Riyadh Season is one of the world’s most anticipated winter entertainment events, blending cultural heritage with modern dynamism. The annual event draws visitors from around the world as it offers a unique window into the captivating energy of Saudi – featuring action-packed attractions, thrilling entertainment, gourmet dining options, and more.
Now until March 1, 2025, Riyadh Season 2024 promises a dazzling choice of experiences, making it the ultimate destination this winter for travelers seeking luxury, adventure, and culture. Here’s a curated guide to the must-see highlights:
Thrilling Entertainment Extravaganza
Prepare to be captivated by world-class performances and adrenaline-fueled attractions that will ignite your imagination.
- Star-studded Events: Hans Zimmer is scheduled to perform live in Riyadh on January 24, 2025, at Blvd City as part of Riyadh Season. This event offers a rare opportunity to experience the renowned composer’s iconic film scores performed live.The multi-Grammy winner will perform his most iconic scores, promising a breathtaking auditory journey.
- Metaworld: Escape reality and dive into the digital fantasies of Metaworld VR at Boulevard World. Experience interactive adventures that blur the line between the real and virtual worlds, offering an extraordinary journey that transports you beyond the ordinary.
Family Friendly Adventures
Riyadh Season isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s also a playground for families, with activities that promise fun for all ages.
- Immersive Harry Potter Experience: The immersive attraction will open its doors in Boulevard City on November 29, 2024, marking the first time the world of Harry Potter has come to life on such a scale in Saudi. Spanning an impressive 25,000 square meters, the experience promises to be one of the most exciting and unique attractions of Riyadh Season 2024.
- BLVD Lagoon: Discover a blend of excitement and relaxation at the sprawling BLVD Lagoon. From cruising on Amphicars to exploring the secrets of the lost city underwater, this expansive and spellbinding lagoon promises thrilling boat tours and captivating water-based adventures for visitors of all ages and interests.
- Riyadh Zoo: The Riyadh Zoo unites the marvels of wildlife under one roof. You’ll enjoy incredible experiences across 6 subzones and witness the endangered Red Panda in a genuinely astonishing reality for the first time in the Middle East.
- Fontana Circus: Are you ready to experience an extraordinary water spectacle featuring a world-class musical dancing fountain alongside international circus acts? Watch awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthrall the entire family.
- Courchevel Ski School: Bring your family to the slopes! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned skier, Courchevel Ski School offers expert lessons in a winter wonderland setting that’s perfect for families.
- BLVD Dolphinarium: Back by popular demand, the Dolphinarium features new shows, the chance to swim with dolphins, and educational programs for kids—a magical encounter that blends fun with learning.
Luxury and Fashion Experiences
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, Riyadh Season offers an indulgent escape into luxury – from opulent hotel stays to exclusive shopping and dining experiences that redefine elegance and style.
- Designer Exhibitions: For fashion enthusiasts, Riyadh Season 2024 brings the Christian Dior Exhibition: Designer of Dreams to the Al Murabaa National Museum for the first time ever from November 21, 2024, to April 2, 2025. The exhibition is the third across the world, having been previously showcased only in Brooklyn, USA and Tokyo, Japan. The showcase will feature over 500 vintage Dior dresses, offering a deep dive into the history of one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses. Riyadh Season will also bring “The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” a celebration of 45 years of Elie Saab’s legacy in the fashion industry. This exclusive event takes place on November 13 and will showcase a collection designed specifically for the occasion, revealing Saab’s evolving creative vision and fusion of Arabian heritage with modern luxury.
- Luxury Stays: VIA Riyadh, one of the zones of Riyadh Season 2024, is the ideal destination for those looking for an unparalleled luxury experience in the heart of Riyadh. It is known for its high end luxury dining and shopping outlets, and also houses the luxurious St. Regis hotel.
- Luxury Dining: Gourmet dishes at renowned restaurants like GYMKHANA, a Michelin-starred London restaurant, or Madeo Ristorante, known for its exquisite Italian cuisine. Enjoy fine dining at its best, with culinary delights to satisfy every palate.
- Designer Shopping: Shop from high-end brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, Elie Saab, Ashi, Roberto Coin, and Tom Ford. This fashion paradise offers the latest in luxury fashion and accessories.
Cultural and Culinary Odyssey
Whether you’re exploring ancient customs or tasting authentic dishes from around the globe, this season promises to broaden your horizons while delighting your senses.
- Boulevard World: Travel through diverse civilizations as Boulevard World expands to include Saudi, Africa, China, France, Türkiye, Iran, and Courchevel. Discover each culture through its cuisine, traditional attire, and even its exotic fauna, creating an immersive experience.
- Traditional Markets: This year’s Al-Suwaidi Festival is a free zone showcasing 8 countries and their cultures over a span of 45 days, during which visitors can experience a global adventure with traditional foods, music, dances, and crafts from these diverse regions. Additionally, Souq Al Awaleen, another free zone, is the traditional market showcasing Saudi’s heritage where visitors can dive into a shopping journey to explore genuine handicrafts, traditional clothing, and spices starting from 01 December 2024.
Sports & Athletics Events
For adrenaline junkies and sports lovers, Riyadh Season 2024 is packed with thrilling athletic spectacles that will have your heart racing. From intense MMA showdowns to exhilarating kart racing, the season is a veritable playground for those seeking high-octane action.
- UFC Fight Night: Mark your calendars for February 1, 2025, as Riyadh hosts an exhilarating UFC Fight Night. Experience the intensity of top-tier MMA action and don’t miss the ceremonial weigh-in on January 31.
- Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Witness the clash of titans as the Heavyweight World Championship rematch lights up Kingdom Arena on December 21. Don’t miss the action as these legends go head-to-head in one of boxing’s most anticipated events of the year.
- PUBG MOBILE: Step into a battlefield like no other with PUBG MOBILE laser battles. Test your survival skills in this thrilling, action-packed experience where only the fittest will make it out alive.
Riyadh Season 2024 is more than just an event—it’s an experience that brings the spirit of winter to life in the heart of Saudi. From its rich cultural heritage to the modern dynamism that defines Saudi today, the season offers global cuisines, exclusive restaurants, and endless surprises to keep visitors enchanted at every turn.
It has never been easier, smoother, and safer to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries. Malaysians can obtain a free 96-hour Stopover Visa, or opt for an approved eVisa, valid for up to 90 days. Business and Umrah/Hajj visas are also available to those coming to the country for work or religious purposes. To ensure seamless accessibility and connectivity, airline capacity has increased to over 700,000 seats across three main carriers – Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and SAUDIA. Riyadh is an ideal destination of Malaysians seeking a unique getaway. Book your tickets here!
