Envision a place where entertainment knows no bounds. This is the Boulevard Riyadh City. Once known as Boulevard Riyadh City, it is now simply known as The Boulevard. It spans 220 acres in Riyadh’s Hittin neighborhood. The Boulevard offers high-end retail and entertainment. It opened in 2019.
The Boulevard primarily operates during Riyadh Season. This is an annual entertainment festival. The adjacent Boulevard World complex borrows its name from The Boulevard. It was inaugurated in 2022. The Boulevard is more than just a shopping center. It is a vibrant hub of activity.
First launched in October 2019, The Boulevard is divided into nine sub-zones. These zones offer recreational facilities. There are outdoor cinemas and cafes. Restaurants and hookah lounges dot the landscape. The Boulevard also hosts sports, music and theatrical events.
The Square sub-zone is a replica of New York’s Times Square. Takenda center is another landmark attraction. The Trocadero area is inspired by London’s Coventry Street. Saudi engineer Abdul Mohsen Al-Theyab designed The Boulevard. Nmr Real Estate and Ahmed Zaidan Consulting Architects also contributed. The General Entertainment Authority oversees The Boulevard.
The Boulevard was launched as a 400,000-square-metre zone on October 17, 2019. This was during the first week of Riyadh Season. An inaugural parade featured over 1,500 performers and 25 floats. Within 24 hours, 1.2 million residents flocked to The Boulevard.
The Boulevard hosted The Color Run in late October 2019. Runners sprinted for 5 kilometers. They were splashed with colored powders during each kilometer. The Boulevard also hosted the Saudi Anime Expo in November 2019. Several singers and bands performed.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended Riyadh Season in mid-November 2019. The Boulevard was the only zone extended until the end of March 2020. In late November 2019, The Boulevard hosted a walkathon for elderly visitors.
In December 2019, Turki al-Sheikh announced a Filipino Night. The TNT Boys, Ogie Alcasid and Lara Maigue performed. The Boulevard also hosted the 2020 WWE Super ShowDown. This event took place at the Mohammed Abdo Arena.
The General Entertainment Authority closed The Boulevard in March 2020. This was due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The WHO declared coronavirus a global pandemic. King Salman ordered a nationwide curfew.
The Boulevard’s Mohammed Abdo Arena hosted the 2021 WWE Crown Jewel. This professional wrestling event drew 22,000 attendees.
The Boulevard reopened in November 2021 as part of Riyadh Season’s second edition. Sala Entertainment opened the largest indoor entertainment city, Sala Hub. The Takenda Center opened with 500 arcade games and virtual reality. The Boulevard unveiled The Crystal Maze experience.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan performed at the International Arena Boulevard Plus in December 2021. His handprints were added to the Wall of Fame. The Boulevard also inaugurated the biggest bowling alley in Saudi Arabia.
Entry timings were revised in early January 2022. Visitors could enter from 2 pm instead of 5 pm.
The Boulevard announced free entry throughout Ramadan in April 2022. It hosted a Gargee’an show in the Studio area. In late April 2022, Saeed Saeed reported that Boulevard Riyadh has become a family hub during Ramadan. The Boulevard hosted the Eid ul-Fitr parade.
In July 2022, The Boulevard inaugurated the Japamura zone. This village exhibits Japanese culture.
The Boulevard features nine sub-zones. There is a musical fountain. The Square replicates New York’s Times Square. The Trocadero Area is inspired by London’s Coventry Street. Other zones include The Garden, Music Area and Avalanche Area. Theaters Area, Studio Area and Sport Area complete the offerings.
Popular restaurants include La Maison De Katrin, Public and Kasbah. Jinji Korean and Relais de l’Entrecote offer diverse cuisines. Zodiac Garden and Layali Adan provide unique dining experiences. Bettys Café, O by Michel Fadel and Zaatar W Zeit offer Lebanese flavors. Karak Gholam, Kyokusen and Lokma Istanbul add international flair. Morini, Samad Iraqi and Le Chalet provide further culinary options.
From humble beginnings to a modern entertainment hub, The Boulevard Riyadh City is a testament to Riyadh’s ambition. It offers a diverse range of experiences. Its blend of culture, entertainment and retail makes it a must-visit destination. As we conclude our tour, remember the energy and innovation that define The Boulevard.