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Al Arabiya
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Eid al-Adha 2025: List of top places to celebrate in Riyadh
Eid al-Adha is just around the corner, bringing with it a joyful atmosphere and festive spirit across Riyadh. The city comes alive with celebrations, and with a long break expected, it is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the must-visit spots. Still figuring out how to spend your break? Here is a list of top things to do in Riyadh based on recommendations from Platinumlist guide and Time Out Riyadh, to help you make the most of this festive break. A half-day city tour Immerse yourself in Riyadh's rich heritage with a guided half-day cultural tour. Visitors can start their journey at Dirah Souq, a lively traditional market famous for its antique carpets, fragrant sandalwood and classic men's attire. Then, step back in time with a visit to the historic Masmak Fort, the site where King Abdulaziz reclaimed the city in 1902. As one of the top things to do in Riyadh during Eid, this tour offers a meaningful glimpse into the city's past, making it an ideal addition to your holiday plans. Boulevard City Every night during Eid, Boulevard Square lights up with spectacular fireworks and a dazzling drone show starting at 9 PM. With lively gaming zones, shopping centres and a wide array of restaurants and cafes, Riyadh's vibrant nightlife is in full swing – making it the perfect spot for an Eid night out. Timings: Daily 4pm-2am. Boulevard City, Hittin Via Riyadh Via Riyadh is another great spot to catch stunning fireworks displays and it is a paradise for food lovers. It boasts over 14 international and local restaurants and cafes, including Scott's, Spago and Gymkhana. After the meal, visitors can explore the area's stylish concept stores, luxurious five-star hotel and cinemas, marking a wholesome experience. Timings: Daily 11am-2am. Al Hada @viariyadh House of Hype This vibrant venue features 12 immersive zones filled with futuristic games, mesmerizing live performers, tasty dining spots and trendy shopping. Fun for all ages, it is the ultimate family outing. Ushaiqer Heritage Village Take a scenic drive out to Ushaiqer Heritage Village, a beautifully preserved showcase of traditional Najdi architecture. Over a thousand years old, this historic village once served as an important stop for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Visitors can stroll through its alleys, discover centuries-old mosques and browse a fascinating private collection of antiques. You can end your visit with a panoramic view of the village and enjoy a delicious Arabian lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to Riyadh. Bujairi Terrace Head to Bujairi Terrace for a celebration like no other. Much like last year, this year promises traditional peformances, dazzling Arabian horse shows, henna art along with exciting additions such as art installations, pottery painting and more. Timings: Open Sat-Tue 9am-1am; Wed-Fri 9am-2am. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah @visitdiriyah. Horse riding in the sunset Experience the thrill of horseback riding through Riyadh's stunning Red Sand Dunes this Eid break. With guided tours suited for all skill levels, it is the perfect outdoor adventure for families and friends looking to try something unique. Soak in the desert scenery and make the most of your holiday under the sun. U Walk Riyadh U Walk is one of Riyadh's most popular lifestyle vibrant open complex is known for its lively atmosphere and an impressive mix of international and local restaurants and cafes. With its unique blend of luxury, entertainment and variety, U Walk offers something for everyone making it perfect for an Eid outing. Roshn Front With its modern architectural design, Roshn Front is located on the road to King Khalid International Airport. It hosts a variety of choices in one place, from the finest brand products to enjoying the most delicious food from international and local restaurants and cafes. The outdoor green spaces and beautiful water ponds offer a memorable Eid experience with friends and family. Edge of the World Make this Eid unforgettable by setting off to a journey to the Edge of the World and trek along towering cliffs that soar up to 300 meters, taking in magnificent panoramic views. The tour also features traditional Saudi coffee and tea ceremonies along with a light meal, offering a perfect mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it one of the top activities to enjoy in Riyadh this Eid.
