Hobal, the Saudi independent film directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, has set a new benchmark for the Saudi film industry, becoming the fastest-growing independent film in the country’s history. Since its release on January 2nd, Hobal has dominated the box office, amassing an impressive 527,000 ticket sales and grossing SAR 21,633,556 (approximately USD 5,767,923 million). The film has held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks, outperforming major global releases such as Flight Risk, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.
Building on its record-breaking opening week of 119,717 admissions, Hobal has sustained momentum with sold-out screenings across Saudi Arabia, from Riyadh to Jeddah and even rural areas, where audience engagement accounted for over 20% of total admissions. The film’s widespread success further cements the rising demand for locally produced, high-quality Saudi content.
With its continued dominance in Saudi cinemas, Hobal is now on its way to becoming the biggest Saudi film to perform in GCC markets, including Kuwait, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. Since its release in these territories on January 23rd, the film has already achieved over 87,000 admissions. The film has yet to be released in Qatar, further signaling the potential for even greater success in the region.
Filmed in the breathtaking landscapes of NEOM, Hobal is a testament to the Saudi government’s commitment to fostering local storytelling. Supported by the Saudi Film Commission and the Daw’ Film Competition, the film benefited from NEOM’s world-class production facilities and funding initiatives aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry. The striking desert terrain of NEOM’s Bajdah Desert, alongside additional shoots in Remmah near Riyadh, provided a visually stunning backdrop that added to the film’s immersive storytelling.
“Hobal’s remarkable box office performance signals a new era for independent Saudi cinema. The support from the Saudi Film Commission and NEOM has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, proving that Saudi films can compete with global films” said Abdulaziz Alshlahei, the film’s director.
The film, written by Mufarrij Almajfel, tells the gripping story of a Bedouin family navigating the harsh realities of isolation in the aftermath of the Gulf War. Its compelling narrative, coupled with standout performances from a stellar ensemble cast—including Ibrahim Al-Hassawi (Scales), Mishaal Almutairi (Forty Years and One Night), and Mila Alzahrani (The Perfect Candidate)—has resonated deeply with audiences, further fueling its unprecedented box office success.
Hobal is produced by Shaf Studios, with Film Clinic and Peninsula Pictures Group as co-producers. The film is produced by Sharif Almajali p.g.a, with Abdulaziz Alshlahei, Mofarij Almujfel, and Mohamed Al Turki serving as executive producers. The film is supported by the Daw’ Film Competition, the Saudi Film Commission, the Quality of Life Program, and NEOM, with the participation of various private sector partners. It was shot in the Bajdah Desert in NEOM and parts of Remmah, near Riyadh, capturing the beauty and harshness of the desert landscape as a key element in the story.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
