Riyadh
Season
The world’s largest winter entertainment festival – where world-class sport, culture, music and dining transform Saudi Arabia’s capital every October through March.
What is Riyadh
Season?
Riyadh Season is Saudi Arabia’s annual flagship entertainment festival, organised by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) under the leadership of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. It runs from October through March every year, transforming the Saudi capital into one of the world’s most active entertainment destinations during the cooler winter months.
Launched in October 2019 as a bold experiment in cultural and economic transformation, the festival has grown into a truly global spectacle. By its fifth edition in 2023-24, it was drawing 20 million visitors from 135 nations, generating 110 billion media impressions, and hosting more than 200 concerts alongside 15 world championship sporting events.
“Saudi Arabia has become one of the most influential hubs in the global entertainment industry.” – His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, GEA Chairman, October 2025
Riyadh Season is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030 – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s transformational plan to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependency, develop the tourism and entertainment sectors, and elevate the quality of life for Saudi residents and visitors. The festival’s commercial scale reflects this ambition: its brand value reached $3.2 billion by 2025, just six years after launching.
Geographically, the festival spreads across 7.2 million m2 of Riyadh, centred on the Boulevard City and Boulevard World entertainment districts in the Hittin neighbourhood, but extending across 14 zones throughout the capital – each with its own identity, programming, and atmosphere.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh
Chairman, General Entertainment Authority (GEA)
“Riyadh Season creates about 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs. It complements other state initiatives such as the Red Sea Festival and others, contributing to the diversification of the national economy.”
Key Official Partners
Every Edition of
Riyadh Season
From a 10.3-million-visitor debut in 2019 to a $3.2 billion global brand – the story of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment festival.
The Debut – “Imagine”
Launched on 11 October 2019 under the slogan “Imagine”, the first edition of Riyadh Season spread across approximately 14 million m2, encompassing 12 entertainment zones and roughly 100 events. An unprecedented experiment in Saudi entertainment, it attracted 10.3 million visitors – far exceeding expectations. Key zones included Winter Wonderland, Al Murabba, Safari, and Riyadh Sahara. The inaugural edition generated an estimated SAR 6 billion in revenue, a 106% increase in flight bookings, and a 240% surge in hotel bookings.
10.3M Visitors12 Zones – 100 EventsCOVID-19 Suspension
The second edition was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia, like every country, implemented strict health protocols and public gathering restrictions throughout 2020 and into 2021. The suspension proved temporary – Riyadh Season returned stronger than ever the following year.
Cancelled – PandemicThe Return – “Imagine More”
Launched 20 October 2021 and running until 31 March 2022. The opening ceremony at Boulevard City featured 1,500 costumed performers, fireworks, and a display of 2,760 drones – a world record for drone fireworks at the time. Pitbull headlined the opening concert to an audience of 750,000 people. The season spanned 5.4 million m2, encompassed 14 zones, and hosted over 7,000 events. It drew 15 million visitors.
15M Visitors14 Zones – 7,000+ EventsWorld Drone Record“Imagine Beyond” – The World Cup Edition
Launched 21 October 2022 and running until March 2023. With the FIFA World Cup 2022 in neighbouring Qatar, Riyadh capitalised on regional football fever with dedicated fan zones. The season featured 15 zones and 8,500 activity days. A landmark moment came on 19 January 2023 when the Riyadh Season Cup brought together Lionel Messi (PSG) versus Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) in what was widely dubbed “The Last Dance”.
15 Zones – 8,500 Activity DaysMessi vs Ronaldo “The Last Dance”“Big Time” – The Record-Breaking Season
Launched 28 October 2023 under the slogan “Big Time”. The opening event was the Fury vs. Ngannou heavyweight boxing match at the newly opened Kingdom Arena, built in just 120 days. This 40,000-seat stadium became the centrepiece of the season and home of Al-Hilal FC. The season hosted 20 million visitors from 135 nations, generating 110 billion media impressions and 3,300 media visits. Key events included WWE Crown Jewel 2023, Post Malone, Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, Supercopa de Espana, Supercoppa Italiana, and world snooker.
20M Visitors – 135 NationsKingdom Arena Opens110B Media ImpressionsThe $3.2 Billion Brand
Launched 12 October 2024 with 14 entertainment zones across 7.2 million m2. DAZN signed a multi-year exclusive global broadcasting deal. Opening night featured Bivol vs. Beterbiev. Headline events included Six Kings Slam tennis, Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II (over 100 million global viewers), Beterbiev vs. Bivol II, WWE Night of Champions 2025, and Saudi Masters Darts. Turki Alalshikh confirmed Riyadh Season’s brand value reached $3.2 billion.
$3.2B Brand ValueDAZN Multi-Year DealFury vs Usyk II – 100M+ ViewersThe Macy’s Balloons, Beast Land & Royal Rumble
Launched 10 October 2025 with a 300-person procession, 25 themed floats, 3,000+ dancers – and for the first time, Macy’s iconic New York-style balloons outside the US. New attractions included Beast Land (200,000 m2), expanded Boulevard World with three new country pavilions, and an international Comedy Festival. The sporting calendar featured Six Kings Slam tennis, PDC Saudi Masters Darts, and the historic WWE Royal Rumble on 31 January 2026 – the first ever outside North America.
