Diriyah Season 2025-2026, running from 1 November 2025 to 23 March 2026, is transforming Diriyah into a cultural and heritage hub for five months.
Organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), this festival is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.
At the heart of this year’s festival is an extensive program of events spanning multiple historic districts, ensuring visitors can experience the full breadth of Diriyah’s cultural offerings.
One standout experience is the Hal Al-Qusoor program, which takes place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the At-Turaif Historic District. This cultural experience allows visitors to explore historic palaces once reserved for Imams and Princes.
Complementing the exploration of historical spaces is the TYN Festival, which stands for the Clay or Tyn Festival, and takes place in At-Turaif. This event celebrates Najdi architecture (traditional Arabian style characterized by mud-brick construction,small windows, and geometric ornamentation designed to suit the desert climate) and design by connecting traditional earth-building techniques with contemporary craftsmanship.
Another highlight of Diriyah Season is the Diriyah Storytelling Festival, set in Al-Bujairi District. This flagship cultural program celebrates literature and oral traditions, offering workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and interactive storytelling zones.
Visitors can engage in themed spaces inspired by Najdi design, participate in narrative-driven activities, and enjoy poetry performances that celebrate both the oral and written word.
In addition to these immersive experiences, Souq Al-Mawsim in the historic Al-Tawalie District presents a seasonal marketplace that brings together local products, crafts, and diverse culinary offerings.
The experience is further expanded through a cross-cultural lens.
This year, the market celebrates 70 years of Saudi-Japanese relations by featuring Japan as the guest of honor. Cultural performances and artisan demonstrations throughout the market enrich the experience to make it a lively focal point of the festival.
As night falls, Layali Al-Diriyah transforms Al-Murayih District into a dynamic open-air venue combining live music, culinary experiences, and artistic displays.
While Souq Al-Mawsim thrives during the day, Diriyah Season takes on a different rhythm after sunset.
For those interested in the natural beauty of the region, the Sada Al-Wadi program takes advantage of the stunning backdrop of Wadi Safar to celebrate traditional Saudi music, such as Samri, alongside spoken-word performances.
Beyond performance-based programming, Diriyah Season also emphasizes hands-on heritage experiences rooted in the landscape.
Minzal, located in Wadi Hanifah, offers an immersive cultural camp experience that brings together horsemanship, falconry, and stargazing.
Participants are treated to luxurious hospitality while engaging in traditional cultural storytelling to create a multifaceted experience that intertwines heritage with the simplicity of the Saudi landscape.
Families are also well catered for at Diriyah Season, particularly in areas like Al-Huwayett and Msalliyah in the Adhwaihrah District, where interactive cultural play, workshops, and storytelling workshops are designed for younger audiences.
There, children can engage in hands-on craft experiences and creative stations that help instill an appreciation for their heritage in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
In the Samhan District, visitors can experience a more informal cultural spontaneity as artists, musicians, and craftsmen hold live performances, workshops, and open bazaars.
As the festival draws near, excitement swells among locals and potential visitors eager to embrace this multifaceted celebration of Saudi culture that shapes the future of cultural engagement in the Kingdom.
Comments (0)