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.
