Riyadh: Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Alalshikh shared comprehensive details about Riyadh Season 2025 during a Government Press Conference. The new edition is set to commence next Friday, October 10, with a grand parade featuring the season's novel aspects, beginning at 4 p.m. near Boulevard City. Alalshikh emphasized that this year's season signifies a significant advancement in the Kingdom's entertainment sector, building on the success of previous editions that have positioned Riyadh as a global entertainment hub.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Alalshikh expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz for their continued support, which has transformed the entertainment sector into an essential economic contributor and a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030.
The latest edition of Riyadh Season marks a new growth phase in the entertainment field, attracting over 20 million visitors from more than 135 countries, with over 3,300 international media visits and achieving over 110 billion media impressions globally. This highlights the season's international impact and Riyadh's status as a vibrant global events capital.
Alalshikh highlighted that the brand value of Riyadh Season has reached $3.2 billion (SAR12 billion), showcasing its growing global reputation as a leading entertainment brand in the Middle East and the world.
This year, Riyadh Season will feature 11 major entertainment zones throughout the city, hosting 15 global championships and 34 exhibitions and festivals. Over 2,100 companies, 95% of which are local, are participating through 4,200 contracts signed with the private sector, empowering national talent and bolstering the local economy.
The season will host major global events, including the Joy Forum on October 16-17 at Boulevard City, with prominent global entertainment figures like MrBeast, UFC President Dana White, and basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal in attendance.
A new partnership with MrBeast will introduce "Beast Land," a 200,000-square-meter zone with over 27 rides, 40 restaurants, and interactive games, marking a world-first in entertainment design. Riyadh Season will also host the Royal Rumble, a major WWE event, outside North America for the first time.
Boulevard World will offer enhanced content this year, while Boulevard City will feature eight sports tournaments and numerous entertainment experiences, including Minecraft and Poppy Playtime. The Flying Over Saudi Arabia experience will debut, promoting tourism across the Kingdom.
The season supports the national economy by creating over 25,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs across various fields. It also focuses on social responsibility with initiatives like "Laylat Al-Omr" undergoing further development for future launch.
Alalshikh concluded that Riyadh Season 2025 will be a significant milestone in global entertainment history, establishing Riyadh as a symbol of creativity, culture, and international entertainment excellence.