Riyadh Season 2023, themed 'Big Time is back again in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia and has attracted an impressive 2 million visitors in its initial weeks. Riyadh Season 2023 aims to reach a total attendance of 10-12 million, including 1 million international visitiors. 

Riyadh Season 2023 is running from October 28th 2023 to April 2024. This new edition of Riyadh Season features diverse zones such as Boulevard City, Boulevard World, Via Riyadh, Roshn Front, The Groves, Suwaidi Park and Wonder Garden. The annual Riyadh Season is also an exciting prelude to the highly anticipated Riyadh Expo 2030.

13 Riyadh Season Zones

You can find details on all 13 Riyadh Season zones in our guide here:

 

A Glimpse into Riyadh Season's History

The Riyadh Season is a yearly festival that takes place in Saudi Arabia. Its inaugural run started in 2019 and has since grown in scale and popularity, with the first edition attracting a sizable crowd of seven million visitors. The event traditionally begins in October and runs throughout the winter months.

The Vision 2030 Initiative

Riyadh Season is a key component of the Vision 2030 agenda, a strategic plan by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The initiative aims to bolster tourism in the country through a series of projects and events, with Riyadh Season being one of its flagship annual initiatives.

Riyadh Season 2023 - 'Big Time'

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), anticipates that the event will draw between 10 to 12 million visitors this year. 

He announced, "The Riyadh Season, in its fourth edition, has already achieved 40 percent of its projected revenue through sponsorship and significant deals even before it officially began."

This years highly anticipated Riyadh Season features 12 distinct zones ranging from virtual reality amusement parks to fine dining venues.

Riyadh Season 2023 Zones

Boulevard City

[Image Credit: Riyadh Season]

Boulevard City has tripled in size this year, making it one of the largest zones in Riyadh Season. Boulevard City is one of the most important zone and in Riyadh Season and each of its sub-areas offers unique activities, dining options, events, and outlets tailored for all visitors.

 [Image Credit: Riyadh Season]

Boulevard City 2023 is hosting the enchanting Disney Castle for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This marks a special occasion in honor of Disney's 100th anniversary, where visitors of all ages can witness live performances featuring Disney characters.

The House of Hype in Boulevard City is another exciting feature. It offers a unique cyberpunk adventure where guests can immerse themselves in a virtual reality world. Visitors can partake in virtual interactions within creatively designed futuristic spaces, enjoy gaming experiences, and shop till they drop.

The expanded Boulevard City, built in just 120 days, features gardens, dancing fountains, an Entertainment Hub as well as local and international resturants. 

 

Boulevard World

 [Image Credit: Visit Saudi]

Boulevard World is a top-tier entertainment area for families and individuals seeking travel, exploration, and recreation. Featuring The Sphere, AREA15, the world's largest artificial lake, and a host of unprecedented wonders, it caters to people of all ages and nationalities. 

As a miniature world, Boulevard World allows visitors to journey through various zones, each representing a distinct international culture, including America, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Morocco, Mexico, and Greece.

The Groves

The Groves is a charming blend of nature and sophistication that celebrates international cultures, cuisines, and entertainment. From 

The Groves Market to the celebration of Italian & Japanese cuisines, the mysterious North Pole, and the ultimate experience of the World Cup at The Wadi World Cup Lounge, The Groves has something for everyone.

VIA Riyadh

[Image Credit: Riyadh Season]

VIA Riyadh, designed in the Salmani style, features the first five-star St Regis hotel in Saudi Arabia and exclusive boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. VIA Riyadh Restaurants inlcude some of the best international restaurants in Saudi Arabia including:

 

Wonder Garden

[Image Credit: Riyadh Season]

The Wonder Garden is a magical theme park that takes visitors through imaginative and whimsical experiences. It is divided into three different zones where visitors can enjoy unique rides, watch pink flamingos, and explore areas filled with stunning butterflies and exquisite trees.

Ramla Terraza

[Image Credit: Riyadh Season]

Ramla Terraza is a lifestyle destination with four upscale restaurants - 

Situated on the main King Fahd Road in Riyadh, Ramla Terraza offers diverse culinary experiences for visitors to indulge in extraordinary flavors and enjoy memorable dining experiences in a vibrant and upscale setting.

It is also home to the first five-star Fairmont Residences in Riyadh called Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences.

