Riyadh Season 2025: Your comprehensive guide to Saudi winter events
The Saudi capital is writing an exceptional new chapter in the history of the regional and international entertainment industry this winter, as all eyes turn to the Kingdom with the launch of the largest edition of Riyadh Season 2025 , coinciding with the launch of the "Saudi Winter" program. This synergy between the two events forms an integrated strategic platform that reinforces the Kingdom's position as a key driver of the tourism and entertainment sectors, and solidifies Riyadh's presence as an indispensable global destination on the international tourism map.
Historical development and rapid progress
The rise of Riyadh Season to this status was not a coincidence, but rather the result of a rapid development that began with the launch of Saudi Seasons in 2019. These seasons were part of the General Entertainment Authority's initiatives to achieve the goals of the Quality of Life Program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Previous seasons have succeeded in transforming the traditional concept of events into a comprehensive industry that rivals, and even surpasses, its counterparts in major global capitals, paving the way for the 2025 edition to be the most mature and diverse yet.
Record numbers and unprecedented content
This year's edition marks a record leap in size and content, with Riyadh adorned with 11 major entertainment zones geographically distributed across the city, hosting 15 international championships and 34 major exhibitions and festivals. The achievement extends beyond the number of events, reflecting an unprecedented empowerment of the national private sector. More than 2,100 companies are participating in operating and organizing the season, 95% of which are Saudi companies, through more than 4,200 agreements. This is a strong indicator of the maturity of the entertainment supply chain and the growth of national capabilities in managing major events.
The momentum of "Winter Neighborhood" and the diversity of experiences
Alongside the events in the capital, the impact extends to all regions of the Kingdom through the "Saudi Winter 2025" program, themed "Winter in the Life." The program offers both local and international appeal through unique experiences that blend the allure of pristine Red Sea beaches, the rich history of Diriyah and Al-Ula, and the modernity of major cities. This vision is supported by a vast array of exclusive offers, exceeding 600, and more than 1,200 tourism products and experiences designed to meet the aspirations of families and adventure seekers alike.
Economic impact and future of tourism
Riyadh Season and Saudi Winter have significant economic dimensions that extend beyond entertainment; they directly contribute to diversifying non-oil revenue streams and creating thousands of seasonal and permanent jobs. These efforts build upon the achievements of the past five years in the tourism sector, particularly in terms of visitor numbers and spending, bringing the Kingdom steadily closer to its ambitious goal of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030, thus becoming one of the world's leading sustainable tourism destinations.
