Art critic for “Al-Youm”: The Saudi box office affects the world… Egyptian cinema succeeds commercially but declines artistically.
Art critic Wael Al-Otaibi confirmed that the box office has transcended its geographical borders to become an influential player in , driven by high purchasing power and rising revenue performance, imposed a new reality on major production companies, at a time when maintains the lead in the Arab scene despite its noticeable artistic decline.
Al-Otaibi explained that the great openness of the Saudi audience and the diversity of its taste contributed to expanding the options of theaters to include Hollywood, Asian, and Arab productions, which strengthened the Kingdom’s position as a strategic cinema market.
The movie “Avatar: Fire and Ashes” topped the box office. The art critic cited the movie “Avatar: Fire and Ashes” topping the box office. Saudi Arabia at the end of December 2025, as conclusive evidence of the audience’s passion for huge science fiction films and the ability of the local market to absorb major international productions.
He pointed out that this growth in revenues created a real competitive environment between local and international films, which reflects positively on the quality of the Saudi industry, which is currently witnessing a rapid and unprecedented expansion.
He indicated that the digital boom in revenues has actually translated into a tangible increase in investments directed to building new showrooms and developing infrastructure, as well as supporting National talents to create sustainable cinema.
The reality of Arab cinema
Al-Otaibi touched on the reality of Arab cinema, stressing that Egyptian films still dominate the choices of the Saudi public and enjoy overwhelming popularity due to their ancient history and their extended influence on the Arab and African conscience.
He described the current situation of Egyptian cinema as an “accurate description” that combines commercial success and artistic decline, citing its notable absence from the podiums in Major international film festivals recently.
He denied that there were any real indications of pulling the rug out of Egyptian cinema in favor of other Arab experiences such as Lebanon, Tunisia, or Morocco, explaining that because these countries do not have an integrated film industry that matches the size of the industry in Egypt.
Imposing new challenges
Al-Otaibi observed a shift in the behavior of new generations in the Arab world, which have become more inclined to watch American films, which imposes new challenges for Arab content makers to keep pace with the aspirations of youth.
He stressed that the emergence of new stars and the multiplicity of producing countries does not necessarily mean the exclusion of the big ones, but rather opens broader horizons for diversity and artistic richness that is in the interest of the viewer first and foremost.
The art critic concluded his vision by emphasizing that the open cinematic market expands for everyone, and that the standard of survival and competition will remain dependent on quality and the ability to meet the changing aspirations of the audience.
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