Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is still a relatively conservative country, deeply rooted in its Islamic and Bedouin traditions. However, the Kingdom is rapidly transitioning towards a more progressive future under Vision 2030, creating a unique cultural dynamic.
Filming in Saudi Arabia
While Saudia Arabia is not as cosmopolitan as the UAE, it is steadily becoming more diverse. The Kingdom is home to a mix of Arab populations, including Bedouin and urban communities, as well as significant Persian influences, particularly in the Eastern Province. The influx of foreigners and international companies under Vision 2030, especially in citities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, has further contributed to this growing multiculturalism.
However, even though Saudi Arabia’s diversity does not yet match the UAE’s, its close proximity to other GCC countries such as Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar offers access to a wide international community. If casting requires specific looks or backgrounds not readily available in Saudi, talent can often be flown in from neighboring GCC countries within an hour or two. This ease of access ensures productions can meet diverse casting needs while staying logistically efficient.
Saudi Arabia offers an incredible variety of filming locations that blend its rich cultural heritage with modern landscapes. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to futuristic developments, the country provides a dynamic palette for filmmakers.
In Saudi Arabia, Arabic is the official language and is predominantly spoken across the country. While in urban centers like Jeddah and Riyadh, many locals and professionals speak English, much of the population primarily communicates in Arabic.
On film sets, crew and talents often speak English, making it the dominant working language in the industry. However, when engaging with the local Saudi community or navigating areas outside the main cities, the language barrier can become a challenge. To bridge this gap, productions often rely on Arabic-speaking crew members and talents to facilitate communication and ensure smooth interactions with locals and authorities.
Climate
With most of the country being a desert-like plateau, weather conditions are usually fairly stable. The main climate differences can be felt between the coastal areas and the interiors. In most of the country, summers are hot and dry; winters are mild, on the other hand, with temperatures dropping at night, and rain can be expected at this time.
Saudi Arabia has 10-11 hours of daylight in November, 11-12 hours in March and 13-14 hours in June, offering consistent shooting hours throughout the year.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always hot in Saudi. The country experiences four distinct seasons — from chilly winter breezes in January to peak desert heat in August — and a climate that varies between regions.
- Autumn Season (September to November): autumn in Saudi Arabia is short and sweet. From mid-September, the weather begins to cool off, but relief from the intense desert heat only comes in October when daily averages drop to around 26 degrees Celsius. The tiny – almost negligible – rainfall that sometimes occurs during this period.
- Winter Season (December to March): Winter peaks between December and January, however, it can extend up to a month either side. Average temps are 20 degrees Celsius, but in certain regions, it can drop closer to zero degrees by night; January is considered the coldest month. Rainfall reaches a high during the winter months, although this can vary in different parts of the country. Snow is rare, but some areas can experience a light dusting.
- Spring (March to May) Saudi Arabia doesn’t have much of a spring. Temperatures rise sharply over the two months, hitting the mid-30s by the end of the season. Don’t expect any rain during this time.
- Summer Season: From early June onwards, temperatures soar from around 30 degrees Celsius and peak at around 45 degrees in August. There is very little rainfall and there isn’t too much humidity, either. It’s not recommended to film outdoors during extreme hot weather.



Our Partners
Our Partner is a globally renowned creative film production company founded in London in 1994 by Oscar-nominated director Mehdi Norowzian. Expanding to the Middle East in 2008, they bring over 30 years of expertise to crafting impactful films, commercials, and documentaries tailored to local and global audiences. With offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, London, Vancouver, and Los Angeles, their team blends in-house expertise and a global network to deliver exceptional, culturally resonant storytelling. Offering concept-to-completion services and rapid mobilization, they pride themselves on producing high-quality, innovative content that engages audiences and exceeds client expectations worldwide.
Tax Breaks & Incentives
Saudi Arabia has established itself as a rising global hub for filmmaking, offering a comprehensive incentive program through the Saudi Film Commission:
- Financial Incentive: Provides a cash rebate of up to 40% on qualified production expenditures.
- Eligible Productions: Feature films, documentaries, animation projects, TV series, and commercials.
- Qualifying Expenses: Covers costs associated with pre-production, production, and post-production, including local crew wages, equipment rentals, and services sourced from Saudi vendors.
- Eligibility Criteria: Productions must partner with a Saudi-registered production company or establish a local entity, secure filming permits, and meet minimum expenditure thresholds (e.g., $200,000 for feature films, $50,000 for documentaries/animation).
- Additional Benefits: The program offers access to diverse filming locations, government support, and streamlined processes for permits and logistics.
Filming Permits
In Saudi Arabia, the permits will often vary based on the location and nature of the filming activities. Here’s an overview of the different types of film permits required and the key documents you’ll need for the application process.
- Public Spaces Permits: These permits ensure that the filming does not disrupt public order or violate any local regulations.
- Historical Sites: Filming at these locations requires special permits from heritage and tourism authorities, which ensure the preservation and respectful portrayal of these sites.
- Private Properties: If filming is to take place on private property, permission from the property owner is required.
- Restricted Areas: Certain areas, such as military zones or government buildings, are off-limits or require special clearance.
While duration will vary depending on the type of film permit required and the location, it takes about 4 weeks to obtain a film permit in KSA.
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