Organisers and broadcasters say the event will continue to celebrate music and cultural exchange, even as it adapts to the financial impact of the withdrawals.

Austria, which will host the contest in May, expressed confidence that the show will remain vibrant and inclusive.

The national broadcaster overseeing preparations said that while the absence of the four countries will be felt, the team had already planned for potential fluctuations in participation.

Officials highlighted that Eurovision has a long history of overcoming challenges by embracing innovation and strengthening partnerships.

They noted that host broadcasters, sponsors and participating countries share a mutual commitment to preserving the spirit of the event.

Organisers reiterated that Eurovision has always been financed through a combination of broadcaster contributions, sponsorship revenue and ticket sales.

This collaborative model, they said, ensures that the contest remains stable even when participation numbers change.

The European Broadcasting Union recently introduced updated guidelines designed to keep the contest independent from political influence.

These rules were adopted to maintain trust in the competition and protect its longstanding identity as a cultural event rather than a political platform.

Music experts acknowledged that the withdrawals may affect viewership and budgets, but also stressed that Eurovision consistently adapts.

Newcomers and returning participants often help fill gaps, enabling the contest to maintain momentum and audience engagement.

The return of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova next year is expected to balance some of the shifts created by the walkouts.

Organisers say these rejoining countries contribute fresh energy, new musical styles and strengthened regional representation.

Eurovision has long emphasized unity through art, and many artists expressed hope that future editions will continue to bring people together.

Past performers noted that while global events may influence public debate, the competition remains a rare moment where nations share a stage rather than a conflict.

Former winners reflected on the value of preserving a space for music that transcends political differences.

They emphasized that Eurovision’s impact lies in its ability to spotlight creativity, community spirit and the diverse talents of emerging artists.

The financial structure of the contest remains robust, according to event directors who said Eurovision is fully prepared to deliver a successful show.

Host cities, tourism boards and cultural institutions also benefit from the event, supporting wider economic and cultural activity.

Audience engagement remains strong across Europe, with millions tuning in annually to follow performances, staging innovations and national selections.

The contest’s digital presence continues to expand as fans participate across social platforms, helping increase visibility beyond traditional broadcasting.

Israel’s 2025 entrant, who survived the Nova music festival attack in 2023, has become a symbol of artistic resilience.

His participation has resonated with audiences who view music as a bridge in difficult times.

Examining long-term trends, analysts note that Eurovision’s adaptability is one of its defining strengths.

Its ability to adjust budgets, welcome returning nations and innovate through production changes has allowed it to remain one of the world’s enduring live events.

Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, organisers aim to deliver a show that champions creativity and cooperation.

Despite the current challenges, optimism remains strong that Eurovision will continue to evolve while staying true to its founding vision of celebrating cultural harmony.

Running in Riyadh until Nov. 26, the event stands as a powerful platform that honors the role of Saudi women in preserving cultural identity while introducing innovative ideas that reflect the nation’s growing artistic confidence.

Visitors to the festival are welcomed into a warm atmosphere filled with storytelling, craftsmanship and cultural diversity, where more than 20 countries participate and share their unique crafts and traditions.

The gathering emphasizes empowerment, unity and inspiration, showing how artisans from different regions and backgrounds contribute to the shared language of creativity.

Saudi visitors like Rahaf Al-Harthi praise the festival for showcasing the exceptional abilities of Saudi women, many of whom continue to redefine traditional crafts through fresh interpretations and modern flair.

Al-Harthi expressed pride in seeing local talent celebrated on such a global stage, noting that the festival reflects the strength, dedication and artistic excellence of Saudi women throughout history.

One of the most admired crafts featured is Sadu weaving, a traditional Bedouin art that transforms wool into striking geometric patterns bursting with color and meaning.

The festival displays Sadu-inspired abayas, contemporary clothing, home décor and handcrafted accessories that honor the past while embracing modern design trends.

Rahaf and her sister Ohood, whose mother is a participating Sadu weaver, said their visit to Banan helped them appreciate the beauty, diversity and cultural significance of regional crafts.

They explained how women in earlier generations used limited resources to create clothing, tents and decorative items, proving their ingenuity and resilience—qualities still reflected in today’s artisans.

Ohood said that Banan reveals the rich variety of crafts found across Saudi Arabia, from Hail to Jouf and Madinah, each region bringing its own colors, symbols and techniques to the festival.

She encouraged visitors to explore the event, describing it as a meaningful experience that deepens understanding of national heritage while celebrating innovation.

Among the standout participants is Saudi artist Duha Akhdar from Al-Qatif, known for her intricate macrame and knot artistry inspired by old fishnets and maritime heritage.

Her work transforms simple rope into elegant hanging baskets, ornaments and decorative pieces, blending tradition with creativity in ways that resonate with visitors.

