The RIYADH SEASON 2021 opened last October and their grand opening parade was everything that the General Entertainment Authority has promised, and more! There are 14 zones in this year’s edition and most of them are open. There is truly so much to see and do! It can get overwhelming but don’t fret, all of the important details are here!
BOULEVARD RIYADH CITY (BLVD RUH CITY)
If there’s one zone that we recommend you to visit, it’s the Boulevard. Thrice in size compared to the 2019 edition, this place is truly a sight to see! With billboards reminiscent of Times Square in New York and sub-areas inspired by different cities of the world like Tokyo, Miami, and more, this zone of glorious fountains, sparkling stores and shops, exciting activities and events, and international restaurants and cafes brings the world to Saudi Arabia! No need to travel!
November 1, 2021 – April 1, 2022
Opens at 5:00 PM
SR 55 on weekdays (Sun-Wed) / SR 110 (Thu-Sat)
Free entry for children below 12 years old
BLVD RUH CITY is also the venue of events, concerts, and performances. Some notable shows worth seeing:
WHO IS MY LOVE?
A dazzling, panoramic show of the life and times of AbdelHalim Hafiz, Egypt’s King of Music.
November 7, 2021 – March 1, 2022
Starts at 8:00 PM
SR 500 per person (includes entry to BLVD)
Nightingale Theater
THE SITS JOURNEY
A musical that tells the life of Umm Kulthum, considered as Egypt’s national icon and the “voice of Egypt.”
November 11, 2021 – February 11, 2022
Starts at 9:00 PM
SR 500 per person (includes entry to BLVD)
Kawkab Elsharq – BLVD Music
MANA BY LES FARFADAIS
A fantasy adventure show with the elements of life (water, fire, air, and earth).
November 27, 2021 – December 15, 2022
6:00 PM / 9:30 PM
From SR 110 (includes entry to BLVD)
Global Theater – BLVD Studios
THE CRYSTAL MAZE LIVE EXPERIENCE
An immersive, interactive, and unique game you can enjoy with your families and friends.
November 12, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Opens at 5:00 PM
SR 150 per person (minimum of 4 persons, maximum of 8 persons)
The Crystal Maze – BLVD City
CHOCOLATE FACTORY BY AANI & DANI
The first chocolate factory in the Middle East
November 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
Opens at 4:00 PM
SR 25 per person
Avalanche Area
DINOSAUR IN THE WILD
Travel through time with the best experts to see what life of the dinosaurs was like millions of years ago
November 11, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Opens at 5:00 PM
SR 150 per person (includes entry to BLVD)
Dinosaur World
WINTER WONDERLAND
Bring your kids to Winter Wonderland. They will surely enjoy all the rides and activities that are lined up for them. One night is not enough to see all that this zone has to offer. From extreme thrill rides that will take you to the skies to games that will test your skills to restaurants and cafes that will delight you and your kids, Winter Wonderland is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Rides for adults start at SR 30 and above while kid’s rides are mostly SR 25. A wrist band should be purchased and filled with funds to be able to pay your way around Winter Wonderland’s rides and games. Other features include a circus tent, celebration tent, and Cocomelon events.
October 27, 2021 – March 31, 2022
Daytime – 12:00 NN to 4:00 PM
Evening – 4:00 PM onwards
Daytime – SR 25 per person
SR 55 weekdays / SR 110 weekends
Free entry for babies under one year old.
COMBAT FIELD
More action-filled activities await you at the Combat Field. While the venue is far from the city center, the ride will be worth it when you see this zone of live action games. Form a group and have fun in their paintball and laser tags, muster up the courage to go on the zip line, let go of some of your angst and frustrations at the Rage Cage, and ride a tank! Or just watch the fire and sword shows at their Medieval Zone.
