Latest news with #GEA
Gulf Insider
41 minutes ago
- Gulf Insider
From Mecca To Medina: Saudi Arabia Recreates The Prophet's Migration For Visitors
Saudi Arabia will welcome 300,000 visitors this November for an unprecedented cultural and spiritual experience tracing Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) historic migration route from Mecca to Medina. The ambitious project, 'In the Prophet's Steps,' has already attracted over one million registrations globally, with 300,000 selected for the inaugural season by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh said the overwhelming response reflects the deep global interest in this immersive initiative, which aims to bring to life one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Using advanced technology, the project reconstructs the 470-kilometre Hijrah route, 305 kilometres of which are walkable, allowing visitors to follow the Prophet's footsteps through restored landscapes and historical sites. Forty-one landmarks along the route have been rehabilitated, supported by eight stations and five interactive hubs narrating key moments of the migration. A dedicated Migration Museum will further enrich visitors' understanding. To enhance the overall experience, the route includes 30 restaurants and 50 shops, with capacity to host up to 12,000 visitors per day. 'This project is a testament to our leadership's commitment to preserving Islamic heritage,' said Turki Al Sheikh. 'It offers an opportunity to explore the landmarks of the Hijrah and reflect on its enduring lessons.' Interest has been especially strong in Indonesia, with international rollouts planned for Malaysia, Turkey, and India. By 2030, the initiative aims to welcome five million visitors annually. To ensure comfort and safety along the rugged terrain, specially designed 4×4 vehicles will transport visitors, while new technology has reduced the journey to the Cave of Thawr—a key Hijrah site—from a strenuous two-hour climb to just three minutes. Combining historical authenticity, immersive storytelling, and modern amenities, In the Prophet's Steps offers a deeply moving and accessible experience of the Prophet's migration, illuminating its profound spiritual and human values for a global audience.
Leaders
8 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
Experience the Prophet's Journey: Saudi Arabia's Immersive Hijrah Route
Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome 300,000 global visitors this November for an unprecedented spiritual journey. The 'In the Prophet's Steps' initiative meticulously recreates Prophet Muhammed's (PBUH) historic Hijrah path from Makkah to Madinah. Organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), this ambitious project garnered over one million global registrations. Consequently, the GEA selected 300,000 participants for the inaugural season. GEA Chairman Turki Alasheikh stated that the overwhelming response reflects deep worldwide interest in this key Islamic history event. Modern Technology Meets Ancient Path The project employs cutting-edge technology to reconstruct the full 470-kilometer Hijrah route. Significantly, visitors can walk 305 kilometers of this path, as they will traverse restored landscapes and historical sites following the Prophet's (PBUH) footsteps. Furthermore, teams have meticulously rehabilitated forty-one landmarks along the route, with eight stations and five interactive hubs narrate pivotal migration moments. Additionally, a dedicated Migration Museum will significantly deepen visitor understanding. The experience prioritizes visitor comfort alongside spiritual reflection. Strategically placed along the route are thirty restaurants and fifty shops, with the infrastructure capably hosts up to 12,000 visitors daily. GEA Chairman Turki Alasheikh emphasized, 'This project clearly demonstrates our leadership's commitment to preserving Islamic heritage. It offers everyone a unique opportunity to explore Hijrah landmarks and reflect on its timeless lessons.' Global Reach and Future Ambitions International interest, particularly from Indonesia, has been exceptionally strong. Accordingly, international rollouts are planned for Malaysia, Turkey, and India, as Saudi Arabia aims to welcome five million visitors annually by 2030. Moreover, specially designed 4×4 vehicles will ensure safe and comfortable transport for visitors in the route that traverses rugged terrain. Crucially, innovative technology now reduces the journey to the Cave of Thawr – a vital Hijrah site – from a strenuous two-hour climb to just three minutes. 'In the Prophet's Steps' masterfully blends historical authenticity, immersive storytelling, and modern conveniences. This initiative offers a deeply moving and accessible experience of the Prophet's (PBUH) migration. It vividly illuminates the profound spiritual and human values of the Hijrah for people worldwide. The 'In the Prophet's Steps' project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes preserving and promoting Islamic history. Short link : Post Views: 6
