Wadi Ashar Dialogue

Shaping the future of creativity in Saudi Arabia

The Wadi Ashar Dialogue is an exclusive, invitation-only gathering of global leaders, pioneering experts, and thought leaders in the film, media, and entertainment industries. Held annually in the historic region of AlUla, the event serves as a platform to explore emerging trends, share insights, and foster innovation in the creative sector. Featuring panel discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural excursions, the event offers a unique blend of professional and educational experiences, celebrating the intersection of creativity and heritage.

The challenge lies in designing an annual gathering that goes beyond traditional formats to become a transformative hub for innovation and collaboration in the film, media, and entertainment sectors. This requires meticulously managing speakers, curating impactful programmes, and integrating unique elements – such as immersive dining experiences and a thought leadership report – to foster engagement, critical dialogue, and lasting connections.

Crafting a dynamic platform for industry advancement

Imagination continues to play a pivotal role in curating and executing the Wadi Ashar Dialogue, a premier gathering of global leaders in film, media, and entertainment. Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the agency has designed an engaging programme for the event’s last two editions, incorporating panel discussions, keynote presentations, and interactive workshops. These sessions addressed critical topics such as international and local investment, business partnerships, Saudi Arabia’s contributions to the creative sector, and available resources for global productions. By fostering knowledge-sharing and innovative dialogue, the event empowers attendees to drive industry growth and collaboration.

Strengthening partnerships and showcasing Saudi’s vision

Held in the culturally rich AlUla region, the Wadi Ashar Dialogue serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultivating a thriving creative industry. Imagination’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Culture Saudi Film Commission and the Royal Commission for AlUla ensures the event resonates with global audiences while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s unique initiatives and facilities. This partnership, as highlighted by Mashary Al-Khyyat, Strategy, Policy and Regulations General Manager, positions Imagination as a trusted partner in realising the transformative vision for the region’s creative future.

For the audience

The event attracted a diverse audience, with 52% of attendees originating from Europe, many of whom were exploring the Kingdom for the first time. This provided them with a unique opportunity to discover new business prospects in Saudi Arabia while benefiting from insightful talks by industry leaders. Additionally, attendees experienced breathtaking activities that showcased the Kingdom’s rich heritage and future potential, creating a memorable and inspiring engagement.

For the brand

The event delivered significant value for the brand by reinforcing its positioning as a thought leadership brand, achieving an 84% “very satisfied” rating from attendees—a 3% improvement from the previous year. This success not only highlighted the brand’s commitment to delivering impactful experiences but also promoted the Kingdom as a dynamic epicentre for innovation and the future of technology and entertainment.