Riyadh: Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season will host the 2026 edition of the Ethnosport Cultural Festival in Riyadh this November, while also sponsoring the festival's 2027 edition, which will take place in Istanbul, Trkiye, in May 2027.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the announcement was made during a signing ceremony held in Istanbul, attended by Turki Alalshikh and President of the World Ethnosport Union Bilal Erdogan. Agreements were signed for Riyadh Season to host the 2026 festival edition in Riyadh and sponsor the 2027 edition in Istanbul.
Turki Alalshikh expressed that hosting the Ethnosport Cultural Festival in Riyadh will offer a major surprise for audiences. He emphasized the collaboration with Bilal Erdogan and noted that the partnership will extend into 2027 with Riyadh Season's sponsorship of the festival in Istanbul.
He added that this announcement marks the start of further collaboration in the future, expressing satisfaction with the achievements made in a short time and commending the efforts that have contributed to the partnership's success.
Organized by the World Ethnosport Union, the international festival gathers participants from various countries for traditional sports competitions and experiences, attracting audiences of all ages.
Hosting the festival in Riyadh enhances Riyadh Season's role in bringing international events to the Kingdom, while sponsoring the 2027 edition in Istanbul expands Riyadh Season's global presence and introduces its brand to new audiences worldwide.
Ethnosports include traditional sports like archery, falconry, wrestling, and equestrian sports, rooted in different societies' traditions and evolved into events attracting international participation. Trkiye has a strong ethnosport presence, making Istanbul a key destination for the festival.
Further details about the 2026 Ethnosport Cultural Festival in Riyadh, including dates and activities, will be announced later.