Saudi Arabia's Cultural Seasons: A Guide to Key Festivals
Launched in 2019 by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, Saudi Arabia's cultural seasons aim to enhance tourism in line with Vision2030 across 11 sites. The Riyadh Season is set to take place from October 2024 through March 2025, themed "An Unforgettable Extravaganza!" and will include 12 zones, such as Boulevard Ruh City. Winter will host Noor Riyadh, the largest light art festival globally. The exhibition "Unfolding the Embassy" is open until September 1. Jeddah Season concluded on August 17, featuring "About Imagine Monet." Saudi National Day, celebrated on September 23, marks the 1932 unification by King Abdulaziz. Diriyah Season is scheduled for February to April, highlighting the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. AlUla Moments will host several festivals, including AZIMUTH from September 19-21.
Key facts
- Saudi cultural seasons launched in 2019 by Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
- Part of Vision2030 economic development plan
- Riyadh Season runs October 2024 to March 2025
- Noor Riyadh is the world's largest light art festival
- Jeddah Season includes 'About Imagine Monet' immersive exhibition at Jeddah Yacht Club
- Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale second edition 'After Rain' attracted 222,341 visitors
- Over 75% of Diriyah Biennale visitors were Saudi residents
- AlUla Moments brand launched in late 2021 with multiple festivals
Entities
Artists
- Claude Monet
- Aya Al Bakree
Institutions
- Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage
- Diriyah Biennale Foundation
- MDLBEAST
- Ithra Art Prize
- UNESCO
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Diriyah
- AlUla
- Najd
- Hijaz
- Mar Rosso
- Qa'a AlHaj
- Jeddah Yacht Club
- Boulevard Ruh City
- JAX creative district