Saudi Arabia to cancel Joy Awards, its answer to the Grammys, amid budget cuts, sources say
Saudi Arabia is set to cancel next year’s Joy Awards, its star-studded answer to the Oscars or the Grammys, as financial strain and the Iran war hit the country’s nascent entertainment sector, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Held in January, the event has become the crown jewel of Riyadh’s annual events calendar, drawing performers including Katy Perry and Robbie Williams this year…
Saudi Arabia plans to cancel its annual Joy Awards, a high-profile entertainment event akin to the Grammys, due to financial difficulties and the ongoing Iran war, according to sources familiar with the matter. The event, which has drawn international stars such as Katy Perry and Robbie Williams, is set to be scrapped as Riyadh prioritizes its budget, particularly after the financial strain caused by the war.
Organizers of the Joy Awards, held in January, include the General Entertainment Authority and MBC Group, a Saudi media conglomerate. However, both have declined to comment on the cancellation. The cancellation is part of a broader trend of high-profile events being postponed or canceled due to Riyadh's efforts to reprioritize spending and cut culture and entertainment budgets.
This comes as the war has undermined Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan to transform the kingdom into a hub for tourism and global events.
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