Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority grossed over SAR 1 billion (USD 270 million) from its ongoing Riyadh Season festival, chairman Turki Al Sheikh was quoted by Arab News as saying this Thursday (19).
Featuring cultural, musical, sports, cuisine and entertainment attractions since October 11, the season was slated to end on December 15, but has been extended until January 31.
Al Sheikh noted that indirect revenue, according to the Saudi e-payments system, exceeded SAR 4 billion so far. He also said the festival brought 10.3 million visitors to the capital and its surroundings and created 34,700 direct and 17,3000 indirect jobs.
Al Sheikh also said that following this “exceptional success,” the challenge will be to match it again in the upcoming seasons in Sharqiah (eastern Saudi Arabia) and Jeddah (on the Red Sea coast).
Riyadh Season is part of Saudi Seasons, a string of 11 similar festivals across the country. The events are being held this year for the first time, in a bid to promote Saudi Arabia as a travel hub and provide entertainment to locals.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
