The dates for Riyadh Season 2022 are not yet but the winter extravaganza will be a vibrant event just like its previous seasons. The last season dazzled the world with its stunning display of 7,500 events. Lasting over five months, the event started on the 20th of October, 2021. The event had the slogan ‘Imagine More,’ a step ahead of last year’s ‘Imagine’. It included 350 theatrical performances and plays, 70 Arab concerts, ten international exhibitions, 6 international concerts, and lots more. In fact, the events were nearly non-stop, providing visitors with endless hours of exciting entertainment. The season also played host to over 200 restaurants and 70 coffee shops, fulfilling the culinary needs of people of diverse tastes and demographics.
What is the Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season is a festive celebration of pop culture in the capital city of Saudi Arabia to boost tourism. The inauguration of various Saudi Seasons were aimed at infusing the fun and excitement from around the world into the culture of Saudi Arabia. The initiative adheres to the Vision 2030 of the Crown Prince. Riyadh Season is one of these Saudi Seasons. The celebration includes various events and live shows offering cultural diversity in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The season alone sees thousands of tourists engaging in various activities in different zones spread throughout the city annually.
Riyadh Season zones
These are specially designated zones designed to maximize the fun and entertainment value of those who come to the Riyadh Season. This year the Riyadh Season Zones included:
1. Al-Murabba
Al-Murabba was easily one of the most popular and visited areas of this Riyadh Season. Many events of the season were held here. The place is famous for its modern and historical elements, attracting large numbers of tourists. The Murabba area represents a slice of the Kingdom’s heritage and history. Tourists also visited the areas nearby Murabba to enjoy the cuisine of the old heritage restaurants. Visitors were welcomed here with Arabic coffee. Murabba is the place to experience the famed Saudi hospitality.
Must Read: Al Murabba Palace Museum Riyadh: Ideal For A Day-Visit With Kids
2. Riyadh Front
The Riyadh Front is one of the important elements of the Riyadh Season organizing many key activities this season. The General Entertainment Authority oversaw the arrangements in this part of the zone. The Riyadh Front stood apart by the presence of the country’s largest local and international corporations. It also played host to numerous exhibitions, some of which were the among the biggest ones held in the Middle East.
3. Riyadh Winter Wonderland
Riyadh Winter Wonderland is an integrated entertainment village and forms a crucial part of the Riyadh Season celebrations. Wonderland was the place for accessing an assortment of entertaining activities, most of which were recreational in nature. It hosted 52 games across six areas of entertainment. Children and adults had a great time enjoying the various games. Winter Wonderlands’ other key attractions were the snow forest and the dreamland carnival. The horror adventure zones were among the top highlights of the zone.
4. Riyadh Safari
As one of the important areas of this year’s Riyadh Season, Riyadh Safari was under the spotlight as it attracted a large percentage of the visitors to this event. The main attraction was the tourist park which is the largest in the city. The park has a large lake, a wonderful garden, and an entertainment theater. The Safari also hosted many events and recreational activities. Animals such as elephants, tigers, deer, and lions were the major attractions for kids, including the rare and uncommon Kala bird.
5. Nabd al-Riyadh
Nabd al-Riyadh emerged as one of the top areas of visitors’ interest in this Riyadh Season. Located at the very center of Riyadh, close to the Masmak Palace, Nabd al-Riyadh played host to many musical and theatrical performances as well as artistic events. Some significant attractions at Nabd al-Riyadh included sand painting, glitter art, and elements of 3D arts and performances such as Visual Sense Technology. Artist Ash entertained the audience with amazing music and instrumentals. Visitors were entertained with stories and folklore of the region, including historical tales about the Arab regions. They also loved visiting the famous cafes and restaurants that served the region’s best dishes, including fast food. For those looking for some good coffee, Safat Coffee did the honors with a modern twist. The restaurant served traditional drinks and sweets.
6. Al-Salam Tree
The Al-Salam tree, or the Peace Tree, was a region of this year’s Riyadh Season. It is named so due to the presence of a large artificial tree that is 12 meters high and gives out a shiny glow. The Al-Salam area stands apart for its peaceful and fascinating landscapes. This area hosted a number of important events, but the eye-catchers were the concerts and the visual shows. Another major attraction was the huge rose garden decorated with natural and artificial flowers. There are roses as far as one can stretch the vision. The shopping areas, entertaining shows, and other activities were also held in the Peace Tree area. These included acrobatic shows, interactive models, face painting, and other shows for adults and children.
The Al-Salam Tree area entertained visitors through the various fine restaurants where chefs prepared and served delicious dishes. The small theater for children’s performances was another feather in the cap for this area.
7. Riyadh Boulevard City
Riyadh Boulevard City represented the largest area of the Riyadh Season with 200 plus restaurants and cafes. The zone also housed international and Arab theaters. Other key areas within Riyadh Boulevard City were a walkway and a place for e-games. The nine imaginary areas created for entertainment included winter games and a stunning snow city.
