Diriyah Season is set to open in December, with a captivating array of events and experiences designed to bring to life the living heritage of Diriyah – ’The City of Earth’, and the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Spread across several areas of Diriyah, including the parks, wadis, iconic sites of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, the fine dining destination, the 2023/24 Season will offer visitors an unrivaled authentic experience that combines arts and culture, live performance, and experiential experiences to showcase nearly six hundred years of history and heritage in a compelling and entertaining way.
The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone. These include live musical and theatrical performances, the highly anticipated Diriyah E-Prix championship organized by the Ministry of Sport, an expanded and engaging return of ‘Layali Diriyah’, immersive art installations and exhibitions, stellar culinary experiences, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, camping, and stargazing.
The Season aims to entertain visitors’ cultural curiosity by curating a unique three-month calendar of events offering something for everyone
This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s origin story and celebrates Al Awja, indicative of the people of the bend (Wadi Hanifah), and a rallying call for all Saudis to come together and celebrate their shared culture and identity.
While Diriyah is a vital source of Saudi cultural identity and national pride, it also stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s plans for its future as a unique cultural capital. Centered around the birthplace of the first Saudi state, it is a city built with people at its heart; a place where people from all walks of life come together and experience the unique Saudi way of life.
As such, this Season will offer a unique opportunity for tourists from across the region and the world to get first-hand insight into the warm hospitality, rich culture, heritage, and traditions of the Kingdom and its people. By doing this, it aims to increase cultural dialogue across the Kingdom and among people from all over the world.
“As Saudi Arabia expands its tourism offering, we are unlocking the enormous potential that the sector offers”
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Board Member and Secretary General of Diriyah Company, said: “As Saudi Arabia expands its tourism offering, we are unlocking the enormous potential that the sector offers. Central to this is authenticity in tourism: people travel for real stories and to meet real people. Diriyah Season will create connection and dialogue; supporting experiential tourism that is highly meaningful and memorable.”
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “Diriyah Season will unite the world in a celebration of culture and shared experiences. As we embark on this new annual season of events, we look forward to showcasing Diriyah, The City of Earth, and its values as one of the most culturally significant locations in the Kingdom.”
Diriyah Season 23/24 is presented by Diriyah Company, in partnership with Diriyah Gate Development Authority.