Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), has announced the start of construction on the first phase of its ambitious new film and TV studio complex.

The first phase will encompass approximately 330,000 square feet (30,000 square metres) and is scheduled to be up and running for the fourth quarter of 2023.

The complex will feature two soundstages, production support buildings, workshops, a pyro/sfx building, catering facility and admin building plus a 70,000 square feet (6,500 sq m) backlot and a sound recording studio.

The complex will also be near 12 square kilometres of dedicated outdoor shooting locations that showcase the landscape and ancient heritage sites of AlUla.

Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to two mountain ranges, three volcanoes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.

The area is at the heart of the country’s efforts to attract local and international productions to shoot in the region, combined with a cashback rebate of up to 40% for both international and local productions.

A large delegation of Hollywood names, in Saudi Arabia for the second edition of Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, also visited AlUla this week, with guests including director Guy Richie and actors Scott Eastwood, Lucy Hale, and Henry Golding.

“AlUla is a thriving center for arts, culture and heritage. With the film and screen sector of central focus…