RIYADH:  Since its establishment in 2016 to help grow the industry, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has issued licenses for more than 4,500 companies and venues to organize events and provide services in more than 100 cities. There are 1,579 licensed restaurants and cafes that offer live performances, 257 facilities specializing in entertainment centers, and 17 dedicated to amusement parks.  On the support and services side, there are 645 establishments offering operational backup, 128 platforms for ticket management and sales, 537 specializing in talent development, and 393 focused on crowd management. Additionally, several companies assume multiple roles across various areas within the entertainment and related sectors. With its diverse projects, the GEA has attracted investment in the domestic industry, with more than 70 foreign companies having obtained licenses to operate in the country.  The GEA was established in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to develop the entertainment sector in the Kingdom, which would help diversify the economy and grow small- and medium-sized businesses.