Al Dirah Winter opens in old Riyadh on 1 November with seven zones

Al Dirah Winter, the winter programme in Riyadh's oldest district, opens on Sunday 1 November and runs every day for 128 days, until 8 March 2027. For the first time it is an official zone of Riyadh Season, now in its seventh edition, through a partnership between Riyadh Season and the Al Dirah Development Company, according to Riyadh Season's own account as reported by Arriyadiyah.

The programme is spread over seven spots in the old heart of the capital. Al Moaiqliah Plaza mixes market-style shopping with interactive activities, and Al Moaiqliah Terrace above it is an open-air place to eat with a view of the square. Al Qaisariah Plaza is given over to traditional crafts, and the Al Qaisariah Lookout is a corner for photos of the Najdi architecture. The Al Dirah Majlis is the place for hospitality and evening gatherings with stories of the old city. A dedicated stage hosts live performances and cultural and entertainment acts, and the Park is a family area with winter seating and a choice of restaurants.

Al Dirah has run its winter season on its own in earlier years, and bringing it into Riyadh Season puts the season's promotion behind it. The General Entertainment Authority said on 28 October that the zone was getting ready to welcome visitors. Unlike the big zones in Hittin in the north of the city, this one sits in the district around Masmak Fortress and the old souqs, where Souq Al Moaiqliah, Souq Ushaiqer and Al Qaisariah are already part of daily life.

Opening hours and ticket prices had not been announced when this was written. The district is on Al Imam Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Muhammad Road, and the Qasr Al Hokm metro station is the easiest way in without looking for parking. Check the Riyadh Season app and the Webook app for hours and any tickets before you go, and look at the Al Dirah destination's own website and Instagram for what is on each week.