Lebanese-Colombian singer Shakira is set to make her debut performance in Saudi Arabia as part of the Riyadh Season 2023.
Concerts Saudi, on the X platform, announced the eagerly awaited event, stating, “The final countdown is only 24 hours until the beginning of the opening ceremony of the Riyadh season, a group of international and local names led by international star Shakira.”
"العد التنازلي الأخير 24 ساعة فقط على بداية حفل افتتاح موسم الرياض، مجموعة من الأسماء العالمية والمحلية بقيادة النجمة العالمية شاكيرا " pic.twitter.com/Urh9W6DEO0
— Concerts Saudi (@ConcertsSaudi) October 25, 2023
This year’s Riyadh Season, themed as “Big Time,” officially commenced, with Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), revealing the inclusion of Shakira and numerous other performers on social media.
Al-Sheikh said that this edition of the festival would introduce a fresh and innovative brand.
“The festival aims to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, and empower nearly 2,000 local and international companies to establish the most distinguished entertainment experiences from all over the world on an area spreading over seven million square meters,” Al-Sheikh had stated earlier.
He also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the entertainment sector.
In addition to Shakira’s performance, the opening ceremony of this year’s season will be organized by top event organizers from around the world and feature the participation of renowned celebrities.
Notably, it will be accompanied by the Riyadh Season Belt Fight, the first and largest event of its kind, as well as one of the largest heavyweight boxing fights.
Al-Sheikh further highlighted that the season would witness an upgraded website with new features and an approved ticketing platform with unique specifications, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Saudi leaders are facing criticism from activists for perceived indifference toward the Palestinian massacre at the hands of “historical oppressors”.
