Diriyah Season unveils amazing art, music and sports

The exciting event runs from December to March. 

Saudi Arabia knows how to put on a season. The next season coming up in the Kingdom is Diriyah Season. Running from 12 December 2023 to March 2024, it will bring together an exciting range of events and experiences, which are designed to bring to life the heritage of Diriyah. 

This year’s theme celebrates Hal Al Awja and honours Diriyah’s origin story as the birthplace of the Kingdom. Diriyah Season combines arts, culture, live performances and experiences, which aim to showcase the site’s six hundred years of history. The event takes place across Diriyah’s parks, wadis, Bujairi Terrace and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, At-Turaif. 

This year’s Diriyah Season starts on a musical note with a cultural concert showcasing Saudi music legends Rabeh Saqer and Ayed in Mayadeen on 12 December. The season also promises a diverse array of experiences, including the Journey to the Future Escape Room, challenging participants’ escapism skills while delving into the Kingdom’s rich historical narratives.

A standout feature of Diriyah Season is ‘Diriyah Nights,’ where one of Diriyah’s heritage farms transforms into an illuminated wonderland. This immersive outdoor experience showcases local and global contemporary art, design, cuisine, live music, dance, poetry, and theatrical performances. Elsewhere, the ‘Diriyah Doors exhibition’ encourages reflection on the ideas, meaning, and legacy of Diriyah, while ‘At-Turaif Retrospective’ weaves together the stories and memories of Diriyah through a multimedia installation.

For gastronomes, Diriyah Season presents ‘Shetana,’ an outdoor Saudi winter food experience by the Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Arts Commission at the Mayadeen Theater.

Speed and adrenaline enthusiasts can anticipate the return of the Diriyah E-Prix championship, organized by the Ministry of Sport. Against the backdrop of the heritage site, state-of-the-art cars emphasize the juxtaposition of old and new, highlighting the role of sustainability and innovation in preserving our heritage.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Board Member and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, said: “Residents and visitors alike explore the Kingdom for its many and varied authentic and meaningful experiences. This is what Diriyah Season is all about. Here, in Diriyah, in the birthplace of the nation, we are connecting our own people and those from around the world to our rich heritage and culture. In light of the news that Riyadh will host Expo 2030, we look forward to expanding Diriyah Season as a leading cultural festival and increasing opportunities to create connection and dialogue over the coming years.”

Happy Diriyah Season. 

GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.