Riyadh Season 2026 will start on October 21, 2026, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has confirmed. The seventh edition will run for 10 weeks under the “Big Time” theme, featuring major sporting events, concerts, theatre productions, comedy and returning entertainment zones. The programme is also relevant to UAE residents looking for regional travel options during the cooler months.
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Organiser: Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority
- Start date: October 21, 2026
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Major event: Six Kings Slam, October 21, 22 and 24
- Sports: Boxing, wrestling, UFC and tennis
- New attractions: Portugal, Netherlands and Yemen pavilions at Boulevard World
- Visitors: Saudi residents, UAE travellers and international tourists
- Current status: Season dates announced; individual event schedules and ticket details are being released separately
When does Riyadh Season 2026 start?
Riyadh Season 2026 starts on October 21, 2026, and will run for 10 weeks. Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the launch date for the seventh edition.
The season will take place across Riyadh under the “Big Time” theme. Its programme combines sporting competitions with concerts, theatre, comedy, family entertainment and cultural attractions.
For UAE residents, the October launch comes at the beginning of the region’s more comfortable outdoor season, making the Saudi capital a potential short-break destination for people interested in major events and entertainment.
What sports events are part of Riyadh Season 2026?
Riyadh Season 2026 will feature boxing, wrestling, UFC events and tennis, with the Six Kings Slam among the major sporting attractions.
The Six Kings Slam 2026 is scheduled for October 21, 22 and 24 at ANB Arena in Riyadh.
The confirmed six-player lineup includes:
- Jannik Sinner
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev
- Taylor Fritz
- Alex de Minaur
The tournament is a major tennis event within the Riyadh Season calendar. Netflix has also confirmed that the 2026 Six Kings Slam will be available to watch live worldwide on its platform.
The General Entertainment Authority has additionally announced boxing, wrestling and UFC as part of the season’s sporting programme. Specific schedules for individual competitions may be announced separately.
What entertainment will Riyadh Season 2026 offer?
The 2026 programme will combine live music, theatre, stand-up comedy and family activities with Riyadh’s major entertainment zones.
The General Entertainment Authority has announced concerts involving Saudi, Arab and international artists, alongside theatre productions and comedy shows.
Families are also expected to find dedicated entertainment and activities for children.
Several established Riyadh Season destinations are returning. Boulevard City is expected to reopen with new entertainment offerings, while Wonder Garden will also return.
Other attractions named for the season include The Groves, the Farmers’ Market and the Ana Arabia Exhibition at VIA Riyadh.
This means the season is structured around multiple venues and experiences rather than one central event. Visitors can therefore build a trip around sports, concerts, dining, shopping or family activities.
What new attractions are coming to Boulevard World?
Boulevard World will return for Riyadh Season 2026 with three new country pavilions representing Portugal, the Netherlands and Yemen.
Boulevard World is one of Riyadh Season’s established attractions, bringing international destinations and cultural experiences together in a dedicated entertainment zone.
The addition of the three new pavilions will expand its country-themed offering for the 2026 season.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Boulevard World will return as part of the new Riyadh Season programme, alongside other major zones across the capital.
How many people visited the previous Riyadh Season?
The previous Riyadh Season attracted more than 17 million visitors, according to Saudi official figures.
The sixth edition concluded in February 2026 after drawing 17 million visitors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Annual Report 2025 also reported more than 17 million visitors for Riyadh Season 2025. The report recorded participation from more than 2,100 companies, with Saudi companies making up 95% of participation.
These figures show the scale of Riyadh Season as an entertainment programme and its connection with Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism and economic diversification plans.
Large event calendars can support activity across hospitality, restaurants, transport, retail and entertainment businesses. For visitors, the growing programme also means more events are available across an extended period rather than being concentrated around a single festival weekend.
Why is Riyadh Season 2026 relevant to UAE residents?
Riyadh Season 2026 gives UAE residents another major GCC entertainment calendar to consider during the cooler travel season.
The programme is particularly relevant for travellers who want to combine a short Riyadh trip with a major sporting event or entertainment experience.
The Six Kings Slam, for example, provides a fixed three-day event window in October. Other visitors may instead plan trips around concerts, returning entertainment zones or family attractions.
Riyadh Season also contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors. Its previous visitor numbers and business participation show how large event programmes can create activity for companies operating across different parts of the visitor economy.
What happens next for Riyadh Season 2026?
The October 21 launch date is confirmed, but not every event detail for the full 10-week programme has been announced at the same level of detail.
The General Entertainment Authority has confirmed the overall entertainment and sports programme, while individual events can have their own dates, ticket releases and entry requirements.
Visitors planning to travel from the UAE should therefore check the official announcement for each event before booking flights, accommodation or tickets.
Riyadh Season 2026 matters for UAE residents because it adds another major regional events calendar during the cooler months.
The programme brings together international tennis, combat sports, concerts, theatre, family activities and cultural attractions across Riyadh.
For Saudi Arabia, the event also supports the country’s wider development of tourism, entertainment and creative industries under Vision 2030. For visitors, the 10-week schedule provides several opportunities to plan a Riyadh trip around specific interests.
FAQs
What is Riyadh Season 2026?
Riyadh Season 2026 is the seventh edition of Saudi Arabia’s large-scale entertainment programme, featuring sports, concerts, theatre, comedy, family activities and cultural attractions across Riyadh.
When does Riyadh Season 2026 begin?
Riyadh Season 2026 begins on October 21, 2026, and is scheduled to continue for 10 weeks.
When is Six Kings Slam 2026?
Six Kings Slam 2026 is scheduled for October 21, 22 and 24 at ANB Arena in Riyadh.
Who is playing in Six Kings Slam 2026?
The confirmed players are Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.
What are the new Boulevard World pavilions?
Three new country pavilions representing Portugal, the Netherlands and Yemen are planned for Boulevard World during Riyadh Season 2026.
How many visitors attended the previous Riyadh Season?
Saudi official figures put attendance for the previous season at 17 million visitors. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Annual Report 2025 also recorded more than 17 million visitors for Riyadh Season 2025.
Riyadh Season 2026 will begin on October 21 with a 10-week programme spanning major sports, live entertainment, family activities and international attractions. With Six Kings Slam scheduled for the opening period and three new country pavilions planned at Boulevard World, the season will bring several new and returning experiences to Riyadh.
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