Everything you can expect from Riyadh Season 2024

The largest entertainment festival in the world brings a Harry Potter experience and Christian Dior exhibition to the capital.

Riyadh Season is back. The blockbuster festival kicks off on 12 October and continues into early 2025. This year’s edition will bring the best arts, culture and entertainment to the capital.

In a recent press conference, GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh announced plans for the upcoming Riyadh Season 2024. He confirmed that the festival will kick off on 12 October with the IV Crown Showdown, which will see boxing giants Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol compete—setting the tone for what’s to come.

Adding to the magnanimity of Riyadh Season 2024, he also highlighted that the upcoming edition will be the “grandest” one yet, with 14 entertainment zones, 11 global championships, 10 festivals, and numerous exhibitions. 

Al Awalen Market will dive deep into Saudi culture, showcasing the Kingdom’s regions and popular foods, but one of the first additions to Riyadh Season 2024 is Al Hosn Studios. With several films currently being shot in Saudi Arabia, this zone will allow you to explore the magic of the movies. Walk through and learn all that it takes to know about films, from crafting the perfect script to producing sound effects and graphics.

Boulevard City will remain the centre of Riyadh Season 2024, boasting a Zombie Zone, dinosaur figures and a paddle and snooker academy. Excitingly, Riyadh Season 2024 is also bringing the magic of Harry Potter to Saudi Arabia for the very first time. The capital will be opening a 25,000-square-metre Harry Potter Experience —  one of the biggest attractions this season. Modelled after the famous theme parks in Japan and Orlando, it’ll give you a chance to immerse yourself in the wizarding world in the heart of Boulevard City.

Elsewhere, Boulevard Runway will mark a new addition to this year’s roster. Introduced in partnership with Saudi Airlines, it will take over unused aeroplanes and convert them into stylish zones capable of holding over 9,000 people. It will feature restaurants from around the world, and one experience is expected to be a horror-themed display.

Fashion lovers can rejoice because Riyadh Season 2024 will showcase a Christian Dior exhibition called Designer of Dreams at Al Murabaa National Museum. This display will feature 14 sections and over 500 vintage Dior dresses, allowing visitors to explore the history and beauty of one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses. With a cafe and a gift shop, this one’s for all those who adore haute couture. Likewise, the event will also feature a collaboration with Elie Saab.

Dunes of Arabia will be another addition to Riyadh Season 2024, specifically designed for those who want to learn about Saudi Arabia. This zone will allow tourists to indulge in immersive experiences that let them truly enjoy Saudi traditions and culture in a desert setting.

Kingdom Arena, the premier event venue in Riyadh with a current seating capacity of 40,000, is also set for a major expansion. The upgrade will increase its size by 40 per cent, allowing even more people to enjoy the events hosted there.

The Riyadh Season Tennis Cup is touted to be one of the biggest highlights during Riyadh Season 2024. The tournament aims to attract some of the biggest names in the world of tennis which means more celebrity sightings are expected in the capital.

Suwaidi Area will be akin to Dubai’s Global Village. While it might not feature 100s of countries like its UAE counterpart, Suwaidi Area will focus on cultural experiences from nine countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Sudan. With a light on their traditions, live shows and cuisine, the vast expat population is bound to feel right at home in the Suwaidi Area.

The Groves will return this year with a permanent fixture promising a variety of different food and experiences. The Winter Garden will also return offering a winter wonderland with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Wonder Garden is also returning, giving you a chance to enjoy this garden-themed amusement park.

Riyadh Season 2024 marks the fifth edition of the festival and this time around, packages to visit are also better than before. Comprising different categories such as the Silver Package, Black Package, Diamond Package and the Riyadh Season Package, you can expect different levels of access throughout the season.

Details of when these packages will go on sale are under wraps now but stay tuned at FACT for all the insights.

GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.