Riyadh Season 2024 has reached a record milestone, surpassing 16 million visitors, as reported by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Advisor Turki AlalShikh. Launched in October, the Riyadh Season has enchanted audiences with its diverse array of events and newly introduced areas, drawing visitors from both the Kingdom and beyond. This success is attributed to a wide variety of offerings, including boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining experiences, scenic gardens, and innovative entertainment zones.
The record-breaking attendance was further boosted by the mid-term break of the second semester, which showcased the launch of the “Dunes of Arabia” area, popular among camping and winter atmosphere enthusiasts. Additionally, the “Boulevard Runway” area attracted aviation lovers, enhancing the season’s overall appeal.
Read more: Riyadh Season draws 8 million visitors so far, setting new record
Continuing success
In December 2024, Riyadh Season 2024 reached another record milestone, with the number of visitors climbing to 13 million, according to Alalshikh. This milestone serves as a clear testament to the significant success and remarkable public turnout enjoyed by this global event. It also reflects the distinctive diversity of the season’s events which began last October.
New areas and events launched in Riyadh Season 2024
Riyadh Season 2024 recently introduced several popular areas, including The Groves and Souq Al-Awaleen. The Courchevel area was also recently inaugurated within Boulevard World, providing visitors with an exceptional snowy experience. Furthermore, the historic rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, titled Usyk vs Fury Reignited in Riyadh, attracted a massive crowd from both Saudi Arabia and around the world. The opening of the new BLVD Runway area added another dimension to the success, created in collaboration with the Saudia Group to offer visitors an innovative journey that blends aviation and entertainment.
Key features of Riyadh Season 2024
Riyadh Season 2024 kicked off with impressive momentum, attracting an astounding two million visitors in just one week after its launch. The season features five main areas: Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park.
Boulevard World has undergone a significant 30 percent expansion to accommodate the surge in visitors, introducing new events and attractions. This area now boasts five new sections representing Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel, bringing the total to 22 diverse countries from across the globe. It also includes 300 restaurants and cafés, along with more than 890 shops.
In a landmark event, Kingdom Arena hosted a historic boxing match where Artur Beterbiev triumphed in the light heavyweight division after defeating Dmitry Bivol by majority decision. This intense match showcased fierce competition in the boxing world and marked a significant milestone in the sport.
Moreover, Riyadh Season 2024’s Boulevard City is captivating visitors with innovative entertainment experiences, including the PUBG Mobile game and the Conan experience. The area also features a variety of dining options and a picturesque atmosphere surrounding its dancing fountain.
Additionally, Riyadh Season 2024’s ‘The Venue’ area launched the season with the prestigious Six Kings Slam Championship, which is recognized as the world’s most expensive tennis tournament. This event attracted six of the top tennis stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. Meanwhile, Al-Suwaidi Park hosted a vibrant array of Indian cultural events, featuring popular shows, traditional cuisine, and artistic concerts. These festivities are drawing large crowds from the Indian community, residents, and culture enthusiasts.
Growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector
With its remarkable lineup of events and attractions, Riyadh Season 2024 is set to solidify its status as a global entertainment destination, seamlessly blending diverse entertainment elements in the heart of the Kingdom. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Investment, the sector is expected to create 450,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute 4.2 percent of the gross domestic product. The entertainment sector has seen several record highs in the last five years, including attracting over SAR 1 billion in total revenues and more than 75 million event attendees.
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy and enhance the quality of life by promoting tourism and Saudi culture internationally to attract visitors. The entertainment sector is a crucial pillar in achieving these ambitious goals, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life through a variety of cultural and entertainment activities.
