Anne Marie, Spectacular Drone Show Kick Off Riyadh Season 2022

Fireworks decorate the sky of Riyadh with the launch of the largest entertainment festival in the Middle East (Photo: Yazeed Al-Samrani)
Fireworks decorate the sky of Riyadh with the launch of the largest entertainment festival in the Middle East (Photo: Yazeed Al-Samrani)
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Anne Marie, Spectacular Drone Show Kick Off Riyadh Season 2022

Fireworks decorate the sky of Riyadh with the launch of the largest entertainment festival in the Middle East (Photo: Yazeed Al-Samrani)
Fireworks decorate the sky of Riyadh with the launch of the largest entertainment festival in the Middle East (Photo: Yazeed Al-Samrani)

With a spectacular drone show, the international Cirque du Soleil and a concert by British artist Anne Marie, the largest entertainment season in the Middle East and the Arab world kicked off on Friday in Riyadh.

In its third edition, the Riyadh Season festival features a whopping 15 zones.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Al Al-Sheikh, expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for its support of the entertainment sector and the festival.

At the festival’s grand opening, visitors enjoyed a performance by Anne Marie, who performed several of her popular songs.

Moreover, visitors witnessed a stunning 35-minute Cirque du Soleil show with the participation of more than 58 artists and three vocalists.

A group of gymnasts, high wire acts, stunt motorcyclists, fire-jetting and swinging rope performers all awed the audience present for one of the biggest events in Saudi Arabia.

The opening ceremony also included a performance by a local band with a song dedicated to the Riyadh Season. Modi Al-Shamrani and Shabah Besha, two of the most famous folk artists in Saudi Arabia, also performed.

Visitors expressed their admiration of the experiences offered by the opening ceremony and said they reflect the great events that Riyadh will host in the coming months.

Various zones within the festival will host activities and events, concerts, local and international exhibitions, theatrical performances, WWE Championships, football tournaments, interactive experiences from global cultures, restaurants, and cafes, among other experiences.

It will also include the biggest artificial lake in the world, submarines, a combat field area, and a village for superheroes.

The season will also feature 65 days of fireworks activities.

The venues of Riyadh Season 2022 are Boulevard World, Boulevard Riyadh City, Winter Wonderland, Al Murabaa, Sky Riyadh, Via Riyadh, Riyadh Zoo, Little Riyadh, The Groves, Imagination Park, Al-Suwaidi Park, Souq Al Zel, Qariat Zaman, Fan Festival and Riyadh Front.



North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.
The recognition follows UNESCO’s stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities.
CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported.
He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.
He also underscored NCVC’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts.

According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.
Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.