The heart of the Saudi capital pulsed with energy tonight as Riyadh Season 2025 officially opened its doors with a grand parade that transformed the city into a canvas of color, creativity, and celebration. Stretching between Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World, the opening ceremony dazzled thousands of spectators and millions more watching live across the globe.
The parade marked the beginning of a five-month extravaganza under the theme “Big Time Begins”, blending global entertainment with the cultural essence of Saudi Arabia. It featured hundreds of local and international performers, illuminated floats, musical troupes, and giant character balloons designed in collaboration with Macy’s—the same creators of New York’s legendary Thanksgiving Parade—making their first-ever appearance outside the United States.
Crowds filled the streets hours before the kickoff, their excitement palpable as the city came alive with fireworks, live music, and stunning aerial displays. The opening spectacle encapsulated what Riyadh Season has come to represent: a fusion of art, joy, and ambition that mirrors the spirit of modern Saudi Arabia.
Unveiling a World of Entertainment
This year’s edition is set to be the most ambitious yet, featuring:
11 immersive entertainment zones, including Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and the newly launched Beast Land—a collaboration with global YouTube creator MrBeast.
More than 34 festivals and exhibitions, and over 15 international championships.
Participation from 2,100 companies, of which 95% are Saudi, highlighting the local creative economy’s growth.
A calendar brimming with global concerts, theatrical shows, e-sports events, and interactive experiences.
Riyadh Season 2025 will also host world-class acts, including international comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Aziz Ansari, alongside Arab music icons like Mohammed Abdu, Rashed Al-Majed, and Nancy Ajram, promising a harmonious mix of East and West on one stage.
A New Benchmark for Global Festivals
Each edition of Riyadh Season continues to redefine what large-scale entertainment means in the Middle East. The festival has drawn more than 20 million visitors from over 135 countries, with a media reach exceeding 110 billion impressions worldwide.
Beyond the numbers, what makes Riyadh Season unique is its ability to unite people through shared experiences—where technology meets tradition, and creativity knows no borders. It’s a statement of confidence, cultural pride, and global relevance.
A Vision Fueled by Leadership: Turki Alalshikh, The Architect of Joy
At the heart of this monumental success stands HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. His vision, passion, and relentless drive have turned what began as a national initiative into one of the world’s most celebrated entertainment seasons.
Under his guidance, Riyadh Season has evolved into a living symbol of ambition—a place where innovation meets emotion, and where every detail reflects a commitment to excellence.
Turki Alalshikh is not merely an organizer; he is an architect of joy, a visionary who reimagined the entertainment landscape of the Arab world, and a leader who believes that dreams deserve a stage as big as Riyadh itself.
His influence resonates through every light beam, every note of music, and every smiling face in the crowd tonight—a testament to how leadership fused with creativity can truly transform a nation’s cultural identity.
The Season of Wonder Begins
With tonight’s breathtaking start, Riyadh Season 2025 promises a journey of discovery and delight, where every day brings a new experience, and every corner of the city tells a new story.
For millions of Saudis and visitors alike, the message is clear:
The world’s biggest stage is here, and it’s shining brighter than ever — in Riyadh.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
