Saudi Arabia is launching a sprawling new state-of-the-art film studio just outside the capital city of Riyadh where pre-production is underway on an ambitious historical epic titled “Unbroken Sword” directed by Alik Sakharov who has helmed multiple episodes of “The Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones.”
The new Saudi filmmaking facilities are part of the Qiddiya entertainment city on the slopes of the iconic Tuwaiq Mountains, 40 minutes southwest of Riyadh, that will comprise high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities, and a safari park in hopes of attracting millions of visitors.
The new Saudi filmmaking hub, called PlayMaker Studios, spans more than 50 acres of backlots and comprises two purpose-built soundstages with high-spec audio systems and “full production facilities designed to meet the needs of ambitious, global productions,” according to a statement.
The hub features production offices and “premium on-site amenities, offering a seamless, end-to-end environment for every stage of production.” It will include dedicated post-production and visual effects facilities as well as music studios. PlayMaker Studios will offers producers streamlined access to Saudi Arabia’s 40% production rebate.
The PlayMaker Studios complex “is set to serve as both a creative powerhouse and a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s entertainment ecosystem,” the statement noted.
Principal photography is set to begin in early 2026 on “Unbroken Sword,” which is the first film to be shot at PlayMaker Studios where a crew of more than two hundred people is already on the ground, according to the statement. The film is being sponsored by Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Riyadh Season and produced by Sela.
The big-budget Saudi epic is reportedly set in 7th-century Arabia and follows a mythical warrior who leads an outnumbered Muslim army across uncharted desert terrain to do battle with the Roman and Persian empires.
“Unbroken Sword” is being excutive-produced by British producer Richard Sharkey, whose credits include “House of the Dragon,” “Marco Polo,” “The Fifth Estate” and “The Lord of the Rings” franchises.
“PlayMaker Studios is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s ambition and builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing success in the creative industries,” Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company said in the statement. “It marks an important step in strengthening this momentum and realising our vision to create a world class destination where innovation, culture and entertainment come together, and where the global film industry can find a new home in the Kingdom,” he added.
Commented Sharkey: “Bringing ‘Unbroken Sword’ to PlayMaker Studios feels like the start of something genuinely groundbreaking.
Qiddiya is one of the so-called “giga projects” financed by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in line with the Vision 2030 plan announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to wean the economy off oil and create jobs for young Saudis.
