GASTAT Survey: Over 80% of Saudis Participated in Cultural and Entertainment Activities in 2024

Riyadh, February 28, 2025 – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the 2024 Household Culture and Entertainment Survey, revealing that 81.6% of individuals attended at least one cultural event, while 85.3% participated in an entertainment activity over the past year.

Key Insights from the Survey

The data highlights the growing engagement of Saudi citizens and residents in cultural and recreational activities, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing quality of life and expanding the cultural and entertainment landscape.

• Most Popular Cultural Activities:

  • Cooking was the most widely practiced cultural activity at 20.4%.

  • Fine arts followed at 9.7%, while fashion design had the lowest participation at 1.7%.

  • Literary gatherings and poetry evenings attracted 2.5% of individuals.

• Reading Trends:

  • 48.5% of individuals read books.

  • 38.2% read newspapers.

  • 17.2% read magazines.

• Entertainment & Outdoor Activities:

  • 65.8% of individuals visited parks and gardens.

  • 61.9% went to shopping malls.

  • 60.2% spent leisure time in the desert or at the beach.

  • 40.5% attended national celebrations.

  • 8.8% visited water parks.

• Sports & Physical Activities:

  • Walking was the most practiced recreational and sports activity at 66.4%.

  • Football followed at 17.6%.

  • Handball and basketball recorded the lowest participation at 0.4% each.

Cultural & Entertainment Growth in Saudi Arabia

The findings underscore the Kingdom’s expanding cultural and entertainment sectors, driven by investments in infrastructure, events, and initiatives that cater to diverse interests. With new attractions, entertainment hubs, and cultural events continuously emerging, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative shift in how residents engage with leisure activities, reinforcing its status as a vibrant global destination for culture, entertainment, and sports.