This year’s Riyadh Season will commence on 21 October 2026.
Riyadh, it’s almost showtime. Riyadh Season 2026 begins rolling out its epic events lineup on Wednesday, 21 October, launching ten weeks of sport, concerts, cultural experiences and family entertainment. Announced by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, the seventh edition returns under the “Big Time” theme, with Six Kings Slam, WWE Crown Jewel and a major boxing showdown among the Riyadh Season 2026 headline events.
Beyond the arenas, Boulevard World will introduce country pavilions representing the Netherlands, Portugal and Yemen. Boulevard City, Wonder Garden, The Groves and the Farmers’ Market are also expected to return. With further details still emerging, here are the major events to have on your radar.
Mexico vs. the World: 31 October 2026
One of boxing’s biggest names returns to Riyadh as Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez challenges Christian Mbilli at The Venue. Headlining Mexico vs. the World, the pair will contest the WBC super middleweight title held by the unbeaten Cameroonian-French fighter. For Canelo, the bout marks his first appearance since losing to Terence Crawford in September 2025 and offers a route back to championship success. Mbilli, meanwhile, makes his first defence of the belt against the most recognisable opponent of his career. With experience meeting relentless ambition, this is a compelling addition to the sporting calendar. Tickets are on sale now through WeBook.
WWE Crown Jewel: 7 November 2026
Champions collide when WWE Crown Jewel arrives at Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District. The event will feature champion-versus-champion contests across the men’s and women’s divisions, continuing a format that crowned Seth Rollins and Stephanie Vaquer in 2025. Elaborate entrances, crowd participation and wrestling’s ongoing rivalries make this an occasion with appeal well beyond regular viewers. WWE’s Saudi partnership dates back to 2018, and this instalment precedes Riyadh’s hosting of WrestleMania 43 in 2027. Tickets will be available via WeBook, while international audiences can watch the action on Netflix.
GC Playoffs: 18 to 21 November 2026
Show jumping fans should also mark their calendars for the GC Playoffs, confirmed in Riyadh from 18 to 21 November 2026. The competition gathers leading riders, horses and teams for four days of precision, pace and pressure as the Global Champions season reaches its climax. Its headline contests include the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix and the GCL Super Cup, pairing individual ambition with team competition.
Ethnosport Cultural Festival: 19 to 28 November 2026
Traditional sports share the spotlight with food, crafts and cultural encounters at the Ethnosport Cultural Festival. Hosted by Riyadh Season in partnership with the World Ethnosport Union, the November gathering introduces a format established in Türkiye, where athletes from different countries showcase sporting traditions passed between generations. The festival also features traditional arts, international flavours, children’s games and opportunities for visitors to try activities themselves. It offers families a different route into the season, with cultural discovery at its heart. Exact dates have yet to be announced.
Power Slap: November 2026
Power Slap returns to Riyadh Season this November, with participants for the latest event still to be confirmed. The live slap-fighting competition sees two opponents take turns delivering open-handed strikes across a table, with the receiving competitor required to remain in position without blocking or dodging. Matches can finish through knockouts, technical knockouts or judges’ decisions, while referees enforce rules covering striking technique, foot placement and defensive positioning. Scoring considers the effectiveness of each strike alongside the opponent’s reaction and recovery.
UFC: December 2026
UFC returns to Riyadh Season this December, putting mixed martial arts back in the spotlight in the Saudi capital. While the fighters and matchups have yet to be confirmed, the event will centre on contests inside the Octagon, where striking, wrestling and submission grappling combine. Competitors fight within weight divisions, with bouts typically lasting three five-minute rounds and main events scheduled for five. Victories can come through knockouts, submissions, referee stoppages or judges’ decisions.
Six Kings Slam: 27 to 30 December 2026
Tennis takes centre court as Six Kings Slam returns to ANB Arena for its third edition. Defending champion Jannik Sinner leads a formidable field featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, with Alex de Minaur making his tournament debut. Played across three nights, the exhibition uses a knockout format that keeps the focus on blockbuster encounters. Sinner won the first two editions, setting up another intriguing test against his biggest rivals. Fans unable to attend can follow every match live on Netflix, with coverage available to subscribers worldwide at no additional cost. Tickets are available through WeBook.
Check in with FACT for further Riyadh Season 2026 event announcements.
Where: Various locations across Riyadh
Contact: https://riyadhseason.com