This partnership is part of a long-term plan where SBA will take up residency in the forthcoming end-state hub on THE LINE.
Neom Media Industries Sector and Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) have signed a strategic partnership aimed at producing mainstream local episodic content and fostering the development of a Saudi talent pool.
Under this collaboration, SBA and Neom Industry Learning are co-developing training programmes covering the entire creative industries value chain. These programmes are designed to support SBA’s digital transformation initiatives while nurturing the Saudi workforce. This joint effort underscores a commitment to establishing a robust foundation for Saudi Arabia’s media industry, ensuring the workforce is well-equipped to tackle the digital era’s challenges and opportunities. The programme aims to graduate 80 trainees by 2025, with each TV production providing placements for valuable on-set, hands-on experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer of Neom, said: “At Neom, we are committed to reinforcing our leadership position and establishing a premier hub for the media industries that compete on a global scale. This initiative is pivotal in accelerating our ascent to regional and global prominence. We anticipate that this strategic partnership will catalyse innovation, spur economic growth and strengthen cultural foundations, thereby advancing our vision of significantly contributing to the evolution of the global media landscape. In collaboration with (SBA), we aim to harness and elevate local talent, bringing regional narratives and productions to the international forefront. This partnership is set to redefine media and cultural perceptions globally, bridging cross-cultural boundaries.”
Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Harthi, CEO of SBA, added: “We are committed to producing original local content with international standards, and at the same time empowering local talents to work on such high-calibre projects, side by side with stars from all over the Arab world and highly-acclaimed crew members. Our partnership with Neom embodies every aspect of this vision. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to invest in local talents, Neom aligns with SBA’s goal to produce authentic Saudi content with global visibility and to enrich local expertise.”
Highlighting the ambition of this alliance, SBA is considering establishing an ongoing operational presence within the Neom Media Hub. This would leverage state-of-the-art infrastructure, technology services, financial production incentives and a supportive regulatory framework, attracting productions and media companies from the region and beyond. This move is part of a long-term plan where SBA will eventually take up residency in the forthcoming end-state hub on THE LINE.
This partnership has already led to the successful production of the local reality TV series, Unbreakable, which is now in pre-production for its second season. This marks the beginning of a strong pipeline of six productions across various genres and formats. With Neom’s support, SBA aims to consistently develop and acquire programmes to be produced, either partially or entirely, in Neom.
