television, and literary management company, Hakawati will localize screen production activities for future NEOM projects. By leveraging NEOM Media’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including premium soundstages, diverse filming locations, and comprehensive production support, the collaboration aims to produce high-quality content. Nine potential productions have already been identified for NEOM Media, with two films scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2025. Additional projects are being reviewed, further establishing NEOM as a key hub for film and content creation in the Kingdom.

Hakawati Entertainment plans to establish a presence within NEOM’s expanding media hub by creating a top-tier production services division tailored to the needs of international, regional, and local productions. Backed by Hollywood-level talent and substantial financial investment, the division will integrate expertise from a variety of professionals and suppliers, utilizing Hakawati's extensive network across the Kingdom. By linking local talent with opportunities at NEOM Media, the partnership aims to foster the sector’s growth into a creative industries hub, while optimizing project execution and raising filmmaking standards in the region.

Michael Lynch, Sector Head of Entertainment, Culture, and Media, said: “This partnership with Hakawati marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's media industry. NEOM Media has rapidly become a prominent production destination in the region, offering state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional support, and a skilled workforce. This collaboration reinforces our position as a center for innovation and growth, reflecting the industry's confidence in our vision. Together, we are poised to unlock significant opportunities, drive the Kingdom’s creative ambitions forward, and establish a world-class media ecosystem.”

Osama Al Khurayji, Chief Executive Officer at Hakawati, said: “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with NEOM, a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at accelerating the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry. While film and television production remain at the heart of our business, this partnership goes beyond content creation. Together with NEOM, we are committed to building a sustainable, world-class filmmaking ecosystem that will not only support our industry’s expansion but also contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision of becoming a global leader in entertainment and media. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to fostering creativity, innovation and long-term success in the region’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.”

The partnership will also prioritize the development of Saudi talent through multidisciplinary programs and workshops offering intensive training, shadowing opportunities, and job placements for both local and international media markets. A Hakawati community will be launched at NEOM in early 2025, in collaboration with NEOM Media’s Industry Learning Department, to foster talent growth. Furthermore, a working group will establish and launch at least three new training programs by the end of 2025, ensuring continuous opportunities for Saudi creatives.