Riyadh Season 2024 To Feature 14 Entertainment Zones And Global Championships

General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Shikh has announced the details of Riyadh Season 2024, which will commence on October 12. Speaking at a press conference in VIA Riyadh, he revealed that this year's season will span over 7.2 million square meters and feature 14 entertainment zones.

The event will include 11 world championships, 10 exhibitions, and various festivals. Al Al-Shikh highlighted that Sela company, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the strategic partner for the season. Big Time serves as the creative partner, while Saudi media company SMC is the media partner.

Kingdom Arena will expand by more than 40%, accommodating over 27,000 spectators for four world championships. The opening ceremony will feature a boxing match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the light heavyweight world title and a musical performance by an international star.

A new area called "The Venue" has been constructed in just 50 days to host up to 8,000 people over an area of around 10,000 square meters. This zone will host seven events, including the renowned tennis tournament 6 Kings Slam featuring the top six tennis players globally.

Additionally, Boulevard World will see five new subzones: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel. This brings the total number of subzones to 19 from various countries worldwide. The area will also feature 300 restaurants and cafes, over 1,400 retail stores, and 21 new events.

Enhanced Experiences

Boulevard City has experienced a significant increase in activities and events by 70%. It now offers over 40 new experiences and activities, including stand-up comedy with Martin Lawrence from "Bad Boys," anime shows like Detective Conan and Bluey in a dreamland setting, and electronic games such as PUBG Mobile and Five Nights at Freddy's 2.

The Riyadh Season Padel Championship returns alongside the second edition of the World Snooker Masters 2024. A snooker academy with champion Ronnie O'Sullivan will also open. For the first time globally, an interactive padel experience using innovation and technology will be held in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Theatre and Business Initiatives

This year continues excellence in theatrical content with performances featuring top stars and many Arab celebrities. Designs for the BLVD Business Park project were revealed; it will host several local and international entities and companies.

Boulevard Lane area is set to be developed in partnership with Saudi Airlines. It features three converted Boeing 777 aircraft as commercial spaces and restaurants along with 13 interactive experiences for all ages.

Upgraded Attractions

"Wonder Garden" has been upgraded to accommodate up to 23,000 people across nearly 500,000 square meters. It features over 60 theatrical shows, roaming performances, games, experiences, and more than 40 restaurants in a unique setting with three distinct garden areas.

VIA Riyadh will be fully air-conditioned by summer 2025 to attract visitors year-round. Improvements include upgraded cinema halls, new restaurants and cafes, and the renowned Ana Arabiya installation.

Diverse Cultural Experiences

The "Dunes of Arabia" zone will offer desert enthusiasts immersive experiences such as sandboarding, desert driving, sand dune hiking, archery, and camel riding during Riyadh's winter season. Additionally, Al-Hosn Studios will open as one of the destinations in Riyadh Season.

This year's Dog Festival will accommodate up to 5,000 people and feature five championship events with high prize money. These include the Agility Dog Race and Dog Beauty Contest among others.

Free Zones

Riyadh Zoo remains a free zone during the season with an increased capacity of up to 12,000 visitors. It offers entertainment amid Riyadh Season's lively atmosphere for the third consecutive year.

Al-Suwaidi Park collaborates with the Ministry of Media to showcase cultures from Yemen to Indonesia over a span of 45 days. Souq Al-Awaleen reflects Saudi identity through shopping experiences featuring folk performances and traditional clothing.

As part of social responsibility initiatives during Riyadh Season special days are organized for children of martyrs and orphanages in Boulevard World and Wonder Garden areas.

With inputs from SPA