Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), and Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, officially inaugurated the Boulevard Runway zone on December 18, 2024, marking a major addition to the Riyadh Season calendar. Developed through a strategic partnership between Riyadh Season management and Saudia Group, the zone offers visitors an innovative blend of aviation and entertainment, including immersive experiences inside three giant Boeing 777 aircraft.
Context and Background
The Boulevard Runway zone is part of Riyadh Season, an annual entertainment festival launched under the auspices of the General Entertainment Authority. Now in its fifth edition, Riyadh Season has become a flagship event under Vision 2030, attracting millions of international visitors and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing leisure and tourism sector. The collaboration with Saudia Group, the national carrier, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating its aviation heritage with modern entertainment offerings.
Key Details
The zone is open to the public daily from 4:00 pm to 12:00 midnight and features multiple themed attractions. Visitors can walk inside the aircraft, explore unique interiors, and experience a realistic runway atmosphere. The Terminal X destination offers 10 diverse experiences combining aerial adventures with lively settings. For dining, the control tower area serves the famous Mike Majlak burger, while the “Uncle Hussein” airplane provides authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Thrill seekers can engage with the “Lost Boeing 777” horror experience, set in a haunted plane crash scenario in the Bermuda Triangle, featuring moving ghosts and live music. The “Sky War” attraction challenges teams to rescue hostages from a hijacked plane.
Implications and Impact
The inauguration of the Boulevard Runway zone underscores Saudi Arabia’s capacity to deliver world-class entertainment experiences that blend culture, aviation, and technology. By leveraging Saudia Group’s aviation assets, the zone not only enhances Riyadh Season’s appeal but also promotes the Kingdom as a dynamic tourist destination. The partnership exemplifies how state entities collaborate to support non-oil economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Boulevard Runway zone directly advances Vision 2030 goals by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and enhancing quality of life for citizens and residents. As Riyadh Season continues to grow, such initiatives reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global entertainment hub, fostering cultural exchange, and driving economic transformation in line with the Kingdom’s long-term strategic vision.
20 Questions
Q1. Who inaugurated the Boulevard Runway zone?
A1. The zone was inaugurated by Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, and Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, on December 18, 2024.
Q2. What is the Boulevard Runway zone?
A2. It is a key zone of Riyadh Season that blends aviation and entertainment, developed in partnership between Riyadh Season management and Saudia Group.
Q3. What unique experiences does the zone offer?
A3. Visitors can explore three giant Boeing 777 aircraft, walk inside them, enjoy a runway experience, and participate in 10 diverse experiences at Terminal X.
Q4. What are the operating hours of the zone?
A4. The zone is open to the public daily from 4:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
Q5. What dining options are available in the zone?
A5. The control tower area serves the Mike Majlak burger, and the “Uncle Hussein” airplane offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
Q6. What is the “Lost Boeing 777” experience?
A6. It is a horror attraction where guests board a plane that has crashed in the Bermuda Triangle, featuring ghosts, music, and terrifying effects.
Q7. What is the “Sky War” experience?
A7. Sky War is a team-based mission to rescue hostages from a hijacked plane before time runs out.
Q8. Who organized Riyadh Season?
A8. Riyadh Season is organized by the General Entertainment Authority under the leadership of Advisor Turki Alalshikh.
Q9. How does this zone relate to Vision 2030?
A9. The zone supports Vision 2030 by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and improving quality of life through innovative entertainment.
Q10. What is the relevance of Saudia Group’s involvement?
A10. Saudia Group’s participation highlights the integration of national aviation assets with entertainment, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s logistical and creative capabilities.
Q11. Can children also enjoy the zone?
A11. Yes, the takeoff area features safely designed structures where children and adults can jump and play, creating memorable experiences.
Q12. How many aircraft are featured in the zone?
A12. The zone features three giant Boeing 777 aircraft, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.
Q13. Is the zone part of a larger event?
A13. Yes, the Boulevard Runway is one of several zones within Riyadh Season, an annual entertainment festival in the Saudi capital.
Q14. What is Terminal X?
A14. Terminal X is a destination within the Boulevard Runway zone that offers 10 diverse experiences blending aerial adventures and vibrant settings.
Q15. What time does the zone close?
A15. The zone closes at midnight, with operations starting from 4:00 pm daily.
Q16. Does the zone include live entertainment?
A16. Yes, the “Lost Boeing 777” experience features live music, moving ghosts, and other interactive elements for an immersive visit.
Q17. What is the role of the General Entertainment Authority?
A17. The General Entertainment Authority oversees Riyadh Season and other entertainment initiatives, aligning them with national cultural and tourism goals.
Q18. How does this zone attract international visitors?
A18. By offering unique aviation-themed experiences and dining options, the zone appeals to global tourists interested in innovative entertainment and Saudi culture.
Q19. What was the date of the inauguration?
A19. The Boulevard Runway zone was inaugurated on December 18, 2024, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q20. Why is the Boulevard Runway significant for Riyadh Season?
A20. It expands Riyadh Season’s offerings with a novel aviation-entertainment concept, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a world-class festival and supporting economic diversification.
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