Riyadh Season is one of the Kingdom’s most prominent entertainment events, attracting massive crowds. This makes the regulation of ticket sales and pricing essential to ensure fairness and transparency between visitors and organizers. However, with rising demand, some illegal practices have emerged — such as black-market reselling or inflating ticket prices — which constitute clear violations of Saudi laws.

1. What Constitutes a Legal Violation?

Reselling or trading tickets outside official platforms is considered an offense, whether done online or in person. Increasing prices beyond the official rate set by organizers is also classified as a form of commercial fraud and unlawful exploitation of public demand.

2. Legal Penalties

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Commerce and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the following penalties may be imposed on violators:

  • Fines of up to SAR 100,000 or more in cases of repeated offenses.

  • Confiscation and invalidation of illegally sold tickets.

  • Closure of websites or accounts that promote or facilitate illegal sales.

  • Referral to the Public Prosecution if fraud or commercial deception is suspected.

3. Role of Regulatory Authorities

The GEA, in cooperation with security authorities and the Ministry of Commerce, actively monitors illegal sales both online and at event venues. Official platforms also provide digital verification tools to confirm the authenticity of tickets and prevent manipulation.

4. Consumer Responsibility

Attendees are strongly advised to purchase tickets only from official or authorized channels of the GEA and to avoid dealing with unverified sellers or social media resellers. Buying from black-market sources not only risks financial loss but also makes the buyer an accomplice in a legal violation.

5. Purpose of These Regulations

These legal measures aim to protect consumers, ensure fair access to entertainment events, and maintain the credibility and integrity of Riyadh Season as a safe and law-abiding entertainment environment.

In Summary

Selling tickets illegally or at inflated prices is a serious violation of Saudi regulations and subjects offenders to strict penalties, including fines and legal accountability. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Riyadh Season events, always purchase tickets through official sources only.