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Saudi Entertainment Authority Continues Crackdown on Black Market Tickets

Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Entertainment Authority Continues Crackdown on Black Market Tickets

Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)
Large crowds of visitors at one of the General Entertainment Authority's events.(Asharq Al-Awsat)

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has been fighting against black market ticket sales for events like concerts, theater shows, and sports matches.

On Monday, GEA Governor Turki Al-Sheikh announced their biggest crackdown yet, blocking the sale of over 4,000 tickets. Al-Sheikh pledged continued efforts to stop ticket scalping and mentioned upcoming features to help reduce the problem.

“We encourage you to buy tickets from the official platform,” he said.

“Our aim is to ensure you get tickets at fair prices,” he added in a post on X.

Last year, Al-Sheikh launched “WeBook,” the official site for booking tickets to Riyadh Season 2023. The platform offers many benefits and services, urging users to register to combat black market ticket sales.

Moreover, GEA is working with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to shut down sites selling overpriced tickets. They are connecting the ticketing system to offer fair prices and fight the black market.

Fahad bin Naif, CEO of NOB for marketing solutions, emphasized the importance of awareness before discussing penalties.

He highlighted the entertainment sector’s vital role in the economy and the need to eliminate black market ticket sales.

“The entertainment sector is rapidly developing,” he stressed, adding that “using modern technologies like WeBook can help prevent market manipulation.”

WeBook and other official platforms by the GEA will make it easier for everyone to buy tickets fairly, stopping black market practices and ensuring transparency.

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Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh, with the first slated for the Spring of 2026.

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and WEF President Børge Brende, made the announcement on Friday - the final day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The global WEF meeting in Riyadh will serve as a vital platform for global leaders, experts, policy- and decision-makers from diverse fields including the public and private sectors, academia, international organizations, and civil society to convene and address the challenges defining the world.

“Hosting a regular global World Economic Forum meeting in the Kingdom is a testament to the global platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation that Saudi Arabia has become, and that the World Economic Forum continues to be. This meeting represents a significant opportunity to further unite the world in capturing the immense potential that lies ahead,” said Alibrahim.

“In this critical juncture for the global economy, we are not only inspired by the opportunities before us, but also deeply confident that our collective efforts will forge a brighter, more inclusive and more prosperous future for all. We look forward to welcoming the global community again in Saudi Arabia in the spring of 2026,” he added.

For his part, Brende said: “The World Economic Forum is looking forward to coming back to the Kingdom in 2026. To close the 55th World Economic Forum with this announcement puts us on a strong course for the years ahead. Years that will have immense consequences. Because the progress we make over the coming months will not only deliver results in the near term, but will shape our course for years to come.”

Building on the success of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2024, this new development solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a central player in shaping the global agenda. The Kingdom’s bold leadership and determination to foster global dialogues between developed and developing economies and drive inclusive global growth make it an ideal host to address complex global challenges with the WEF community.

The World Economic Forum Global Meeting in Riyadh is set to become a cornerstone event in the global calendar, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as a key bridge between the north and south, east and west, and a beacon for constructive dialogue and action.