RIYADH — Around 75.3 percent of the Saudi population visited at least one cultural event or activity during the year 2025. There has been significant increase in the public participation in cultural and entertainment activities in the Kingdom, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
It was revealed in the 2025 Family Culture and Entertainment Survey results, published by GASTAT on Tuesday, that 67 percent of the Saudi population visited a recreational event or activity during the last year. Parks and gardens accounted for 47.8 percent of visits, and cinemas for 27.1 percent. Literary gatherings, poetry evenings, and culinary exhibitions were the least visited activities, at one percent each.
The results also indicated that 33 percent of the population engages in cultural activities, with cooking topping the list at 8.7 percent, followed by writing at 7.2 percent while performing arts were the least practiced, at one percent. Furthermore, 33.7 percent of the population reads books, compared to 26.8 percent, who read newspapers, while magazines were the least popular, at 15.6 percent.
The data revealed that 39.4 percent of the population spent time in the desert or on the beach, while 29.3 percent attended live performances at cafes and restaurants. Water parks were the least visited, at 3.6 percent. The survey also indicated that 40.7 percent of the total population visited entertainment seasons, with females registering a higher percentage at 48.8 percent, compared to 36.6 percent for males.
The 2025 Family Culture and Entertainment Survey is one of the social surveys conducted by the GASTAT. It provides data and statistical indicators on the cultural and entertainment interests of adults in the Kingdom aged 15 and above, such as visiting cultural or entertainment sites.
The survey aims to support decision-makers, policymakers, and those interested in the culture and entertainment sector with accurate and up-to-date data to develop this promising sector.
Source: Saudi Gazette