Saudi Arabia announced that it will allow commercial movie theaters to operate for the first time in more than 35 years. The decision comes as part of the government's recent drive toward the country's modernization.

The Ministry of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia announced the decision on Monday, with access to cinemas being allowed by early 2018. In relation to the landmark decision, the state's Board of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media has started the process of granting licenses to cinemas.

The first cinemas are expected to open in March 2018. With the opening of movie theaters, the state is encouraging a more open and rich domestic culture for its citizens.

"This marks a watershed moment in the development of the cultural economy in the Kingdom," said Dr. Awwad Alawwad, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture and Information. "Opening cinemas will act as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification; by developing the broader cultural sector we will create new employment and training opportunities, as well as enriching the Kingdom's entertainment options."

The opening of theaters will help the country in its goals of developing a rejuvenated entertainment sector and creating a thriving economy for its people. Saudi Arabia will also allow concerts and other forms of public entertainment.

The initiative comes as part of the Vision 2030 social and economic reform, the government of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broad campaign toward modernization.

Through the campaign, the state has already granted permission for women to drive, ending a longstanding policy that has painted a negative reputation for the Kingdom. The country's leaders are hoping that this landmark decision will drive an increase in women's participation in the workforce.

The social reforms that will be carried out through Vision 2030 are expected to bolster the country's domestic economy and reduce the economy's reliance on its oil resources.