Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Season visitors surge to 16 million

Cairo: Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s flagship entertainment and tourism festival, has attracted a record 16 million visitors in just three months, organisers announced.

“Today we reach 16 million visitors in Riyadh Season, and the best is yet to come,” said Turki Al Alsheikh, Head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), in a post on X.
The surge in attendance is partly attributed to the large turnout during the 10-day mid-semester break, which offered an ideal opportunity to enjoy the festival’s diverse events.

The current fifth edition of Riyadh Season began on October 12, featuring 14 zones, 11 world championships, and 10 exhibitions.
Several new zones have been added this year, including “The Groves” and “Souq Al-Oulain,” which combine authenticity and creativity while highlighting Saudi heritage, traditional handicrafts, and cuisine. Another notable addition is the newly launched “Dunes of Arabia” zone, which appeals to camping and winter enthusiasts.

The festival boasts a vibrant calendar of events, including boxing, wrestling, and tennis matches, alongside a selection of upscale restaurants and unique entertainment experiences.
A major highlight is the “Boulevard Runway” zone, which features decommissioned aircraft transformed into captivating entertainment venues. Visitors can explore three Boeing 777ERs and a real flight runway converted into spaces for events, dining inside the aircraft, or at the control tower.

One plane offers a thrilling experience: a “flight of horror” where passengers encounter moving ghosts, live music, eerie effects, and rocking chairs.