Akhdar uses tree branches—once integral elements of old homes—as bases for her macrame boats, carved with Arabic calligraphy and topped with beautifully knotted sails.

She has trained more than 600 individuals in macrame, including people with disabilities, making her art not only visually captivating but also socially uplifting.

Her interest in macrame began during her studies in Canada, where she observed how Mexican families preserved their knot-tying traditions across generations.

This inspired her to research Arab history, where she discovered similar techniques that date back centuries, encouraging her to revive and modernize the craft within Saudi Arabia.

Akhdar’s newer pieces include works inspired by the Kaaba, which she has presented to prominent Saudi leaders, reflecting her pride in cultural heritage and her desire to honor spiritual themes.

Her journey demonstrates how traditional crafts can evolve into meaningful art forms that strengthen cultural identity and inspire the next generation of makers.

The festival also welcomes global creators such as Georgia’s Nata Nikoleishvili, who, alongside her mother, produces handmade clothing using wool felting, natural dyes and plant-based prints.

Their participation highlights Banan’s international appeal and its mission to connect cultures through creativity, craftsmanship and shared artistic passion.

Saudi artist Afaf Dajam adds depth to the festival through her modern interpretations of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a regional art recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance.

Her work explores the beauty of geometric wall designs traditionally created by women, blending history with contemporary artistic expression.

Dajam says Banan provides an inspiring environment where artists exchange ideas and learn from one another, discovering surprising similarities between Saudi crafts and those from India, Mexico and North Africa.

This exchange strengthens cultural appreciation and reinforces the universal language of creativity that binds artisans together across borders.

The event recreates scenes of lively trade, cultural expression and artistic displays that reflect the region’s long-standing heritage.

This edition carries additional significance as it honors Japan and the cultural legacy of Kyoto, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Organizers said the event aims to strengthen cultural understanding while showcasing traditions from both nations.

Earlier in the month, Riyadh hosted a ceremony commemorating the diplomatic milestone, where officials noted the resilience of bilateral ties.

They highlighted that cooperation between the two countries continues to support stability and shared development goals at regional and global levels.

Souq Al-Mawsim forms part of the broader Diriyah Season calendar, drawing visitors for its combination of food, performances and handcrafted goods.

The festival is running from Nov. 9 to Dec. 8 and offers daily programs featuring Saudi and Japanese elements side by side.

Visitors have described the event as an engaging experience that blends art, history and cross-cultural interaction. Many noted that the fusion of both cultures created a distinctive atmosphere that appealed to families, tourists and heritage enthusiasts.

Event organizers designed the souq using creative elements that integrate symbols, materials and motifs from both Saudi and Japanese traditions.

They said the intention was to provide a sensory journey that allows visitors to connect with the artistic spirit of the two cultures.

The site includes 20 shops offering handmade goods, local specialties and traditional clothing representing various regions. Fifteen restaurants operate throughout the souq, serving dishes inspired by Japanese and Saudi culinary traditions, alongside snacks and seasonal meals.

Dedicated areas demonstrate traditional Saudi cooking methods, allowing visitors to observe local dishes prepared using time-honored techniques.

Other areas present musical performances and artistic showcases that reflect Diriyah’s cultural identity.

The festival also offers interactive opportunities for creative exchange between Saudi and Japanese artists.
Booths throughout the venue allow painters, calligraphers, sculptors and craftspeople to present and discuss their work with visitors.

One of the cultural activities drawing attention is the display of the Japanese “hagoita,” a decorated wooden paddle used in hanetsuki, a traditional New Year’s game.
Participants can learn the basics of the game and observe how the paddle has evolved from a recreational tool into a decorative art piece.

Japanese players at the festival explained that the game resembles simplified badminton or tennis, involving a shuttlecock batted between players.
Although less commonly played today, the hagoita remains a valued New Year’s symbol in Japan, often featuring elaborate artwork.

In addition to cultural activities, the festival highlights the Al-Tawalie area’s historical significance.
The region once served as an important meeting point for trade caravans that traveled across the Arabian Peninsula during the First Saudi State.

Traders historically visited the area from distant regions, turning it into a hub for commercial and cultural exchange.
This heritage is now revived through Souq Al-Mawsim, which aims to reconnect modern audiences with the spirit of traditional markets.

Diriyah Season organizers said the festival’s purpose extends beyond entertainment, emphasizing preservation of local heritage and support for creative industries.
They aim to showcase the diversity of Saudi traditions while promoting international cultural dialogue.

The event’s mixture of handicrafts, performances, workshops and exhibitions continues to attract visitors of all ages.
Its setting at a historic location further strengthens its role as a cultural bridge linking the past with the present.

Souq Al-Mawsim’s focus on collaborative art, food, and heritage underscores efforts to expand cultural tourism in the region.
Organizers expect steady attendance throughout the season as more visitors arrive to explore the site’s activities.