From Boulevards to Red Sea, Riyadh Season 2025 draws over 8 million visitors

RIYADH

The 2025 edition of Riyadh Season has set a new benchmark for entertainment in Saudi Arabia, attracting over eight million visitors since its October launch, organisers announced, underscoring the capital’s rise as a global leisure destination.

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh said the record numbers reflect the season’s continuous success, driven by the expansion of diverse experiences and events that combine international spectacles with high-quality local offerings.

Crowds flocked to multiple venues, including Al-Suwaidi Park, which celebrated global cultures through food, art, fashion and traditional crafts. Boulevard City hosted theatres, concerts and interactive performances, while Boulevard World offered experiences inspired by different countries. The season’s expansive programming also included the Riyadh Motor Show, which drew car enthusiasts with the latest models and automotive innovations.

Sports and entertainment spectacles added further momentum. The global boxing night, The Ring IV, delivered high-profile bouts and was among the most attended events. The Best Land zone, curated by international content creator MrBeast, attracted large crowds with interactive games, live performances and immersive adventures for all ages. New areas such as The Groves, featuring upscale dining and leisure, and the city’s zoo also proved major draws for families and school groups.

Riyadh Season 2025 placed particular emphasis on theatre, presenting a broad spectrum of productions from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Syria. Concerts showcased leading Saudi and Gulf artists, reflecting the kingdom’s evolving music scene and artistic sophistication. Meanwhile, the season continued to host the Joy Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious accolades celebrating creativity in music, drama, and the arts.

A notable highlight was the launch of Auria Cruise, the first mobile maritime zone in Riyadh Season history. The cruise offers 14 maritime destinations on the Red Sea, 29 restaurants and cafes, ten spa and fitness facilities and 20 entertainment zones, delivering a full-scale luxury leisure experience.

Alalshikh emphasised the economic impact of the season, noting it created over 25,000 direct jobs and more than 100,000 indirect positions across organisation, operations, production and service sectors. The event also supported local supply chains, empowered national talent and strengthened collaboration with government entities, reinforcing the sustainability of the entertainment industry while enhancing the visitor experience.

With its blend of cultural diversity, international attractions and large-scale spectacles, Riyadh Season 2025 cements the Saudi capital’s position as a premier entertainment hub, attracting visitors from across the kingdom and around the world.