Riyadh – BETH
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 2, 2026

His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), visited Al-Hosn Big Time Studios and Qiddiya Studios today (Monday) to review the progress of the historical film depicting the life of the revered Companion Khalid ibn Al-Walid. The film is one of the largest Arab cinematic productions to date, produced by Sela, and supported by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season.

A Major Cinematic Project of Exceptional Scale

The project follows more than a year of extensive preparations, including:

Construction of large-scale historical sets

Development of major battle locations

Design and coordination of complex combat sequences

Creation of detailed visual elements reflecting the film’s historical environment—including architecture, costumes, and battlefield aesthetics

A Field Review of Creative and Technical Preparations

During the visit, His Excellency observed key stages of production, such as:

The construction of primary sets

Initial models of historical environments

Artistic designs illustrating the visual direction of scenes, architecture, and costumes

His Excellency also met with the creative and production teams, including:

International director Alex Sakharov

International producer Richard Sharkey

The team presented the latest updates and the roadmap for upcoming production phases, ensuring a world-class cinematic experience that reflects the magnitude and importance of the project.

A New Milestone for Arab Cinema

The film stands as one of the most significant cinematic projects being filmed in Saudi Arabia, reflecting:

The rapid evolution of Saudi film production

The rise of Arab cinema toward higher levels of professionalism and global standards

The Kingdom’s growing position as a major hub for historical and epic film production in the region

BETH Analytical Commentary

The significance of this project goes far beyond retelling the life of a legendary figure like Khalid ibn Al-Walid. Its deeper meaning lies in what it represents for the industry itself:
Saudi Arabia is moving from merely hosting productions to creating landmark works capable of reshaping Islamic and Arab history through world-class filmmaking.

The larger message is clear:
Entertainment in the Kingdom is no longer “just entertainment.”
It has become a form of soft power—reframing history, elevating cultural narratives, and positioning the region as a competitive force in global visual storytelling, just as it competes in sports, economy, and tourism.