The Saudi capital witnessed an exceptional artistic night as Lebanese superstar Haifa Wehbe graced the Riyadh Season stage with a spectacular concert, drawing a massive audience that underscored her widespread popularity in the Arabian Gulf region. The concert was more than just a musical performance; it was a cultural and artistic celebration in which the diva interacted with the Saudi audience in a spontaneous and distinctive way, leaving an unforgettable mark on the season.

This concert is part of Riyadh Season, one of the most prominent entertainment initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The season aims to transform Riyadh into a global tourist and entertainment destination, attracting leading artists and stars from around the world. Over its successive editions, the season has successfully established the Kingdom's position on the regional and international entertainment map, offering diverse experiences that cater to all segments of society.

Haifa Wehbe didn't just perform a selection of her most famous songs, both old and new; she surprised the audience with her deep engagement with Saudi artistic heritage. She presented a traditional Gulf dance segment with the "Samri" troupe, showcasing a rich folk art form originating from the Najd region, known for its distinctive rhythms and group movements. This performance ignited the enthusiasm of the audience, who applauded her warmly in appreciation of her respect and appreciation for local art. Adding to the lively atmosphere was the appearance of a child on stage, who performed the "Razfa," a traditional and energetic dance, to the great encouragement and interaction of both the star and the audience.

The spontaneous moments from the concert spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Among the most notable was a humorous video clip in which Haifa asked an audience member to teach her "Saudi flirting," revealing a playful side to her personality and her close connection with her fans, reflecting the strong rapport between her and the Saudi audience. On the musical front, her performance of her new song "Badna Nrouq" was a highlight of the concert, with the audience enthusiastically singing along, confirming the song's success and popularity.

As for fashion and style, Haifa Wehbe captivated everyone with a look that combined sophistication and modesty. She wore a long black dress made of luxurious lace, featuring an off-the-shoulder design and long sleeves. She completed her look with striking diamond jewelry, a flowing hairstyle that highlighted her beauty, and bold Arabic makeup. This look was praised by fashion experts and fans alike, who commended her choice, which suited the atmosphere of the event and its cultural significance.

The General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia announced its weekly report, revealing that it approved and classified 50 films and 15 television series last week. These figures underscore the rapid growth of the media and entertainment sector in the Kingdom, a key pillar of the Vision 2030 program.

Historical background and context of Vision 2030

This surge in activity reflects a strategic shift in the Saudi cultural and entertainment landscape. Following the 2018 decision to reopen cinemas, ending a decades-long ban, the Kingdom has witnessed a qualitative leap in content creation. The General Authority for Media Regulation plays a pivotal role in this phase, responsible for regulating and classifying content in accordance with the Kingdom’s cultural and social standards, thus ensuring the provision of meaningful and safe entertainment for the public. These efforts fall under the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs, which aims to develop and diversify entertainment opportunities to meet the needs of the population and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global tourism and entertainment destination.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

The significance of these figures extends beyond mere entertainment, encompassing important economic and social dimensions. Locally, making this volume of content available enriches the choices offered to the public, stimulates local production, and creates new job opportunities for Saudi talent in writing, directing, producing, and acting. The Authority also clarified in its report that it has approved and classified 455 books and publications and 50 electronic games, demonstrating the comprehensiveness of the regulations across various forms of creative content.

Regionally and internationally, these steps reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for the media and entertainment industry, attracting foreign investment and global production companies that view the Saudi market as promising and vibrant. Furthermore, the issuance of 340 media licenses and 205 "trusted" licenses for individual advertisers on social media reflects the Authority's commitment to keeping pace with digital developments and its efforts to regulate the new media landscape, ensuring transparency, reliability, and consumer protection.