Leaders
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Riyadh Comedy Festival: Star-studded Lineup Revealed
The Riyadh Comedy Festival will bring together a stellar array of comedic talent from across the world to perform in Saudi Arabia. The Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Al al-Sheikh, revealed the lineup of stand-up comedians set to participate in the world's largest comedy gathering, taking place at Boulevard City from September 26 to October 9, 2025. The Riyadh Comedy Festival will see the participation of more than 50 prominent comedians from around the globe in its inaugural edition to celebrate comedy in all its forms. The list includes Hollywood icon Chris Tucker, famous for the Rush Hour movies, and Emmy winner Aziz Ansari, co-creator and star of Master of None, who also has the upcoming film Good Fortune. استعدوا لحضور أكبر مهرجان للكوميديا في العالم بتواجد مجموعة كبيرة من أفضل النجوم العالميين ولأول مرة بالمملكة في #مهرجان_الرياض_للكوميديا من 26 سبتمبر إلى 9 أكتوبر 🇸🇦🔥 وراح نعلن عن أسماء نجوم جدد قريباً 😎 بوليفارد سيتي 📍 A comedy takeover is coming from Sept 26 to Oct 9,… — TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 28, 2025 The lineup also features Pete Davidson, known for Saturday Night Live and Peacock's Bupkis, and stand-up comedian Tom Segura, whose latest show Bad Thoughts received an Emmy nomination. Moreover, Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee from the popular Bad Friends podcast will join the festival, alongside Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel, Amazon Prime comedy favorite Sam Morril, and the globally recognized British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili. The Riyadh Comedy Festival will also see the participation of TV and podcast personality Chris Distefano, Netflix regular Mark Normand, stand-up veteran Hannibal Buress, the six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner, Louis C.K., and Australian comedian Jimeoin. Other participating stars include Andrew Schulz, Bill Burr, Bobby Lee, Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, Maz Jobrani, Russell Peters, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings, and Zarna Garg. More comedians will be announced over the next weeks. The Riyadh Comedy Festival is part of Riyadh Season 2025. It will include live stand-up performances, comedy-focused talk shows, interactive sessions, and comedy workshops. Short link : Post Views: 30
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to hosts world's biggest comedy festival: Kevin Hart, Russell Peters among 50+ top comedians
Tickets for the Riyadh Comedy Festival, running September 26 to October 9, will be available starting August 1 on Image: X In a landmark move reflecting its ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, Saudi Arabia is set to host the world's largest comedy festival from September 26 to October 9, 2025, in Riyadh's vibrant Boulevard City. This historic event will gather more than 50 internationally acclaimed comedians, including household names like Kevin Hart , Russell Peters , Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias, Pete Davidson , and Chris Tucker , marking a transformative moment in global entertainment. The festival is a central feature of Riyadh Season 2025, underscoring the Kingdom's drive to position itself as a leading hub for culture, tourism, and live events in the Middle East and beyond. The Biggest Comedy Festival Ever Assembles a Stellar Global Lineup Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), under the leadership of Chairman Turki Alalshikh, has officially unveiled an unprecedented lineup of comedy stars for the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival. Announced via Alalshikh's official X account, the festival promises to be 'the biggest comedy festival in the world,' with over 50 performers from diverse backgrounds taking the stage in Boulevard City over two weeks. Among the headline acts are internationally renowned comedians such as Kevin Hart, Sebastian Maniscalco , and Russell Peters—the Canadian-Indian comedian famed for his multicultural material and worldwide fanbase. Hollywood icon Chris Tucker, celebrated for the Rush Hour franchise, and Aziz Ansari, Emmy winner and co-creator of Master of None , will also be featured. The festival further boasts Pete Davidson, known for Saturday Night Live and Peacock's Bupkis , as well as Tom Segura , whose Netflix special Bad Thoughts earned an Emmy nomination. Other notable names include podcast hosts Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee ( Bad Friends ), Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel, Amazon Prime standout Sam Morril ( You've Changed ), and British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili. Additional performers confirmed so far include Chris Distefano, Mark