NEOM, the futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia, successfully drew in a remarkable gathering of 140 influential figures hailing from the global television and film industries. The event served as a captivating showcase, captivating the attention of these esteemed leaders. The recent showcase of its diverse range of stages, production support facilities, talented individuals, and skilled crews, along with its exceedingly appealing production incentives (which reach an impressive 40% and beyond), has solidified its position as a prominent production hotspot and a thriving industry hub for the Middle East and North Africa region.
The two-day event boasted a diverse and captivating program, attracting participants from various corners of the globe. Attendees hailed from countries such as KSA, North America, Europe (including the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal), the UAE, Turkey, India, and Morocco. The upcoming event is anticipated to be one of the most significant gatherings ever witnessed in the country, specifically within the confines of a single industry. The day began with a visit to NEOM's expansive production facilities, where participants were able to witness the impressive scale of operations. Following this, they were treated to a mesmerizing tour of NEOM's diverse landscapes, which showcased a remarkable assortment of awe-inspiring locations.
On the second day of the event, the spotlight shifted towards the future, shedding light on the imminent challenges that the industry is currently grappling with. The conference theme revolved around "The Future of Storytelling and Production," attracting a wide range of participants from various sectors of the industry. Attendees included TV and film producers, prominent global production companies, investors, industry financiers, and service providers. The sessions were characterized by liveliness and dynamism, leaving participants thoroughly engaged and stimulated by the thought-provoking content.
In a statement, Wayne Borg, the Managing Director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at NEOM, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the event, describing it as a resounding success. The industry's response was nothing short of overwhelming. The impressive turnout of industry leaders at our NEOM event is a testament to the global appeal and competitiveness of our offerings. In a remarkable display of excellence, our world-class facilities, exceptional crews, and a highly competitive production cash rebate incentive exceeding 40% have come together to form an outstanding package that is undeniably effective. In a remarkable display of ambition and prowess, we witnessed a firsthand account of our swift and momentous expansion in both capacity and capability. This impressive development serves as a testament to our unwavering determination to compete on a global scale across the entire value chain. On a momentous occasion, the showcase event not only marked a joyous celebration but also heralded the grand inauguration of NEOM's second meticulously designed, industry-standard sound stage. Spanning an impressive 2,400 square meters, these state-of-the-art facilities, located within NEOM's Media Village, stand as the only ones of their kind in the entire region.
In a significant development, the number of operational stages has now reached a total of four, thereby expanding the available production space to a substantial 12,000 square meters. This expansion includes not only the production area but also the provision of essential support and backlot facilities. In an exciting development, plans are underway to expand the production capabilities of the current facility. A total of six additional stages, spanning an impressive 10,000 square meters, are currently in the works. Among these stages is a highly anticipated volumetric stage, which is sure to enhance the overall production experience. The completion of these new stages is expected to take place by the end of 2023, promising a significant boost to the facility's capacity.
NEOM, the ambitious mega-city project in Saudi Arabia, boasts state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the needs of its cast and crew. Currently, the accommodations available resemble luxurious resorts, providing a comfortable stay for up to 350 individuals involved in various productions. However, this number is set to increase significantly, with plans to accommodate a staggering 500 individuals by the year's end. NEOM's commitment to providing top-notch amenities reflects its dedication to creating an unparalleled environment for the entertainment industry. Guests were treated to an exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the luxurious accommodations, just as the esteemed cast and crew have done.
NEOM's facilities have solidified their position as the premier TV and film production hub in the region, boasting the largest collective infrastructure in the area.
