Hold onto your hats, folks. The highly anticipated Diriyah Season is here, running from December 20 2024, through March 2025.
This isn’t just any old festival; it’s a spectacular celebration of culture, art, and good vibes in the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, packed with immersive experiences that’ll tickle your curiosity.
What’s the vibe at Diriyah Season?
This year’s theme, “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” invites you to dive deep into Diriyah’s rich history—600 years’ worth, to be exact! Diriyah Season is a celebration of heritage and hospitality, featuring various programs that highlight the area’s cultural significance.
What we know so far
Here’s what’s we know so far. Keep checking back as we will be updating you with all the details as they are announced.
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Exhibition
Open for visitors now until the 11th of January, this exhibition is dedicated to Imam Turki bin Abdullah, the founder of the Second Saudi State. It’s an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through his life, revealing how he shaped the future after the fall of Diriyah and the First Saudi State. Discover Turki’s crucial efforts in reclaiming his homeland and reviving the legacy of his ancestors, making history come alive. Fun for the whole family – and educational for both kids and adults.
Dec 20-Jan 11. 4pm-12am, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Riyadh diriyah.sa
Minzal, Wadi Experience
While we don’t know all the details yet, we do know that the Minzal cultural camp is returning, showcasing Diriyah’s rich culture and history. Visitors can expect to explore art installations, experience traditional music, and browse local markets against the backdrop of mountain views. Activities will include engaging with horses in AlKhayal, participating in interactive workshops in Al-Birwaz, and enjoying gourmet dining in Al-Mashb. Stargazing and 3D light shows will also feature, with luxury glamping experiences and concerts planned for the season.
8 January – 22 February. Sun-Wed 5pm-12am, Thu-Sat 5pm – 2am, Al Duhami Farms. Diriyah, Riyadh webook.com
Layali Diriyah
Based on past editions, you can’t miss the 4th edition of Layali Diriyah, where fine dining meets daily (and nightly) cultural events. You will also be able to enjoy luxury shopping in the retail zone, showcasing top local and international brands. It’s a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and fashion all in one place and promises to be bigger than ever.
Dates tbc, Diriyah, Riyadh webook.com
Diriyah Story Telling Festival
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival will be a must visit spot for literature lovers, showcasing a major exhibition of novelists, hosting workshops led by renowned international storytellers, and offering a variety of entertainment zones for all visitors.
Dates tbc. Al Duhami Farms. Diriyah, Riyadh diriyah.sa
850 Interactive Experience
Travel back to 850 AH, the founding era of Diriyah. In its second edition, the interactive game presents Diriyah’s historical stories through puzzles and challenges inspired by the past. Discover the stories of legendary figures like Imam Turki bin Abdullah, founder of the Second Saudi State, and the first military unit, “The Knights of Al-Munqiya.” Engage with both indoor and outdoor experiences that bring history to life and ignite your imagination.
Dates tbc, Muntazah Park, Diriyah, Riyadh webook.com
TYN Festival
The TYN (Clay) Festival is an annual event that brings together architects, academics, and the public to celebrate traditional architecture using local mud. It aims to create a hub for learning and discussion, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment focused on clay art and architectural elements.
Dates tbc. Al Duhami Farms. Diriyah, Riyadh webook.com
The Souk
We are pretty excited by this one. The Souk (also known as ‘The Market by Dragone’) “blends the charm of a traditional Najdi market with world-class performances and flavours from Saudi Arabia.” Dragone are an international theatre experiences company so you can expect plenty of thrills and awe-inspiring moments.
Dates tbc. Mayadeen, Diriyah, Riyadh webook.com
Stay tuned for more details
Dec 20 2024 – Mar 2025, Ad-Diriyah, Riyadh www.diriyah.sa
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