Saudi Arabia's Music Industry Surges Amid Government-Led Reforms
Saudi Arabia's music scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. DJ-producer Nouf Sufyani, also known as Cosmicat, has gone from working nine-to-five as a dentist to performing alongside international heavyweights like David Guetta and Martin Garrix.
In the mid-2010s, the Saudi government initiated sweeping reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil. The General Entertainment Authority was established in 2016 to promote entertainment and tourism within the kingdom.
The impact of these changes has been striking: streaming royalties for Saudi artists on Spotify reached $3.5 million in 2024, with music consumption up 195% since 2020. The growth of the Saudi music ecosystem is estimated to be worth $3.4 billion by 2034.
The sector's underdevelopment has also been cited as a unique opportunity for investment and expansion. Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Music Commission, noted that 'there is an undersupply' in the market due to its relative newness.