Saudi Arabia is redefining its entertainment scene, moving beyond the global music festivals that first drew attention to Riyadh. The kingdom is now embracing its own traditions to attract tourists and project a refreshed national identity.
Central to this trend is Terhal, a grand stage performance that blends heritage and technology. On stage, an actor in a red-and-white headdress rides a white horse, guiding audiences through Saudi Arabia’s most iconic cultural sites. The show fuses traditional songs, chants, and national attire with modern lighting and cutting-edge special effects.
Terhal follows Saad, a young Saudi exploring his homeland, and features a troupe of 100 performers, 55 of whom are Saudis. The production combines acrobatics, trapeze acts, and dance, illustrating a move toward wholesome, locally inspired entertainment following the rowdy incidents at past music festivals.
While local traditions dominate, the Riyadh Season will still feature major acts such as MDL Beast. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the lineup will primarily highlight Saudi and Gulf talent.
This shift reflects the careful experimentation inherent in Vision 2030. “The characteristic of Vision 2030 is always to test the borders,” says Sebastian Sons of CARPO. “If maybe two steps are too much, you take one step back.”
By blending tradition, innovation, and tourism, Saudi Arabia aims to create an entertainment ecosystem that honors its history while appealing to a global audience.
