RIYADH — Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), said on Thursday that the opening parade of the Riyadh Season 2, slated for Oct. 20, will be an impressive and dazzling event, which is beyond imagination as the epitome of its slogan "Imagine more." In a tweet, Al-Sheikh announced surprises in the festival featuring fun-filled activities and 7,500 astounding events across 14 entertainment zones spreading over a total area of 5.4 million square meters. "The opening parade of the Riyadh Season is huge and goes beyond imagination in the parade ground next to Boulevard. International artist Pitbull will lead a grand concert on the opening stage, with surprises that can't be missed. The date is on Oct. 20, God willing." Al-Sheikh's tweet has been met with rousing welcome and tremendous responses from twitteratis, who follow packages of events being announced by GEA every now and then, and their re-tweets confirm the great passion and anxious wait for the approaching activities of the festival. The major activities and performances of the Riyadh Season 2021 in the month of October include the following: Oct. 20 – Opening parade and Pitbull concert. Oct. 21- Boulevard Launch; WWE Crown Jewel match. Oct. 22 -Riyadh Front Launch/Rush; MBC The House of Talent; Crystal Maze Show. Oct. 23 – Combat Field Launch. On Oct. 24 Al-Murabaa Launch. Oct. 25 -Masameer Experience. Oct. 26 - Salam Square Play; Winter Wonderland Launch. Oct. 27 - Riyadh Safari Launch; The Champions of Magic. Oct. 28 - Egyptian Orchestra; George Wassouf and Wael Jassar Concert. Oct. 29 – 10 CDS Messi. As many as 100 interactive experiences and 10 international exhibitions will be held as part of the festival, which will run through until March. A major highlight of this year's season will be 70 Arab concerts and six international concerts, that will begin with that of Pitbull, renowned American rapper, along with the WWE Crown Jewel match that is scheduled to take place on Oct. 21 at Mohammed Abdu Arena. For the culinary program, a total of 200 restaurants and 70 cafés have signed up to join. Along with 350 theater shows, 18 Arab plays and six international plays are planned to enthrall the art and theater lovers. There will be more than 7,500 activities, 500 electronic games, nine international studios, four theaters, the world's first and largest mobile skyloop with a capacity of more than 40 percent, an international arena, 3-km walkway, in addition to a golf course and 12 paddle tennis courts. The visitors can watch the thrilling experiences of fighting in five eras, riding war tanks and shooting with live ammunition at 15 interactive shooting ranges. Another enthralling experience will be the Saudi Anime Expo, the largest convention of its kind so far staged in the Middle East, and that will bring a taste of all things Japanese, from musical performances to popular anime booths, to the region. The season also offers a giant tree experience, an area to interact with pets and safari trips, in addition to the Riyadh Games Festival, exhibition of electronic games, exhibitions of perfumes and jewelry, exhibition of cars and many artistic and musical performances, including concerts. The Riyadh Season 2 is expected to provide a mixture of exclusivity, suspense and modernity, turning the capital city of Riyadh into one of the most preferred destinations for visitors and tourists in the region and the world as well. International travelers can now easily visit Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom has aimed to boost tourism through the quick and simple process of procuring an e-visa. It is noteworthy that in 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international travelers for the grand celebratory festival of the Saudi Seasons, which re-established Kingdom's position as an international tourist hotspot. Of the 11 Saudi seasons, the most popular season was set in Riyadh as the showpiece of modern Saudi Arabia, bringing art, theater, food and action to the Saudi capital city. Spanning over two months, the Riyadh Season 1 was one of the many initiatives taken by the Kingdom to boost economic and tourist activity, with a focus on non-religious tourism. The initiative falls in line with Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman's Vision 2030, as Saudi Arabia moves towards a progressive future.
