The Riyadh Season is back for 2024, and it promises to be bigger and bolder than ever before! As one of the most anticipated cultural and entertainment festivals in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh Season has quickly transformed the city into a global hub for arts, music, sports, and all-around entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or someone looking to experience something truly unique, this year’s Riyadh Season is going to be just epic.

Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the exciting events, activities, and experiences lined up for 2024.

What is the Riyadh Season?

Riyadh Season is an annual festival that kicks off in the Saudi capital and has steadily grown to become one of the largest entertainment events in the Middle East. Running from October to March, the event spans several months and features a diverse lineup of attractions, ranging from concerts by global artists, sporting events, and fashion shows, to street performances and pop-up food festivals.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, the Riyadh Season is aimed at transforming the country into a global tourism and entertainment destination. The festival showcases the best of Saudi culture alongside international influences, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.

What’s New for 2024?

Riyadh Season 2024 is set to return on October 12, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Covering an expansive area of 7.2 million square meters, the season will feature 14 unique zones, 11 world championships, and 10 exhibitions and festivals, offering an unmatched blend of entertainment, culture, and sports.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the highlights to look out for in 2024:

African Super Cup & IV Crown Showdown

Kicking off the action-packed season is the African Super Cup on September 27, pitting Egyptian football giants Al-Ahly and Zamalek against each other. Just two weeks later, on October 12, Riyadh Season officially begins with the IV Crown Showdown, a thrilling boxing event at the newly expanded Kingdom Arena. Boxing fans can look forward to seeing Artur Beterbiev take on Dmitry Bivol for the light heavyweight title, alongside several other exciting matchups.

Additionally, Tyson Fury will face Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated boxing rematch on December 21.

Iconic Zones to Explore

Riyadh Season 2024 offers an impressive array of zones, each delivering a unique experience:

• Boulevard World: This zone returns with five new international sections, including those dedicated to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Africa, and France’s Courchevel. You’ll find over 300 restaurants and 1,400 shops, making it a haven for food lovers and shoppers.
• Boulevard City: The entertainment hub of Riyadh Season, Boulevard City offers 12 concerts, 12 plays, and 25 restaurants and cafes. It will also host the highly anticipated Martin Lawrence stand-up comedy show and a special experience for Manga and anime fans with “Detective Conan.”
• Kingdom Arena: Expanded to accommodate 27,000 spectators, this zone will host four world championships, including the WWE Crown Jewel and the Six King Slam tennis championship featuring top global players.
• Wonder Garden: Enhanced for 2024, this magical zone will feature 60 theatrical and roaming shows, 65 games and experiences, and more than 40 restaurants, providing a whimsical escape for families.
• Dunes of Arabia: Adventure seekers can indulge in desert activities like sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and camel treks in this outdoor-centric zone.
• The Venue: A brand-new addition for 2024, The Venue will host various star-studded events, including the Joy Awards, WWE RAW, and Power Slap, a new sport that’s quickly gaining global attention.

Special Events and World-Class Performances

Music, culture, and entertainment are at the heart of Riyadh Season, with this year’s lineup promising some unforgettable moments:

• Hans Zimmer: The renowned German composer will be performing his iconic movie scores live.
• Harry Potter World: A 25,000-square-meter Harry Potter Experience, offering an immersive journey through the magical world of J.K. Rowling's series.
• Elie Saab Fashion Show: Global fashion icon Elie Saab will reveal his Fall 2025 collection, adding a touch of haute couture to the season.
• Dior Exhibition and Café: Located in the historic Al-Murabba district, a Christian Dior Exhibition and Museum will debut, offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of luxury fashion.

Sporting Spectacles

Riyadh Season is a dream for sports enthusiasts, with 11 world championships taking place across multiple venues. Highlights include:

• Premier Padel P1: After its successful debut earlier this year, the tournament returns, with top-tier players competing for the championship. Don’t miss the Cristiano Ronaldo Padel Experience, where you can enjoy interactive games inspired by the football legend.
• World Snooker Masters: This prestigious event will make its return, alongside the opening of a snooker academy headed by Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the sport’s most famous players.

Free Zones for Visitors

Riyadh Season 2024 continues to offer free entry to three exciting zones, making it accessible for everyone:

• Riyadh Zoo: A family favourite, where visitors can enjoy animal encounters and themed events.
• Swaidi Park: Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Media, this cultural hub will showcase the traditions of nine different countries over a period of 45 days, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Yemen.
• Souq Al-Awwalin: This traditional market will feature handicrafts, clothing, and cultural performances, offering a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.

New Attractions to Watch Out For

• Boulevard Runway: Partnered with Saudia Airlines, this unique zone is a transformed Boeing 777, now home to retail spaces, restaurants, and interactive games.
• Olulu Dinosaur Exhibition: Step back in time at this incredible dinosaur exhibition, featuring a life-sized model over 20 meters tall, making it perfect for families and history buffs alike.
• Dog Festival: The Dog Festival will bring together more than 350 dogs from around the world, competing in five championships at Boulevard Hall from November 1 to December 30.

Plan Your Visit

With Riyadh Season expanding year by year, it’s important to plan your visit well in advance. Here are some tips:

• Pre-book your tickets: Many of the high-demand events like the boxing matches and concerts are expected to sell out quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Explore free zones: Take advantage of the free-entry areas like Riyadh Zoo and Swaidi Park for a budget-friendly experience.
• Plan your stay: With such a large number of events and zones to explore, consider staying in Riyadh for a few days to fully enjoy everything Riyadh Season has to offer.

The Riyadh Season 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, entertainment, and innovation. With an endless array of events and experiences, this festival truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, or pure entertainment. Mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Riyadh Season!

Let Brightsun Travel help you plan your visit— call our expert travel agents on 0124 416 3050 and book your dream holiday today with unbelievable discounts.
Safe travels!