Khaberni - Saudi Arabia intends to cancel the Joy Awards 2027 entertainment industry awards gala, amidst financial pressures and a reshuffling of spending priorities in the entertainment sector.
Reuters reported, citing well-informed sources, that the kingdom is moving towards cancelling the next edition of the entertainment industry awards ceremony, which usually takes place in January each year, and is one of the most prominent yearly events in Riyadh.
In recent years, the ceremony has successfully attracted a large group of international and Arab art stars, becoming a notable event in the Saudi entertainment sector, featuring competition in various fields, including music, entertainment, and sports.
This year's edition witnessed the participation of global names including the singer Katy Perry and the star Robbie Williams, alongside extensive participation from regional stars.
According to sources who spoke to Reuters, the move to cancel the event comes as part of Riyadh's reshuffling of spending priorities and cutting some budgets allocated to cultural and entertainment sectors, a move that has also impacted a number of major events and projects that have been postponed or cancelled.
Sources in the entertainment sector explained that the effects of budget cuts began to appear before the war with Iran broke out, noting that financial pressures impacted the plans for organizing events and projects related to the sector.
This development coincides with Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to achieve the Vision 2030 targets, which include diversifying economic sources and reducing reliance on oil, as well as enhancing the kingdom's status as a tourist destination and a center for hosting international events.
In recent years, the Saudi entertainment sector has experienced noticeable expansion, as part of plans to develop cultural, tourist, and sporting activities and attract events and artists from around the world.
The entertainment industry awards ceremony had been one of the most prominent aspects of this expansion, becoming an annual occasion that gathers elite artists and entertainers from the region and the world.
