Saudi Arabia SSIC Division 90: Arts, entertainment activities and recreation

Saudi Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC 2026)
Classification Level: Division | Official Code: 90

Executive Summary & Classification Scope

SSIC code 90 designates Arts, entertainment activities and recreation (الأنشطة الإبداعية والفنون وأنشطة الترفيه) under the official Saudi Standard Industrial Classification (January 2025 / 2026 Edition, based on UN ISIC Rev. 4) administered by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

It serves as the mandatory regulatory benchmark for Commercial Registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce, MISA foreign investment licensing (allowing up to 100% foreign equity ownership), municipal permits on the Balady portal, and Nitaqat Saudization quota determinations by MHRSD.

Key Classification Facts

Parameter	Official Value
Saudi SSIC Code	`90`
Official Title (EN)	Arts, entertainment activities and recreation
Official Title (AR)	الأنشطة الإبداعية والفنون وأنشطة الترفيه
Classification Level	Division
Section Category	Section R — Arts, entertainment and recreation
Parent Entity Code	`R` — Arts, entertainment and recreation
Supervisory Authority	Ministry of Commerce / Standard Sectoral Regulator
Licensing Entity	Balady / Sector Ministry
Standard Custodian	General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)
Edition / Version	SSIC 2025 / 2026 Edition

Sub-Groups in Division 90 (1)

Code	Title (EN)	Title (AR)	Details
`900`	Arts, entertainment activities and recreation	الأنشطةُ الإبداعية والفنون وأنشطة الترفيه	View Code 900 →

Official 6-Digit Activity Codes in Division 90 (7 Codes)

Below are official economic activity codes registered under Division 90 for Commercial Registration (CR) and municipal licensing in Saudi Arabia:

6-Digit SSIC Code	Official Activity Title (EN)	Official Activity Title (AR)	Details
`900011`	Management of art and entertainment talents	إدارة وتطوير المواهب الفنية والترفيهية	View Activity 900011 →
`900012`	Orchestra musicians and musical bands	فنانين الاوركسترا والفرق الموسيقية	View Activity 900012 →
`900013`	Activities of culture sector artists	أنشطة الفنانين الثقافيين	View Activity 900013 →
`900014`	Production of live theatrical performance shows, and performing arts shows	نشاط الإنتاج في قطاع المسرح والفنون الأدائية	View Activity 900014 →
`900031`	Visual arts activities	أنشطة الفنون البصرية	View Activity 900031 →
`900040`	Theater and Performing Arts Activities	أنشطة المسرح والفنون الأدائية	View Activity 900040 →
`900050`	Activities of independent journalists and editors	أنشطة الصحفيين والمحررين المستقلين	View Activity 900050 →

Regulatory & Business Setup Use Cases in Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Commerce (MC): Required on your Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) to legally define the company’s business activities.
Ministry of Investment (MISA): Determines eligibility for 100% foreign-owned investment licenses and capital requirements. See our MISA Licensing Guide.
ZATCA Taxation & Zakat: Activity categorization for Corporate Income Tax (20%), Zakat (2.5%), and 15% VAT filing rules. See our ZATCA Tax Guide.
MHRSD / Qiwa (Nitaqat Quotas): Determines the required percentage of Saudi national employees. Check our Nitaqat Saudization Guide.
Balady Municipal Licensing: Establishes commercial shop, office, and warehouse zoning compliance.

Compliance & Regulatory Risk Assessment

Assessment Factor	Verification Status	Regulatory Source / Evidence
Official GASTAT Registry	✅ Verified	Confirmed in official GASTAT SSIC January 2025 / 2026 release
ISIC Rev. 4 International Crosswalk	✅ Aligned	Standardized UN International Industrial Classification mapping
Commercial Registration (CR) Active	✅ Eligible	Available for immediate filing on Ministry of Commerce portal
MISA Foreign Investment Path	✅ Permitted	100% foreign equity eligible under MISA investment criteria
5-Tier Structural Hierarchy	✅ Complete	Full parent-child relationship verified from Section to Activity
Overall Regulatory Readiness Score	🟢 10 / 10	Low Compliance Risk / Ready for Commercial Setup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Saudi SSIC code 90 cover?

SSIC 90 covers Arts, entertainment activities and recreation (الأنشطة الإبداعية والفنون وأنشطة الترفيه) under Saudi Arabia’s official industrial classification system.

2. Which authority regulates activities under SSIC 90?

Activities under this code fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and respective sectoral regulators.

3. Can international investors establish a business with code 90?

Yes. In most sectors, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) permits 100% foreign equity ownership. Refer to our MISA Guide for full requirements.

4. How does SSIC 90 affect my company’s Nitaqat rating?

MHRSD calculates your Saudization tier based on your primary SSIC activity registered on your Commercial Registration.

Official Source Attribution & Disclaimer

Primary Data Source: General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) — National Classification for Economic Activities.

Commercial Portal: Ministry of Commerce (MC)

This page is an independent reference resource. Cross-verify critical licensing details on official government portals before filing commercial applications.