Work begins on cinema construction in Makkah

Under the "Smart Makkah" initiative launched by Saudi Arabia, construction of a cinema theatre has begun in the holy city as part of the kingdom’s efforts to introduce entertainment facilities in line with religious and cultural values.

According to a local newspaper in Makkah, work on the cinema has officially commenced. The project is being developed by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and forms part of a series of initiatives aimed at diversifying entertainment options across the kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

In 2024, Arab News reported that the cinema would be built at an estimated cost of SR 1.3 billion ($347 million). Spanning 80,000 square meters, the theatre is being constructed in the Al Abidiyah district, near Umm Al Qura University, outside the Holy Kaaba mosque complex.

The plan, however, has drawn criticism from some Muslims who objected to the establishment of an entertainment facility so close to Islam’s most sacred site, calling it inappropriate.

تواصل أعمال إنشاء المدينة الترفيهية بمدينة #مكة_المكرمة والمجاورة لـ #جامعة_أم_القرى ، تُعد أول مدينة ترفيهية متكاملة في #العاصمة_المقدسة وتشمل أول صالة سينما.#مشاريع_مكة https://t.co/S1bLbUdr3R pic.twitter.com/pnglK3vFjb

— أخبار منطقة مكة (@Mkhnews) July 13, 2025

The Saudi government rejected these concerns, stressing that the project would not compromise the sanctity of Makkah. Officials maintained that the development is part of a broader cultural shift designed to balance modern leisure facilities with respect for religious traditions.

This marks a significant transformation, as cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades until the ban was lifted in 2018 under the reforms of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The initiative is closely tied to the kingdom’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on oil revenues, boost tourism, and reshape Saudi society in line with modern economic and cultural trends.