Riyadh Season highlights include Harry Potter theme park and Martin Lawrence comedy show

The festival is an ideal event to experience the sights and sounds of the Saudi Arabian capital

Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence will perform in Riyadh Season. Getty Images

One of the region's biggest cultural festivals will return to Saudi Arabia in October. Riyadh Season, an entertainment extravaganza in the Saudi capital, will begin on October 12 with scores of events taking place across the city.

According to Turki Al Sheikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and organisers behind Riyadh Season, the new iteration will reportedly take place in areas and venues spread across 7.2 million square metres. A new entertainment zone will be on offer as well as next year's return of the annual Joy Awards, a gala ceremony celebrating the best in Arabic film, television and music.

With more to be announced soon, here is what we know so far about the event.

1. You'll be able to experience culture at Boulevard World

Boulevard World, the entertainment zone at the heart of Riyadh Season, will be part of the new season. Relatively similar to Dubai's Global Village, it has more than a dozen pavilions dedicated to international countries and regions.

After impressing visitors last year with the debut of the Egyptian pavilion, including a recreation of the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, Boulevard World returns this year with five new pavilions. The most prominent will be Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Africa and the French Alps ski resort Courchevel.

Last year's site spanned 1.2km in length and increased by 40 per cent, according to organisers. It has also been connected to the nearby Boulevard City via a three-minute cable car ride.

2. New areas dedicated to Harry Potter, fashion and retail

Riyadh Season will return with the Harry Poter Experience. The 25,000-square-metre park is dedicated to the magical world of the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. The Harry Potter experience is said to be inspired by similar attractions at Universal Studios theme parks in Osaka and Florida.

Also set to have its premiere is the Boulevard Runway, which will be dedicated to fashionistas. The 140,000-square-metre site is a collaboration with Lebanese designer Elie Saab and will be home to numerous events and showcases throughout the month. Details of the zone's location are yet to be revealed.

BLVD Business Park also promises to be an eye-catching attraction. Developed with Saudi Airlines, the space features three Boeing 777 aircraft converted as retail space including restaurants.

3. There will be concerts at Boulevard City

Where Boulevard World is about culture, Boulevard City is all about entertainment. Since launching in 2019, the permanent 81-hectare site has become a major drawcard for locals and tourists with various events – from e-sports competitions to Ramadan family festivals – throughout the year.

However, it is during Riyadh Season where Boulevard City shines, with a soon to be announced full programme of concerts and exhibitions. Bad Boys star Martin Lawrence will headline a standup comedy evening as part of the new season with a date and venue to be revealed soon.

Last year's calendar of events included sold-out concerts by pop stars Post Malone, Elissa and Wael Kfoury as well as a museum dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

4. Expect an eclectic menu

Riyadh Season is also a haven for foodies, with nearly all of its 14 entertainment zones home to both permanent and pop-up restaurants and food trucks serving international cuisine from the Levant to Latin America.

Those looking to take their taste buds on adventure should visit Boulevard World, where the major pavilions – including India, Spain, France and Spain – have in-house restaurants serving local favourites. The South Korean pavilion is home to a popular Asian-inspired outdoor market.

Meanwhile at The Groves, a 35,000-square-metre entertainment and retail zone located in Riyadh's plush Diplomatic Quarter (also known locally as Al Safarat) will also re-open for the season with its own menu. Expect an eclectic array of restaurants, from food trucks to dinner and show concepts.

Last season's popular spots were the South African barbecue restaurant Zama Zulu and the Zodiac Garden, with its Mediterranean-inspired dance shows and cuisine. Details of this season's new and returning establishments will be unveiled soon.

5. Expect top sporting events

Riyadh Season has established itself as a sporting powerhouse at home and abroad. Ahead of the new season launch in October, the anticipated boxing match between heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and new IBF interim heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will take place in London's Wembley Stadium under the Riyadh Season Card moniker.

In Saudi Arabia a new high-profile tennis tournament called Six Kings Slam will run in Riyadh in October. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are among six tennis players – who have 50 combined Grand Slams between them – that will compete in an exhibition tournament with dates and venue to be announced soon.

Also on the cards are the Riyadh Season Padel Championship and the World Snooker Masters 2024.

6. Go out and explore the other zones

With Riyadh Season meant to activate various areas of the city, the event is an ideal reason to savour the sights and sounds of the city. The festival has other zones worth experiencing such as Souq Al Awaleen, a traditional outdoor market paying tribute to Riyadh heritage, and the ritzy Ramla Terraza home to upscale fashion houses and fine dining restaurants.