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RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission is preparing to launch the third Saudi Film Confex from Oct. 22-25 in Riyadh.

The event, called “A Gathering That Transforms the Scene,” will bring together leading filmmakers, local and international producers, and industry specialists from across the global cinematic sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Building on the momentum of previous events, the confex will strengthen its role as a catalyst for the growth and empowerment of the Saudi film industry.

Initiatives include driving investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and aligning with the Kingdom’s National Culture Strategy under Vision 2030, which places cultural development among its top priorities.

Positioned as a dynamic networking platform, the Saudi Film Confex connects all players in the filmmaking ecosystem, from production and distribution companies to technical and logistical service providers, as well as investors and funding institutions.

The event will highlight filming and production opportunities, encourage high-value collaborations, reinforce the nation’s film infrastructure, and support startups and entrepreneurs in the sector.

It will include an international conference featuring more than 30 panel discussions and workshops, and covering topics such as film financing, content development, and regulatory frameworks.

The program will also include side events and specialized workshops designed to introduce audiences and young talent to career paths and professional specializations within the industry.

The confex will host an expanded exhibition with more than 130 local, regional, and international participants, with dedicated areas for stakeholders including production companies, equipment rental and cinematic technology providers, streaming, distribution, and government and strategic partners.

The exhibition will also feature participants from related sectors, including educational institutions, film associations, and funding and investment bodies.

Exhibitor registration for the Saudi Film Confex 2025 is now open to local and global companies as well as government and regulatory entities.

Registered exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their projects, showcase the latest innovations and opportunities across the film industry value chain, and build strategic partnerships that will drive market growth and strengthen the Kingdom’s global presence.

The upcoming confex is expanding its content and activities to highlight the industry’s growing economic impact and elevate Saudi talent on the world stage, supporting the creation of a competitive Saudi film sector.

RIYADH: The Buraidah Dates Carnival receives more than 1,000 vehicles each day loaded with tonnes of dates, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The event, which is organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, and the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, under the supervision of the Qassim Principality, runs until Oct. 5.

The export yard processes thousands of tonnes of dates for packaging and distribution to cities across the Kingdom and to more than 100 countries worldwide, including the US and nations in Europe.

The Qassim region produces more than 390,000 tonnes annually, contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s total output and reinforcing its leading role in local food security and agricultural exports.

Farmers aim to surpass this figure by planting more than 2 million palm trees, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to boost non-oil revenues.

The export yard serves as a central hub for distributing dates both domestically and internationally. Each day more than 500 medium-sized and large trucks transport over 100 varieties of dates. These are delivered across the Kingdom and to processing factories specializing in sorting, packaging, manufacturing, and converting dates into integrated food products.