November Recap: Saudi Entertainment and Tourism Sectors Signal Strong Progress
Saudi Arabia's November 2025 roundup spotlights $225M film revenue, $113B tourism investments, and new private-public partnerships in electric air taxis.
The penultimate month of the year closed with robust developments spanning entertainment, tourism, real estate, and innovative air mobility solutions. Here's a roundup of the most important and intriguing developments across the Kingdom's high-priority sectors.
Arts & Culture
- Kingdom's Film Revenue Hits $225M
- Entertainment Sector Draws Over 12 Million Visitors In 3Q 2025
Big Picture:
The entertainment industry is experiencing exponential growth, supported by substantial infrastructure investment and regulatory frameworks that encourage greater private-sector participation. Cinema and live events are growing segments, highlighting the changing consumer preferences towards immersive entertainment, with opportunities lying in hybrid event formats.
Tourism
- Madinah Welcomes Over 3.7 Million Visitors In Q2 2025
- TOURISE Stimulates $113Bn In Investments At Inaugural Global Summit In Riyadh
- AlUla To Double Hotel Room Supply In Year-Round Tourism Push
Big Picture:
The record investment commitments from TOURISE demonstrate strong international investor confidence in its tourism sector, while hotel capacity expansions in key destinations like AlUla and Madinah signal demand for accommodations balancing preservation demands with tourism development.
Aviation
- Archer Aviation Partners with Saudi Entities to Air Taxi Operations
- Joby and GACA Announce Plans For Deployment Of Electric Air Taxi Service
Big Picture:
The country is rising fast as a hub for urban air mobility technology through strategic partnerships with leading eVTOL manufacturers, making it a destination for global mobility tech innovators. Such initiatives align with its smart city ambitions and giga developments, where advanced transportation solutions will be essential infrastructure components. The regulatory alignment with international standards also signals its strengthening global edge.
Business Expansions
- 780 Firms Move HQs to Riyadh
- 80% of Global Firms Plan Expansion in the Kingdom
Big Picture:
The dramatic increase in regional headquarters relocations reflects improved business infrastructure and demonstrates sustained international confidence in Saudi Arabia's economic trajectory, with near-term expansion plans indicating urgency among businesses to establish a presence through setting up a business in Saudi Arabia before market saturation.
Real Estate
- Riyadh Office Rents Surge 15% as Reforms Boost the Saudi Property Market
- Non‑Saudis Can Own Only Registered Properties
Big Picture:
The near-capacity office occupancy in Riyadh reflects a tight market that presents opportunities in the accelerated development of Grade A office space. Meanwhile, the clarification of foreign ownership regulations provides greater certainty for international investors, residents and developers, supporting the broader goal of expanding residential and commercial real estate sectors.
