Imagine an entire city filled with epic entertainment – from breathtaking circus shows and thrilling rollercoaster rides, to spectacular fireworks, football matches and food markets. Riyadh Season is back for its biggest and best celebration yet: the third instalment of this annual festival, held throughout Saudi Arabia’s buzzing capital.
With 8,500 activities and experiences to choose from, across 15 state-of-the-art venues, it can be tricky to know where to begin – but we’ve done the research for you. Here’s your ultimate guide to Riyadh Season 2022.
When is Riyadh Season 2022?
The festival began in October 2022, and is scheduled to run until March 2023 – making it one of the world’s biggest and longest cultural celebrations.
Is there a theme for Riyadh Season 2022?
Yes, this year’s theme is ‘Beyond Imagination’ – and when you see its incredible line-up of live music, art, food, theatre and fireworks, you’ll understand why…
What are the highlights of Riyadh Season 2022?
Where to start? With 8,500 live events and activities in store, there really is something for everyone. At Boulevard World you’ll discover 11 global ‘country zones’, each packed with authentic local entertainment and food. Think flamenco dance shows in Spain, classical sculptures in Greece, gondola rides in Italy – plus sizzling street eats from Mexico, India, Morocco and more.
For eye-popping artworks, fun VR challenges, and silent discos in an illuminated forest (yes really!) head to AREA15. Here you can fill your Instagram with amazing light shows, mirror rooms and smoke machines at Wink World and Museum Fiasco, before hitting the arcade games in Attractions Alley.
Thrillseekers, you’ll love the rollercoasters and rides at Blvd Pier, such as the gloud-grazing ‘Sky Loop’ and whirling ‘Sky Flyer’. Or, test your nerve at Combat Village, whose battle areas are inspired by your favourite computer games – bringing their target-shooting, high-speed car chases and military tactics to life.
Also, don’t miss eye-popping acrobatics from the famous Cirque du Soleil troupe, live screenings of major World Cup games, stand-up comedy from the Middle East’s top performers, and cartoon-themed kids’ shows at the Fun Zone.
What are the venues for Riyadh Season 2022?
There are 15 festival venues in total, in locations throughout the city – each with their own unique theme, mascot and entertainment.
Boulevard World boasts the world’s largest artificial lake, with an exciting new zone to explore at each of its 11 ports, plus boat trips and submarine rides too. Meanwhile, Boulevard Riyadh City – one of Riyadh’s top permanent entertainment venues – features nine areas of events, restaurants, and live shows.
For a chilled adventure, head to Winter Wonderland: it offers an incredible 80 games, including a ski area and outdoor ice skating rink, plus 35 cafés and restaurants. Imagination Park is new for 2022, and features exhibitions and games inspired by Netflix’s most popular shows. Look out for its rare supercars and film memorabilia!
Other hotspots include: Al-Suwaidi Park, which hosts food and entertainment from a new country every week; Qariat Zaman, an area of traditional Saudi Arabian shows and games; Fan Festival, with three huge screens for World Cup matches and esports tournaments; and Via Riyadh, for shopping and dining amid traditional Salmani architecture.
How to get tickets for Riyadh Season 2022?
In the first week of its opening, there were one million visitors to Riyadh Season 2022 – so booking tickets is essential. Entry is free for many events, though others are priced around SAR50-100; for more information and booking, visit riyadhseason.sa.
How does Riyadh Season 2022 compare to previous years?
It’s even bigger! Last year’s Riyadh Season featured 7,500 events, and attracted a whopping 12 million visitors – but with 8,500 events to choose from this year, it is one of the largest cultural festivals in the world.
This is the third instalment of Riyadh Season: the first festival was held in 2019, with the theme ‘Imagine’, and the second event in 2021 was entitled ‘Imagine More’.
