Turki Al-Sheikh announces 12 million visitors for Riyadh Season: A global achievement
In an exceptional achievement reflecting the success of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment strategy, Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced that the sixth edition of Riyadh Season attracted 12 million visitors. This record-breaking figure is not merely a statistic, but rather conclusive proof of the season’s growing momentum, confirming its position as one of the most important and largest entertainment festivals not only in the Middle East, but also on the global stage.
Al-Sheikh explained that reaching this number reflects the immense diversity of experiences offered by the season and the high quality of the entertainment content, which was carefully designed to suit all tastes and ages. The capital, Riyadh, has successfully attracted millions of visitors from within the Kingdom and tourists from around the world, offering them a comprehensive experience that blends arts, massive concerts, theatrical performances, and world-class interactive experiences.
Diverse regions and exceptional experiences
The season's main attractions witnessed a massive turnout, contributing to this million-person figure. Boulevard World led the way, offering a unique cultural experience that transported visitors between multiple civilizations and countries in one place, allowing them to explore global cultures without having to travel. Meanwhile, Boulevard City continued to be the vibrant heart of the season, hosting major events, artistic and theatrical performances, and concerts by a selection of Arab and international stars.
The season did not neglect to offer luxury experiences, as areas such as "The Groves" with its charming natural atmosphere, and "Via Riyadh" which redefined the concept of luxury experiences and international restaurants, contributed to attracting diverse segments of visitors looking for distinction and sophistication, which enhanced the comprehensiveness of the available entertainment options.
Riyadh Season and Vision 2030: An Economic and Social Context
This success cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, launched by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil. The entertainment sector is a key pillar of the Quality of Life Program, with Riyadh Season directly contributing to the local economy by creating thousands of seasonal and permanent job opportunities for Saudi youth, as well as stimulating the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors.
Historically, since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Season has witnessed rapid development in both infrastructure and the quality of its events. It has transformed from a local entertainment event into a global platform hosting historic boxing matches and football games between international clubs, positioning Riyadh among the world's leading entertainment capitals.
Riyadh Season continues in its current edition to offer more surprises and high-quality events, seeking to consolidate the position of the Saudi capital as a sustainable tourist and entertainment destination, with expectations of a continued rise in visitor numbers and the achievement of more record numbers before the conclusion of the season's events.