Al Arabiya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector surges as Platinumlist marks decade of massive growth
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with its market projected to reach $4.63 billion by 2030. Platinumlist, the premier ticketing platform operating across the Middle East, has released a new report detailing a decade of change in Saudi Arabia's event landscape – highlighting evolving consumer behavior, digitalization and the rise of immersive formats. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. Fueled by Vision 2030 and the General Entertainment Authority's push for private-sector participation, more than 3,700 businesses are now engaged in the Kingdom's entertainment industry. Platinumlist, which opened its first office in Saudi Arabia ten years ago, said it has invested $27.9 million in technology and local talent since entering the market. 'Vision 2030 and its initiatives have been instrumental in transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism industry in all sectors, such as Sport, entertainment, and business sectors,' Moayad Qudus, Senior Business Development Manager at Platinumlist, told Al Arabiya English. From concerts to culture hubs Public events in Saudi Arabia have evolved far beyond the Arabic pop concerts that dominated the market in 2016 and 2017, according to Platinumlist. Today, no single category leads, with experiential formats such as immersive zones and seasonal festivals accounting for 24 percent of events, followed by Arabic music and concerts (23 percent), family content (13 percent), youth-focused segments (13 percent), and business conferences (3 percent). Flagship events like Formula 1, Riyadh Season's Winter Wonderland, and the Diriyah Biennale have helped elevate the Kingdom's global profile, while inbound tourist spending reached approximately $40.95 billion in 2024, the platform highlighted in its report. Immersive tech and entertainment destinations Saudi Arabia is moving beyond individual events to create multi-purpose entertainment destinations, Platinumlist's report revealed. Locations like Qiddiya and AlUla blend music, art, and outdoor experiences into a single venue. Digital innovation – including AI-driven personalization, AR/VR integration, and smart crowd control – is now standard. 'The integration of culture, creativity, and cutting-edge tech is shaping once-in-a-lifetime experiences that define Saudi's unique entertainment identity,' Qudus said. 'By opening the market to private investment and building world-class venues across the Kingdom, these programs have driven growth and diversity in the entertainment sector,' he told Al Arabiya English. 'Looking ahead, continued public–private collaboration and a focus on immersive, technology-driven experiences will further reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a global entertainment hub.' Shifting consumer habits Consumer habits have also shifted sharply in recent years, according to Platinumlist. In 2017, 73 percent of buyers planned events weeks in advance. Today, 31 percent purchase tickets just hours or days ahead, with mobile transactions now representing over 70 percent of all sales. Saudi Arabia was the first GCC country to implement mobile ticketing with dynamic QR codes, which Platinumlist said has reduced fraud by 85 percent. Ticket affordability has also improved, the platform said. The average order value dropped from $373 in 2018 to about $66.65 in 2025, opening access to a wider audience that includes students, families, and younger demographics, the report stated. A decade of milestones Platinumlist now partners with over 300 organizers across Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Esports Authority. The company has supported ticketing for more than 1,500 events nationwide, underlining its role in the Kingdom's entertainment evolution. With the entertainment sector expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.44 percent, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself not just as a regional leader, but as a global destination for world-class experiences.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's Event Scene expands to 10+ categories with 5x drop in ticket price
Saudi Arabia's entertainment sector is expected to reach about SAR 17.36 billion by 2030, driven by digitalisation, diversified event formats, and changes in audience behaviour. According to Platinumlist, 70% of tickets are now purchased via mobile, with 31% bought on the same day, reflecting a shift toward spontaneous, mobile-first experiences. RIYADH, KSA: Platinumlist, the Saudi-based online ticketing platform, examines key changes and trends in the industry, drawing on its decade-long presence in the market. Over the past few years, Vision 2030 and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) initiatives have driven major investment in cultural and entertainment projects. New regulations have encouraged private‑sector support in every region of the Kingdom, with more than 3700 businesses involved in the entertainment sector. Experiential Formats Top Preference in Event Landscape Event formats have multiplied and diversified at an unprecedented rate. Between 2016 and 2017, Arabic pop concerts accounted for nearly 100% of all public events, which was both culturally acceptable and logistically feasible at the time. Today, no single category dominates, shows Platinumlist's internal data, and audiences are engaging with a much wider range of events like Experiential Formats (attractions, immersive zones, seasonal festivals - 24%), Arabic Music & Concerts (23%) Family & Cultural Content (kids events, lifestyle, national days - 13%), Youth & Niche Segments (EDM, anime, gaming, underground - 13%), Business & Conferences (3%). Alongside the diversification of formats, the scale of events is also growing. Flagship events like Formula 1, the Riyadh Season Winter Wonderland, and the Diriyah Biennale place Saudi Arabia firmly on the global entertainment map. This has created a ripple effect across hospitality, retail, and local creative industries, with inbound tourist spending reaching SAR 153.61 billion in 2024. 'The Saudi entertainment market is one of the most dynamic and promising in the region, and Platinumlist is incredibly proud to have been part of this vibrant journey for over a decade,' said Moayad Qudus, Senior Business Development Manager at Platinumlist. 