22 Local Startups Nominated for Saudi Entertainment Industry

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is witnessing an unprecedented leap. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is witnessing an unprecedented leap. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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22 Local Startups Nominated for Saudi Entertainment Industry

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is witnessing an unprecedented leap. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is witnessing an unprecedented leap. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The General Entertainment Authority has nominated 22 startups for the first Entertainment Business Accelerator, which aims to provide support for entrepreneurs interested in the sector.

The authority launched the business accelerator on Feb. 26, in a step that seeks to empower local competencies and emerging projects, given the unprecedented leap in recreational activities, in line with the Kingdom’s trends to diversify sources of income and increase non-oil revenues.

The program is intensifying its services for a period of 12 weeks, and aims to raise local competencies and empower entrepreneurs and startups in the field of entertainment by offering them workshops and guidance, and connecting them to a wide network of investors in the sector.

Entertainment projects in Saudi Arabia have proven their success in diversifying sources of income and increasing contribution to the gross domestic product, in addition to creating a number of jobs for male and female citizens.

The Business Accelerator program will enable startups to expand their business in the field of entertainment, by competing to provide the best quality of services in line with the government’s ambition and create multiple jobs for Saudis, in addition to diversifying sources of income and raising the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product.

Observers believe that the program will contribute to raising local competencies and enhance the Kingdom’s readiness to host major entertainment projects.

Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, said in earlier remarks that with the support of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, entertainment events held by the Authority from 2019 until the first quarter of this year attracted more than 120 million visitors - a record number that highlights the government’s interest in this vital and promising sector.



Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar were determined to walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Even if it meant walking down a flooded one.

On Tuesday, the Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines flooded due to heavy rain. Typhoon Whipa had intensified seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, bringing widespread flooding.

The couple anticipated the risk of flooding, but instead of letting the weather dampen the mood, they decided to push through, as all marriages have their challenges.

“We just mustered enough courage,” said Verdillo. “We decided today because it is a sacrifice in itself. But there will more sacrifices if we don’t push through today.”

Aguilar waded down the aisle with her white dress and wedding train floating behind her through waters almost up to her knees. At the altar, Verdillo was waiting to receive her while wearing an embroidered shirt called a Barong Tagalog, worn during special occasions.

The newlyweds have been together for 10 years. The groom said, “I feel that challenges won’t be over. It’s just a test. This is just one of the struggles that we’ve overcome.”

Despite the turbulent weather, some family and friends made it to the wedding.

“You will see love prevailed because even against weather, storm, rains, floods, the wedding continued,” said Jiggo Santos, a wedding guest. “It’s an extraordinary wedding.”