Saudi Arabia issued 117 permits for entertainment activities in 2020

The National Committee for Digital Transformation announced on Monday it has officially chosen the online portal “Tarfeeh” to organize and develop the Kingdom’s entertainment sector.

Tarfeeh was chosen from more than 800 potential platforms under consideration, according  to a report by the Saudi News Agency.

Established by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Tarfeeh enables investors and companies operating in the sector to request licenses and permits for recreational activities and events, and to apply for accreditation certificates for specialized activities in the entertainment sector.

Using the portal, the GEA in 2020 issued 117 permits for entertainment activities, 219 licenses for operating entertainment facilities, and 398 permits for live shows in restaurants and cafes, despite the restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The portal also enabled 188 investors to obtain a license to manage and develop artistic and entertainment talents.

The number of restaurants and cafes registered in the portal in order to obtain permits for live performances was more than 410.