Saudi Arabia opens first cinema after 35 years

After a 35-year ban, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to movie audiences, including females, in the country’s second-largest city Jeddah on Jan 13.

The first batch of cinemas is expected to open in March this year in response to the “Vision 2030”, a reform program announced by the nation’s rulers.

The 30 million population is ready to welcome international entertainment giants. The emerging film market is valued at $1 billion, according to Adam Aron, the chief executive of AMC Entertainment, America's largest chain theater company.

The government also plans to launch tourist visa this year. Currently, foreigners can only enter the country as Mecca and Medina pilgrims or on formal invitation by Saudi citizens, enterprises or institutions. The number of overseas tourists is expected to surge to 30 million in 2030 from 18 million in 2016.