The Saudi capital is preparing to unveil the sixth edition of Riyadh Season, the Kingdom’s flagship entertainment festival that has redefined leisure and culture across the region. Launched in 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event has evolved into one of the world’s largest celebrations of art, sport, and creativity, transforming Riyadh into a premier global destination for entertainment and tourism.
The 2025 edition will officially commence on 10 October 2025 and continue through to March 2026, with anticipation building since the dates were announced. This year’s programme promises an array of surprises, including the introduction of new entertainment zones and an expanded line-up of sporting and artistic events set to turn the city into a vibrant stage for months on end.
A Grand Opening Befitting the Capital
According to Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Riyadh Season 2025 will open with an extraordinary parade at Boulevard City, featuring over 3,000 performers and entertainers, alongside 25 festive floats, in a free public spectacle.
The parade embodies the new season’s theme of imagination, creativity, and openness to the world, blending music, visual performances, costume art, and dance to reflect the diversity of experiences awaiting visitors this year.
What truly sets the 2025 edition apart is its exceptional fusion of global sports, the arts, cultural showcases, and interactive adventures, presented across 15 international championships and 34 exhibitions and festivals hosted in various districts throughout the city.
Global Sporting Events
The General Entertainment Authority has affirmed that Riyadh Season 2025 will be the most diverse yet in terms of its sporting calendar.
In a global first, Saudi Arabia will host the WWE Royal Rumble outside North America, bringing together the world’s top wrestling stars for an electrifying event.
Riyadh will also stage the prestigious Six Kings Slam tennis championship, featuring six of the world’s finest players, alongside the highly anticipated Ring IV boxing tournament, which will see heavyweight champions face off in thrilling bouts.
These events are set to attract sports enthusiasts from around the globe and align with the Kingdom’s broader vision to establish Riyadh as a world capital for major sporting events — a stage for elite international competition delivered with Saudi spirit and world-class professionalism.
Art, Music and Theatre: The Pulse of Creativity
Art, too, plays a defining role in Riyadh Season’s vibrant programme. This year’s edition will feature an extensive line-up of regional and international concerts across multiple venues within Boulevard City and Boulevard World.
Spectacular theatre productions starring leading Arab actors will share the spotlight with the now-iconic Riyadh Comedy Festival, which brings together celebrated comedians from across the Arab world and beyond.
Cultural and artistic pursuits will also take centre stage through a series of interactive exhibitions, including fine jewellery showcases and specialised displays dedicated to design, fashion, and entertainment technology.
New Entertainment Zones and Diverse Experiences
One of the defining features of Riyadh Season 2025 is its remarkable expansion in entertainment districts across the city.
Following the resounding success of Boulevard Riyadh’s previous editions, the General Entertainment Authority has introduced a range of entirely new zones and experiences this year, including:
Boulevard City
The beating heart of the season, Boulevard City will feature over 80 restaurants and cafés, 20 live concerts, 14 theatre productions, and six brand-new immersive experiences.
What distinguishes the zone this year is its open-access format on selected days, allowing visitors to enjoy a number of attractions free of charge — making it a welcoming destination for families and tourists from both within the Kingdom and abroad.
Boulevard World
Among the most diverse of the season’s destinations, Boulevard World brings the concept of “The World in Riyadh” to life.
The zone features themed pavilions inspired by countries such as South Korea, Kuwait, and Indonesia, each showcasing its own music, art, and cuisine. It also offers a range of games, virtual reality experiences, and a grand retail hall, blending entertainment, education, and cultural exchange in one dynamic setting.
Beast Land
A newly introduced entertainment zone located near the Hittin district, Beast Land comprises over 40 restaurants and retail outlets, 15 dynamic rides, and 12 innovative interactive experiences designed for all ages — particularly families and children.
Beast Land represents a major addition to this year’s line-up, combining adventure, dining, shopping, and artistic activities in one vibrant destination.
A Maritime Experience with Aroya Cruises
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Riyadh Season has partnered with Aroya Cruises to offer a unique seaborne entertainment experience. As part of the season’s programme, interactive cruise voyages will set sail, combining world-class performances, live entertainment, and luxurious hospitality aboard the ship.
This initiative marks the season’s first geographical expansion beyond the city limits, extending its reach to the Red Sea and aligning with the Kingdom’s vision of uniting tourism and entertainment in one seamless, integrated experience.
Parks and Open-Air Spaces
The season also ensures that accessible and affordable options remain available to all. Al Suwaidi Park will once again open its gates as part of Riyadh Season, hosting weekly festivals inspired by different international cultures. Meanwhile, Riyadh Zoo will return in a refreshed format, featuring new educational activities for children and interactive animal encounters.
A Complete Experience for Visitors from Around the World
Riyadh Season 2025 stands as a truly global event, attracting visitors from across continents.
Since its inception in 2019, the General Entertainment Authority has successfully transformed Riyadh into the region’s entertainment and tourism capital, welcoming millions of visitors each year through its exceptional variety of events, professional organisation, and world-class infrastructure.
This year’s edition is expected to draw record attendance, bolstered by new experiences spanning global sport, the arts, music, cruising, and cultural exploration — all brought together within a single, extraordinary season.
Aligned with Vision 2030
Riyadh Season forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, designed to diversify the national economy, enhance quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a leading global destination for tourism and entertainment.
The season serves as a tangible expression of these goals, driving investment across the hospitality, tourism, and cultural sectors while creating thousands of new opportunities for young Saudis. It also stands as a bridge of cultural exchange between the Kingdom and the world, reflecting Riyadh’s dynamic transformation into a global city that balances authenticity with modernity.
With its wealth of events, innovative experiences, and world-class organisation, Riyadh Season 2025 will redefine the possibilities of what one city can offer in global entertainment. It is part of a larger story of Saudi transformation and boundless ambition, spotlighting a capital city that welcomes the world and continues to captivate it.
