Filming in Saudi Arabia
a.k.a. Media works in Saudi Arabia from Riyadh. We have shot commercials in Riyadh for Toyota and filmed in Jeddah and Riyadh for MG.
Rebate
Up to 60%
Of eligible spend, on features, documentaries and animation
Minimum spend
US$200,000
For a feature. US$50,000 for a documentary or animation
Main season
October to March
Across most of the country
Time zone
UTC+3
Arabia Standard Time, no daylight saving
Why productions come to Saudi Arabia
Locations few audiences have seen. Desert canyons, mountain ranges, historic towns and a long Red Sea coast.
A national film rebate. The Saudi Film Commission's cash rebate was raised in May 2026 from 40% to as much as 60% of eligible spend.
The region's largest market. Brands shooting for Saudi audiences increasingly film in the Kingdom.
Locations
Riyadh
The capital: a modern business district, wide highways and the mud-brick heritage quarter of Diriyah.
Jeddah
The Red Sea port city, with the old town of Al-Balad and a long corniche.
AlUla
Sandstone canyons, rock formations and the ancient tombs of Hegra.
The northwest and Red Sea coast
Mountains, desert plateaus and undeveloped coastline around Tabuk.
Asir
Green highlands and mountain villages around Abha in the southwest.
Permits and the rebate
40% → 60%
The national rebate is run by the Saudi Film Commission, which announced in May 2026 that the maximum rate was rising from 40% to 60% of eligible spend, with faster payment through the Cultural Development Fund. Under the programme's published terms, it covers feature films, documentaries and animation, with a minimum spend of US$200,000 for a feature and US$50,000 for a documentary or animation, and at least five production days in the Kingdom. The applicant must be a Saudi-licensed company or co-produce with one. Commercials are not listed as eligible under the national programme; NEOM runs a separate scheme that does cover them. Permits and rebate applications are filed through our Saudi-licensed partner.
When to shoot
October to March is the main season across most of the country. Summer daytime temperatures in Riyadh regularly pass 40°C, while the Asir highlands stay cooler.
What we have shot in Saudi Arabia
Toyota Urban Cruiser 2023
Commercial. Riyadh.
Toyota Yaris 2022
Commercial. Riyadh.
Toyota Hilux 2022
Commercial. Riyadh.
MG Cyberster GCC trip with the Turner Twins 2023
Branded film shot across the Gulf, including Jeddah and Riyadh.
Questions about filming in Saudi Arabia
What is the film rebate in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi Film Commission offers a cash rebate of up to 60% of eligible spend, raised from 40% in May 2026. It covers feature films, documentaries and animation. The applicant must be a Saudi-licensed company or co-produce with one.
What is the time zone?
Arabia Standard Time, three hours ahead of UTC, with no daylight saving.
Does a.k.a. Media have a presence in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. We work from Riyadh with a Saudi-licensed production partner.