 

Kingdom Arena

The Kingdom Arena, a state-of-the-art facility in Riyadh, has quickly become a beacon of entertainment and sporting events. From hosting high-profile boxing matches and presenting global sports events the arena offers a variety of exciting experiences for all.

The Kingdom arena was incredibly built in 60 days and can accommodate 26,000 people. The Kingdom Arena's skyboxes provide a viewing experience like no other. With a capacity to accommodate up to 350 people, these skyboxes offer maximum comfort and privacy.

Food Trucks Park

The Riyadh Food Truck Festival is a culinary extravaganza that connects local and international cultures by hosting the best food trucks from around the world in one place, offering different flavors to suit all tastes. From inventive dishes like Dan Dan noodles and Hong Kong classics to unique burger experiences and mouth watering Italian cuisine, the Food Trucks Park promises a gastronomic adventure like no other.

Riyadh Zoo

Riyadh Zoo has opened its doors once again, showcasing an array of wildlife marvels from around the globe. With six diverse sections to explore, it is an exceptional immersive experience for animal enthusiasts. This year, the highlight is the captivating Red Panda, making a debut in the Middle East.

ROSHN Front

ROSHN Front (previously known as Riyadh Front) offers an unparalleled urban experience, redefining the way we work, play, dine, shop, and connect in the heart of Riyadh. This transformation aims to provide a retreat from the chaos of city life, with serene greenery, soothing waterscapes, and inspiring architecture. At Roshn Front you can find a great selection of shops and variety of great restaurants.

Souq Al Awaleen

Souq Al Awaleen, an integral part of Riyadh Season 2023, offers an immersive experience into the traditional Najdi market's charm. Wandering through the souq, visitors can enjoy performances, events, and shops selling traditional goods. The souq is more than a shopping venue; it's a living testament to the region's rich history.

Suwaidi Park

Suwaidi Park is a popular entertainment zone in Riyadh Season 2023. Al-Suwaidi Park is also a haven for children, offering an array of games and adventures. Considered an artistic marvel, Al-Suwaidi Park is one of the prime entertainment zones of Riyadh Season 2023. 

At Al-Suwaidi Park, the spirit of cultural diversity comes alive as it hosts seven different cultures over the course of seven weeks. Each week is dedicated to a specific country, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the customs, traditions, and flavors of that particular culture. Suwaidi Park offers a plethora of activities that showcase the rich heritage of each country.

Suwaidi Park is currently a free attraction in Riyadh Season.

Each zone has its unique opening dates, timings, and ticket prices.

Riyadh Exit

Riyadh Season has launched the Riyadh Exit, a winter-themed zone offering luxury camping opportunities.  The zone is divided into two sections, the first catering to food enthusiasts with its selection of gourmet options, while the second focuses on desert camping and various activities.

 

The camping area is divided into three categories: Regular, VIP, and Royal, each offering distinct features such as traditional Najdi settings and transparent tents for an authentic desert adventure. The Riyadh Exit camping experience is situated approximately 45 minutes to the northwest of Riyadh.

Star-Studded Lineup

Among the celebrity guests at Riyadh Season 2023 are Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, whose headline-grabbing fights lived up to the hype. The events calendar is packed with performances by globally renowned artists.

An Unforgettable Experience

 [Image Credit: SPA]

Riyadh Season 2023, under its slogan "Big Time," offers many entertainment options and international experiences. 

The event attracts visitors worldwide to Riyadh during the winter months, where they can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and unique entertainment events featuring a select group of artists, celebrities, and renowned brands.

How to Get Riyadh Season Tickets

Riyadh Season tickets are available on Webook.com, starting at SAR 45 each. These tickets grant entry to Boulevard City activities such as World of Barbie, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and the haunted farm of Zeela House.

Free Riyadh Season Zones

Currently, 3 Riyadh Seasons zones are free to visit including: Riyadh Zoo, Suwaidi Park and Souk Al-Awaleen 

Setting the Bar

Riyadh Season 2023 continues to set the bar exceptionally high in its cultural significance, and entertainment value. Its ability to draw in millions of local and international visitors is a testament to this annual event.

As the season continues, eager attendees can look forward to many attractions and experiences that make this year's Riyadh Season 'Big Time.'

Keep Reading: Your Guide To Diriyah Season 2023-2024: Everything You Need to Know