First Intl Royal RumbleBeast Land – Macy’s Balloons15 World ChampionshipsThe WrestleMania Year
The seventh edition is expected to open in October 2026. WWE WrestleMania 43 is confirmed for Riyadh in 2027 – the first time in the event’s history it will be staged outside the United States or Canada. The season is expected to set new attendance and media impression records.
WrestleMania 43 – 2027Opening October 2026All 14 Zones of
Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season spreads across 7.2 million m2 of Riyadh through 14 distinct zones – each with its own identity, programming, and atmosphere. Many zones are free to enter.
The heart of Riyadh Season. Boulevard City hosts the opening parade, nightly fountain shows, concerts, theatrical performances, Disney Castle, Barbie World, interactive digital experiences, 31 international restaurants, and a family entertainment hub across 200,000 m2. It is the main anchor zone and home to Kingdom Arena.
A 1 million m2 zone featuring full-scale cultural pavilions representing 19+ nations. Features 300+ restaurants, 1,400 shops, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, The Sphere, AREA15 experiences, cable car and waterfront views.
Saudi Arabia’s premier 40,000-seat multi-purpose arena. Home to Al-Hilal FC and host of WWE, world championship boxing, Six Kings Slam tennis and major concerts. Includes retractable roof, full A/C and 20 VIP skyboxes.
Riyadh Season’s premium retail and dining destination with luxury brands, high-end restaurants and pop-up boutiques. The VIA arches are among the most photographed architectural features of the festival.
A tree-lined promenade for alfresco dining, boutique shopping and relaxed evenings. Ideal for families and visitors seeking a calmer Riyadh Season experience.
A nature-themed family zone with theatrical shows, carnival rides and illuminated displays. One of Riyadh Season’s most visual zones and a favorite for evening visits and family photography.
A Riyadh Season zone integrating wildlife experiences with family programming, educational exhibits and nature-focused activities through the season.
An immersive Najdi souq recreation with traditional crafts, textiles, spice sellers and cultural performances by local storytellers, musicians and artisans.
A heritage-rich zone combining history walks with cultural exhibitions and high-profile showcases. Calm, educational and culturally significant.
A large family-friendly green zone for open-air shows, seasonal markets and relaxed outings away from the denser entertainment districts.
A dedicated food zone with 12+ trucks and wide cuisine variety. Great for quick meals before/after shows with relaxed open-air seating.
A 200,000 m2 attraction launched in 2025 in partnership with MrBeast. Features rides, shops, restaurants, motion games and challenge-style immersive experiences.
A high-spec indoor venue for championship events, fashion showcases and broadcast-grade productions requiring precision staging and flexible seating layouts.
A modern retail and leisure boulevard with high-street brands, seasonal pop-ups and dining, ideal for pre-event meals and post-show browsing.
Riyadh Season
Milestones
In just seven editions, Riyadh Season has broken records, built a multi-billion-dollar brand, and redefined what a national entertainment festival can achieve.
The 2023-24 edition became the first Riyadh Season to exceed 20 million visitors from 135 countries, officially confirmed by GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh.
At the October 2025 GEA conference, Riyadh Season’s estimated brand value reached $3.2 billion in just six years.
The 2023-24 edition generated 110 billion global media impressions with 3,300 media visits from over half the world’s countries.
The 2021-22 opening ceremony set a record with 2,760 drones simultaneously launching fireworks.
WWE Night of Champions 2026 marked the 15th WWE event in Saudi Arabia, with WrestleMania 43 arriving in 2027.
Riyadh Season creates approximately 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect roles each year through 2,100+ partner companies.
In October 2024, DAZN signed a multi-year exclusive global broadcasting agreement with Riyadh Season for events outside MENA.
The inaugural season generated an estimated SAR 6 billion in revenue and a 240% surge in hotel bookings.
Royal Rumble was held outside North America for the first time on 31 January 2026 in Riyadh.
Macy’s iconic parade balloons appeared outside the US for the first time at the Riyadh Season 2025 opening parade.
The first professional snooker tournament in Saudi Arabia took place in March 2024, won by Ronnie O’Sullivan.
PSG vs Riyadh XI on 19 January 2023 was one of the most discussed football matches of the year worldwide.
Headline Events Across
Every Edition
From undisputed heavyweight title fights to WrestleMania, Six Kings Slam tennis to world-record drones – a complete reference of Riyadh Season’s landmark events.
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
The “Battle of Baddest” opened the 2023-24 season at Kingdom Arena, watched by global audiences.
