Winners crowned in entertainment innovation competition with million-dollar prizes

In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial environment and supporting the creative economy, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in Riyadh concluded the “Entertainment Innovations” competition, an ambitious national initiative aimed at exploring and developing quality solutions that serve the Kingdom’s growing entertainment sector, in the presence of a select group of experts, investors and stakeholders.

Supporting innovation to achieve Vision 2030

This competition comes within a strategic framework aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which positions the entertainment sector as a key pillar for diversifying income sources and enhancing quality of life. The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing radical transformations and rapid growth, necessitating innovative solutions that meet global aspirations and satisfy the tastes of both local and international audiences. Through these initiatives, the General Entertainment Authority is working to transform the Kingdom from a consumer of entertainment technologies into a regional hub for creating and exporting content and technological solutions in this field.

A journey of challenge and creativity

The competition was more than just a one-off event; it was a comprehensive journey that began with a digital bootcamp attracting over 300 Saudi innovators. Participants underwent intensive training programs focused on idea generation and business model building, after which the top 40 teams were selected to move on to the in-person bootcamp. This phase featured specialized workshops and mentoring sessions designed to transform theoretical concepts into real-world projects, covering vital areas such as the use of artificial intelligence, enhancing visitor experience, crowd management, and developing entertainment destinations.

Winning projects: Smart solutions for the future

The closing ceremony witnessed fierce competition among the ten teams that qualified for the finals, with the judging panel awarding three outstanding projects that presented innovative solutions:

• First place went to the “Listen to Me” project, which received a cash prize of 150,000 riyals. The project offers an interactive experience that allows event attendees to choose and engage with music, thus enhancing audience participation in the event.
• Second place: “Saudi Gardens” project, which received 90,000 riyals. It is a project that combines nature and family entertainment in an interactive environment.
• Third place: “Siraj” project, which received 60,000 riyals. It relies on drone and artificial intelligence technologies to transform imaginary shows into a dazzling visual reality.

In addition to the cash prizes, the winners received an in-kind support package worth over $1 million , including consulting, legal, and technical services, to ensure the sustainability and success of these projects in the market.

Economic impact and empowering national talent

Ahmed Al-Sahil, Director General of Sector Support at the Authority, affirmed that this initiative embodies the Authority's commitment to young Saudi talent as the driving force for the future. He noted that the support of His Excellency Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh for these initiatives opens broad horizons for entrepreneurs to contribute to the GDP. These emerging projects are expected to create new job opportunities, enhance operational efficiency in entertainment facilities, and provide a user experience that meets global standards, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading tourism and entertainment destination in the region.