Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered that all permits and licences for entertainment events in the Kingdom be placed exclusively under the authority of his adviser, Turki Al Al-Sheikh, through the General Entertainment Authority.

The decision forms part of a broader policy of expanding Al Al-Sheikh’s powers and influence while reducing those of the regional governors, who have traditionally been responsible for issuing permits and licences for entertainment events within their respective regions.

Entertainment events are regarded as a significant source of revenue for regional governors through subcontracting arrangements with companies owned by or affiliated with them, a development that could further intensify tensions between them and Al Al-Sheikh.

In the decision, published by the General Entertainment Authority on behalf of the Council of Ministers, Mohammed bin Salman stated: “Entertainment or supporting activities may not be carried out without first obtaining a permit, licence or accreditation certificate from the General Entertainment Authority.”