8. Khalooha
The famous heritage and cultural area of the Season, Khalooha, attracted a large number of people to its unique features. It was undoubtedly the best place for those who love poetry and has a heart for the culture. Some of the major events held here, primarily on weekends, were in the Al-Radiya, Al-Majlis, Poetry Gallery, Al-Marki area, and Fella Hajjaj area. The soothing flavors made the unforgettable, poetic, and musical evenings extra special with incense and cardamom.
9. Qariat Zaman
This heritage village in the Riyadh Season, located in the Granada region of Riyadh, blends the past and the present seamlessly. The activities here showcased the past’s simplicity and the region’s beauty through authentic music. Qariat Zaman also had some wonderful cultural performances and music sessions. The place has a peaceful disposition.
10. The Groves
The Groves has some of the finest restaurants and cafes in the city. Visitors who want to unwind among tranquility and luxury love The Groves, which offers other vital attractions such as Birds of Eden, Gem-in-i, and El Lechazo. These places served the finest Japanese and Spanish food. The Grooves also hosted fashion and art events. The most famous among them were the Passion & Fashion event and the Milk & Butter nail spa event. Additionally, the Groves had many art workshops.
11. Riyadh Oasis
This famous oasis is located in the north of Riyadh and has eight distinct areas. The Oasis district also has numerous luxury restaurants, cafes, camps, and markets. A number of recreational and artistic events were held here. The events held here reflected the culture of Najd. The works of Saudi Arabian artists were displayed among the golden desert sands at the oasis. Oasis Riyadh was also the preferred destination of many visitors for purchasing various products, accessories, fashion wear, and others.
12. Al-Athriyah
Located north of Riyadh, the Al-Athriyah region combines traditional and modern design elements. Al-Athriyah offers an excellent atmosphere, and it was no different this winter. Visitors flocked to the place to have some wonderful meals in the area’s international-class restaurants. Many popular events were held in the air and on the desert sands.
13. Combat Field
Combat Field Riyadh Season, spanning over 300 square meters, was a popular area of Riyadh Season. It is located in the northeast of Riyadh. The name is a giveaway as a large percentage of Riyadh’s kinetic and combat activities happens here. These include shooting and weaponry. The recreational activities are managed and overseen by the General Entertainment Authority. The Combat Field spans more than 300 square meters. The display of old and new weapons is an added attraction for visitors.
14. Via Riyadh
Via Riyadh is a modern cinema destination comprising seven screens. It was one of the most visited areas during the Riyadh Season. Via Riyadh also has a theater organizing theatrical performances. There are many restaurants and cafes to keep visitors entertained and well-fed. This area is also home to one of the region’s most luxurious five-star hotels. Visitors can have a grand time shopping for their favorite brands at the shopping mall here.
Riyadh Season Events 2022 & 2021
While details on the Riyadh Season 2022 are not final yet, the last season saw a large number of activities planned for people of all ages. Some of the key activities that evoked maximum interest among the visitors were:
1. Luna Films
Luca films is an open air cinema theater that found its place in the Riyadh Season. The theater shows blockbusters from around the world. The primary aim was to promote pop culture movies in the kingdom of Saud Arabia.
2. Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is an exceptional event offering the experience of a lifetime at Riyadh Season. The winter wonderland focuses on providing tourists with snow activities in the middle of the desert. Tourists participated in ice skating, winter, Snow Forest, Wonder Circus, Winter Fair, etc.
3. Circus of Horrors
With a scary theme, the Circus of Horrors provided impressive performances in the Dark Forest. The artists’ performances have captivated and left the spectators spooked at the same time.
4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The event showcased the famous play of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The play beautifully captured the scenes from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Families with kids specially enjoyed watching the play.
Riyadh Season is undoubtedly one of the top events in Saudi Arabia primarily because visitors can enjoy wholesome entertainment without having to look far and wide. Events of historical significance and heritage value are a part of the celebrations, attracting millions of people worldwide. Additionally, Riyadh Season perfectly complemented the pop culture into the culture of Saudi Arabia.
Suggested Read: Top 11 Things To Do In Riyadh: From Quad Biking To A Family Day At Zoo
Riyadh Season 2022 & 2021 FAQs
How many people attended the Riyadh Season 2021?
According to the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, more than 750,000 visitors graced the events this year.
What were the opening and closing dates of Riyadh Season 2021?
Riyadh Season commenced on the 20th of October 2021 and ended in March 2022.
How many events were held this season?
An incredible 7500 events were held at the Riyadh Season this year.
How much area was used to host the various events and programs?
A whopping five million and 400,000 square meters was the total area of Riyadh Season activities.
How many zones were there in Riyadh Season 2021?
There were 14 zones in Riyadh Season 2021.
