In a bold move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued push to modernize its urban landscape while balancing religious sensitivities, authorities have commenced the construction of the first cinema in the holy city of Makkah. The project, which has generated widespread debate online, is part of the broader ‘Smart Mecca’ initiative designed to integrate modern lifestyle infrastructure within the boundaries of religious decorum.
The cinema is being built in the Al-‘Abidiyah district of Makkah, an area situated outside the boundaries of the Haram—the sacred precinct that includes the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram. Located near the prestigious Umm Al-Qura University, the site was strategically chosen to ensure it does not infringe on the sanctity of the holy sites. Despite this, a video featuring a Saudi engineer discussing the construction sparked controversy across social media platforms, with some netizens expressing concern about the perceived encroachment of entertainment into Makkah’s spiritual heart. However, official sources have since clarified that the location is outside the sacred zone and does not fall within Haram limits.
The cinema is part of a multi-billion-riyal entertainment blueprint being rolled out by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). SEVEN has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion of its entertainment sector, a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil revenues. In 2023 alone, the company awarded contracts worth $2.5 billion for a series of entertainment projects across the Kingdom.
The Makkah cinema, specifically, is being developed by Modern Building Leaders (MBL) at an estimated cost of 1.3 billion Saudi Riyals—equivalent to approximately $347 million. Once completed, it will mark a historic milestone as the first such facility in Makkah, a city previously known for its strict adherence to traditional norms and restrictions on public entertainment.
While the project continues to divide public opinion, authorities insist that the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term vision of transforming Makkah into a smart city without compromising its religious essence. The Smart Mecca project aims to improve the quality of life for residents by integrating modern technology and leisure spaces, particularly in non-sacred zones, all while safeguarding the city’s Islamic identity.
As the Kingdom walks a tightrope between modernity and tradition, the Makkah cinema stands as a symbol of the evolving cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia—a nation steadily redefining its global image while rooted in its Islamic heritage.
