Saudi Arabia Aims for Hollywood-Level Action Film with '7 Dogs'

Saudi Arabia is aiming for the international big leagues with its new action film, "7 Dogs." The production, backed by the General Entertainment Authority, seeks to blend Hollywood-level technical standards with a distinct Middle Eastern cultural voice.

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Their aim was to deliver a visual spectacle shaped by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, built on a strategic vision for a transcontinental thriller with Hollywood-level technical standards, while preserving a Middle Eastern identity and cultural voice.

Mohamed el-Dabbah, the Egyptian screenwriter, crafted a narrative centered on infiltrating an international criminal network, designed to sustain the film's intense action and visual momentum. The project gained significant traction after directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah met with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, in Riyadh. They discussed Saudi Arabia's burgeoning film infrastructure and its capacity to host major global productions.

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During that period, Belgian-Moroccan directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah visited Riyadh and held a lengthy meeting with adviser Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

Buoyed by the success of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," the directors believed regional audiences were ready for action films with a global sensibility. This led to a large-scale production partnership, providing ample financial and technical resources. Producer Ivan Atkinson assembled a team of experienced department heads, including production designer Paul Kirby and the stunt coordination group 87eleven, known for their work on the "John Wick" franchise, to ensure the film met contemporary Hollywood standards. The directors envisioned a visual experience akin to modern video games, influencing the fast-paced editing and cinematography.

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Riding the momentum of their film’s record commercial success at the Saudi and global box office, the directors became convinced that regional audiences were eager for action films made with a global sensibility.