“Anime Town” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has solidified its position as the world’s largest anime city, drawing visitors from around the world.
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a burgeoning interest in manga and anime, a trend that can be traced back to the 1970s. These Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture, and education has made them of great interest to Saudi society.
Manga, a form of Japanese graphic novels, differs from Western comics in several ways, including its reading direction—from right to left. The rapid spread of manga and anime in Saudi Arabia is attributed to their unique blend of entertainment, cultural significance, and educational value.
To foster this growing culture, the General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing around 20 events and exhibitions, including the prominent Saudi Anime Expo. This event, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, has attracted visitors from around the world. Furthermore, Riyadh’s “Anime Town” has solidified its position as the world’s largest anime city, featuring four distinct areas and hosting the “Sakura Music” festival, held for the first time outside of Japan.
Jeddah also recently hosted the “Anime Village” event, which attracted many visitors and offered a variety of activities, including cosplay competitions, live shows, themed restaurants, and screenings of the latest anime films.
Editor-in-Chief of Manga Arabia magazine Nouf Al-Hussein expressed optimism about the future of the Saudi manga and anime industry. She noted that the growing interest in creative initiatives within the education and culture sectors will contribute to a more robust labor market and increased opportunities for growth in this industry.
“Saudi society has become increasingly aware of the importance of nurturing diverse talents and skills, including those related to the Saudi manga and anime industry.”
Al-Hussein emphasized that achieving success in this field requires a strong foundation in drawing, writing, and creative thinking.
Al-Hussein added that this trend will foster the development of local characters that embody authentic Arab values, the Saudi spirit, and a distinctive national identity. She emphasized that such content can resonate with audiences on a global scale, contributing to the enhancement of Saudi culture and the emergence of a creative generation that carries a unique cultural message.
Anime and manga critic and analyst Majed Al-Amer said that the anime industry in the Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth. Despite facing challenges due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi anime industry has surpassed many other countries that have been developing this culture for a longer period.
Al-Amer noted that the Kingdom has gained recognition as an official producer on global entertainment platforms such as Netflix, Shahid, StarzPlay, and Crunchyroll. These platforms operate in Saudi Arabia and offer Arabic translations, demonstrating the industry’s significant potential.
He further said that manga rights are being acquired and distributed locally, with Arabic translations available in various outlets, including libraries and cinemas.
Regarding the most prominent challenges facing anime and manga creators in the Kingdom, Al-Amer said that the biggest hurdle is social acceptance. He emphasized the importance of society embracing the job opportunities available in this industry, such as manga writers and animators.
Al-Amer expressed optimism about the future of the anime industry, predicting that it will become a key component of the Kingdom’s economy within the next seven years. He anticipates that the industry’s growth will drive the production of local content, leading to the creation of a new form of entertainment tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Amer highlighted that locally produced content, by Saudi talent, will authentically reflect Saudi culture without external influences. This will contribute to spreading Saudi culture globally. He expressed appreciation for the government’s support of the anime and manga industry and the significant efforts made by the state in this regard.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant manga and anime culture is evident in its recent initiatives. The “Manga Education” program, launched by the ministries of culture and education, aims to develop students’ capabilities in this field. This program aligns with the broader strategy of incorporating culture and arts into public education.
