The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has unveiled its new partnership with Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, the official destination brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). Marking its debut as a major event sponsor, Saudi, Welcome to Arabia will support the fourth edition of the Festival, which is set to take place from 5 to 14 December 2024, in the vibrant new venue of Al-Balad, in historical Jeddah. This sponsorship aims to enhance Jeddah’s status as a premier global cultural and cinematic destination by the Saudi Red Sea.
Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, recognizes the power of film in driving tourism, and celebrates filmmakers & storytellers who bring Saudi’s beauty and culture to life. The sponsorship of RSIFF underscores STA’s commitment to supporting high-quality events that showcase Saudi’s diverse destinations, iconic landmarks, unique experiences, and renowned, warm Saudi hospitality, welcoming visitors to the Heart of Arabia.
Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Managing Director, Red Sea International Film Festival welcomed the partnership and said: “We are delighted to partner with Saudi, Welcome to Arabia for this year’s festival. Their support will prove invaluable in helping us bring international attention to the vibrant Saudi film scene and the unique cultural experiences our country has to offer.”
This partnership coincides with Saudi’s emergence as a leading winter sun destination, driven by the success of its global campaign “Where Winter Lights Up”, the second phase of the cinematic “This Land is Calling” series. The campaign invites travelers to discover the warmth and wonder of Saudi’s Winter Season, spotlighting destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Saudi Red Sea. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in a packed year-round events calendar, featuring global highlights like Riyadh Season, the AlUla Festival, Jeddah Calendar, Diriyah Season, the Dakar Rally, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The fourth edition of the RSIFF, themed ‘The New Home of Film’, draws inspiration from its new location in the heart of cultural Jeddah, Al-Balad. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Al Balad stands as a testament to Saudi’s rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage, aligning perfectly with the ambitions of Saudi, Welcome to Arabia.


