Riyadh Season 2025 ignited with global parade, ushering in a new chapter of entertainment

SAUDI ARABIA – Riyadh Season 2025 has officially kicked off with a dazzling global parade, launching the most ambitious edition of the festival to date.

The event, held on October 10, 2025, transformed the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital into a dynamic celebration of culture, music, and art, drawing massive crowds along the route from Kingdom Arena to Boulevard World.

In a historic collaboration, the American entertainment giant Macy’s brought its world-famous parade expertise to Riyadh for the first time outside the United States.

The procession featured larger-than-life balloons, including global icons making their Saudi debut, alongside vibrant floats and over 3,000 performers from across the world.

The spectacle included synchronized dance troupes, theatrical costumes, daytime fireworks, and bubble displays, all choreographed to a multicultural musical score.

The Macy’s team coordinated the intricate handling of giant inflatables through Riyadh’s streets, blending New York’s festive energy with Saudi hospitality.

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced the season’s launch in a televised address, thanking King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of the Kingdom’s cultural transformation.

He described the parade as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s openness and global engagement.

Families and visitors lined the streets, waving flags and recording the moment, while residents joined the festivities from balconies and rooftops.

The event began at 1:30 PM local time and was streamed live, reaching millions globally and amplifying the season’s international appeal.

Now in its sixth edition, Riyadh Season spans 11 entertainment zones, featuring 15 world championships, 34 exhibitions, and major events like the 6 Kings Slam tennis tournament.

The festival is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning Saudi Arabia as a top global tourism destination.

Since its 2019 debut, Riyadh Season has welcomed over 35 million visitors, generating an estimated SAR 45 billion (US$12 billion) in economic impact.

It has created thousands of jobs and spurred investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and creative industries.

With its fusion of global spectacle and local identity, Riyadh Season 2025 is not just an entertainment event, it is a cultural milestone shaping the future of the region.

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