A large and controversial turnout was seen at the Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Riyadh Season, an annual state-sponsored entertainment festival held in Saudi Arabia from October to March, kicked off its fourth edition with a high-energy event at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
لحظات تاريخية … عشناها الليلة مع كل الحضور في النزال التاريخي "أشرس رجل على وجه الأرض" المقام في حفل افتتاح #موسم_الرياض 🥊🇸🇦🔥❤️
History was made tonight …
In the epic fight night #BattleOfTheBaddest within #RiyadhSeason opening ceremony 🇸🇦🥊❤️🔥#BigTime pic.twitter.com/ZUonVn7zlV— موسم الرياض | Riyadh Season (@RiyadhSeason) October 29, 2023
British boxer Tyson Fury secured the championship in a 10-round match against former mixed martial arts world champion Francis Ngannou on the opening day.
Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, officially inaugurated the event against the backdrop of the “Kingdom Arena” bells.
The opening ceremony featured diverse performers including athletes, artists, and social media influencers from around the world.
International performers, including dancers and musicians, received enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd following musical and dance performances by global stars.
Despite the massive online criticism the event has garnered, the people of Saudi Arabia turned out in significant numbers to attend.
Al-Sheikh reiterated his commitment to providing an exceptional season that fulfills the dreams and ambitions of everyone, extending a warm welcome to the audience at the Riyadh Season.”