Riyadh Season, the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism festival, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers, reaching a staggering 16 million in just three months. This remarkable achievement underscores the nation’s burgeoning tourism sector and the immense popularity of the festival.
“Today, we celebrate 16 million visitors at Riyadh Season, and the excitement is far from over,” Turki Al Alsheikh, Head of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced in a post on X.
اليوم نحقق 16 مليون زائر في #موسم_الرياض، والأفضل قادم♥️😍
Today we reach 16 million visitors in Riyadh Season, and the best is yet to come ♥️😍#BigTime#RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/8WFIqrYP2t
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 10, 2025
The festival’s fifth edition, launched on 12 October, 2024, features 14 immersive zones, 11 world championships, and 10 exhibitions, solidifying its global appeal.
Mid-Semester Break Drives Record Attendance
The 10-day mid-semester break significantly boosted attendance, as families and tourists flocked to Riyadh for diverse events and activities. New zones like “The Groves” and “Souq Al-Oulain” captivated visitors with authentic Saudi heritage, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. The “Dunes of Arabia” zone also drew winter enthusiasts with desert-themed adventures, including sandboarding and camel riding.
Innovative Zones and Global Attractions
The “Boulevard Runway” zone emerged as a standout attraction, featuring decommissioned Boeing 777ERs transformed into interactive venues. Visitors enjoyed dining inside aircraft, exploring a real flight runway, and experiencing a thrilling “flight of horror” with live music and eerie effects. Boulevard World expanded to 19 zones, showcasing global cultures like Turkey, Iran, and Courchevel, while Boulevard City introduced 40 new activities, including stand-up comedy and gaming events.
Riyadh Season hosted 11 world championships, including boxing, wrestling, and tennis, attracting international athletes and audiences. The historic rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury drew massive crowds, further elevating Saudi Arabia’s status as a sports hub. Upscale dining experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional Saudi cuisine, enriched the festival’s culinary offerings.
Vision 2030: Transforming Saudi Tourism
Riyadh Season aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global tourism leader. Moreover, the festival has created jobs, boosted local businesses, and showcased Saudi culture to millions of international visitors. With 17.5 million international tourists in 2024, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has grown by 656% since 2019, driven by initiatives like Riyadh Season.
A Bright Future for Riyadh Season
Organizers plan to expand Riyadh Season further, incorporating new technologies and partnerships to maintain its momentum. The festival’s success highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism, setting a benchmark for global entertainment events. As Riyadh Season continues to break records, it cements Saudi Arabia’s place as a vibrant, dynamic destination for the world.
Riyadh Season 2024-2025 has redefined entertainment and tourism in Saudi Arabia, blending tradition with modernity to create unforgettable experiences. With 16 million visitors and counting, the festival exemplifies the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future, inviting the world to explore its rich heritage and innovative spirit.
