Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Diriyah Season 25/26 concludes with record tourist turnout, landmark events

RIYADH
Diriyah Season 25/26 concludes with record tourist turnout, landmark events

Diriyah Season 25/26 concluded at the end of March, following its launch in November 2025, offering visitors a five-month cultural and tourism experience across the historic areas of Diriyah.

The season drew a large turnout of tourists from within the Kingdom and abroad, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen the cultural economy and develop the tourism sector, reported Saudi Press Agency.

 The season's programming spanned culture, entertainment, arts, and heritage, presenting Diriyah's ancient history within a narrative that merges authenticity with contemporary expression.

Among its most prominent activities was the Diriyah Storytelling Festival in Al-Bujairi District, which brought together writers and intellectuals from around the world in a space dedicated to thought, creativity, and dialogue.

 This year's edition of Souq Al-Mawsim carried special significance, celebrating Japan and the culture of Kyoto to mark the 70th anniversary of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations, with the market's design blending elements from both cultures.

Wadi Safar hosted the Saad Al-Wadi programme, offering musical evenings celebrating Saudi arts in a natural, open-air setting.

Additionally, the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District's Hal Al-Qusoor programme gave visitors access to several historic palaces of the First Saudi State.

 The season also highlighted traditional Najdi architecture and its use of natural building materials. Overall, Diriyah Season 25/26 reinforced the site's standing as a global cultural destination and reflected Saudi Vision 2030's goals of developing tourism rooted in national identity while attracting visitors from around the world.