The revamped destination has quickly re-established itself as one of the capital’s most popular outdoor venues, offering a mix of entertainment, education, and wildlife encounters.

Situated across 161,000 sq. meters in the Al-Malaz area, the new layout takes visitors through zones modeled on global environments ranging from tropical rainforests to vivid pink lakes.

The design blends immersive landscapes with animal-focused learning experiences, reflecting a renewed emphasis on conservation awareness and accessible recreation.

Across the grounds, the zoo now houses more than 1,600 animals representing 170 species, distributed across six themed zones: Pink Lake, Wild Adventure, Enchanted Forest, The Swamp, Ape Escape, and Almalaz Bay.

Each section recreates distinctive habitats through naturalistic enclosures, specialized vegetation, and environmental soundscapes aimed at enhancing both comfort for the animals and engagement for the public.

Visitors have noted significant improvements since previous seasons, highlighting the addition of new attractions and more interactive spaces.

Parents, families, and first-time guests describe the experience as more vibrant, structured, and visually appealing compared to earlier years.

Among the most notable additions is the Elephant Experience, a viewing area designed to bring guests closer to the animals as they play, forage, and interact in their habitat.

The exhibit offers rare observational access and has become one of the most photographed features of the zoo.

Another highlight is the redesigned giraffe and African savanna walkway, featuring an elevated bridge that enables guests to stand eye-level with giraffes, elands, and other grazing species.

The feature encourages slow-paced viewing and provides opportunities for guided feeding sessions and educational interactions.

Children’s activities have also expanded, with animal feeding programs, craft zones, and interactive learning stations positioned throughout the pathways.

These additions aim to support youth engagement while making the overall experience more family-friendly and accessible.

Daily performances on the main stage add an entertainment component to the destination, offering shows such as the Silly Brothers, Blue Clown Circus, Magician Show, and Bubbles Show.

Roaming performers, including themed characters, musicians, drummers, and stilt walkers, contribute to the lively atmosphere throughout the day.

The site includes a wide range of guest services designed to encourage full-day visits, including restaurants, mobile food carts, shaded rest areas, souvenir shops, and children’s play zones.

Clear directional signage and wide walking paths help maintain smooth visitor movement across the various zones.

With a daily capacity of 12,000 visitors and operational hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the zoo has become one of the largest daytime attractions featured during Riyadh Season.

Ticket reservations are available through the Webook app, allowing visitors to plan their visits conveniently.

Many long-term residents have expressed appreciation for the upgrades, viewing the relaunch as a meaningful enhancement to the city’s recreational offerings.

Families visiting from different nationalities have echoed similar sentiments, noting that the zoo now offers a more organized and enriching experience.

Guests returning after previous seasons remarked that the new design, expanded habitats, and improved facilities make the destination feel more modern and inviting.

The emphasis on natural environments and interactive education has also resonated strongly with visitors seeking meaningful, family-oriented activities.

As a major component of Riyadh Season — one of the world’s largest annual entertainment festivals — the zoo plays an important role in the city’s wider tourism strategy.

Its redevelopment reflects ongoing national efforts to elevate cultural, recreational, and eco-focused attractions.

By integrating educational programming with immersive natural environments, Riyadh Zoo is positioning itself as both a leisure destination and a platform for greater appreciation of wildlife.

The latest enhancements have strengthened its status as a flagship attraction for 2025 and a significant contributor to the city’s growing tourism landscape.

Part of the highly anticipated Riyadh Season 2025, this massive attraction promises a unique blend of thrill, adventure, and family entertainment on an unprecedented scale.

Located near Boulevard City and Boulevard World, Beast Land spans over 188,000 square meters of pure excitement and innovation.

The new zone has been developed in collaboration with renowned American YouTube star and global content creator MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson.

Designed to push the boundaries of imagination, Beast Land combines rides, games, and live shows to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

The attraction is inspired by challenges that test courage, skill, and endurance, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in action-filled adventures.

Among its highlights are more than 15 main rides and 14 extraordinary experiences that promise to redefine amusement in the region.

Signature attractions include the high-speed Viking Coaster, the towering Phantom XXL, the thrilling Top Spin, and a 50-meter-high bungee jump for the boldest adventurers.

Adding to the excitement, the dedicated Beast Arena will host 10 realistic competitive challenges designed around speed, precision, and reflexes.

