The internationally acclaimed musical “WICKED” is set to make its Middle Eastern debut in Riyadh this December, marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar. Presented by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) and Broadway Entertainment Group, the production will run from December 3 to 20, 2025, at the King Fahad Cultural Center. This event highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a cultural hub aligned with Vision 2030’s goals to enhance quality of life and diversify entertainment offerings.
Saudi Arabia hosts the iconic musical “WICKED” for the first time
For the first time ever, the beloved musical “WICKED” will be performed in the Middle East, with Riyadh as the starting point for its regional tour. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, in partnership with Broadway Entertainment Group, officially announced that the show will run for 18 days in December 2025 at Riyadh’s King Fahad Cultural Center.Engineer Khalid bin Abdullah Alhazani, Vice President of the Lifestyle Sector at RCRC, emphasized that this event underscores the commission’s dedication to bringing world-class cultural and entertainment experiences to Saudi Arabia. He linked the initiative directly to the Quality of Life Program, a key part of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at enriching cultural and recreational opportunities for all residents.
“WICKED”: A global phenomenon arrives in Riyadh
“WICKED” ranks among the world’s most successful musicals, having attracted over 70 million viewers globally across 130 cities in 25 countries. The Riyadh production promises to deliver the full experience, featuring:
- Over 100 performers, technicians, and orchestra members
- More than 350 costumes
- The show’s most iconic musical numbers, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good”
Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz expressed his excitement for the Riyadh performances, highlighting that this new production brings fresh energy while preserving the heart of the story. He described “WICKED” as a celebration of friendship, love, and courage—values that resonate universally.
Story and cultural impact: The tale behind “WICKED”
Inspired by the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” “WICKED” is set in the magical land of Oz. The musical explores the intertwined lives of two young women: one with emerald-green skin, misunderstood but gifted, and the other admired and ambitious. Their relationship evolves from friendship to rivalry, shaping their destinies as Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.The narrative’s timeless themes of identity, loyalty, and standing up for one’s beliefs have helped the show captivate audiences worldwide. This December’s staging in Saudi Arabia will be the first time Middle Eastern audiences can experience this compelling story live.
Ticket information for “WICKED” in Saudi Arabia
Tickets for the Riyadh performances of “WICKED” are available online at wicked.platinumlist.net. This event marks the beginning of the musical’s Gulf tour, positioning Riyadh as a key cultural gateway for the region.
