HE Turki Alalshikh Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) revealed details of the upcoming Riyadh Season 2024, which will kick off on October 12th. The announcement was made during a press conference held in “Via Riyadh”, one of the season’s zones, attended by local and international media.
Alalshikh highlighted the unique content of all 14 entertainment zones, in addition to 11 world championships and 10 exhibitions and festivals. Alalshikh also explained that Riyadh Season 2024 will cover an area of more than 7.2 million square meters, with 4,200 contracts signed involving 2,100 local companies, representing 95% of the companies participating in the season.
During the conference, Alalshikh announced the strategic partner for the season, Sela, one of the Public Investment Fund’s companies, as well as the creative partner for Riyadh Season and the General Entertainment Authority (BIG TIME), and the media partner, Saudi Media Company (SMC).
Building on the remarkable growth seen across RS 2024, HE Turki Alalshikh announced that “Kingdom Arena” zone has been expanded by more than 40%, boosting its capacity to over 27,000 spectators. This venue will host four world championships, including the opening event, which will feature the light heavyweight world title match in boxing, where Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will face off in the decisive “IV CROWN SHOWDOWN.” The event will also feature a surprise musical performance by a global superstar, set to be a highlight of the night. Additionally, the arena will host the 2024 African Super Cup and the highly anticipated rematch between boxing champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
‏In “THE VENUE,” one of the new areas added to Riyadh Season, His Excellency explained that the area, built in 50 days, can accommodate eight thousand people across a space of about ten thousand square meters. It will host seven events, starting with the globally anticipated tennis championship “Six King Slam,” which will feature the world’s top five tennis players. Additionally, the major fashion event “1000 Seasons” will be held in partnership with the world-renowned designer Elie Saab, along with the “Latin Night.” The fifth edition of the “JOY AWARDS” will also take place, celebrating the leading figures in Arab entertainment with the presence of global stars early next year. For the first time in the Kingdom, there will be a significant challenge in “POWER SLAP.” To honor the top companies in the Middle East and North Africa in the creative field, “THE VENUE” will host the “Effie Awards,” the most influential marketing awards. The seventh event, returning for the second time to the season but with even fiercer competition, will be the UFC Championship.
The WWE CROWN JEWEL & RAW show, set to take place over two consecutive days, This event will be one of the global events hosted by Riyadh Season this year, carrying on its annual tradition featuring a stronger lineup of wrestlers within the most powerful, comprehensive, and diverse entertainment season in the world.
In “Boulevard World,” Alalshikh announced further expansion in the areas and spaces of the zone, which had garnered immense popularity amongst visitors. The zone’s area will increase, adding five new zones: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, bringing the total to 19 zones from various countries and cities around the world. The area will also feature 300 restaurants and cafes, over 1,400 shops, and 21 new activities.
As for “Boulevard City,” the most popular zone among Riyadh Season visitors, Alalshikh confirmed that its experiences and activities have seen a 70% increase, with over 40 new experiences and activities, 25 restaurants and cafes, and more than 11 theatrical productions.
Regarding “Boulevard City,” the most popular area among Riyadh Season visitors, Alalshikh confirmed that its experiences and events have seen a 70% increase, with more than 40 new experiences and events, 25 restaurants and cafes, 12 plays, and 12 musical concerts. Alalshikh also mentioned that the area will feature a stand-up comedy night with the star of the famous “Bad Boys” film series, Martin Lawrence. For anime fans, there will be a “Detective Conan” experience, and a “Bluey” cartoon event called “Land of Dreams.” For those interested in electronic games, there will be events for “PUBG Mobile” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” along with a musical performance by one of the world’s most famous film score composers, the renowned German Hans Zimmer. Additionally, the audience will have the opportunity to visit the giant dinosaur exhibition “Olulu,” featuring a dinosaur that stands over 20 meters tall.
In the realm of sports championships hosted by “Boulevard City,” HE detailed that this year will see the return of the Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1k, and the second edition of the World Snooker Masters for 2024. The opening of a snooker academy with the famous player Ronnie O’Sullivan is also planned.