'Since entering the Kingdom 10 years ago, we have invested SAR 105 million in human capital and technology, a testament to our deep belief in the potential of Saudi Arabia's vision and people. Being part of this transformative era is not just a business opportunity — it's a privilege and a patriotic commitment to the growth of a nation we proudly call home.' Same-Day Mobile Ticketing Is Dominant Ticket‑buying behaviour has shifted from planning weeks ahead (for 73% of buyers in 2017) to deciding just days or hours before an event (31% in 2025). Mobile sales now account for over 70% of all transactions according to Platinumlist, with dynamic QR codes ensuring secure entry. Saudi Arabia was the first market in the GCC region where Platinumlist rolled out mobile ticketing and ticket-exchange features. According to the company's internal data, this security measure has cut ticket fraud by 85%. Accessibility has improved both in price and frequency. Average ticket order values have fallen from SAR 1,400 in 2018 to around SAR 250 today. This means that events become a more affordable and frequent part of everyday life, and are open to a new audience mix, including families, students, and youth segments. Digitalisation and Immersiveness As a Key Trend Saudi Arabia goes beyond hosting events to elevate cultural destinations, uniting art, adventure and innovation in unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Saudi's events are shifting towards integrated entertainment hubs, such as Qiddiya and AlUla, where concerts, exhibitions, and outdoor adventures coexist in one location. AI-driven personalisation and AR/VR layers are now common, while smart crowd-management and fully digital tickets make purchasing easier and safer. Event designers prioritise interactive, immersive experiences that blend cutting-edge tech with creative formats. With the entertainment sector projected to grow at a 10.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Saudi Arabia holds significant potential to shape the global entertainment landscape. Combining its unique cultural heritage with innovative approaches, the Kingdom is well-positioned to achieve its vision of becoming a hub for world-class events and tourism. About the company Platinumlist is a leading online ticketing platform in the Middle East. Users can follow their favourite artists, get notifications for local performances, and enjoy secure and convenient access to events. Furthermore, Platinumlist supports event organisers with advanced tools like reporting, seat mapping, and dynamic QR codes, covering everything from setup and management to digital marketing, on-site ticket scanning, and sales. In Saudi Arabia, the company sold its first ticket ten years ago and is now trusted by over 300 different organisers, partnering with the Ministry of Culture, General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Saudi Esport Authority, Ministry of Sport, Saudi Motorsport Company, Saudi Equestrian Federation, and many more. As a mature entertainment brand in the region, it has delivered ticketing services for over 1,500 events for more than 300 organisers.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Bollywood star Arijit Singh's Abu Dhabi concert has a new date
Bollywood fans, listen up: the one and only Arijit Singh is gracing the stage at Etihad Arena and it's going to be emotional. From gut-wrenching ballads to dance-worthy anthems, this is your chance to see the legend behind hits like Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Kesariya, and Gerua doing what he does best: stealing hearts and leaving no dry eyes in the house. Imagine this: the region's biggest indoor entertainment venue, flawless acoustics, jaw-dropping visuals and Arijit Singh belting out all your favourite tunes. It doesn't get much better than that. Goosebumps? Absolutely. Tissues? Highly recommended. It's not just a concert; it's a Bollywood musical extravaganza that will take you on a rollercoaster of feels. The concert, which had been scheduled for May, is now happening on December 19. Doors open at 7pm, make sure to get there early and definitely make sure you don't miss out on tickets as they're sure to fly off the shelves. Tickets are on sale now, from three different sites. Go go go: Whether you're a die-hard Arijit fan or just someone who loves a good night out, this is one for the books. And if you're wondering what else you can expect, we're talking live band, stunning visuals, and a setlist that'll have you belting out every word (don't worry, everyone else will be too). Deepak Choudhary, Partner at Eva Live Middle East, said: 'Arijit Singh is not just a singer; he is a phenomenon who has redefined Bollywood music and touched millions of hearts worldwide. We are thrilled to bring his magic to Abu Dhabi and create an unforgettable evening for fans across the UAE and beyond.' From Dhs150. Fri Dec 19 7pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Etihad Arena, Platinumlist, Virgin Tickets. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2024: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Filipino Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Jo Koy's ‘Just Being Koy' tour set to light up Etihad Arena on May 29
Comedy fans in the UAE are in for an unforgettable evening with the return of Jo Koy's 'Just Being Koy' tour, happening on May 29 at the Etihad Arena. As part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, the globally loved comedian is bringing his signature humor back to the stage, offering fans a chance to enjoy a night of fresh laughs and relatable stories. From his viral jokes about Filipino moms to hilarious takes on everyday life, Jo Koy continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his authentic storytelling and comedic timing. His ability to turn simple, real-life moments into laugh-out-loud stand-up routines has earned him a loyal fan base across cultures and generations. 'I love performing here,' Jo Koy has said in previous interviews. 'The energy, the love, and the laughter from the crowd are something I look forward to every time.' Known for creating an inclusive comedy experience, Jo's set will feature new material that touches on family, parenting, and cultural quirks — themes that deeply resonate with multicultural audiences, especially those in the UAE. His return promises a performance full of energy, charm, and the kind of humor that brings people together. More than just a comedy show, Just Being Koy is a celebration of shared experiences and the power of laughter to connect communities. Whether you're a long-time fan or seeing him live for the first time, expect a show that's personal, heartfelt, and undeniably funny. Tickets are now available at and Platinumlist. Secure your tickets today.
