Riyadh, 23 Rabi'I,1439 AH, 11 December,2017 , SPA -- The Board of Directors of General Commission for Audiovisual Media chaired by Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad approved on Monday the issuance of licenses for wishers to open cinemas in the Kingdom. Licensing is due to begin after the completion of regulations for the organization of audiovisual shows in public places within a period not exceeding 90 days. The Ministry of Culture and Information said in a press statement that the General Commission for Audiovisual Media will begin preparing steps for executive procedures necessary to open cinemas in the Kingdom in its capacity as the regulator of this sector. The Ministry added that the contents of shows will be subject to censorship according to media policy standards of the Kingdom, stressing that will be in line with values and principles in place and do not contradict with Sharia Laws and moral values in the Kingdom. The Ministry seeks to promote cultural and media works in the framework of its support for activities and events, hoping that this step will stimulate growth and economic diversification by developing the economy of the cultural and media sector as a whole, providing job opportunities in new areas for Saudi nationals, and educating and training them to acquire new skills. It is worth mentioning that the General Commission for Audiovisual Media has made great strides in studying the cinematic sector and preparing necessary executive frameworks to create an integrated cinematic experience not only on screens, but also in presenting a cultural and entertainment experience for the entire family. It is worth mentioning that the cinematic sector will have an economic impact that will lead to an increase in the size of the media market, stimulate growth and economic diversification by contributing by more than SR 90 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creating more than 30,000 permanent jobs and more than 130,000 temporary jobs by 2030. Further details of regulations and organizational frameworks are to be announced in the coming period. -- SPA 14:03 LOCAL TIME 11:03 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w560057