These interactive games, including Tower Siege, Battle Bridge, and Warrior Challenge, encourage visitors to test their physical and mental abilities in fun, high-energy settings.

For families and younger guests, the zone also includes a specialized children’s play area, ensuring that every age group can join the adventure.

More than 20 food and beverage outlets will serve visitors throughout the park, offering a mix of international cuisines, snacks, and refreshing drinks.

This fusion of adrenaline and hospitality creates what organizers describe as “a comprehensive destination for adventure and entertainment.”

Beast Land’s design and layout integrate immersive theming, dynamic lighting, and futuristic architecture, setting new standards for regional attractions.

Each section is carefully crafted to tell a story, blending elements of fantasy, innovation, and challenge in a visually spectacular environment.

The project reflects the vision of the General Entertainment Authority to make Riyadh a global entertainment capital filled with creative and record-breaking attractions.

Riyadh Season has already gained international attention for introducing world-class entertainment experiences, and Beast Land adds yet another dimension to its growing legacy.

The new zone symbolizes the city’s ambition to compete with global entertainment destinations through innovation, technology, and creativity.

By partnering with MrBeast, the initiative also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to collaborate with global influencers who inspire younger generations.

Visitors can expect world-class safety standards, high-quality infrastructure, and seamless digital ticketing systems for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Beast Land will open its gates daily, welcoming guests from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and until 1:00 a.m. on weekends.

The attraction is expected to draw large crowds from across the Kingdom and beyond, offering both locals and tourists a new way to experience Riyadh Season.

With its combination of extreme rides, family zones, and interactive entertainment, Beast Land captures the essence of fun and adventure.

It stands as a shining example of how creativity, technology, and global collaboration can create unforgettable experiences.

As the countdown begins, excitement continues to build for what promises to be one of the most talked-about highlights of Riyadh Season 2025.

Beast Land is not just an entertainment zone — it is a celebration of imagination, courage, and joy, redefining what it means to play, explore, and be amazed.

The announcement was made on World Cities Day, reflecting the growing global appreciation of Madinah’s rich and diverse food culture. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its agricultural roots, spiritual importance, and centuries of cultural exchange through trade and pilgrimage routes that have long connected it to the wider world.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, expressed pride in this achievement, saying that the goal is to build a globally recognized and sustainable brand for Madinah’s cuisine. She explained that the city’s unique ingredients, such as Ajwa dates and traditional herbs, represent not just food items but living symbols of history, tradition, and community.

Badr emphasized that supporting local producers helps preserve these iconic flavors while improving livelihoods. She added that strengthening Madinah’s reputation as a culinary destination can enhance tourism and contribute to economic sustainability.

“Madinah should be seen not just as a spiritual center but also as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub,” she said. “By combining tradition with innovation, we can attract visitors who want to experience the essence of Saudi hospitality through food.”

The Culinary Arts Commission collaborated with multiple local partners to prepare the nomination for UNESCO. The proposal included detailed research, historical data, and cultural insights that highlighted how Madinah’s culinary practices align with UNESCO’s global standards for creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.

The project’s success relied on teamwork between government sectors, private institutions, and local communities. This collaborative model, Badr noted, could serve as a blueprint for other Saudi cities seeking international recognition for their cultural assets.

She also underlined that global recognition should not only celebrate elite chefs or high-end dining but empower small producers, home cooks, and family-owned food ventures. “This achievement belongs to every farmer, vendor, and cook who keeps our culinary traditions alive,” she said.

Authenticity, Badr explained, lies at the heart of Madinah’s cuisine. Yet, innovation ensures its continuity. By blending both, the city can sustain its food heritage while appealing to global tastes.

The recognition will open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the culinary field, encouraging them to expand their operations and contribute to local development. One such example is Al-Tabakha, Madinah’s first culinary market, which connects the public and private sectors to promote local food producers and traditional dishes.

Plans are already underway to replicate the Al-Tabakha model in other parts of the Kingdom. The goal is to empower families to share their food stories, sell their homemade products, and engage directly with tourists and international audiences.

Badr highlighted that this global honor must translate into tangible benefits for citizens — from greater income to stronger representation in local and global markets. “We want every small restaurant owner, every date farmer, and every artisan to feel the impact of this recognition in real terms,” she said.

