Diriyah Nights festival wraps up, hosts thousands of visitors

The event featured a plethora of activities, including dazzling live performances. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Short Url
Updated 24 February 2023
Follow

Diriyah Nights festival wraps up, hosts thousands of visitors

  • The two-month event featured dazzling live performances, great gastronomy scene, high-end shops and art
  • In January, the first session saw performances from singers Nabil Shuail, Aseel Abu Bakr, Fouad Abdel Wahed

RIYADH: Thousands of visitors in Riyadh flocked to attend Diriyah Nights, which concluded on Wednesday. 

The two-month event featured a plethora of activities, including dazzling live performances, a great gastronomy scene, high-end shops and art. 

“Diriyah Nights Sessions,” performances from world-renowned Arab music stars, hosted by Rotana Audio Co., consisted of three musical sessions over the duration of the event. 

In January, the first session saw performances from singers Nabil Shuail, Aseel Abu Bakr and Fouad Abdel Wahed. 

In Feburary, singers Abadi Al-Johar, Rashid Al-Faris and Rami Abdullah performed for the second session. 

Iconic Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo concluded the final session on Feb. 20 with a resounding live performance that attracted hundreds of music lovers. 

Visitors were spoiled for choice with restaurants at Diriyah Nights with the likes of Okto, Tawlat Fayza, Pizzeria Dei Monti, and Lebanese restaurant Shababik, where Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr, had dinner.

With a reservation at any restaurant in Diriyah Nights, attendees received general access to the event. 

Electric car racing lovers had the chance to enjoy the ninth season of the Diriyah Formula E World Championship, which took place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site from Jan. 27-28.

Diriyah Season 2022 hosted the Spanish Super Cup from Jan. 11 to 15 and the EA Sports Supercup on Jan. 18, which received distinguished global attention and attendance. 

The Spanish Super Cup brought four legendary soccer teams — Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia and Real Betis — to play.

The EA Sports Supercup was a one-day match between AC Milan and Inter Milan. 

Diriyah Nights may have come to an end, but Diriyah Season still continues to host a variety of events for all ages.


Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival

Updated 15 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival

  • Visitors can explore interactive displays on habitat protection and the ecological importance of falcons, blending modern technology with authentic Saudi traditions to promote environmental stewardship

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority is taking part in the 10th Northern Borders Falcon Festival, held in Turaif governorate from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, celebrating cultural heritage and promoting environmental conservation.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is the ancient craft of Sadu, with local artisans showcasing traditional weaving that reflects the reserve’s cultural identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

By empowering families in the cottage industry, the authority aims to preserve this living legacy as a vital part of national heritage, the SPA added.

The pavilion also highlights the authority’s ecological achievements, including the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, ibex and houbara bustard.

Visitors can explore interactive displays on habitat protection and the ecological importance of falcons, blending modern technology with authentic Saudi traditions to promote environmental stewardship.

In collaboration with the Saudi Falcons Club, the festival features more than 700 participants, including professional, elite and international falcon owners, as well as local amateurs. The competition spans 18 rounds, with total financial prizes exceeding SR1 million ($266,000).