General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Shikh has revealed exciting details about the upcoming Riyadh Season 2024, which is set to kick off on October 12.
New entertainment zones and contracts
During a press conference held at VIA Riyadh, Al Al-Shikh announced that this year’s season will feature 14 entertainment zones spread across more than 7.2 million square meters. He noted that a total of 4,200 contracts have been signed with 2,100 companies, 95 percent of which are local. The events will include 11 world championships, 10 exhibitions, and a variety of festivals.
Strategic partnerships
Al Al-Shikh emphasized the role of Sela, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as the strategic partner for the season. Big Time will serve as the creative partner, while Saudi media company SMC will handle media partnerships.
Kingdom Arena expansion
He highlighted that the Kingdom Arena will undergo a significant expansion of over 40 percent, accommodating more than 27,000 spectators for four world championships. The opening ceremony will feature the IV Crown Showdown, where boxing champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will compete for the light heavyweight world title. Additionally, a surprise musical performance by a global star is planned, alongside the CAF Super Cup Final 2024 and a highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Introducing “The Venue”
A new area called “The Venue” will debut this season, constructed in just 50 days to hold 8,000 people over approximately 10,000 square meters. The Venue will host seven events, starting with the prestigious 6 Kings Slam tennis tournament featuring the world’s top six players. It will also showcase a grand fashion event titled “One Thousand and One Seasons,” in collaboration with renowned designer Elie Saab, as well as “Latin Night.”
Celebrating Arab entertainment
The zone will host the fifth annual Joy Awards, celebrating leaders in the Arab entertainment industry with the presence of international stars. Other notable events include the inaugural Power Slap challenge in the Kingdom and the Effie Awards recognizing outstanding marketing efforts across the Middle East and North Africa. The Ultimate Fighting Championship will return for its second appearance at Riyadh Season, alongside a two-day WWE Crown Jewel event featuring an impressive lineup of wrestlers.
Expansions in Boulevard World
Al Al-Shikh announced further expansions in Boulevard World, which has seen significant public interest. Five new subzones will be added, representing Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, increasing the total to 19 subzones from various countries. Attendees can look forward to 300 restaurants and cafes, over 1,400 retail stores, and 21 new events.
Increased activities in Boulevard City
He further reported a 70 percent increase in activities within Boulevard City, which will host over 40 new experiences, including 25 restaurants, 12 plays, and 12 concerts. Noteworthy performances will include a stand-up comedy night featuring Martin Lawrence. Anime fans can enjoy Detective Conan and Bluey, while gaming enthusiasts will have access to PUBG Mobile and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, complemented by a performance from a leading film-score composer.
Major attractions and sports events
Moreover, a major attraction will be the towering OloLo dinosaur exhibit, standing over 20 meters tall. In sports, the season will include the Riyadh Season Padel Championship, the second edition of the World Snooker Masters 2024, and the launch of a snooker academy with champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. Also, an interactive padel experience, featuring innovative technology, will be held in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Theatrical excellence
Regarding theatrical offerings, Al Al-Shikh assured that this year will continue the tradition of high-quality performances featuring top Arab stars. He also shared plans for the BLVD Business Park, which will host various local and international entities. Boulevard Lane will be developed in collaboration with Saudi Airlines, featuring three converted Boeing 777 aircraft as commercial spaces and restaurants, complemented by 13 interactive experiences for all ages.
Upgrades to Wonder Garden
Improvements will also be made to “Wonder Garden,” which will now accommodate up to 23,000 visitors across nearly 500,000 square meters, offering over 60 theatrical shows, 65 games and experiences, and more than 40 restaurants in a beautifully designed setting with three distinct garden areas.
Enhancements at VIA Riyadh
As for VIA Riyadh, which hosted the press conference, Al Al-Shikh mentioned that it will be fully air-conditioned by summer 2025 to enhance year-round visitor experiences. This season will introduce upgraded cinema halls, new dining options, and the celebrated Ana Arabiya installation, along with a Christian Dior exhibition and museum, Dior café, gift shop, and 14 fashion-themed sections.
Dunes of Arabia experience
In the spirit of the Riyadh winter, the “Dunes of Arabia” zone will offer desert enthusiasts immersive experiences such as sandboarding, desert driving, and camel riding. Additionally, Al-Hosn Studios will emerge as one of the key attractions this season.
Dog Festival
Building on the success of the previous Dog Festival, this year’s event will accommodate 5,000 attendees and 350 dogs from around the globe, featuring five championship events with the highest prize money worldwide, including the 9K Championship and Dog Beauty Contest.
Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo will again serve as a free zone during the season, hosting the Riyadh Zoo event for the third consecutive year and increasing its capacity to 12,000 visitors.
Cultural showcases at Al-Suwaidi Park
Al-Suwaidi Park, one of the three free zones, will showcase the cultures of Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, the Levant, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines over 45 days, in collaboration with the Ministry of Media.
Souq Al-Awaleen and social initiatives
Moreover, Souq Al-Awaleen will highlight Saudi identity through shopping experiences, folk performances, and traditional crafts. Special days will also 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.
For more miscellaneous news, click here.
