Saudi Arabia to Host World's Largest Comedy Festival
RIYADH – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced it will host the world’s largest comedy festival in its capital city, Riyadh, from September 26 to October 9, 2025. The landmark event, a key part of the nation's cultural transformation, will feature a star-studded lineup of over 50 internationally acclaimed comedians, including global icons like Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, and Gabriel Iglesias.
The announcement was made by His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). The Riyadh Comedy Festival will take place at the state-of-the-art Boulevard City entertainment complex and promises a diverse schedule of stand-up shows, live talk shows, and sketch comedy. The festival is a monumental step in reinforcing the Kingdom's growing influence as a major hub in the international entertainment landscape.
A New Epicenter for Global Entertainment
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is not just a standalone event; it is a powerful statement of intent and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 plan. This national blueprint aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy away from its reliance on oil, with the development of a vibrant tourism and entertainment sector being a top priority.
Under the leadership of H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh, the General Entertainment Authority has been instrumental in this cultural shift, organizing massive events under the "Riyadh Season" banner that have attracted millions of visitors. The launch of the world's largest comedy festival is the latest and one of the most significant additions to this portfolio, signaling that Saudi Arabia is now a key destination on the global live entertainment circuit.
An All-Star Lineup: A-List Comedians Descend on Riyadh
The sheer star power of the festival's lineup is unprecedented for the region. The GEA has curated a list of over 50 of the world's most successful and beloved comedians, ensuring a diverse range of comedic styles.
Headlining the festival are some of the most recognizable names in stand-up comedy, including:
- Kevin Hart: The American superstar known for his energetic, observational humor and for selling out stadiums worldwide.
- Russell Peters: The Canadian-Indian icon whose material often hilariously explores race, culture, and immigrant experiences.
- Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias: Famous for his storytelling, sound effects, and good-natured humor.
- Bill Burr, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Jim Jefferies, Aziz Ansari, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, and Zarna Garg, among many others.
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More Than Just Stand-Up: A Diverse Entertainment Experience
While the stand-up comedy shows are the main draw, the Riyadh Comedy Festival is being designed as a comprehensive entertainment experience for all ages. The daily schedule will be packed with a variety of events taking place across the sprawling Boulevard City venue.
In addition to main stage performances, the festival will feature live talk shows, sketch comedy, and workshops and interactive activities aimed at nurturing local Saudi comedic talent and building a grassroots comedy scene.
Practical Information for Attendees
For comedy lovers in the Kingdom and across the region planning to attend this landmark event, here are the key details:
- Dates: The festival will run for two weeks, from Friday, September 26, to Thursday, October 9, 2025.
- Venue: All events will be held at Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Tickets: Tickets are expected to go on sale by the end of July 2025 and will be available for purchase exclusively through the official ticketing partner, webook.com.