Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla Signs Deal With MBS Group, Home of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ Franchise, to Manage and Operate Its Studios

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Saudi Arabia’s film project, AlUla, has entered into an agreement with The MBS Group, a conglomerate that includes Manhattan Beach Studios – where James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequels are being filmed. Under the terms of this deal, The MBS Group will be responsible for managing and running AlUla Studios exclusively.

In their joint announcement, MBS Group’s fresh regional entity, MBS MENA Limited, is set to collaborate closely with Film AlUla to establish a strong production system, maintaining efficient studio operations while maximizing occupancy, streamlining production timetables, and managing leasing for both domestic and international productions.

This partnership signifies MBS Group’s inaugural venture into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, expanding its worldwide network of approximately fifty operational facilities. Among these are Manhattan Beach Studios, famously known as the company’s namesake, as well as Amazon’s Culver Studios, Netflix’s Raleigh Studios, Radford Studio Center, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Eastbrook Studios London, Vancouver Film Studios, and Ardmore Studios Ireland.

For the first time, MBS Group is establishing a presence in the MENA region, which adds to their network of about fifty locations around the world. This network includes Manhattan Beach Studios (their main studio), Amazon’s Culver Studios, Netflix’s Raleigh Studios, Radford Studio Center, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Eastbrook Studios London, Vancouver Film Studios, and Ardmore Studios Ireland.

The Film AlUla is a film commission for the expansive northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, roughly equivalent in size to Belgium. This area boasts not only a verdant oasis but also towering sandstone canyons. Its filmmaking infrastructure features two large soundstages, each covering about 25,828 square feet, a backlot, and various production support buildings.

The AlUla complex further includes a versatile recording studio large enough for a full 32-piece orchestra, along with training rooms, practice spaces, administrative buildings, and venues suitable for events.

The MBS Group’s expertise will enable Film AlUla to expand whenever necessary in the future. In essence, their global experience places AlUla Studios in a position to incorporate advanced technologies gradually, such as volumetric stages and state-of-the-art virtual production facilities. This ensures that the facility consistently stays at the cutting edge of technological progress.

Jason Hariton, the head of studio and real estate at The MBS Group, expressed his appreciation for the chance to broaden their global reach in the rapidly developing MENA region. He mentioned that AlUla stands out as an exceptional choice for content creators worldwide. Hariton highlighted that this city is close to stunning natural landscapes, boasts top-tier accommodations, and provides some of the most attractive financial benefits for filmmakers within the industry.

As the Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, I’m thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with MBStudios. This alliance marks a significant step in our journey towards establishing AlUla Studios as the leading film production center in the region.

With their unique worldwide expertise, they provide the necessary operational superiority to establish long-lasting industry expansion, draw top-tier projects, and develop local skills,” he stated further.

The agreement aims at fostering Film AlUla’s primary goal of establishing a lasting film industry by generating income, involving, and educating the local labor force.

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2025-05-07 10:27