The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed a dazzling celebration this afternoon (Friday) with the grand opening parade of Riyadh Season 2025, which took place between Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World. Thousands of visitors gathered early to attend the event, which marked the beginning of a new season filled with wonder and joy.

In a televised address, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced the official opening of the season, saying:

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may God protect him, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prime Minister, our inspiring leader and the architect of Vision 2030, for their unlimited support for the entertainment sector. On this occasion, I declare the opening of the sixth edition of Riyadh Season 2025 — welcome to Riyadh Season.”

The parade, broadcast live on more than 12 TV channels and media platforms, featured spectacular international performances by local and global troupes, along with a display of dozens of giant balloons from New York, presented for the first time in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Macy’s, one of the world’s leading organizers of festive parades.

The skies of Riyadh lit up with colorful smoke effects launched at the parade’s finale in the colors of the season’s logo, adding an atmosphere of joy and excitement. The streets were filled with enthusiastic spectators engaging with the artistic processions and live performances that combined music, creativity, and visual spectacle.

This parade marks the grand launch of Riyadh Season 2025, which will continue over the coming months with a wide array of world-class events and experiences, further reinforcing Riyadh’s status as a global entertainment hub and one of the leading cities that blend authenticity with innovation in hosting international events.