Audiovisual Media License in Saudi Arabia - Al Taasis

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Audiovisual Media License
in Saudi Arabia

An Audiovisual Media license is for foreign companies wishing to engage in broadcasting and other audiovisual media activity in the Kingdom. The General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) grants the license, and it is mandatory for all entities that produce, distribute, or exhibit audiovisual content in the Kingdom.

The media industry in Saudi Arabia holds a market share of almost 30% in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it the dominant player with a sector worth SAR 17.4 billion. As part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, the media industry’s transformation is considered a core pillar.

Transport Sector
in Saudi Arabia at a Glance

  • Regulatory authorities: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Ports Authority (SPA) and the Public Transport Authority.
  • The government plans to invest over SR500 billion ($133.3 billion) in the development of ports, airports, railways, and other related infrastructure until 2030.
  • The market size of Saudi Arabia’s logistics industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.7 % from 2020 to 2025.
  • The transport and logistics sector will contribute 10 % of Saudi GDP by 2030.
  • The freight network in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated 40,000 trucks, covers a vast area across eight countries in the Middle East and Central Asia.
  • It is considered the largest logistics market in the GCC, with transportation and infrastructure projects.

The Significance of the Media Sector in Saudi Arabia

Today’s Media and Entertainment industry encompasses a range of sectors such as Press, Print media, Digital media, Publishing, Television, Radio, Advertising, Public Relations, Video Gaming, social media, and others. Over 300 licensed cinemas are estimated to be operational by 2030.

NEOM Media Village

NEOM has officially announced a production incentive scheme offering a more than 40% cash rebate. The Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios have also opened at NEOM, featuring three operational sound stages and an additional seven planned for Q1 2023. The interim studios were fast-tracked due to high demand from both regional and international sources. The Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios provide comprehensive production support facilities, including 350 serviced accommodation units.

Promotion of Quality Content

The Kingdom aims to promote high-quality content by regulating audiovisual content production, distribution, and exhibition. The Kingdom ensures that content aligns with Islamic values and contains no material violating local laws or cultural norms.

Meeting International Standards

The Audiovisual Media License is in line with international media regulation standards, which helps enhance the reputation of the Saudi Arabian media industry globally. The aim is to attract international investors and media companies to operate in the country, creating jobs and contributing to the economy.

Audiovisual Media Licensing Requirements in Saudi Arabia

Obtain Your Audiovisual Media License with Al Taasis in Saudi Arabia
View Requirements

Obtain Your Audiovisual Media License with Al Taasis in Saudi Arabia

Al Taasis offers various services to help clients navigate the licensing process, including document preparation, submission, and follow-up with General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM). We can also advise on compliance with local laws and regulations, ensuring that your content aligns with Islamic values and cultural norms.

Required Documents

  1. You will provide a copy of the commercial registration of the shareholding partner certified by the Saudi Embassy and a copy of the national identity if one of the partners is a natural person holding the nationality of one of the GCC countries (in case his data is not registered in the ABSHAR system).
  2. Your financial statements for the company's last financial year and certified by the Saudi Embassy.

Rules and Restrictions

  1. In case one of the partners was previously licensed by the Ministry of Investment, it must be mentioned while filling in the partners' data during the electronic application.
  2. Premium residence holders are exempted from the above documents
  3. Commitment to implement all the organised commitments of the activity, including the standards and percentages of Saudization approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development
  4. The applicant must enter the data of the Saudi national identity / Premium residence/residence if one of the partners holds any of them or the commercial registration data for the participating Saudi companies during the electronic application submission.
Contact us to obtain your Audiovisual Media License fast.
Contact us to obtain your Audiovisual Media License fast.