Through its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Madinah stands as a model of how culinary heritage can fuel innovation, tourism, and community empowerment. The achievement not only celebrates the city’s deep connection to food but also positions it as a global ambassador of Saudi culinary excellence.

As the world’s attention turns to Madinah’s kitchens and markets, the city continues to blend spirituality, culture, and flavor — reminding everyone that food is not just nourishment, but a story of heritage, identity, and connection.

The two-week event, which began on Friday near Tabuk Central Park, marks the culmination of a series that has successfully toured cities across Saudi Arabia, including Jazan, Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Baha, and Taif.

Each stop of the tour has attracted thousands of visitors, reflecting the growing appetite for family-friendly entertainment and cultural activities across the Kingdom.

City Hub in Tabuk offers a wide range of engaging zones and attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages. Among the most popular areas is the esports zone, where gaming enthusiasts participate in competitive tournaments featuring popular titles such as EAFC 24 and TEKKEN 8.

The contests bring together players from different regions, creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and excitement. Winners receive valuable prizes, adding to the thrill of the competition and motivating young gamers to showcase their skills on a national stage.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the event features a specially designed horror zone. This immersive attraction recreates spine-chilling scenarios that allow thrill seekers to experience fear in a safe yet captivating environment.

The zone’s realistic settings, special effects, and storytelling elements make it one of the event’s most talked-about features. It combines suspense, creativity, and technology to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors who enjoy a rush of adrenaline.

The City Hub also brings the magic of the circus to Tabuk with its vibrant circus tent. Inside, audiences are treated to a mesmerizing lineup of performances that blend art, acrobatics, and theater.

The shows include breathtaking trapeze acts, dancing waterfalls, and the thrilling 360-degree motorcycle cage performance that leaves spectators in awe.

These performances highlight the event’s emphasis on creativity and its commitment to offering high-quality entertainment that rivals international standards.

Beyond its attractions, City Hub in Tabuk serves a greater purpose by supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The event promotes social interaction, enhances quality of life, and fosters creativity and cultural exchange among residents and visitors.

By bringing entertainment directly to cities across Saudi Arabia, City Hub helps decentralize cultural opportunities, ensuring that residents from different regions can experience the same level of excitement and engagement typically seen in major urban centers.

The nationwide tour has also had a positive economic impact by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It has opened doors for local vendors, artists, and service providers to participate and benefit from the growing entertainment sector.

The project encourages entrepreneurship and investment in new industries, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as an emerging hub for entertainment and leisure in the region.

City Hub’s success demonstrates how strategic planning and innovation can transform public spaces into vibrant centers of activity and joy.

Each edition of the City Hub has been tailored to match the unique character of its host city, reflecting local culture and community spirit. In Tabuk, the event not only entertains but also celebrates the city’s growing role in the Kingdom’s modernization efforts.

The mix of traditional performances, modern attractions, and interactive zones ensures a well-rounded experience for all visitors, making it a highlight of Tabuk’s social calendar. Families, youth, and tourists alike find something memorable to enjoy, from games and art to live shows and culinary delights.

As the final stop of the nationwide tour, City Hub in Tabuk represents both a celebration and a milestone. It marks the success of a vision that connects people through entertainment, creativity, and shared experiences.

The event’s ability to unite communities across Saudi Arabia and inspire a culture of joy and innovation stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to building a vibrant society where culture and entertainment play a central role in everyday life.

The district’s participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showcasing its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and growing tourism potential on the global stage.

Through immersive exhibits, innovative digital experiences, and creative storytelling, Historic Jeddah is positioning itself as a symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural revival and sustainable tourism transformation under Vision 2030.

This year’s showcase continues Jeddah’s presence at the global travel event, reinforcing its reputation as a leading cultural and historical destination.

The exhibition highlights the ongoing revival of Al-Balad as a living museum of Saudi heritage and innovation. The district is unveiling a series of new tourism products and interactive experiences that blend history, art, and technology, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Jeddah’s role as the gateway to Makkah and Madinah.

Among the highlights is the new Historic Pilgrimage Route, a guided experience that connects ten archaeological sites through immersive storytelling.

This route retraces Jeddah’s legacy as the entry point for millions of pilgrims over centuries, providing insight into the city’s cultural and spiritual importance.

