Launch event held for Saudi month-long Ad Diriyah Season

The month of world-class sporting, entertainment, musical and cultural events is all set to begin on November 21 in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi General Sports Authority organized a launch event, which was held under the patronage of GSA Chairman Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.

The Ad Diriyah Equestrian Festival will see the world’s best equestrian athletes compete in two weekends of elite sportsmanship. The tournaments will be held on Dec. 12-14 and 19-21.

Saudi and international contestants will compete as they collect points to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, women will be able to participate in the equestrian race.

Ad Diriyah Season will also include concerts, cultural festivities, and food and retail experiences.

The names of singers who will perform have not yet been revealed, but music fans should reserve Nov. 22-23 and Dec. 6, 13 and 14 in their diaries for concerts.

The main aim of the initiative is to pave the way towards Saudi efforts to achieve high-standard tourism activities in the Kingdom while opening up seasonal jobs to many young Saudis.

Follwing the huge success of last year’s Diriyah Formula E, Prince Abdulaziz announced the launch with Ad Diriyah once again hosting the Saudi leg of FIA Formula E.

During the event launch, Prince Abdul Aziz said while addressing the ceremony, “Last year, we opened the door to international travelers through our sporting visa program. Now the Kingdom has launched general tourist visas, so our arms are open and our welcome has never been warmer. Come witness history in the making.”