Meet Samhan by Diriyah Season, where Najdi culture truly comes to life
The program features Najdi performances and poetry
Diriyah Season, Saudi Arabia’s annual celebration of Najdi culture, invites you to the historical Samhan district to explore a wonderful lineup of cultural experiences, live performances, and Najdi storytelling and poetry. Meet Samhan by Diriyah Season.
Samhan by Diriyah Season is open to the public every day at 4pm, featuring interactive workshops, theatrical, artistic, and cultural performances, and traditional Samri music, accompanied by light shows, and so much more.
The district, historically a thriving urban centre during the First Saudi State, features several notable landmarks, including the historic Samhan Mosque, and among Diriyah’s oldest, Samhan Gate, the eastern main entrance to Diriyah, as well as Samhan Tower and the surrounding fortified wall.
The dedicated children’s area is housed within one of the historic mudbrick houses. You can look forward to educational and entertainment activities such as a historic storytelling corner (A Gathering with Grandma), simple craft workshops, traditional Najdi costume experiences with photo opportunities, and classic folk games.
Samhan by Diriyah
Walk around the area and you’ll be greeted by actors dressed in traditional Najdi attire, known as “Ahl Al-Hayy” (People of the District). While street theatre showcases heritage-inspired costumes. Informative displays highlight the history and lifestyle of Najdi families, completing the visitor experience in the dining and seating areas, where traditional and international cuisines are served in a traditional setting.
While Riyadh Season takes pride in celebrating the future (also happening right now), Diriyah Season 2025 takes a different route to honour the longstanding history and legacy of the Kingdom. Diriyah Season 2025 will be celebrated under the theme of Where You Experience Legacy and will launch on Saturday November 1, and go on until Monday March 23, 2026. This year’s edition includes over 10 incredible events happening across all the historical zones in Diriyah.
Location: Samhan, Diriyah
Timings: 4pm onwards
Visit: diriyahseason.sa
Images: Provided