Visitors can also engage with digital displays that bring to life archaeological discoveries through QR codes, allowing them to explore historical narratives, architectural designs, and rare artifacts with modern technological ease.

In addition, special tourism packages are being promoted for the upcoming teamLab Borderless Museum, which combines modern digital art with Jeddah’s deep cultural roots.

This innovative museum represents the intersection of art and heritage, where light, sound, and motion tell stories inspired by the region’s traditions.

Complementing this, Historic Jeddah’s dedicated page on Google Arts and Culture offers global audiences the opportunity to take virtual tours of its landmarks, showcasing the city’s timeless charm to millions of online viewers.

The participation of Historic Jeddah in the London event underscores the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to strengthen the district’s international profile.

More than 40,000 tourism professionals and cultural experts attended last year’s exhibition, making it an ideal platform to highlight Jeddah’s transformation.

The initiative is part of a broader strategic development project launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which focuses on reviving and preserving the historic heart of the city.

This ambitious project aligns with the Vision 2030 objectives that seek to protect Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage while expanding its cultural and tourism sectors.

By merging traditional identity with modern infrastructure, the program aims to make history a key driver of sustainable economic development.

The revitalization of Al-Balad also contributes to cultural tourism, job creation, and community engagement, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a top global destination for heritage and leisure.

Located along the Red Sea coast, Historic Jeddah is one of the oldest urban settlements in the region, with a legacy that spans centuries of trade, pilgrimage, and cross-cultural exchange.

Its distinct Hijazi architecture — featuring coral-stone buildings, intricately designed wooden rawasheen, and vibrant souqs — reflects a unique aesthetic that continues to inspire architects and travelers alike.

In recognition of its global importance, Al-Balad was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The Jeddah Historic District Program, established by the Ministry of Culture in 2018, continues to drive restoration projects, enhance public spaces, and introduce cultural events that celebrate the area’s living heritage.

Through a balance of preservation and innovation, the initiative is breathing new life into old streets, transforming Al-Balad into a hub for art, creativity, and cultural exchange.

As Jeddah shines at the London World Travel Market, its story stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation — where history, modernity, and sustainability come together to define a new era of cultural tourism.

The city’s revival not only honors its past but also positions it as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and global connectivity.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourism, with international visitors spending $13.16 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10 percent increase from the same period last year. This impressive growth has boosted the Kingdom’s travel account surplus to SR26.78 billion, reflecting tourism’s expanding role in strengthening the non-oil economy.

The Kingdom’s push under Vision 2030 to position tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification is clearly paying off. Saudi Arabia has already welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024, including 29.7 million international visitors and 86.2 million domestic trips, surpassing the Vision 2030 milestone of 100 million visits five years ahead of schedule. International tourism revenue alone soared 148 percent from 2019, the fastest growth rate among G20 nations, while domestic trips almost doubled over the same period.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb praised the sector’s remarkable performance, highlighting its contribution to achieving Vision 2030 goals. “This record performance demonstrates the sector’s strategic importance and the impact of the Kingdom’s visionary leadership,” he said. He emphasized that the tourism sector is creating new opportunities, attracting investment, and generating significant employment prospects.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism success is supported by multibillion-riyal investments in world-class infrastructure. Landmark projects such as the Red Sea Project, NEOM’s Trojena mountain resort, and Riyadh’s heritage-rich Diriyah Gate are progressing rapidly. The first island resorts of the Red Sea Project are set to open later this year, while more than 320,000 new hotel rooms are in development to meet growing demand. Additionally, Red Sea International Airport is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025, enhancing long-haul connectivity and attracting high-end travelers.

The growth in inbound arrivals has been impressive, climbing from 17.5 million in 2019 to 29.7 million in 2024, a 70 percent increase. Spending by international visitors also rose sharply, from SR103.4 billion in 2019 to SR168.5 billion in 2024, highlighting the strong appeal of Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism offerings. Domestic tourism is expanding in parallel, with trips rising to 86.2 million in 2024 and domestic visitor spending reaching a record SR115.3 billion. Leisure travel continues to dominate, fueled by school holidays, regional festivals, entertainment seasons, and high-profile sporting events that showcase the Kingdom’s rich culture and vibrant experiences.

