2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia To Host World's Largest Comedy Festival In Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the world's largest comedy festival as part of its rapidly expanding entertainment portfolio, with some of the biggest names in global stand-up comedy set to take the stage in Riyadh this autumn.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Turki Al Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced the launch of the first Riyadh Comedy Festival, scheduled to run from September 26 to October 9, 2025.
'The king of comedy lands in Riyadh… Kevin Hart is ready to bring the house down at the largest comedy festival in the world,' Al Al Sheikh wrote, alongside a promotional video highlighting the festival's ambitious scale and international appeal.
أسطورة الكوميديا جايكم الرياض.. كيفن هارت في #مهرجان_الرياض_للكوميديا أكبر مهرجان للكوميديا في العالم 🔥😎بوليفارد سيتي 📍26 سبتمبر – 9 أكتوبر 🗓️The king of comedy lands in Riyadh …Kevin Hart is ready to bring the house down at the Largest Comedy festival in the world 😎🔥… — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 23, 2025
Among the first headliners confirmed for the event are Kevin Hart, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Russell Peters — the latter a Canadian comedian of Indian descent, widely recognised for his multicultural material and global fanbase.
Set to take place in Boulevard City, the Riyadh Comedy Festival will bring together over 50 leading comedians from around the world for an electrifying celebration of comedy in all its forms.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Riyadh Comedy Festival will feature a packed daily lineup of entertainment, including live stand-up shows, talk shows, comedy workshops, and interactive sessions tailored for audiences of all ages.
The festival is a central part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom's flagship cultural and entertainment initiative designed to diversify the economy and boost tourism as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.
In a separate post last Wednesday, Al Al Sheikh hinted at further major announcements for the upcoming season, including a focus on Gulf and Syrian content, with plans for theatrical productions and concerts celebrating regional talent.
