Cultural Economy Middle East

ABOUT US

The Cultural Economy Middle East Research Network (CEME) explores the fast-evolving creative industries of the Gulf region through a cultural economy lens. Our research examines how cultural production—particularly in film and media—operates at the intersection of economic transformation, national identity, and state-led development.

Founded in 2023, CEME brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to better understand the creative sector’s role in regional change. We are currently focused on Saudi Arabia’s post-2018 film industry, investigating institutional growth, policy frameworks like Vision 2030, and the lived experiences of cultural workers. Our work draws on qualitative fieldwork and institutional analysis to map out the shifting cultural and regulatory landscapes of the Gulf.

CEME also tracks industry trends across the UK and MENA regions, facilitating dialogue between researchers and professionals in both contexts. We aim to support inclusive, equitable development in creative sectors and contribute to global conversations on media, culture, and economic change.

Current Research Topics:

• The cultural economy of Saudi Arabia’s emerging film industry post-Vision 2030
• Gender equity and labour conditions in Gulf media production sectors
• Institutional mapping of Saudi Arabia’s film funding and regulation bodies
• The global positioning of the Red Sea and Saudi Film Festivals
• Creative industry policy comparisons between the UK and Gulf states
• Artists’ negotiation of censorship, symbolism, and state expectations in Saudi cinema

Our work

We provide a platform for knowledge exchange through the production and dissemination of original research that focuses on CCIs in the MENA region.

We respond directly to opportunities for collaboration and dialogue between the EU-MENA regions. Our aim is to work on the particular knowledge and skills gaps that have been identified in previous EU reports. Our current research focuses on key topics including:

• • The visual arts ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
  • Film festivals in the EU, GCC and MENA region
  • The growth of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in the MENA and GCC region
  • Independent music production in Cairo
  • Find out more about CEME here.