Saudi Arabia’s flagship entertainment program continues to attract record crowds, with Riyadh Season welcoming more than 14 million visitors so far. The ongoing edition has reinforced Riyadh’s position as one of the region’s leading destinations for events, culture, and leisure activities.
Now in its fifth year, Riyadh Season remains one of the largest annual entertainment programs in the Middle East, offering attractions that span sports, concerts, exhibitions, dining, and family activities.
Visitor Growth Over the Years
Riyadh Season has shown steady growth since its launch in 2019.
- 2019: Around 7 million visitors
- 2022: More than 11 million visitors
- 2024: Over 18 million visitors
- 2025: More than 14 million visitors so far
The current season began in October 2024 and continues through early 2025, with new zones and attractions added throughout the calendar.
14 Entertainment Zones Across the City
Riyadh Season spans more than 7 million square meters and includes 14 themed zones, each designed to serve different visitor groups.
Boulevard World
Boulevard World expanded by about 30 percent this season, increasing to 19 cultural zones. It features:
- More than 300 restaurants and cafés
- Around 890 retail outlets
- Cultural areas representing different countries
Visitors can explore food, crafts, music, and architecture from various regions in one location.
Boulevard City
Boulevard City remains the central attraction. It includes:
- Outdoor gardens
- A large music fountain
- Cafés and global restaurants
- Live theatre and concerts
- Gaming and interactive experiences
Nightly fountain shows remain one of the most visited features.
Kingdom Arena
Kingdom Arena hosts large sporting events and concerts. It has a capacity exceeding 40,000 seats and includes a FIFA and AFC-approved football field.
The venue also serves as the home ground for Al Hilal and regularly hosts international boxing, wrestling, and football matches.
The Venue
The Venue was built in 50 days and holds about 8,000 visitors. It has hosted:
- Six Kings Slam tennis
- Joy Awards
- WWE Crown Jewel
- International music nights
The site is designed for flexible use, including fashion events and award ceremonies.
Boulevard Runway
Boulevard Runway features three Boeing 777 aircraft converted into dining and entertainment areas. One aircraft is used as a restaurant, while another hosts interactive experiences linked to aviation.
Other Key Zones
- Via Riyadh – shopping and cinemas
- The Groves – dining and retail
- Dunes of Arabia – desert-themed camping
- Al-Suwaidi Park – cultural events
- Riyadh Zoo – family attraction
Major Sports Events
Riyadh Season has hosted several international sporting events, including:
- Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
- Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
- WWE Crown Jewel and RAW
- Supercoppa Italiana
- African Super Cup
The Ring IV boxing event ranked among the highest-attended sports nights this season.
Music and Cultural Programs
The season includes:
- International concerts
- Comedy shows
- Fashion exhibitions
- Theatre productions
- Joy Awards ceremony
Artists from the Arab world and international music scene have performed across multiple venues.
Family Attractions
Family-focused activities include:
- Beast Land by MrBeast
- Bluey and Bingo World
- Olulu dinosaur exhibition
These areas are designed for children and school groups.
Economic Impact
Riyadh Season supports Saudi Arabia’s wider economic plans under Vision 2030. The program has:
- Created thousands of seasonal jobs
- Signed over 4,200 contracts
- Worked with more than 2,100 local companies
Most suppliers involved are Saudi-based.
Tourism Growth
Riyadh Season continues to attract regional and international tourists. The eVisa system has made entry easier for visitors from many countries, and the October–March schedule fits well with mild winter weather.
The season also aligns with school holidays, which increases family attendance.
What Comes Next
Riyadh Season is expected to continue expanding with:
- New zones
- Additional international partnerships
- More sporting events
- Larger cultural programs
Each year brings new concepts while keeping established attractions active.
Final Outlook
From seven million visitors in 2019 to more than 18 million in 2024, Riyadh Season reflects how Saudi Arabia has reshaped its entertainment sector within a short period.
The program now stands as a major part of the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural calendar, offering large-scale events while supporting local businesses and job creation.
Riyadh Season runs from October to March. Most zones open daily from 4 PM.
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I’m Soha Owais, a law graduate with an LLB (Hons), blending my legal background with a passion for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I craft engaging narratives that connect with both local and international audiences, bringing a fresh and informed perspective to the stories that matter.
