The Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Shikh, unveiled details of the much-anticipated Riyadh Season 2024 at a press conference in VIA Riyadh on August 29, 2024, announcing 14 dedicated entertainment zones spread over an area exceeding 7.2 million square meters. The season is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2024, and promises a comprehensive lineup of global sporting events, cultural exhibitions, and live performances.
Context and Background
Riyadh Season is a flagship initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, designed to transform the Kingdom into a leading global destination for entertainment, tourism, and sports. Now in its fifth edition, the season continues to expand its scale and ambition. Al Al-Shikh confirmed that the success of previous seasons has paved the way for this year’s record-breaking preparations, noting the signing of 4,200 contracts with 2,100 companies, of which an impressive 95% are local Saudi enterprises, underscoring the commitment to supporting the national economy.
Key Details and New Zones
A major highlight of the announcement was the introduction of a new zone called “The Venue,” built in just 50 days to accommodate 8,000 guests. This area will host the world-renowned tennis tournament 6 Kings Slam, featuring the top six global players, as well as a grand fashion event in partnership with Lebanese designer Elie Saab titled “One Thousand and One Seasons.” The Venue will also stage the fifth annual Joy Awards, honoring entertainment leaders in the Arab world. Other zones seeing significant expansion include Kingdom Arena, which will grow by over 40% to host four world championships, and Boulevard World, which will add five new subzones representing Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, bringing the total to 19 country-themed areas with over 300 restaurants and 1,400 retail stores.
International Sporting and Cultural Events
The sports agenda is particularly robust. The opening ceremony will feature the IV Crown Showdown, a boxing match between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the light heavyweight world title. The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is also confirmed. Other events include the CAF Super Cup Final 2024, the Ultimate Fighting Championship for a second time, and the WWE Crown Jewel and Raw wrestling shows. For esports and interactive entertainment, zones will feature attractions based on PUBG Mobile and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. A stand-up comedy night with Martin Lawrence from the “Bad Boys” franchise is also scheduled. In a first for the world, an interactive padel experience using innovation and technology will be held in partnership with football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Implications and Impact
The scale of Riyadh Season 2024 reflects Saudi Arabia’s accelerating efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil and position itself as a hub for global tourism and leisure. By hosting world championship events and attracting international stars, the season boosts the Kingdom’s soft power and fosters cultural exchange. The increased participation of local companies (95%) demonstrates the alignment of the season with national economic development goals, creating jobs and strengthening the private sector. The addition of free zones like Al-Suwaidi Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Media, and Riyadh Zoo ensures accessibility for families and a broader audience.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Riyadh Season 2024 is a vivid embodiment of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to improve quality of life, boost tourism, and enhance the Kingdom’s global profile. GEA Chairman Al Al-Shikh’s announcement confirms the season’s role as a catalyst for economic diversification, local business growth, and international partnership. As the Kingdom continues to build on its achievements, Riyadh Season remains a key driver in positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for entertainment and culture, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world.
20 Questions
Q1. When did the GEA Chairman announce the Riyadh Season 2024 details?
A1. The announcement was made on August 29, 2024, at a press conference held in VIA Riyadh, providing an early preview of the season’s plans.
Q2. How many entertainment zones will be part of Riyadh Season 2024?
A2. There will be 14 dedicated entertainment zones, covering a total area exceeding 7.2 million square meters for the season.
Q3. When will Riyadh Season 2024 officially begin?
A3. The season is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2024, offering a diverse lineup of events through the following months.
Q4. Which company is the strategic partner of Riyadh Season 2024?
A4. Sela company, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), serves as the strategic partner of the season.
Q5. How many contracts were signed for the season?
A5. A total of 4,200 contracts were signed with 2,100 companies, highlighting the extensive preparation and collaboration involved.
Q6. What percentage of companies involved in Riyadh Season 2024 are local?
A6. An impressive 95% of the companies involved in the season are local Saudi enterprises, supporting the national economy.
Q7. What is the name of the new zone added to Riyadh Season 2024?
A7. The new zone is called “The Venue,” built in 50 days to accommodate 8,000 people over an area of around 10,000 square meters.
Q8. Which major tennis event will be held at The Venue?
A8. The Venue will host the 6 Kings Slam tournament, gathering the top six tennis players from around the world.
Q9. Which fashion house is partnering for an event called “one thousand and one seasons”?
A9. The event is held in partnership with the world-famous designer Elie Saab, showcasing a grand fashion experience.
Q10. How many subzones will Boulevard World have after expansion?
A10. After adding five new subzones (Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel), the total will be 19 country-themed subzones.
Q11. Which boxing match will headline the opening ceremony of Riyadh Season 2024?
A11. The opening ceremony will feature the IV Crown Showdown between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the light heavyweight world title.
Q12. Which global star will provide a musical performance at the opening?
A12. A global star will perform a musical piece as a surprise element during the opening ceremony, adding to the spectacle.
Q13. Which sports event will see a rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk?
A13. The highly anticipated rematch between boxing champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled during the season.
Q14. What unique padel experience will be launched in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo?
A14. For the first time globally, an interactive padel experience using innovation and technology will be held in partnership with Ronaldo.
Q15. How many restaurants and cafes are planned for Boulevard World?
A15. Boulevard World will feature over 300 restaurants and cafes, along with more than 1,400 retail stores for visitors.
Q16. Which comedy star from the “Bad Boys” franchise will perform?
A16. Stand-up comedy night with Martin Lawrence, known for the “Bad Boys” film series, is one of the entertainment highlights.
Q17. How tall is the OloLo dinosaur exhibit featured in the season?
A17. The giant dinosaur exhibit OloLo stands over 20 meters tall and is planned as a major attraction for families.
Q18. What is the capacity of the upgraded Wonder Garden zone?
A18. The Wonder Garden zone has been upgraded to accommodate up to 23,000 people across nearly 500,000 square meters.
Q19. Which new project will feature converted Boeing 777 aircraft as commercial spaces?
A19. The Boulevard Lane area will be developed in partnership with Saudi Airlines, featuring three converted Boeing 777 aircraft as restaurants and shops.
Q20. How many dogs are expected to participate in the Dog Festival this year?
A20. The Dog Festival will accommodate up to 5,000 people and 350 dogs from around the world, with five championship events offering top prizes.
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