Building on our strategic relationship with the General Entertainment Authority ("GEA"), dating back to GEA's earliest phases, and our continued collaboration in providing legal support across a broad range of projects and matters in the entertainment sector, we have closely followed the regulatory developments spearheaded by GEA.

We are honored to have contributed to the drafting of the Entertainment Activities and Ancillary Activities Law (the "Law"), issued pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/12) dated 7/1/1448H. This landmark development elevates the entertainment sector's regulatory architecture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ("KSA") to the level of a law issued by Royal Decree, reflecting the sector's growing strategic significance. The Law will take effect 180 days from the date of its publication, on 30 December 2026.

By clearly regulating the procedures and requirements for carrying out entertainment activities and their ancillary activities, and by setting out the roles, obligations and rights of all participants with greater precision, the Law provides the sector with a level of regulatory clarity it has not had before.

For investors and companies operating in, or considering entry into, the entertainment sector and ancillary activities, this development goes beyond regulatory change. It creates a stronger foundation for investment, growth and expansion. Greater regulatory clarity, stability and predictability can support more informed investment decisions, facilitate long-term business planning and strengthen confidence as businesses establish, expand or restructure their activities in this fast-evolving sector. Against this backdrop, early preparation for the requirements of the Law, a clear understanding of the associated obligations, and close attention to emerging incentives and opportunities will be increasingly important in helping businesses strengthen their competitive position and capitalize on the sector's continued growth.

Drawing on our professional partnership with GEA and our sustained focus on the entertainment sector, AS&H Clifford Chance is pleased to share a briefing on the Entertainment Activities and Ancillary Activities Law, to support investors and businesses as they navigate what this new framework means for their operations, structuring and growth plans in KSA.

The AS&H Clifford Chance team was led by Managing Partner Dr. Fahad Abuhimed, Partner Hanan Hassanain and Counsel Saad Aldulaim, with support from Associates Maram Falatah, Bander Al Tuwaijri, Abdulmajeed Alfouzan and Junior Associate Riyouf Alluhaidan.

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