Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh has announced that the upcoming Riyadh Season will be "very different," with global surprises, top-tier performances, and blockbuster events.

In a video posted to his official X account, Alalshikh said the ongoing Esports World Cup, offering more than $70 million in prizes, has already energized Riyadh with momentum that will continue for weeks.

Among the biggest highlights is the World Comedy Festival, the largest of its kind, scheduled from September 26 to October 9 at Boulevard Riyadh City.

It will feature over 50 world-renowned comedians including Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings, Gabriel Iglesias, Bill Burr, and Andrew Schulz.

The festival will also host interactive activities, workshops, and daily performances representing various comedic styles.

Alalshikh revealed the new Riyadh Season will spotlight Saudi, Gulf, and global content, with a notable presence from Syrian talent in theatre and concerts.

He also teased major collaborations including shows with YouTube megastar MrBeast, international concerts, WWE and UFC matches, and the Royal Rumble set for January 2026 in Riyadh.

The sports calendar will feature the Six Kings world tennis championship, where six of the sport’s top stars will compete for the largest prize pot globally over four days in the capital.

Beyond live events, Saudi Arabia is pushing into global film production. Alalshikh confirmed that filming will soon begin on The Battle of Yarmouk: Khalid ibn Al-Walid, an English-language epic with an international cast and crew, comparable in scale to films by Ridley Scott.

Two other major projects are underway: one on the Saudi army, and another on anti-narcotics efforts. The military film will be written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot).

On the television front, Alalshikh revealed a new reality show being filmed in Scotland, a high-end comedy series starring Saudi actor Nasser Al-Qasabi, and an epic drama titled Abu Al-Muluk: Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, created by writers from Game of Thrones, Vikings, and The Last Kingdom.

Another major production, Interpol, is in development alongside a Saudi action-comedy titled The Boulevard, directed by Mohammed Al-Mulla and filmed entirely at Boulevard Riyadh City, inspired by Night at the Museum.

Alalshikh also confirmed the return of the hit game show Takeshi’s Castle ("Al-Hisn") in a new, world-class version co-produced with its original Japanese creators, airing on MBC and Shahid.

“Riyadh Season will deliver surprises unlike anything seen before,” Alalshikh concluded. “We are working on content that will truly impress.”