The Riyadh Season 2024-2025 has sparked widespread online discussions, fueled by a series of misleading claims that gained traction on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), several posts spread false information about the entertainment festival, which this year attracted some of the most famous stars in the global entertainment industry.
One prominent claim involved images allegedly showing a replica of the Kaaba—a sacred symbol in Islam—being used as stage décor during fashion shows at the Riyadh Season. These claims have stirred significant controversy and misrepresentation regarding the true nature of the festival and its events.
Additionally, a video of internationally acclaimed American singer Taylor Swift performing atop a cube-shaped structure was widely circulated on social media. The video falsely claimed that the setup symbolized the Kaaba and suggested that this performance was part of the Riyadh Season festivities, fueling further controversy.
In another instance, Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna was accused of wearing a replica of the Zulfiqar sword—historically associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib—around her waist during one of her performances at the Riyadh Season.
Below is an overview of some of the most prominent misleading claims surrounding the recently concluded Riyadh Season events.
Elyanna and the Controversy Over a Zulfiqar-Inspired Belt
Photos circulated on social media allegedly showing Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna wearing a sword-shaped belt during a performance at Riyadh Season 2024. The images quickly went viral, with claims that the belt resembled the Zulfiqar, the iconic sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a figure highly revered by millions of Muslims worldwide. This sparked considerable controversy due to the symbolic significance of the sword.
However, a fact-check by Misbar confirmed that Elyanna did not perform in Saudi Arabia during 2024, dispelling the rumors.
Upon investigating the origins of the images showing Elyanna wearing a sword-shaped belt, it was discovered that they were taken during a concert she performed in New York City, not Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This revelation debunked claims linking the outfit to Riyadh Season 2024.
The belt in question featured an inscription reading, “As if I was born on your soul,” a phrase believed to reference her album Woledto—I Was Born. The accessory appears to have been part of the artist's artistic expression, unrelated to the cultural or religious symbolism that sparked online controversy.
Fans shared videos from Elyanna’s New York concert on TikTok, where she performed some of her most popular songs.
The artist herself posted photos from the event on her official Instagram account and uploaded a video on TikTok on October 24, 2024, captioned: “New York, my heart’s always yours.” The video was later deleted, and Elyanna has not commented on the allegations regarding the sword-shaped belt.
Further investigation into the Riyadh Season 2024-2025 schedule confirmed that Elyanna was not listed among the performers set to appear in Saudi Arabia between October 2024 and February 2025, further discrediting claims linking her to the event.
Taylor Swift in Riyadh Season
Amid the controversy surrounding Lebanese designer Elie Saab's fashion show at Riyadh Season, two clips from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour began circulating on social media, causing confusion. The videos showed Swift performing atop a cube-shaped platform, surrounded by dancers holding artificial clouds.
In one clip, Swift performed "Lavender Haze" from her tenth album, Midnights, on a purple cube-shaped platform. In another, she sang a medley of “Don’t Blame Me” and “Look What You Made Me Do” from her album Reputation on what appeared to be a black cube. However, upon closer inspection, it was evident that she was actually standing on the top step of a staircase made of smaller cubes, which she ascended during her performance.
Clips of Taylor Swift performing on a cube-shaped platform led to false claims that she was dancing on a structure symbolizing the Kaaba during a Riyadh Season event.
However, fact-checking revealed that the videos were from her November 9, 2023, concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of her Eras Tour.
The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, has expanded multiple times due to high demand. Unlike her previous tours, which typically focused on promoting a single album, this tour celebrates Swift's entire career, featuring songs from all 11 of her albums. These facts further debunk any association between her performances and Riyadh Season.
The Buenos Aires concert was one of three performances Swift held in Argentina during her Eras Tour. Sharing her gratitude, Swift posted photos from the event on her official Instagram account with the caption: “I can’t even express my gratitude to the Buenos Aires crowd.”
To date, Swift has not performed in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, Saudi Arabia has expressed its aspirations to host global superstars like Swift in the future.
Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stated: “If we aim to host global icons like Taylor Swift, we can achieve this through collaboration and by organizing a pan-Arab tour.” Hamidaddin also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in attracting international tourists and hosting high-profile global events, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to expand its cultural and entertainment landscape.
Circling Statues at a Fashion Show
A photo circulated on social media purportedly showing models walking around a cube-shaped structure and stone statues during a fashion show at Riyadh Season, sparking controversy.
Upon investigation, it was found that the image had been digitally manipulated. The stone statues were added to the original photograph, which was taken during a fashion show by Saudi designer Adnan Akbar. The event took place at the opening of the second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week on October 17, 2024, at At-Turaif Palace, unrelated to Riyadh Season.
What Is the Riyadh Season?
The circulation of misleading claims about Riyadh Season has coincided with ongoing debates surrounding the event. Riyadh Season, an annual entertainment festival held in Saudi Arabia, features fashion shows, concerts, and dance performances. While it has garnered widespread admiration, it has also faced criticism from those who believe its activities conflict with conservative Arab and Islamic traditions, sparking public controversy.
The timing of the festival has further amplified tensions. With the event taking place during the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon, critics have questioned the appropriateness of such celebrations amid regional conflict.
First launched in 2019, the current edition of Riyadh Season runs from October 2024 to February 2025. It is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for tourism and entertainment.
Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, recently announced that Riyadh Season 2024 has already surpassed six million visitors, marking a new milestone for the festival. This year, the event spans five main zones, each offering unique experiences.
Among the highlights is Boulevard World, which has been expanded by 30% to accommodate the growing influx of visitors. Additionally, Kingdom Arena, known for hosting major concerts and large-scale shows, remains a central entertainment hub. New zones representing diverse global cultures have also been added, further enhancing the festival’s international appeal.
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