Riyadh Emerges as a Global Tourism Hub under Vision 2030 and Major Seasonal Events
Riyadh, the capital city, is experiencing a vibrant transformation this fall, welcoming visitors from across the Kingdom and the world with a surge in tourism and entertainment that reflects its status as a global destination brimming with creativity and development, and presenting a comprehensive landscape that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.
With its pleasant weather, Riyadh offers a diverse range of entertainment, cultural, artistic, and sporting experiences, embodying the spirit of a revitalized capital and serving as a symbol of modern progress in the region. This burgeoning activity reflects the comprehensive development trajectory the Kingdom is pursuing under Vision 2030.
Riyadh stands out as one of the most dynamic cities on the regional and global tourism map, thanks to its advanced infrastructure, high-quality services, and diverse events across the city. Vision 2030 has played a pivotal role in strengthening the capital’s position as a leading urban center that combines a high quality of life with rich and varied experiences, reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to build world-class cities that compete in the tourism and entertainment sectors. Last year alone, the capital welcomed more than 19 million visitors, underscoring its growing appeal through diverse entertainment offerings and exceptional organization.
Riyadh hosts a wide-ranging array of events during this period, spanning public parks, cultural areas, entertainment centers, and major exhibitions, all aligned with global best practices in destination management. This growing momentum supports national efforts to develop the tourism and entertainment sectors under Vision 2030, enhancing the city’s attractive environment through infrastructure development, expanded e-visa access, and the launch of high-quality seasons and events throughout the year.
Quality of Life Program Center CEO Khalid Albaker told the Saudi Press Agency that the Kingdom's entertainment seasons, most notably the Riyadh and Jeddah seasons, have become prominent indicators of development in culture, sports, and tourism, serving as key pillars in achieving Vision 2030's goals. He highlighted that the Quality of Life Program achieved remarkable results in 2024, including hosting over 115 million visitors nationwide, launching investment accelerators, incubating 28 startup projects, and expanding the number of entertainment destinations to 584, surpassing the target by 169%.
The cultural momentum reaches historic areas, with Diriyah Season Director Ahlam Al-Thunayan noting that Diriyah becomes an ideal destination with the arrival of winter. This year's Diriyah Season spans more than 120 days and presents over 10 main programs celebrating Diriyah’s history, nature, and heritage. Events are held across historic neighborhoods such as At-Turaif and Al-Bujairi, offering unique experiences that reflect the cultural values of the city.
Saudi Tourism Authority spokesperson Abdullah Al-Dakhil announced the official launch of the Saudi Winter 2025 program, running until the end of the first quarter of 2026. The program features a packed schedule of events in various destinations, including Riyadh, Diriyah, Jeddah, AlUla, The Red Sea, and Eastern Region.
National Center for Meteorology spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani confirmed that moderate weather will continue across most regions, noting that this season is among the best climatically for various outdoor tourism and recreational activities
Riyadh continues to strengthen its position as a capital of major events, hosting a wide range of theatrical, musical, and sporting activities. Public and private sector efforts focus on developing sustainable tourism experiences and attracting quality investments. This dynamism has significantly revitalized economic activity, created new job opportunities, and boosted creative industries, aligning with the Kingdom's strategy to diversify income sources and achieve sustainable development.