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
Joshua defeated Ngannou at Kingdom Arena in one of the most anticipated bouts of the season.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II – Undisputed
One of the most watched boxing rematches, with global audience estimates exceeding 100 million.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev I
Unified light-heavyweight world championship opening the 2024-25 season.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II
The eagerly anticipated rematch returned to Riyadh for another elite fight night.
WWE Crown Jewel 2023
Held at Mohammed Abdu Arena as part of Riyadh Season’s premium sports calendar.
WWE Night of Champions 2025
Included major title matches and set WWE U.S. viewership records for Saudi-hosted events.
WWE Royal Rumble 2026
First Royal Rumble outside North America, staged in Riyadh.
WWE Night of Champions 2026
The 15th WWE event in Saudi Arabia, confirmed sold out by Turki Alalshikh.
WWE WrestleMania 43
Confirmed for Riyadh – first WrestleMania staged outside the US/Canada.
Riyadh Season Cup – Messi vs Ronaldo
PSG vs Riyadh XI at King Fahd International Stadium, widely called “The Last Dance”.
Supercopa de Espana
Spanish Super Cup featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Osasuna.
Supercoppa Italiana
Italian Super Cup continuing Saudi-hosted tournament agreements.
Riyadh Season Cup 2024
Al Hilal vs Al Nassr vs Inter Miami mini tournament at Kingdom Arena.
Riyadh Season Tennis Cup
Debut ATP showcase featuring Djokovic, Alcaraz, Jabeur and Sabalenka.
Six Kings Slam – 1st Edition
Invitational super-show at ANB Arena with top tennis names.
Six Kings Slam – 2nd Edition
Returned with marquee players, becoming a signature Riyadh tennis event.
Saudi Masters Darts (PDC)
First PDC World Series event in Saudi Arabia.
Snooker Championship
First professional snooker events in Saudi Arabia, won by Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Pitbull – Opening Night
Headlined opening ceremony to around 750,000 attendees.
Post Malone Tour
Performed to sold-out crowd at Kingdom Arena.
Comedy Festival
Pete Davidson, Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr and Russell Peters in Riyadh.
200+ Concerts Per Season
Across all zones, from global headliners to Gulf and Arab artists.
The Economic
Engine Behind It
Riyadh Season was conceived as a flagship initiative of Saudi Vision 2030 – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce oil dependency, and position the Kingdom as a global hub for culture, tourism, and entertainment.
By 2025, Saudi Arabia had attracted 30 million international tourists annually. The entertainment sector now contributes meaningfully to GDP and employs hundreds of thousands of Saudi nationals.
Riyadh Season sits at the centre of this transformation with 2,100+ partner companies, 25,000 direct jobs, and 100,000 indirect roles every season.
The DAZN multi-year exclusive global broadcasting deal and Saudia’s premium partnership reflect Riyadh Season’s evolution into a sophisticated entertainment platform worth $3.2 billion.
Complete Visitor
Guide
Everything you need to plan a perfect Riyadh Season visit – tickets, timing, transport, dining, and accessibility.
When Does It Run?
Riyadh Season runs from October through late March each year.
2025-26 edition: 10 October 2025 – late March 2026
2026-27 edition: Expected October 2026
Buying Tickets
Official platform: WeBook.com
Resale platform: Ticombo
- Buy early for boxing/WWE events
- Many zones are free entry
- Boulevard World: SAR 30 weekdays / SAR 40 weekends
- E-tickets accepted via QR code
Getting There
- Car: Follow Boulevard City signage
- Metro: Riyadh Metro Line 1, Hittin Station
- Ride-hailing: Uber & Careem drop-offs near gates
- Tip: Allow 25-40 minutes from drop-off to seat
- Gates 2 & 5 are common family entries
Best Times to Visit
Peak crowds: Thu-Sat, 7 PM-midnight
Best for families: 4-7 PM
Beast Land: After 9 PM for shorter queues
Photography: Blue hour
Pre-event dining: Book VIA Riyadh ahead
Where to Stay
Luxury: Four Seasons Riyadh, Waldorf Astoria Riyadh, Rosewood Riyadh, Park Hyatt Riyadh
Mid-range: Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh, Novotel Riyadh, Staybridge Suites
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for major event weekends.
Food & Dining
Riyadh Season hosts 31+ standout international restaurants.
- Fine dining: VIA Riyadh or Boulevard World
- Quick eats: Food Trucks Park
- World cuisine: Boulevard World 300+ restaurants
- Late night: Dessert kiosks open till 2 AM+
Entry Rules & Tips
- Security screening at all gates
- Cashless payments are standard
- Pro camera gear or drones may need approval
- Prayer rooms near main gates
- Accessible routes and wheelchairs available
- Check advisories for event-night road closures
Central Address
Boulevard City / Kingdom Arena:
3168 Akkah, Hittin, RRHB7787
Riyadh 13516, Saudi Arabia
Official Website:
riyadhseason.com
Frequently Asked
Questions
Be Part of
Riyadh Season
From world title fights and WWE blockbusters to Six Kings Slam tennis and 200+ concerts – book your place at one of the world’s most ambitious entertainment festivals.