Over the last five years AlUla has experienced a series of massive transformations; from a hidden archaeological gem, to a regenerative destination for prehistoric flora, a luxury hospitality destination, and now a global cinematic powerhouse. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the ancient city was officially shortlisted for the prestigious “City of Film” category at the 2026 Global Production Awards.
Organised by Screen International, a globally renowned independent film trade publication, the awards are among the most respected in the industry, celebrating excellence in location scouting, production infrastructure, and the world’s most film-friendly cities. With just seven international cities shortlisted by Screen International and the Global Production Awards, fellow finalist cities include destinations as far and wide as Toronto, and Australia's Gold Coast. The final winners are set to be announced during a high-profile ceremony at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, placing AlUla firmly in the spotlight of the international film community.
You Might Also Like: Mohamed Diab’s ‘Asad’ to premiere across Saudi and the Middle East soon
The Rise of Saudi Film & Production Venues
This nomination reflects AlUla’s rapid ascent as a preferred destination for high-budget international productions and regional storytelling. The destination’s "open-air" appeal — defined by towering sandstone monoliths, lush palm oases, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra — provides a versatile backdrop for everything from gritty action epics to visionary sci-fi.
Beyond recognising AlUla's natural beauty, the shortlisting recognises the strategic efforts of Film AlUla, the agency under the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The agency has moved beyond simple location management to build a comprehensive, internationally renowned production ecosystem. In recent years, AlUla has hosted more than 1,500 production days, serving as the setting for major films such as Ric Roman Waugh’s Kandahar, starring Gerard Butler, and the historical epic Warrior of the Desert.
AlUla has become a pivotal destination for filming, production and even editing due to its world-class facilities, such as a newly opened studio complex featuring two soundstages, a 6,500-square-meter backlot, and specialised pyro/SFX buildings. Of course, competitive savings and incentives also draw international and regional attention, helping to channel hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy. In addition to creating an environment in which AlUla can thrive as a go-to destination for film, Film AlUla and the RCU have together confirmed their commitment to protection of the region's natural environment, including rigorous 10-month impact assessments to ensure production infrastructure respects the delicate desert ecosystem.
You Might Also Like: Riyadh's JAX Film Studios will become a new hub for global filmmaking
Full Shortlist of "City of Film" Category
- AlUla, Saudi Arabia: Film AlUla
- Calgary, Canada: Calgary Economic Development
- The Gold Coast, Australia: Gold Coast Film Commission
- Gothenburg, Sweden: Film i Väst
- Tampa Bay, Florida, USA: Film Tampa Bay
- Toronto, Canada: City of Toronto
- Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb Film Office
