Riyadh Season 2025 to include more Saudi, Gulf content, says GEA chairman

Riyadh is ready to welcome the world once again as plans for the upcoming Riyadh Season promise an impressive mix of global entertainment and rich regional content. According to the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), this year’s edition will include major events across music, sports and comedy.

GEA Chairman Turki Alalshikh confirmed that the Riyadh Comedy Festival will debut this year, running from September 26 to October 9 at Boulevard City. The event will feature over 50 of the world’s most celebrated comedians, marking a first for the capital.

Building on the momentum of last year’s success, Riyadh has already drawn global attention with the ongoing Esports World Cup, the world’s largest tournament of its kind, offering a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million.

Alalshikh stated that the entertainment offerings will continue to expand weekly with a packed calendar that includes major concerts, football matches, high-profile boxing events, UFC fights and a special WWE showcase.

Wrestling fans can anticipate the return of the “Royal Rumble,” scheduled for January, while tennis enthusiasts will be treated to the “Six Kings Slam”, a tournament that will bring together the six top-ranked players in the world to compete for what is set to be the biggest prize purse in tennis history.

Global YouTube personality MrBeast is also expected to join this year’s line-up, with collaborative events planned to further expand the season’s global appeal.

Riyadh Season is a flagship part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading cultural and entertainment destination. With a growing portfolio of international events, the festival plays a central role in boosting tourism, generating economic activity and showcasing the country’s evolving identity on the world stage.