Alamiya, a leading Saudi live events and media company, has expanded into film production with the acquisition of the startup Lyra Pictures. The company was co-founded by Wesam Kattan, an experienced media executive who played a key role in launching MTV Arabia, and Bassma El-Afghani, a management consultant.
Founded in 1976 as the first film and TV studio in Saudi Arabia, Alamiya had to adjust its business model in the early 1980s due to a ban on cinemas by religious conservatives. The ban was lifted in late 2017, allowing the company to re-enter the film industry.
Lyra Pictures, established in 2022, adopts a data-driven strategy for film development, attracting the attention of Alamiya’s leadership. The approach aims to blend traditional and modern filmmaking practices to revitalize Alamiya's role in the film production space.
While the company’s upcoming projects remain under wraps, Lyra Pictures is focused on attracting local talent and intellectual property, while also collaborating with international productions shooting in Saudi Arabia.
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