SAUDI EXPATRIATES

“Riyadh Season is for all — we don’t need anyone, people need us,” Alalshikh said during a government press conference. Most Viewed: Saudi Arabia resumes paragliding sport

He explained that any negative comments about the event come from within the region, not from abroad. “Maybe it’s worry about Saudi Arabia’s progress in entertainment and tourism, but I don’t have a clear reason,” he added. “Riyadh Season will appreciate those who appreciate it.”

The 2025 Riyadh Season will start on October 10 with a large parade at Boulevard Riyadh City. The parade will feature 25 giant balloons, 25 floats, 3,000 performers, and over 300 handlers, organized with the help of U.S. company Macy’s. Entry to the event will be free for visitors starting at 4 p.m.

Last year’s season achieved 110 billion media impressions, 3,300 media visits from more than 100 countries, and attracted 20 million visitors from 135 nations. Alalshikh said the 2025 edition aims to beat those numbers, even though it will be shorter because of Ramadan.

1. Increasing participation among youth and women,

2. Promoting Saudi creativity, and

3. Strengthening local content to meet international standards.

The market value of the Riyadh Season brand has reached $3.2 billion as of last month.

This year’s Riyadh Season will include:

➤ 11 entertainment zones.

➤ 15 global championships.

➤ 34 exhibitions and festivals.

➤ Around 7,000 total events over four months.

About 2,100 companies (95% of them Saudi) have signed 4,200 contracts to participate in the event. Recommend: Hamas approves Trump's Gaza peace plan

The main attraction will be “Beast Land”, created with MrBeast, the world’s most-followed content creator. Located near Boulevard Riyadh City, it will include 40 stores, 15 rides, and 12 immersive experiences. MrBeast will attend the zone’s opening.

Riyadh Season will feature 15 theaters and two major arenas, including the Arab Bank Arena. This arena will host five major events, such as:

🔘 Six King Slam, one of the world’s biggest exhibition tennis tournaments

🔘 A global boxing card in November

In January 2026, Saudi Arabia will also host the Royal Rumble wrestling event for the first time outside North America.

Boulevard World will add new cultural areas from Indonesia, Kuwait, and South Korea, bringing the total to 24 represented cultures. See Also: Saudi Arabia to bring flying cars and air taxis to its skies in partnership with EHang

The area will feature 40 rides, 12 experiences, 1,700 stores, and 350 restaurants and cafés, expecting 70,000 weekend visitors.

Three zones, including Boulevard Riyadh City, will be free to enter. This area will offer six new experiences, 20 concerts, 14 stage plays, and more than 80 restaurants.

A new Boulevard Flowers attraction will display 200 million blooms and 200 floral sculptures, along with three Boeing 777 aircraft exhibits.

Al-Suwaidi Park, the most visited zone last year, will return with 49 concerts from 13 countries.

To mark 70 years of Saudi-Japanese relations, Riyadh Season will hold a Japanese-themed week and host The Ring V boxing championship with seven top Japanese fighters.

A new “Aroya Zone” will include 20 entertainment areas and cruise trips to 14 destinations. The “Flying Over Saudi” experience will take 90 participants on a virtual journey across the Kingdom.

Economically, Riyadh Season 2025 is expected to create 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs, strengthening its position as one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest entertainment and tourism projects. Join Saudi Expatriates WhatsApp channel for latest updates