Saudi Arabia is gaining international recognition for its rapid tourism growth. UN Tourism data cited in the Ministry of Tourism’s annual report shows the Kingdom ranked first among G20 nations for growth in international visitor numbers in 2024 and second globally compared to pre-pandemic levels. Egypt, Pakistan, and Bahrain remain the top source markets, with millions of visitors traveling to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

The tourism sector is also contributing significantly to job creation. Analysts forecast that the industry could generate one million related jobs by 2030, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s diversified economy and providing opportunities across hospitality, transportation, and cultural sectors.

With international visitor spending at an all-time high, surging domestic travel, and a steadily expanding infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is successfully transforming into a global tourism hub. The Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service quality ensures that tourism will remain a vital driver of economic growth and international engagement for years to come.

The campaign highlights the Red Sea’s unique blend of advanced infrastructure and breathtaking natural beauty, offering global yachting enthusiasts pristine coral reefs, secluded private islands, and state-of-the-art ports. With 1,800 kilometers of stunning coastline, the region promises an unmatched experience for both leisure and exploration.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized that Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to welcome the global yachting community. “With an investment exceeding SR84 billion ($22.4 billion), scalable infrastructure, and strong government support, the Red Sea is set to become one of the most sought-after luxury maritime destinations,” he said.

The Monaco Yacht Show, regarded as the world’s premier gathering of superyacht owners, designers, and industry leaders, provided an ideal platform to introduce Super Yacht Arabia to an elite international audience. Officials noted that the campaign reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy, strengthen tourism, and create unique cultural and leisure opportunities on a global scale.

The Red Sea’s geographic location also adds strategic value, connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it easily accessible to the world’s most prominent yachting hubs. Alongside its modern ports and exclusive cruising routes, the campaign offers tailored experiences designed for discerning travelers seeking both adventure and luxury.

By combining cutting-edge maritime infrastructure with the natural wonders of one of the world’s most untouched coastlines, Saudi Arabia aims to redefine the global yachting map. The Super Yacht Arabia campaign positions the Kingdom not only as a destination but also as a leader in luxury maritime tourism for years to come.

The roadshow brought together leading Saudi stakeholders, including prominent hotels, airlines, destination management companies (DMCs), and transport providers, alongside key Pakistani travel and business partners. The initiative offered an immersive introduction to Saudi Arabia’s diverse destinations, from the historic oasis city of AlUla to the modern vibrancy of Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Taif, and AlBaha.

Emphasizing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, the event showcased unique opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing participants to explore new avenues for business growth and cultural engagement. Through one-on-one meetings, B2B matchmaking, and MICE-focused sessions, attendees experienced Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism ecosystem designed to host world-class events and international gatherings.

“The program has successfully created pathways for collaboration while presenting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, modern infrastructure, and leisure offerings,” the STA said in an official statement.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, continues to attract millions of Muslim visitors each year for Hajj and Umrah. Beyond religious tourism, Riyadh and other cities are emerging as dynamic hubs for business, leisure, and cultural exploration, reflecting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 commitment to economic diversification. Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, further positioning the country as a global destination for sport and entertainment.

The roadshow highlighted major Saudi events and lifestyle experiences such as MDL Beast and Riyadh Season, combining leisure with business opportunities for international travelers. Exclusive promotions were introduced, including summer offers, early-bird discounts for winter tours of AlUla, and specially tailored packages for groups and leisure travelers.

With Pakistan being one of Saudi Arabia’s priority markets, the STA anticipates more than 2.8 million Pakistani visitors to the Kingdom this year, up from over 2.7 million last year. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to strengthen regional tourism ties, enhance connectivity, and promote cultural exchange.

The Saudi delegation included representatives from Taiba Investments, Saudi Silk Route, Via Konnect, 88 Destinations, Kurban Tours, King Abdullah Economic City, Qiddiya, Aroya Cruise, Saudia Airlines, FlyADeal, and the Haramain High-Speed Rail. These participants highlighted the Kingdom’s modern transport infrastructure, including metro and high-speed rail networks, which enhance accessibility across key cities.

“This roadshow underscores Saudi Arabia’s vision to provide integrated travel solutions that blend business, culture, and leisure while deepening the Kingdom’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan,” the STA concluded.

Through initiatives like this B2B roadshow, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its global tourism ambitions, offering international travelers, businesses, and stakeholders unparalleled opportunities for engagement, discovery, and economic collaboration.