You will step into a world of sea adventures at Riyadh Season this year. Aroya opens on November 20 and brings maritime fun inspired by Aroya Cruises. You can try nautical activities and watch cultural shows. If you dream of ocean trips or love Arab sea stories, this zone calls to you. It mixes ship life with history in a landlocked city. You will feel the waves without leaving Riyadh. Plus, it adds thrill to the festival with lights and waves of excitement.
When Does Aroya Open and How Long Does It Last?
You should know that Aroya starts its events on November 20. It runs until mid-December, in line with Riyadh Season’s October to December dates. You can visit daily from 4 PM to 11 PM. This evening schedule lets you beat the heat and enjoy cooler air.
Weekends might add extra hours for big crowds. You will find it lively but easy to navigate. November’s mild weather, around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, makes outdoor spots comfortable. In total, you have about a month to plan your sea-themed day.
Why Should You Visit Aroya During Riyadh Season 2025?
You will enjoy Aroya because it offers a fresh take on adventure in Riyadh. The festival has over 11 zones, but this one focuses on the sea. You can escape daily life and imagine sailing the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf.
Sea fans get hands-on fun. Culture lovers learn about Arab sailors. You should know it ties to Saudi’s push for tourism, with parts supporting local jobs. The zone covers 45,000 square meters, with water features and ship setups. It draws families and friends for shared stories. You will leave with a sense of wonder and new facts about the ocean.
Read About All the Zones in Riyadh Season 2025:
|
Zone |
Activities |
Location |
| Beast Land | Created by MrBeast. 27 rides, 40 restaurants, and interactive gaming zones. | Northern Riyadh (exact site TBD, near Boulevard area) |
| Boulevard City | Features concerts, theatrical shows, 80+ restaurants, 14 plays, and 8 sports championships. | Hittin District, Riyadh |
| Boulevard World | Country pavilions (Egypt, France, India, South Korea, etc.), VR rides, floating markets, 1,700 stores, and 500+ restaurants. | Hittin District, near BLVD City |
| Kingdom Arena | 40,000+ capacity for WWE Royal Rumble 2026, concerts, and international sports. | Boulevard City, Hittin District |
| ANB Arena | Hosting Six Kings Slam, Joy Forum, Power Slap 17, and WWE SmackDown. | Boulevard City, Hittin District |
| VIA Riyadh | Luxury destination with St. Regis Hotel, designer shopping, fine dining, cinemas, and Ana Arabia 2025 exhibition. | Al-Hada District, next to Ritz-Carlton |
| The Groves | lakeside dining, 7 restaurants, 16 shops, live music, dog park, Zama Zulu and Vida Vera. | Al-Rafiyah District, Riyadh |
| BLVD Flowers | 215,000 sqm floral wonderland with 200 million flowers and 3 Boeing 777s turned into art. | Hittin District, near BLVD Runway |
| Aroya Zone | Riyadh Season’s first cruise experience. | Launches from Red Sea; on-ground presence near Boulevard World Lake |
| Riyadh Zoo | 1,600 animals, 6 themed zones, and interactive areas like Croc Cave and Bird Zones. | Al-Malaz District, Riyadh |
| Al Suwaidi Park | Celebrating 13 countries through music, art, and food festivals. | Al-Suwaidi District, Riyadh |
What Maritime Experiences Can You Enjoy at Aroya?
You can dive into maritime life at Aroya, all inspired by Aroya Cruises. The zone recreates ship decks with wooden paths and rope nets. You will walk a mock gangway to “board” a cruise area. Inside, you find cabins to peek into, with beds and views of painted seas.
You should know Aroya Cruises launched in 2023 as Saudi’s first home cruise line. It sails from Jeddah to Egypt and Jordan. Here, you can try a mini cruise simulator. Sit in a captain’s chair and steer a virtual ship through storms. Guides explain navigation tools like compasses and maps. Water shows with fountains mimic waves, set to sea sounds. You will feel the pull of the ocean in the desert.
