The Saudi capital is preparing to enter a new era of cultural vibrancy and entertainment as Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, officially announced the details of Riyadh Season 2025. During the press conference, Alalshikh emphasized that this annual celebration is far more than a temporary festival; it represents the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s social, economic, and creative landscape.
He described this year’s edition as one designed “for everyone,” symbolizing the true essence of Vision 2030 — a national roadmap aimed at spreading happiness, fostering creativity, and empowering development across every aspect of life in the Kingdom.
Alalshikh revealed that Riyadh Season 2025 will begin on October 10 with a spectacular opening parade hosted at the Boulevard Riyadh City. The grand event, produced in collaboration with the globally renowned American company Macy’s, promises to be one of the most captivating parades ever staged in the Middle East.
It will feature 25 massive balloons, 25 artistic floats, 3,000 performers, and over 300 supporting staff. The entire opening ceremony will be free of charge and open to the public from 4 p.m., allowing citizens and visitors alike to experience the festive energy that defines the modern spirit of Riyadh.
Highlighting last year’s success, Alalshikh presented remarkable figures from Riyadh Season 2024. The previous edition generated an astonishing 110 billion media impressions worldwide, hosted 3,300 media delegations from over 100 countries, and welcomed more than 20 million visitors from 135 nations.
He stated that this phenomenal global reach placed Saudi Arabia firmly on the world’s entertainment map. The 2025 edition, despite being relatively shorter due to the month of Ramadan, aims to surpass all previous records and deliver an even more memorable experience.
According to Alalshikh, this year’s Riyadh Season will include 11 entertainment zones, 15 international competitions, 34 exhibitions and festivals, and nearly 7,000 individual events.
Impressively, 2,100 companies have signed 4,200 agreements to participate, with 95 percent of them being Saudi entities. He noted that this level of domestic engagement reflects the growing strength of the local economy and the nation’s commitment to nurturing business innovation and creative entrepreneurship.
One of the most anticipated attractions of Riyadh Season 2025 will be the introduction of a new zone called “Beast Land,” developed in collaboration with global content creator and YouTube star MrBeast.
Located near Boulevard Riyadh City, Beast Land will offer visitors a dynamic mix of 40 retail stores, 15 adventure rides, and 12 interactive experiences. MrBeast himself will attend the opening, a move expected to attract massive international attention and once again spotlight Riyadh as a global hub of entertainment.
Beyond culture and amusement, sports will play a central role in this year’s festivities. The Arab Bank Arena will host the world-class tennis tournament “Six King Slam” as well as a major international boxing event in November. Additionally, for the first time in history, the Royal Rumble wrestling event will take place outside North America, scheduled for January 2026 in Saudi Arabia — a milestone marking the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global sports industry.
From a cultural and heritage perspective, the expanded Boulevard World zone is set to offer an even more diverse experience this year. It will showcase 24 countries in total, with new additions including Indonesia, Kuwait, and South Korea.
Visitors can enjoy 40 amusement rides, 12 interactive experiences, 1,700 retail outlets, and 350 restaurants and cafes, making it one of the largest cultural and entertainment districts in the world. On weekends, daily attendance at this zone is expected to reach up to 70,000 visitors, underscoring the massive appeal of the Riyadh Season brand.
Adding to the visual splendor, a new attraction named “Boulevard Flowers” will debut this year, featuring over 200 million flowers and 200 floral sculptures designed to create a breathtaking display of color and creativity.
Three Boeing 777 aircraft will also be exhibited to the public, blending artistic innovation with aviation heritage. Meanwhile, “Al-Suwaidi Park,” which was the most visited zone of the previous season, will return this year with an upgraded experience including 49 concerts representing 13 different countries.
In commemoration of 70 years of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations, Riyadh Season will also host a special Japanese Week featuring The Ring V boxing championship, where seven Japanese fighters will compete, celebrating cultural exchange through sport and entertainment.
Economically, Riyadh Season continues to serve as a catalyst for job creation and business growth. Alalshikh announced that this year’s edition is expected to generate around 25,000 direct and 100,000 indirect employment opportunities, providing Saudi youth with new paths for professional development and skill enhancement.
He emphasized that the festival has become an important contributor to national economic diversification and an engine of opportunity for creative industries.
Alalshikh described Riyadh Season as a living expression of Vision 2030 — an initiative that is rapidly transforming Saudi Arabia into a global center for entertainment, culture, and tourism. He added that the purpose of the season extends beyond leisure; it is a platform for showcasing Saudi creativity, empowering women’s participation, harnessing youth potential, and promoting local talent on an international scale.
He concluded by stating that Riyadh Season is not just an event — it is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s emerging identity, one that is bright, confident, and deeply connected to the world. The celebration, he noted, stands as a testament to how far the Kingdom has come in redefining itself as a beacon of joy, innovation, and cultural pride for future generations.