RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is expanding the country’s cultural landscape. This wider cultural shift is being driven by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and open up access to the world. With the entertainment sector undergoing transformation, industry experts believe that investing in training, development and cultivating a dynamic workforce are essential for ensuring the success and longevity of the growing entertainment industry in the Kingdom. With recent figures estimating that more than 60 percent of Saudis are under 35, this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Summit and Expo, held next month from May 7-9 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, aims to spotlight how the industry can empower the Saudi workforce through technical knowledge and training. “It will also delve into strategies for retaining and nurturing talent,” said Mamdouh Zackout from dmg events, which is the organizer of SEA expo. The sixth SEA Summit and Expo this year is expected to be a catalyst for change in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector as it seeks to champion the work of professionals in the industry, create a global experience for like-minded individuals to connect, and effectively address industry challenges, Zackout said. The three-day SEA summit, which will run parallel to the exhibition, serves as a platform to accelerate efforts in the entertainment and leisure industry by highlighting new opportunities and offering industry insights from the region’s experts. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has emphasized the need to upskill Saudi youth in all vocations through education and training to cultivate a new and vibrant workforce. This year’s summit will focus on the next generation through think tank sessions, which will explore the many educational opportunities within the entertainment sector, highlight the importance of partnerships with schools, and reveal how integrated educational programs are essential for the future of the industry. “The Kingdom understands that the path toward youth empowerment is through education, training and nurturing talent,” said Sarkis Kahwajian, SEA expo director. “We fully support this and understand the importance of cultivating leaders of tomorrow through education, technical knowledge and fostering environments where creativity can thrive, and at this year’s SEA expo our aim is to do just that.” Co-located with the Saudi Light and Sound Expo, this year’s SEA Summit and Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans and create opportunities in the industry to drive the country toward achieving the goals set under Vision 2030.