For the first time in the world, and in partnership with global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo an interactive paddle experience, driven by cutting-edge technology, will be launched. Alalshikh stated that this year will continue the excellence in theatrical content that has been initiated previously, featuring top-tier, popular actors. This year’s plays will include stars such as Mohamed Henedy, Karim Abdel Aziz, Ahmed Ezz, Ahmed Helmy, Akram Hosny, Hassan Al Ballam, Hesham Maged and Chico, Amr Youssef, and Ahmed Al Awadhan.
HE revealed the designs for the BLVD Business Park project, which will serve as a headquarters for numerous local and international entities and companies. Regarding the “Boulevard Runway” area, which was previously established through a partnership contract with Saudi Airlines, Clarify Located adjacent to Boulevard City, the area will cover 140,000 square meters and will feature three converted Boeing 777 airplanes, transformed into retail spaces, restaurants, and 13 interactive experiences for both adults and children.
During the Riyadh Season events, Alalshikh affirmed that improvements continue across various areas, particularly in “Wonder Garden,” which has undergone numerous enhancements to accommodate visitors. It now has a capacity of 23,000 people over an area approaching half a million square meters, filled with more than 60 theatrical and roaming shows, 65 games and experiences, and over 40 restaurants in a unique experience suitable for all ages, set amidst three beautifully unique areas: the Dark Garden and the Butterfly Garden.
As for the “Via Riyadh” area, which hosted the press conference for the season’s launch, Turki Al-Sheikh revealed that it will be fully air-conditioned by the summer of 2025 to make it more attractive to visitors throughout the year. During the season, the area will undergo some improvements and changes, including the development of the cinema halls, which are considered the most luxurious ever. Some restaurants and cafes, such as Prangak Restaurant and By Sofa Coffee, will be opened. The famous Riyadh Season brand “Ana Arabia” will also be present in the Via Riyadh area, adding luxury and elegance to the area and creating an impressive harmony for Riyadh Season visitors. Among the surprises of the season, His Excellency announced the opening of the Christian Dior Exhibition and Museum, along with a Dior Café and a gift shop that will feature 500 dresses, both vintage and new, and 14 different sections for fashion lovers. This will take place in the historic Al-Murabba district in central Riyadh, following exhibitions in New York and Paris.
For the first time, and among many surprises of the season, Alalshikh announced the opening of Christian Dior’s Dior Café and gift shop. This venue will offer 500 archived dresses and 14 different sections for fashion enthusiasts. It is set to be located in the historic Al Murabba area of central Riyadh, following similar establishments in New York and London.
In the new and permanent location in Al Rafiah neighborhood, the season reintroduces “The Groves” area, featuring a theater overlooking a lake along with new lounges and experiences debuting in Riyadh for the first time.
Additionally, “Dunes of Arabia” will cater to desert enthusiasts during the beautiful Riyadh winter. This area will offer immersive experiences such as sandboarding, desert buggies, walking on sand dunes, archery, and camel riding. The season will also feature the studios of Al Hisn in Riyadh Season.
Following its huge success last year, the Dog Festival will be held again this year, accommodating up to five thousand people and 350 dogs from around the world. Participants will compete in five championships, offering the highest prize values in the world. These include the 9K Championship, Dog Agility Race, Dog Beauty Contest, Saluki Race, and Working Dog Race.
For the third consecutive year, the Riyadh Zoo, one of the free areas of the season, will host the “Riyad Zoo” event. This event combines fun and education amid the exciting atmosphere of Riyadh Season, featuring live shows, entertainment, and interactive experiences, with the capacity increased to 12,000 visitors.
Alalshikh clarified that Swaidi Park, one of the three free areas of the season, is being organized this year in collaboration with the Ministry of Media. Over 45 days, the park will showcase the cultures of nine countries: Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, the Levant, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This area will host concerts by international stars amid a carnival-like atmosphere suitable for families and children, along with a shopping area.
Among the free areas is the “Souq Al-Awwalin,” Which embodies the essence of the Saudi identity through a shopping experience featuring traditional markets, cultural performances, handicrafts, and traditional clothing that appeal to visitors from both within and outside the Kingdom. As part of Riyadh Season’s annual social responsibility initiatives, special days will be organized for the children of martyrs and orphanages in the Boulevard World and Wonder Garden areas.
As part of Riyadh Season’s social responsibility initiatives, special days will be organized for the children of martyrs and orphan associations at Boulevard World and Wonder Garden.