WWE has officially announced that the 39th Royal Rumble will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2026, marking the first time the iconic event will be held outside North America. This milestone follows the strengthening of WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), led by HE Turki Alalshikh, as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to establish itself as a global entertainment hub.
The Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s marquee Premium Live Events, features thrilling men’s and women’s matches where competitors battle to earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. Nick Khan, WWE President, emphasized the significance of the move, stating “WWE is a global enterprise, and it only made sense to expand our relationship with the Kingdom by bringing one of our biggest annual events to Riyadh in January of 2026.”
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to WWE spectacles, having hosted several major events such as Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, and Night of Champions. However, the arrival of the Royal Rumble marks a new chapter in the collaboration between WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, and Saudi Arabia.
Alalshikh highlighted the importance of this historic event, saying, “Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble for the first time outside North America reflects the General Entertainment Authority’s ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s largest and most important entertainment events to the Kingdom. Through this partnership with WWE, we aim to enhance the entertainment sector and deliver a transformative experience that attracts a wide audience.”
The Royal Rumble will be a centerpiece of the Riyadh Season, a cultural initiative designed to showcase Saudi Arabia as a global destination for entertainment, culture, and sports, aiming to attract millions of visitors worldwide. Alalshikh expressed his excitement, adding, “We are excited to see this historic event as part of Riyadh Season’s activities and look forward to providing an exceptional experience for wrestling fans from around the world.”
Saudi Arabia’s focus on combat sports continues to grow, with the Kingdom hosting numerous high-profile boxing matches, including the recent heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The Kingdom also hosted its first UFC event last year, under the shared banner of TKO Group Holdings, which was formed when Endeavor merged WWE and UFC in 2023.
As anticipation builds for this groundbreaking Royal Rumble, it’s clear that WWE’s expanded global reach is unlocking exciting opportunities for fans and partners alike.