Blockbuster comedians, tennis champions, wrestling stars and concerts featuring regional artists are part of the upcoming Riyadh Season 2025.
Running from October to March, the seasonal festival in the Saudi capital will take place across venues throughout the city, with programming spanning entertainment, sport, culture, food and retail.
Launched in 2019, the festival is now a major attraction, hosting exclusive events and steadily expanding its offerings.
While the full programme is yet to be revealed, Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said the season’s concert line-up will have “a strong presence of Saudi and Gulf content, in addition to a notable participation of Syrian artists in theatrical performances and concerts”.
With more to be announced soon on Riyadh Season’s social media channels, here is what we know so far about the event.
1. Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and more to headline comedy festival
Could this be the best comedy festival line-up of the year?
Launching as the official prelude to the festival from September 26 to October 9, it will involve more than 50 international and regional comedians performing across venues at Boulevard City, one of Riyadh’s main entertainment districts.
With the line-up still to be fully revealed, some of the names already confirmed are Dave Chappelle (date to be revealed soon); Kevin Hart (September 28); Russell Peters (October 2 to 4); Louis C.K. (October 6); Sebastian Maniscalco (October 9); Chris Tucker (October 2) and Aziz Ansari (September 28).
2. WWE Royal Rumble and Benavidez – Yarde fight
WWE’s Royal Rumble will take place this January at King Saud University Stadium. It will be the first time that the marquee event, which is broadcast live and watched by millions, is held outside the US. Exact dates are to be announced soon. Boxing fans can also look forward to The Ring IV on November 22 at ANB Arena in Boulevard City, featuring a headline bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde, alongside three additional world title fights.
3. Boulevard World returns more than a dozen cultural zones
A bigger Boulevard World is on the horizon as part of Riyadh Season, with organisers confirming an expanded layout.
As in previous years, culture remains at the heart of the sprawling entertainment zone, with more than a dozen country pavilions set to return – each offering food, performances and crafts from across the globe, in a format reminiscent of Dubai’s Global Village.
With the 2023 site reportedly stretching 1.2km – and last year’s capacity increased by 30 per cent – the venue is massive, featuring attractions such as a life-size replica of the Egyptian pyramids.
A three-minute cable car will once again connect Boulevard World to Boulevard City – the adjacent hub for live entertainment and fine dining.
While specific dates are yet to be announced, the zone is expected to open daily throughout the winter.
4. Khaleeji artists and Saudi theatre take the spotlight
Riyadh Season 2025 will place a strong emphasis on Gulf and Syrian performers across its music and theatre programming.
While an official line-up is yet to be announced, organisers can be expected to schedule performances by Khaleeji pop-stars and traditional music ensembles across multiple zones. On the theatre front, new Saudi plays are likely to be shown in venues such as Boulevard City and Al Suwaidi Park.
International acts may still appear in limited categories – including sport and comedy, but the cultural focus this year will remain regional.
5. Top zones to visit: Via Riyadh, Boulevard City and more
Riyadh Season is spread across various areas of the city in 14 themed zones, each offering its own distinct atmosphere and tailored programme. While Boulevard City and Boulevard World remain the major drawcards, several other zones are worth a visit.
Via Riyadh caters to luxury seekers with high-end retail and fine dining outlets. The Groves, styled like a European riverside town, features food vendors and evening cultural events. At Souq Al Awaleen, visitors can browse an open-air market selling oud, textiles, cookware and traditional clothing. Some zones are ticketed, others free to enter.
6. Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner to compete at Riyadh’s Six Kings Slam
Half a dozen tennis champions will hit the courts as part of The Six Kings Slam championship, running at ANB Arena from October 15 and 18. The exhibition event features six top-ranked players: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper. Tickets will go on sale soon.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
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2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Results
6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Major Cinnamon, Fernando Jara, Mujeeb Rahman
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m; Winner: Al Mureib, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Remorse, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
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Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
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Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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Men
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Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The five pillars of Islam
The biog
Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