Normand, Hannibal Buress, six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner Louis C.K., and Australian favorite Jimeoin. The lineup continues with Andrew Schulz, Bill Burr, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias, Maz Jobrani, Whitney Cummings, and Zarna Garg. These comedians represent a wide spectrum of comedic styles, from sharp political satire and deadpan delivery to high-energy storytelling and cultural commentary, ensuring that the festival appeals to a truly global audience. Boulevard City Transformed Into a Global Comedy Hub The entire event will unfold at Boulevard City, Riyadh's sprawling, high-tech entertainment district located in the Hittin area along Prince Turki Al-Awwal Road. Spanning over 220 acres, the venue is divided into themed zones, including open-air plazas, theaters, music stages, and the iconic Times Square-inspired 'Square' with towering digital screens. Known for hosting everything from concerts and sports tournaments to immersive exhibitions, Boulevard City offers a full-scale entertainment experience with more than 100 restaurants and cafés, retail outlets, VR arcades, and live performance areas. Its flagship Mohammed Abdo Arena seats up to 22,000 people, making it a centerpiece for large-scale events. For the festival's two-week run, the district will come alive with comedy stages, vibrant lighting, food trucks, and a buzzing crowd atmosphere. The venue can accommodate up to 60,000 visitors at a time, with past Riyadh Season events seeing peaks of 200,000 visitors daily. Tickets for the Riyadh Comedy Festival will go live in three days,1st August, on with high demand expected across all tiers. The festival will run from September 26 to October 9. This event is designed to be more than just a series of stand-up shows, organisers have confirmed daily programming including live stand-up, talk shows, comedy workshops, and interactive sessions that cater to audiences of all ages, creating an immersive festival experience. A Platform for Global Icons and Rising Regional Talent While global headliners are a major draw, the Riyadh Comedy Festival also plays a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. It serves as a platform for regional performers and emerging Arab comedians, giving them rare international exposure. By sharing the stage with global icons, GCC-based talents in stand-up, digital media, and performance gain visibility and recognition, potentially marking major turning points in their careers. Chairman Turki Alalshikh has also hinted at upcoming programming featuring Gulf and Syrian theatre, regional music, and dedicated productions, reinforcing the festival's dual mission: bringing the world's best comedy to Riyadh, while projecting local talent to global audiences. Anchored in Vision 2030: A Cultural and Economic Milestone The Riyadh Comedy Festival is not a standalone event. it's a landmark chapter in Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's national roadmap for economic transformation through cultural diversification. By anchoring the comedy festival within Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom underscores its intention to become a top global destination for live entertainment, arts, and tourism. Saudi Arabia has already made significant strides, hosting international sporting events, K-pop supergroups, and Michelin-starred culinary showcases. Now, it turns the spotlight on comedy, an art form that bridges languages, generations, and cultures. The festival is expected to draw thousands of domestic and international visitors, boosting footfall in hotels, restaurants, and retail zones, while also offering invaluable exposure for Saudi Arabia's growing creative sector. With more performer announcements expected in the weeks ahead, the Riyadh Comedy Festival is poised to become one of the most culturally impactful, economically beneficial, and globally visible entertainment events the Kingdom has ever hosted.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Riyadh Comedy Festival Attracts Global Stars
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Advisor Turki Alalshikh announced on Monday the addition of a new group of top international comedians set to perform at the inaugural edition of the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which will be held at Boulevard City from September 26 to October 9. The festival is the largest comedy event of its kind in the world, featuring over 50 performances by elite comedians from around the globe. It underscores the Kingdom's growing stature in hosting major global events and reflects the diversity of the local entertainment landscape. The festival is organized as part of the GEA's efforts to boost the entertainment sector in the Kingdom by attracting high-profile international events and offering distinguished cultural and artistic experiences that enrich entertainment options and contribute to enhancing the quality of life.
