Saudi Arabia: Double joy for newlyweds at Riyadh festival

Cairo: An annual entertainment and tourist festival in Riyadh has this week doubled the joy of 300 grooms in style.

The Riyadh Season celebrated their marriages at a televised gala titled the “Night of Life” held at the Boulevard City, one of the festival’s popular zones.

On the occasion, a concert headlining celebrated Saudi singers was broadcast live on several TV channels and digital platforms, allowing the audience to follow the details of the ceremony.

A ceremony for their brides will be held next Sunday at the Mohammed Abdo Arena Theatre in Riyadh.

Many governmental and private institutions supported the gesture, part of Riyadh Season’s community initiatives, by providing gifts, including that 300 eligible grooms will receive housing units by the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan starting in early March.

“Based on the Riyadh Season’s social responsibility towards the homeland’s young men and women planning to tie the knot and, in their support, we’ve decided to hold a mass wedding ceremony for a total of 600 brides and grooms,” the Saudi General Entertainment Authority Turki Al Alsheikh said last September.

The current fifth edition of Riyadh Season began on October 12, featuring 14 zones, 11 world championships, and 10 exhibitions. The flagship festival has since attracted more than 18 million visitors from around the world, Al Alsheikh announced late last month.

Several new zones have been added to the latest edition, including “The Groves” and “Souq Al Oulain,” which combine authenticity and creativity while highlighting Saudi heritage, traditional handicrafts, and cuisine.

Another notable addition is the newly launched “Dunes of Arabia” zone, which appeals to camping and winter enthusiasts.

The festival boasts a vibrant calendar of events, including boxing, wrestling, and tennis matches, alongside a selection of upscale restaurants and unique entertainment experiences.