RIYADH: The entertainment events held by the General Entertainment Authority have attracted a total audience of 120 million since 2019 and until the first quarter of 2023, according to GEA Chairman Turki Al-AlSheikh. The record number is a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for this vital and promising sector, Al-AlSheikh added. He revealed that the authority has issued 11,136 licenses for various entertainment activities since the launch of the new licensing system in 2019. In addition, 470 entertainment destinations have been licensed in over 42 cities and governorates in the Kingdom, while 1,402 restaurants have been licensed in 50 cities and governorates, Al-AlSheikh added. The number of activities during this period was estimated at 8,732. The most prominent events included the Saudi Seasons, Joy Awards, Super Classico Championship, Maradona Cup, Riyadh Season Cup, WWE shows, Oud Festival, Arabian horse beauty contests, and chess and baloot tournaments. The entertainment authority also held over 50 exhibitions in various fields, including animation, games, cars and jewelry. The Merwas art and entertainment factory was also established for music recording, podcasting and cinematography, and includes 22 studios in one building. It was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest music production studio in the world. The authority has obtained several Guinness World Records certificates, which have contributed to the creation of a large number of jobs, Al-AlSheikh added.