Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), emphasized that he will not tolerate anyone breaking the law during the ongoing activities and events of the Riyadh Season 2.

“Anyone who commits a mistake, offends or harasses any person will be punished for such act,” he said.

In an open dialogue via his Twitter account on Sunday, Al-Sheikh said that the offender or abuser could be included in a black list so that he would not be allowed to attend events during the seasons in future.

He said children have a large share in the season. “Thirty percent of the activities in the Boulevard area are suitable for children, and there is an area with more than 500 games suitable for them in addition to other diverse events.

“No establishment will be allowed to organize any event outside the 24 specific zones designated for the Season, except for the Mrsool Park stadium, which will host the two football matches,” he said.

The GEA chief said that five international concerts would be held during the Season, the last of which will be in March, in addition to the concert of Pitbull that was held during the opening day. “All the concerts will be held at the parade area on the Boulevard, and the venue is equipped in a way that allows the attendance of large numbers of fans,” he said.

In response to a question from one of the participants, Al-Sheikh stated that the season would witness several special nights, including New Year’s Eve. “It’s going to be one night that you had never seen in your life and I don’t think you will ever witness it again,” he commented.

Al-Sheikh said that a number of eminent poets would be attending diverse poetic evenings. The concert of renowned Arab singer Khaled Abdel Rahman will be held during the winter while another night will be dedicated for the late Saudi musician Talal Maddah.

The GEA chief said that the authority is in the process of signing an agreement with the Shahid platform so as to allow it to broadcast the events on the platform later, in addition to broadcasting the concerts of the previous season.

“The Season will also witness holding a number of event nights meant for expatriates,” he added.