All the events taking place at the new Riyadh Season zone, The Venue
This year’s edition will be the most spectacular yet …
The Riyadh Season 2024/25 is about to make its start next month with what’s often considered the capital city’s flagship event.
And given the announcements made by General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, anticipation is certainly building, as the festival promises a fresh wave of excitement with new areas and events that will captivate visitors like never before.
One new area added to this year’s Riyadh Season is The Venue. The zone, which covers an area of around 10,000 square meters, was built in 50 days to accommodate 8,000 people.
It is also equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, flexible staging design, and superior sound quality – poised to become the premier choice for hosting a variety of global and exclusive events.
With a line-up of attractions designed to elevate the season’s reputation as the world’s most diverse entertainment festival, here are all the events that will be taking place at the new Riyadh Season zone, The Venue.
2024 events
October 16, 17 & 19: 6 Kings Slam
Tennis fans, get ready for the ultimate clash of titans. The 6 Kings Slam is set to be a unique addition to the city’s growing roster of world-class sporting events. Tennis superstars Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, as well as Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, are set to grace the courts in Riyadh. Russian powerhouse Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, the highest-ranking Danish player in history, and Jannik Sinner, the young Italian who recently claimed his first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, will also be competing. The event will be an exhibition and not count for points or be a part of the men’s ATP Tour.
November 2 & 3: WWE Crown Jewel
WWE is returning to Saudi Arabia later this year. Set to take place in The Venue, the WWE Crown Jewel will be held on Saturday November 2, and the Raw show on Sunday November 3. More details on the event will be announced soon.
November 13: Elie Saab
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A collaboration that brings together fashion and entertainment, renowned fashion designer Elie Saab will launch his Fall 2025 collection inspired by Riyadh Season. Think a sumptuous mosaic of embellishments, embroidered intricacies and dreamy silhouettes that are Saab’s signature.
November 16: Latino Night
Scheduled to be one of the biggest celebrations of Latino boxing talent, Latino Night will see the history-making WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez of Mazatlan, Mexico, in hot pursuit of becoming undisputed in the division. His first step will be challenging WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith of Surrey, UK, who is coming off the heels of three straight title defences.
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In the co-main event, former US Olympian and unified champion Jose Ramirez will face the undefeated title contender and currently No. 1 WBO-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. in a 12-round WBO super lightweight world title eliminator fight. Also on the card, the unstoppable knockout machine, William “El Camaron” Zepeda of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, will challenge former American IBF world champion Tevin “2X” Farmer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a 10-round lightweight fight.
Defending his WBO Minimumweight World Championship for the fourth time, the history-making Puerto Rican Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo of Villalba, Puerto Rico, will measure up against Queretaro, Mexico’s Edwin “Canito” Cano in a 12-round world title bout. Opening the historic show with a 12-round WBA super lightweight eliminator fight, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Oscar “La Migrana” Duarte will face No. 1 WBA-ranked Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. of Chicago, Illinois.
November 21: Effie MENA Awards
The Effie MENA Awards, the regional edition of the globally renowned marketing industry awards, will also take place at The Venue. The event honours the top companies in the creative field in the Middle East and North Africa and recognises their most impactful marketing efforts.
2025 events
January 18: Joy Awards
The Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event, recognising and celebrating the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements in art, cinema, drama, music, sports and more. And it will continue to attract big names for its upcoming edition, as moguls, A-listers and even Hollywood stars flock to the iconic lavender carpet in Riyadh.
January 30: Power Slap
Get ready to experience the ultimate slapping showdown in Power Slap – a first-time event in the Kingdom. For the uninitiated, slap fighting is exactly what it sounds like: Two contestants slapping each other. Hard. The bout typically ends when only one of them is conscious.
February 1: UFC Championship
The UFC Championship will return for the second time to the season, but with even fiercer competition. Not much has been revealed but watch this space for updates.
The Venue, Al Hefnah, 4pm to 3am. @riyadhseason
Images: Social / What’s On Archives