DAMMAM: The opening of cinemas will create jobs and help boost the country’s cultural life, according to an expert.

Yasser Saleh Al-Baheejan, who holds a master’s degree in criticism and theory, said the royal decree on Saturday creating an entertainment authority was one of the most important in recent memory, and was in line with Vision 2030.

He said that entertainment remains a part of all civilized societies and should not be considered a luxury. Having all forms of entertainment would also boost the economy, by making sure cities can become competitive internationally, he told Arab News.

He said the entertainment authority should function like those in other countries, where there are specific and detailed regulations introduced, with government remaining in control at all times.

This would provide certainty in the market, which was a prerequisite for attracting investors. In addition, citizens and residents would be encouraged to spend their money locally, a further boost for domestic tourism.

Al-Baheejan said there would likely be a significant number of jobs created at all sorts of entertainment centers set up across the country, including in administration, legal and finance positions.

This would reduce unemployment and improve citizens’ standard of living.

Saudi Arabia has a small movie industry, producing only a few feature films and documentaries every year.

Often films have to be shot elsewhere, such as the 2006 Saudi movie “Keif Al-Hal?” which was shot in the United Arab Emirates.

There are no cinemas, so many Saudis watch films at home on DVD, on satellite television channels and through Internet-based providers such as Netflix.

They have to travel to nearby Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait or other countries to go to a movie theater.

In the 1970s there were many cinemas operating in the Kingdom’s main cities, where Egyptian and Asian films were screened. However, all these halls were later shut down in the 1980s, because of continuous opposition from conservative elements.