Here at TPiMEA, we’re well accustomed to covering the region’s biggest productions – many of which just so happen to boast the latest and greatest in live events technology, deployed by experts in their respective fields. We’re not only about the kit though; sometimes the human element of an event is so compelling, it warrants a special mention. This is very much the case for the Opening Ceremony of Riyadh Season 2025 – an audacious parade featuring a cast and crew of 1,500, watched by more than 40,000 people over a 1.7km stretch between Kingdom Arena and BLVD World.
“This was not the most technical show in terms of AVL deployment, but the level of detail and organisation required to make it run was absolutely huge,” commented Marc Van Sintruyen, CEO of 555 Live Experience, which produced the event in collaboration with SELA. “From the giant helium-filled balloons and daytime pyrotechnics to the costume design and choreography for all the parade performance groups and the massive back-of-house infrastructure, this was undoubtedly one of the most demanding and rewarding projects that we have ever taken on.”
While conventional opening ceremonies are usually over in a matter of minutes, the Riyadh Season Opening Ceremony took place over the course of an hour-and-a-half – a novel experience for Van Sintruyen. “Most shows we do are a short, intense burst – all the planning leads up to a spike of adrenaline and then it’s all over in what seems like the blink of an eye – but this was completely different,” he shared. “We were also in a completely different environment. Everything is much easier to control in a stadium or an arena, but out on the streets there are so many variables to consider.”
Leading the project on the ground was the joint SELA and 555 team of Technical Director, Arvi Piiparinen, Client Liaison Manager, Fahad Al Otaibi, and Artist & Performer Coordinator, Khumar Guluzade. The parade was built between 2–9 October, performed on 10 October, and fully struck by 11 October – a feat usually requiring triple the time. Fahad Alotaibi handled continuous communication with client teams and city authorities, often working overnight to maintain approvals and route readiness.
The parade was led by the iconic giant Macy’s helium balloons, which made the trip from their usual New York City neighbourhood to make their Middle East debut in Riyadh. In total, 14 giant balloons were supplied, including eight large and one small Macy’s moving balloons, one static Macy’s display balloon and four custom inflatables by Fabulous Inflatables for Riyadh Season. To support them, the technical team built five helium inflation stations and one cold-air station in the BOH area. Each station was powered by its own helium rack, with a total of 320 high-pressure cylinders releasing around 3,200 cubic metres of helium.
“The real challenge was getting everyone lined up in the correct positions and ready to go on time,” Van Sintruyen commented, recalling the challenging weather conditions. “Each balloon was attached to a vehicle as well as being handheld, but we still had to keep a close eye on the wind, as an unexpected gust could cause havoc with balloons colliding or blowing out of position.”
A total of 25 scaffolding platforms were installed throughout the parade route, with 20 housing the PA and technical systems, which were supplied by SLS Production, and five reserved for camera operators. There were also some 4,000 daytime pyrotechnic shots provided by Groupe F, which were triggered manually to add to the ‘wow’ factor.
To host the performers and manage the technical operations, the team constructed a full temporary backstage city, including: 4,000 sq m of tented structures for cast, welfare, catering, medical and police; 16 portacabins for management and technical teams; and designated FX, SFX, AVL and logistics yards.
Power was supplied through a distributed generator system, while the route infrastructure required 4 km of police barriers, 2km of Heras fencing, and 1,000 sandbags produced on-site to stabilise structures against wind and crowds.
‘Building bridges between cultures’
ON THE SLY was brought on board by 555 Live Experience as the music directors for the show, reporting to the Creative Director, Luca Taschini and Art Director, Giulia Marrocchino, to deliver their vision of the music. “This was a very large project, with over 14 different musical themes composed, produced and sound design added,” explained ON THE SLY’s David Wakefield. “Each act and float had a different music composition and sound design that set the tone, energy and told the story for each part of the parade.”
Each musical theme was ‘loopable’ for seamless playback as the parade made its way through the streets. “We are sensitive to different cultures and tailoring the musical approach to fit the show,” Wakefield stated. “We have experts in all kinds of genres and cultures, so we can create powerful hybrid scores where the show has a sense of being rooted in a location or culture, but at the same time a world-class level of production. The soundtrack is such a key part of any production – we can make you really feel something and it’s our job to maximise the emotional impact of the storytelling. Seeing the finished show with our music and sound design in it is always a real ‘pinch me’ moment.”
For the 555 Live Experience team, the event also helped continue its mission of integrating and elevating Saudi talent within large-scale international productions, with the creative direction team featuring Khumar Guluzade and Belgian choreographer, Björn Loykens, working hand in hand with three Saudi assistant choreographers and dancers.
“The collaboration perfectly reflects the spirit of Saudisation and the vision of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower local creatives,” explained 555’s Operations – Crew & Happiness Manager, Cindy Van pollaert, who revealed that one of the assistant choreographers had previously performed as a dancer in the Opening Ceremony of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah in 2023. “Seeing him return in a leadership role this year was a full-circle moment and a testament to how talent grows when given the right platform and opportunities.”
She concluded: “At 555, we believe that creating shows is about more than production; it’s about building bridges between cultures, recognising potential, and giving local talent a stage to shine on an international level. This collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s growing creative scene and our shared commitment to nurturing it.”
Photos: 555 Live Experience
