Saudi Arabia has made a move to re-open cinemas in Saudi Arabia as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's action to open up some of the country's conservative policies.
Minister of Culture and Information Awwad bin Saleh Alawwad said on the matter, "Opening cinemas will act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification. By developing the broader cultural sector, we will create new employment and training opportunities, as well as enriching the Kingdom’s entertainment options."
The ban on cinemas was implemented in the early 1980s when contact between men and women was restricted by Islamist pressures within the country's government. According to a statement released by the Saudi government, the country plans to open over 300 cinemas with a combined total of 2,000 screens by the year 2030.