The Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) held a workshop titled "Licensing Live Performances in Restaurants and Cafes", in a step aiming to invest further ideas and visions to support the success of live performances in restaurants and cafes program announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board at GEA, earlier this year. The workshop deliberated on the challenges faced by restaurants and cafes and all stockholders in this regard, and also discussed proposed solutions and aspirations. This step was taken by GEA in an effort to enhance the sector and realize its economic and social objectives, in addition to engaging the private sector and stakeholders in shaping the sector's regulatory profiles. During the workshop, the Licensing Department of the Operations Sector at GEA met with several restaurant and cafe owners who have been licensed since the announcement by Al-Sheikh three months ago regarding issuing licenses for live performances in food outlets. So far, 132 licenses have been issued in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar and Dammam, including an array of artistic talents and live performers. In this regard, Sultan Al-Fakeer, Chief Operating Officer at GEA, said the authority seeks to develop the live performances program through resolving all challenges and cooperating with relevant parties to facilitate procedures and further promote the live performances activity. Al-Fakeer added that GEA seeks to identify all the necessary related procedures, stressing on the authority's keenness to develop optimal regulations that support a smooth issuance of licenses and develop legal frameworks that create an organized and encouraging environment for such activities, while taking into account all concerns and aspirations of involved parties. He also added that these meetings help GEA identify any concerns by owners and develop procedures that meet their plans and strategic objectives. Simultaneously, GEA continues to develop new regulations that will enhance the activity of live performances in restaurants and cafes according to a comprehensive framework and constructive partnerships, in order to promote such activities and maximize their positive impact on the sector. Furthermore, those new regulations will contribute towards realizing the sector's objectives outlined in Vision 2030 which include creating a vibrant society, enhancing the quality of life, and spreading joy and happiness through diverse entertainment options fit for all segments of society in Saudi Arabia. — SG
