The Diriyah Season returns from December 12, offering a rich three-month program of arts, culture, live shows, and heritage events spanning almost six centuries.
Kicking off with a musical bang, the inaugural event spotlights Saudi music icons Rabeh Saqr and Ayed at Mayadeen Theater, with tickets available from December 10.
This year's focus celebrates the essence of Diriyah and Al-Awja, calling on Saudis to embrace their collective heritage and culture.
The festivities will unfold across five unique venues in Diriyah: Wadi Safar with a cultural basecamp; the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif; Bujairi Terrace; Mayadeen Theater; and the historical Diriyah district.
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, emphasizes that the season offers meaningful entertainment, reconnecting people with their roots.
Highlighting 300 years of Saudi traditions, the season features the Diriyah E-Prix, art shows, performances, and both traditional and modern culinary delights.
A standout is Shetana, the Culinary Arts Commission's outdoor winter event held at Mayadeen Theater, where culinary arts and equestrian shows meet. Bujairi Terrace will host Layali Diriyah, celebrating cutting-edge art, dance, music, and cuisine in an open-air setting.
Adding novelty, Bujairi Terrace introduces "Journey to the Future," a themed escape room experience blending puzzle-solving with a cultural twist.
At-Turaif district will host poetry, workshops, a nostalgic exhibition, and the Souq Al-Mawsim marketplace among other activities. "Diriyah Doors" spotlights the region's historical doors and their stories.
Projected to boost tourism and create 178,000 jobs, the season is expected to attract significant visitor numbers before concluding in March.
Inzerillo notes previous successes with over a million visitors to their UNESCO site, anticipating a strong turnout for the Diriyah Season, which concludes before Ramadan.
The Diriyah Season is a collaborative effort between Diriyah Company and Diriyah Gate Development Authority for the 2023-2024 period.