What Nautical Adventures Are Available at Aroya?
You will thrill to the nautical adventures at Aroya. One top activity is the rope course over a water pit, like climbing ship masts. You can swing across or balance on logs, with safety harnesses for all ages. Kids under 10 watch from below.
You should know the treasure hunt game lets you follow clues to find “pirate gold” hidden in ship crates. Teams solve riddles about Arab explorers like Sinbad. Prizes include toy compasses or cruise stickers. For water fun, try splash pads with ship wheels that spray jets. Evening boat rides on a small lake circle the zone, with lights reflecting like stars on water.
Diving demos show how to use gear, without getting wet. You can hold a snorkel mask and learn fish names from the Gulf. These adventures last 20 to 45 minutes each. You will build courage and laugh with your group.
How Do Cultural Showcases Work at Aroya?
You can learn rich history through cultural shows at Aroya. Stages host tales of Arab seafarers, from pearl divers in the Gulf to traders on dhow boats. You will watch dancers in sailor outfits perform with drums and chants.
You should know the showcases highlight Saudi maritime past, like old ports in Yanbu. Puppets act out stories of voyages to India. Talks by experts cover ship building with wood and sails. These sessions run 15 to 30 minutes, free and in simple language.
Food ties in too. You can taste seafood like grilled fish or dates stuffed with nuts, like on a cruise menu. Art stalls sell shell crafts and maps. You will gain pride in Arab sea links and share facts later.
Is Aroya Good for Families and Adventure Seekers?
You can bring your family to Aroya for a mix of calm and excitement. Kids love the splash areas and hunts, with soft floors for safety. Parents find shaded seats and stroller paths. You should know height rules keep adventures age-right, like 1.2 meters for ropes.
Adventure seekers tackle the courses and simulators. Couples enjoy boat rides at dusk. Groups bond over games. The zone has prayer areas and clean restrooms. You will create memories, from a child’s first “sail” to adult talks on history.
What Is the Story Behind Aroya Cruises?
You should know Aroya Cruises comes from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. It aims to grow tourism with luxury sea trips. The first ship, Aroya1, holds 3,000 guests and sails weekly from Jeddah. You can see models of it at the zone.
The line offers pools, shows, and Arab food on board. It plans more ships by 2025. Riyadh Season version brings that vibe ashore. You will hear from crew members who share real cruise tips. This setup boosts Saudi’s blue economy, with jobs in ports and training.
How Does Aroya Fit Into Saudi’s Maritime Vision?
You can see Aroya as part of Saudi’s big sea plans. Vision 2030 wants to expand coasts for fun and trade. The Red Sea Project adds resorts and dives. You should know Aroya Cruises supports this with local hires and eco-rules, like clean fuel.
The zone teaches about marine life, with signs on coral reefs. You will learn threats like pollution and how to help. It partners with sea groups for cleanups. Your visit aids the goal of a strong sea future for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tips for Your Best Visit to Aroya
You can make your Aroya trip smooth with planning. Use the Riyadh Season app for schedules and virtual lines. You should know entry is free, but adventures cost 30 to 100 SAR. Buy bundles for savings.
Come in light clothes and water shoes for wet spots. Bring sunscreen and a towel. Taxis or shuttles get you there easy; parking fits 1,500 cars. Eat before or try the stalls for quick bites like shrimp skewers.
Go mid-week for quiet times. Stay for night shows when water lights dance. Follow safety like holding rails on courses. Post your sea fun with #AroyaRiyadh.
Why You Can’t Miss Aroya This Season?
You will cherish Aroya at Riyadh Season 2025. It opens November 20 with sea fun, adventures, and culture. You can sail in your mind, learn old tales, and feel the thrill. Put it on your calendar. Riyadh Season 2025 mixes worlds, and Aroya brings the ocean home. Visit soon and let the waves carry you.