October 23, 2021 – March 16, 2022
Opens at 5:00 PM
SR 10 weekdays / SR 30 weekends
Children under 2 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
RIYADH SAFARI
An hour away from the city is Riyadh Safari, a zone that brings you and your family to a version of the African Safari in the Arabian desert. Live the safari experience and take a ride in the bus or a private jeep for a close encounter with the animals. You can also enjoy the festivities and performances in the Safari Park.
October 26, 2021 – December 25, 2022
Opens at 10:00 AM
SR 55 (park entry only)
SR 150 per person (safari ride on a bus)
SR 1000 per 4 persons (safari ride on a private jeep)
Free entry for kids below 2 years old.
ALSALAM TREE
One of the free zones of Riyadh Season 2021, Alsalam Tree is a fun, family-friendly venue located in Salam Park, an iconic green space in the city with man-made lagoons and fountains. The venue has been decorated with string lights and floral arches and sculptures that made it all the more IG-worthy. They added other attractions like a Bird Aviary, Garden Maze, Farm and Cooking Souk, and a stage for mini concerts and performances. The swan boats and ferry remain open to those who want to enjoy the lake.
November 19, 2021 – January 20, 2022
Opens at 4:00 PM
Free entry, no need to book tickets
NABD AL RIYADH
Nabd Al RIyadh, this year, is more subdued compared to its edition in 2019 but it’s still as interesting in its ways of honoring Saudi Arabia’s history and art. Located in the heart of Riyadh, Nabd Al Riyadh features 3D mapping of the Masmak Fort and surrounding buildings. There are mini performances from musicians playing the accordion, oud, piano, and more. There are also floating glowing white horses which will delight children.
November 23, 2021 – March 27, 2022
Opens at 6:00 PM
Free entry, no need to book tickets
QARIAT ZAMAN
One of the new zones this year is Qariat Zaman where visitors can reminisce about the good old days. The venue is basically centered on a stage where traditional dances and songs are played every night. Surrounding it are stalls that sell Saudi food like balila, luqaimat, nuts, and even refreshing sugar cane juice. Another area features vendors selling antique items and memorabilia. Restaurants serving kebabs and shawarma are also in the area.
November 3, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Opens at 4:00 PM
Free entry, no need to book tickets
AL-MURABBA
A luxurious dining experience awaits discerning foodies at Al-Murabba with its range of famous international restaurants offering different types of cuisines from Italian, Japanese, Argentinian, French, and more. Sweet shops like the famous Pierre Herme also round up the dining scene. Restaurants can be booked via The Chefz app. Light-strewn night gardens, concept stores, art galleries and traditional clothing stores complete one of the most luxurious zones of Riyadh Season 2021.
To make reservations, download and use The Chefz app.
OASIS
In Oasis, nature meets modern luxury. High-end restaurants like Momento, Novikov, and Opa find a stunning desert location in Riyadh Season’s newly-opened zone. A unique and comprehensive entertaining and shopping experience will keep guests occupied. It’s truly an excursion out of the city and into well-landscaped sand dunes.
To make reservations, download and use The Chefz app.
Riyadh Season 2021 also includes the Riyadh Front zone which is a venue of big events like the Toy Con Festival and Jewellery Exhibition which were held in October and November. The zone, Khaloha, which filled the evening air with poetry and songs is until December 10, 2021 only. The Al’Athriyah zone, another zone for cultural activities and luxe restaurants, has just opened. And the last zone set to open soon is VIA Riyadh, a luxurious destination for fashion and style mavens. The Diplomatic Quarter is also home to one of the Riyadh Season’s zones: The Groves, a garden brought to life by fine dining restaurants, a dog park, fashionable stores, and performances of ballerinas, percussionists, and Latin dancers. More on this zone on the next pages of this issue.
Tickets to Riyadh Season events can be bought at tickets.riyadhseason.sa. Enjoy Riyadh Season 2021!
Photo credits to Riyadh Season social media accounts:
facebook.com/riyadhseason
twitter.com/riyadhseason
Janelle Vales-Yasay
