Saudi theatre now has a dedicated non-profit body for research and criticism. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector has approved the founding of the Theatre Laboratory Association for Studies and Research, which aims to enrich the Kingdom's cultural scene and support theatre and performing arts through studies, research and methodical critique.

The move is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Culture's strategy for developing the creative sector. The association intends to serve as a reference for knowledge and research that raises the quality of theatrical discourse and keeps pace with the Kingdom's artistic growth.

Abbas Ahmed Al-Hayek chairs the board, with Nada Al-Ghamdi as deputy chair and Amira Musa Al-Juhani, Dalal Al-Khalidi and Abdulwahab Al-Fandi as members. Al-Hayek expressed his thanks to the centre for the approval and to the Ministry of Culture for empowering cultural bodies, saying the association would help develop critical studies of theatre and the performing arts and raise Saudi theatre's profile at home and abroad.

Its goals include recording the stages of Saudi theatre's development, building a comprehensive database of specialist researchers, backing research and critical readings that turn stage practice into academic material, improving critical awareness among practitioners, training independent troupes, and fostering partnerships and lasting dialogue among theatre-makers, critics and researchers in the Kingdom and the Arab world.

Several initiatives and projects are planned for the rest of this year and next year. The founders include theatre practitioners and enthusiasts, while Dr. Hatem Tlili of Tunisia and Khalid Al-Baz are serving as advisors.