Riyadh SPA — Diriyah Season 25/26 concluded at the end of March, following its launch in November 2025, offering visitors a five-month cultural and tourism experience across the historic areas of Diriyah. The season drew a large turnout of tourists from within the Kingdom and abroad, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen the cultural economy and develop the tourism sector.
The season’s programming spanned culture, entertainment, arts, and heritage, presenting Diriyah’s ancient history within a narrative that merges authenticity with contemporary expression. Among its most prominent activities was the Diriyah Storytelling Festival in Al-Bujairi District, which brought together writers and intellectuals from around the world in a space dedicated to thought, creativity, and dialogue.
Highlights of Diriyah Season 25/26
This year’s edition of Souq Al-Mawsim carried special significance, celebrating Japan and the culture of Kyoto to mark the 70th anniversary of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations, with the market’s design blending elements from both cultures. Wadi Safar hosted the Saad Al-Wadi program, offering musical evenings celebrating Saudi arts in a natural, open-air setting. Additionally, the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District’s Hal Al-Qusoor program gave visitors access to several historic palaces of the First Saudi State.
The season also highlighted traditional Najdi architecture and its use of natural building materials. Overall, Diriyah Season 25/26 reinforced the site’s standing as a global cultural destination and reflected Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of developing tourism rooted in national identity while attracting visitors from around the world.
Diriyah Season Celebrates Saudi Heritage and Cultural Exchange
Diriyah Season has become an important platform for presenting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage through experiences that connect history, creativity and contemporary tourism. The 2025/26 edition continued this approach by bringing together programmes that introduced visitors to the Kingdom’s traditions while creating opportunities for international cultural exchange.
From literary gatherings to traditional markets and musical performances, the season offered different ways to explore Diriyah’s historical significance. These activities also helped highlight the role of cultural programming in attracting visitors and encouraging them to spend more time discovering the destination.
The Diriyah Storytelling Festival in Al-Bujairi District was among the season’s notable events, creating a setting for writers and intellectuals to share ideas and engage in dialogue. Such gatherings demonstrate how cultural destinations can extend beyond monuments and historic buildings by creating spaces for discussion, artistic expression and learning.
Souq Al-Mawsim Highlights Saudi-Japanese Relations
A key feature of Diriyah Season 25/26 was Souq Al-Mawsim, which celebrated Japanese culture and the heritage of Kyoto in recognition of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
The market’s design brought together elements inspired by both cultures, offering visitors an opportunity to experience international influences within a Saudi heritage setting. This cultural exchange reflected the wider role of tourism in connecting communities and introducing visitors to different traditions.
By combining local identity with international themes, the programme added another dimension to Diriyah’s seasonal offering. It also demonstrated how markets and cultural events can support visitor engagement while creating opportunities to explore crafts, design and shared cultural interests.
Music and Heritage Across Diriyah’s Historic Landscape
Wadi Safar hosted the Saad Al-Wadi programme, which featured musical evenings celebrating Saudi arts in an open-air environment. The setting brought performances together with the surrounding natural landscape, offering visitors a different way to experience the Kingdom’s cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, the Hal Al-Qusoor programme at the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District gave visitors access to several historic palaces associated with the First Saudi State. These experiences provided a closer look at the architecture and historical legacy that continue to shape Diriyah’s identity.
Traditional Najdi architecture was another important theme during the season. The use of natural building materials and regionally distinctive design elements highlighted the relationship between local environments, craftsmanship and Saudi heritage.
Diriyah Season Supports Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Ambitions
The conclusion of Diriyah Season 25/26 marked the end of five months of cultural and tourism programming, but its broader significance extends beyond the seasonal calendar. By combining heritage, arts, entertainment and international exchange, Diriyah continues to strengthen its appeal as a destination for visitors seeking meaningful cultural experiences.
The programme also supports Saudi Vision 2030’s wider ambitions to diversify the economy and develop tourism while preserving national identity. Through continued investment in cultural experiences and heritage-led destinations, Diriyah remains an important part of Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape.
Related reading: Diriyah Winter: A Vibrant Experience Blending Entertainment, Nature, and History
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
