Offering breathtaking shots of the spectacular biodiversity of Saudi Arabia, “Horizon Saudi Arabia,” a pioneering documentary released on Netflix in January, is opening the way for a new wave of content from one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Produced by the Saudi government’s Konoz initiative, the film covers the wide range of Saudi wildlife, from the marine species that inhabit the Kingdom’s teeming coral reefs to the majestic falcons that haunt the desert skies. Featuring audience favorites such as leopards, dolphins, and the Arabian oryx, the film showcases the very best that Saudi Arabia has to offer by land, sea, and air.
“‘Horizon Saudi Arabia’ reveals our country’s hidden natural marvels beyond its desert facade,” says Abdullah Alahmari, CEO of the Riyadh-based the Konoz initiative and the movie’s executive producer. “Making the film was an awe-inspiring journey through Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes.”
“Horizon Saudi Arabia” was put together by a joint Saudi-international team and filmed to the highest production standards. Many of the crew were Saudi nationals, including more than a dozen researchers from the Riyadh-based National Center for Wildlife. Local filmmakers and guides worked alongside leading international documentary makers, including Emmy-winning director of photography Gavin Thurston, who has worked extensively with broadcasting legend David Attenborough.
As well as giving a global audience new insight into Saudi Arabia’s flora and fauna, the film highlights the important conservation work of the National Center for Wildlife.
Konoz productions like “Horizon Saudi Arabia” are giving Saudi film professionals an invaluable chance to work with international experts. At a time when the country’s film and television production industry is enjoying rapid growth, the varied content produced by Konoz—launched in 2023 to document the country’s cultural and natural riches—provides opportunities to young Saudis who are advancing their careers in the industry.
“International productions, new training programs, and the establishment of film festivals are all helping to accelerate the learning curve for local talents in film and television,” Alahmari says. Konoz, part of the Center for Government Communication at the Ministry of Media, is funded by the Human Capability Development Program of Vision 2030, the government strategy that is transforming the economy of Saudi Arabia.
“We want to inspire global appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.”
Abdullah Alahmari, CEO, Konoz initiative
Konoz—“Treasures”—is dedicated to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural wonders and exploring the country’s extraordinary cultural heritage. Recent Konoz productions include “Saudi Atlas,” a series of 60-second videos that highlight the beauty of the historic and holy cities of this ancient land.
Konoz is now planning two new docuseries that will delve into two very different sides of this fast-changing country: One series will celebrate the traditions of Saudi music and dance passed down through generations; the other will explore how Saudi Arabia is being transformed by ambitious and groundbreaking gigaprojects, including visionary initiatives such as NEOM, the futuristic megacity that has broken ground in the northwest of the country.
“These untold stories can dispel misconceptions and stereotypes and present a more real and positive image of Saudi Arabia to a global audience,” says Alahmari.
Whether for wildlife productions such as “Horizon,” or for more culturally focused documentaries, Alahmari is seeing rapidly increasing international interest in content from Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a destination for tourism and business is propelling growing demand for captivating content about the Kingdom,” he says. “There is a ripe opportunity for authentic and compelling storytelling about our wildlife, our heritage, and our vibrant cultural tapestry.”
