Blockbuster comedians, tennis champions, wrestling stars and concerts featuring regional artists are part of the upcoming Riyadh Season 2025.
Running from October to March, the seasonal festival in the Saudi capital will take place across venues throughout the city, with programming spanning entertainment, sport, culture, food and retail.
Launched in 2019, the festival is now a major attraction, hosting exclusive events and steadily expanding its offerings.
While the full programme is yet to be revealed, Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said the season’s concert line-up will have “a strong presence of Saudi and Gulf content, in addition to a notable participation of Syrian artists in theatrical performances and concerts”.
With more to be announced soon on Riyadh Season’s social media channels, here is what we know so far about the event.
1. Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and more to headline comedy festival
Could this be the best comedy festival line-up of the year?
Launching as the official prelude to the festival from September 26 to October 9, it will involve more than 50 international and regional comedians performing across venues at Boulevard City, one of Riyadh’s main entertainment districts.
With the line-up still to be fully revealed, some of the names already confirmed are Dave Chappelle (date to be revealed soon); Kevin Hart (September 28); Russell Peters (October 2 to 4); Louis C.K. (October 6); Sebastian Maniscalco (October 9); Chris Tucker (October 2) and Aziz Ansari (September 28).
2. WWE Royal Rumble and Benavidez – Yarde fight
WWE’s Royal Rumble will take place this January at King Saud University Stadium. It will be the first time that the marquee event, which is broadcast live and watched by millions, is held outside the US. Exact dates are to be announced soon. Boxing fans can also look forward to The Ring IV on November 22 at ANB Arena in Boulevard City, featuring a headline bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde, alongside three additional world title fights.
3. Boulevard World returns more than a dozen cultural zones
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The Turkish pavilion at Boulevard World. Photo: Riyadh Season -
The Iran pavilion has been a hit at Boulevard World. Photo: Riyadh Season -
The colourful Africa pavilion at Boulevard World. Photo: Riyadh Season -
The Egyptian zone has a replica of the Giza pyramids. All photos: Riyadh Season -
The Egyptian zone takes it cues from the country's rich history -
Al Sham has a market selling fresh produce from the Levant -
Boulevard World in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has reopened for another year, part off the city-wide festival Riyadh Season -
A replica of the Arc de Triomphe in France -
Hollywood vibes in the US -
The Mayan civilisation is highlighted in Mexico -
Spanish folk tradition on display in Boulevard World -
The India zone, with replica Taj Mahal, live concert stage and digital large screens is one of Boulevard World's most colourful spaces -
The Italian zone is inspired by the coastal city of Venice -
The energy of a Moroccan medina is channelled at Boulevard World -
Serenity is found in Greece -
Japan is a feast for the senses -
China has an open-air market selling traditional arts and crafts -
Boulevard World is part of the city-wide festival Riyadh Season
A bigger Boulevard World is on the horizon as part of Riyadh Season, with organisers confirming an expanded layout.
As in previous years, culture remains at the heart of the sprawling entertainment zone, with more than a dozen country pavilions set to return – each offering food, performances and crafts from across the globe, in a format reminiscent of Dubai’s Global Village.
With the 2023 site reportedly stretching 1.2km – and last year’s capacity increased by 30 per cent – the venue is massive, featuring attractions such as a life-size replica of the Egyptian pyramids.
A three-minute cable car will once again connect Boulevard World to Boulevard City – the adjacent hub for live entertainment and fine dining.
While specific dates are yet to be announced, the zone is expected to open daily throughout the winter.
4. Khaleeji artists and Saudi theatre take the spotlight
Riyadh Season 2025 will place a strong emphasis on Gulf and Syrian performers across its music and theatre programming.
While an official line-up is yet to be announced, organisers can be expected to schedule performances by Khaleeji pop-stars and traditional music ensembles across multiple zones. On the theatre front, new Saudi plays are likely to be shown in venues such as Boulevard City and Al Suwaidi Park.
International acts may still appear in limited categories – including sport and comedy, but the cultural focus this year will remain regional.
5. Top zones to visit: Via Riyadh, Boulevard City and more
Riyadh Season is spread across various areas of the city in 14 themed zones, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and tailored programme. While Boulevard City and Boulevard World remain the major drawcards, several other zones are worth a visit.
Via Riyadh caters to luxury seekers with high-end retail and fine dining outlets. The Groves, styled like a European riverside town, features food vendors and evening cultural events. At Souq Al Awaleen, visitors can browse an open-air market selling oud, textiles, cookware and traditional clothing. Some zones are ticketed, others free to enter.
6. Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner to compete at Riyadh’s Six Kings Slam
Half a dozen tennis champions will hit the courts as part of The Six Kings Slam championship, running at ANB Arena from October 15 and 18. The exhibition event features six top-ranked players: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper. Tickets will go on sale soon.
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