Diriyah: Diriyah Season 25/26 continues to offer a rich and immersive cultural and tourism experience, drawing on Diriyah's deep-rooted history and its status as the birthplace of the first Saudi State. The season features a wide range of programs that blend culture, entertainment, and tourism.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the season presents a distinctive model for showcasing Diriyah's historical heritage, highlighting its role as a hub for cultural dialogue, the arts, and sustainable tourism experiences. This approach reflects the Kingdom's vision of developing tourism destinations with a strong national identity and a fully integrated visitor experience for both local and international audiences.
Cultural and intellectual programs form a central pillar of the season. The Diriyah Storytelling Festival, held in Al-Bujairi District, which has long been regarded as a center of learning and knowledge, has helped position Diriyah as a vibrant space for thought and creativity. The festival brought together writers and intellectuals from around the world and provided visitors with opportunities to engage with cultural content reflecting Saudi Arabia's dynamic literary scene.
As part of the season's comprehensive tourism experience, Souq Al-Mawsim, launched from the historic Al-Tawalie area, offered an immersive experience marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The event blended cultural experiences with live, interactive performances, while giving visitors the opportunity to explore traditional handicrafts, heritage products, and traditional arts from both countries.
Wadi Safar emerged as one of the season's major attractions, hosting the Sada Al-Wadi program, which featured musical and artistic evenings celebrating Saudi folk arts in an open-air setting that combined natural beauty with creative expression. These activities highlighted the harmony between nature and the arts, delivering a cultural entertainment experience that appealed to visitors seeking distinctive and memorable events.
In Al-Murayih District, long known historically as a gathering space that blends relaxation with traditional Samri and Ardah performances, Layali Al-Diriyah continues to welcome visitors in an atmosphere inspired by the area's authenticity and spirit. Meanwhile, Samhan District embraces a variety of live performances, including performing arts and poetry recitals, reflecting the region's cultural identity and offering audiences an engaging and interactive experience.
Overlooking Wadi Safar, one of the largest tributaries of Wadi Hanifah, Minzal welcomes visitors in a setting inspired by the values of Saudi hospitality, offering an experience that blends heritage, comfort, and cultural interaction. Historic At-Turaif District, a symbol of leadership and governance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has seen the opening of six historic palaces of the imams and princes of the first Saudi State as part of the Hal Al-Qusoor program. Open to the public for the first time, the palaces allow visitors to explore the history of the Saudi state through a cohesive narrative that deepens historical understanding and appreciation of national heritage.
The season also places special emphasis on younger generations through the Al-Huwayett and Msalliyah programs in Adhwaihrah District, which aim to connect young people with Diriyah's values and traditions and strengthen their sense of national identity. The programs offer interactive activities that combine learning and entertainment, presenting Najdi heritage in a simple and contemporary style.
This wide range of programs reflects the clear vision underpinning Diriyah Season 25/26, reinforcing Diriyah's status as a global cultural and tourism destination welcoming visitors year-round. The season also supports the objectives of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority by delivering integrated programs that present Diriyah's historical values in a modern format. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to position the Kingdom as a global hub for culture, entertainment, and tourism.