After a critically acclaimed debut last year, Terhal is making its way back to Riyadh. From 4 to 25 August, the immersive theatrical show will once again take over Mayadeen in Diriyah, combining music, fashion, crafts, and cutting-edge stagecraft to bring a powerful story of heritage and hope to life.
Terhal blends local talent with international expertise in a cinematic tribute to Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and people. The word terhal means “voyage” or “journey” in Arabic, and the show delivers on that promise. It follows a young Saudi man whose dreams of a tech-driven future are interrupted by a personal calling: to rediscover the roots of his homeland. His travels across the Kingdom become a path to self-knowledge and a celebration of the country’s natural beauty, diverse traditions, and cultural depth.
This year’s production continues to explore themes of identity, tradition, and transformation, brought to life through a visually striking set design that mirrors the Kingdom’s vast terrains, from the mountains of the south to the Red Sea coast.
Terhal is staged in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif. It’s a fitting backdrop for a performance that’s all about connecting past and future.
