RIYADH — More than 1.2 million people, representing about 15 percent of the residents of the capital city, have visited the Boulevard zone where the Riyadh entertainment season, the biggest of its kind in the region, kicked off on Thursday evening. Residents and other people from other areas and the GCC countries visited the Boulevard zone in just 24 hours from Thursday evening to Friday evening. According to the figures of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) and the latest consensus of 2017, Riyadh has a population of 8,216,284. Sources close to the celebrations said this was a clear indication of the success of the season which shows the thirst of the Saudis for entertainment in its various forms. They also said the success of the season will give the General Authority for Entertainment (GAE) a carte blanch to provide other entertainment options which have been absent from Riyadh. The staff in charge of the organization have picked up the slogan "Imagine" to this unique gathering which was full of surprises. The Boulevard zone, which has an area of more than 400,000 sq. meters, was chosen as a venue for the carnival parade, the biggest in the Middle East, because it has the tallest dancing fountain and three big theaters. The zone will witness nine various activities for people of all age groups. The theater named after the famous Saudi singer, Mohammed Abdo, has 22,000 seats while Abu Baker Salim Balfaqih theater can accommodate 6,000 spectators and Abu Baker Al-Shidi, the late dramatist, has 2,000 seats. The zone has more than 50 local and international shops, art theaters, dancing fountain shows and an open movie theater. Riyadh has been an attraction point for Saudis from all regions and also for citizens from the GCC and other Arab countries. With the issuance of the electronic tourist visa, the capital city is expected to attract visitors from all parts of the world.
