Saudi Arabia Postpones Red Sea Film Festival Amid Houthi Threats
Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to become a global entertainment hub have hit a snag. The Red Sea International Film Festival, a flagship event featuring big-name stars like Will Smith and Dakota Johnson, has been postponed due to logistical challenges.
The festival was set to take place from December 3-12 in Jeddah but will now be held in the fourth quarter of 2027. The organizers cited the need to review the timing and logistical requirements for staging an international event of this scale.
This decision comes as the kingdom faces growing security threats from Yemen's Houthi militants, who have intensified their campaign against Saudi Arabia since July. The conflict has disrupted the oil-rich kingdom's economy and raises concerns about the ability to host high-profile events like the Future Investment Initiative in October.