Saudi Arabia SSIC Code 900040: Theater and Performing Arts Activities

Saudi Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC 2026)
Classification Level: Activity | Official Code: 900040


Executive Summary & Classification Scope

SSIC code 900040 designates Theater and Performing Arts Activities (أنشطة المسرح والفنون الأدائية) 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).

Detailed Description: Includes activities related to Theater and Preforming arts, and its subsectors which include, theatrical plays, circus performances, opera, dances and performances of all kinds, stand-up comedy, street performances, and experimental performances. (Example: Activating theaters and performing arts venues)

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

ParameterOfficial Value
Saudi SSIC Code900040
Official Title (EN)Theater and Performing Arts Activities
Official Title (AR)أنشطة المسرح والفنون الأدائية
Classification LevelActivity
Section CategorySection R — Arts, entertainment and recreation
Parent Entity Code9000 — Arts, entertainment activities and recreation
Supervisory AuthorityMinistry of Culture
Licensing EntityMinistry of Culture
Standard CustodianGeneral Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)
Edition / VersionSSIC 2025 / 2026 Edition
CodeTitle (EN)Title (AR)Details
900011Management of art and entertainment talentsإدارة وتطوير المواهب الفنية والترفيهيةView Code 900011 →
900012Orchestra musicians and musical bandsفنانين الاوركسترا والفرق الموسيقيةView Code 900012 →
900013Activities of culture sector artistsأنشطة الفنانين الثقافيينView Code 900013 →
900014Production of live theatrical performance shows, and performing arts showsنشاط الإنتاج في قطاع المسرح والفنون الأدائيةView Code 900014 →
900031Visual arts activitiesأنشطة الفنون البصريةView Code 900031 →
900050Activities of independent journalists and editorsأنشطة الصحفيين والمحررين المستقلينView Code 900050 →

Regulatory & Business Setup Use Cases in Saudi Arabia

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

Compliance & Regulatory Risk Assessment

Assessment FactorVerification StatusRegulatory Source / Evidence
Official GASTAT RegistryVerifiedConfirmed in official GASTAT SSIC January 2025 / 2026 release
ISIC Rev. 4 International CrosswalkAlignedStandardized UN International Industrial Classification mapping
Commercial Registration (CR) ActiveEligibleAvailable for immediate filing on Ministry of Commerce portal
MISA Foreign Investment PathPermitted100% foreign equity eligible under MISA investment criteria
5-Tier Structural HierarchyCompleteFull parent-child relationship verified from Section to Activity
Overall Regulatory Readiness Score🟢 10 / 10Low Compliance Risk / Ready for Commercial Setup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Saudi SSIC code 900040 cover?

SSIC 900040 covers Theater and Performing Arts Activities (أنشطة المسرح والفنون الأدائية) under Saudi Arabia’s official industrial classification system.

2. Which authority regulates activities under SSIC 900040?

Activities under this code fall under the supervision of Ministry of Culture.

3. Can international investors establish a business with code 900040?

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 900040 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.