The Royal Rumble is headed to Saudi Arabia next year.
WWE announced via a press release on Monday that the 2026 version of the event will take place in Riyadh in January 2026, although an exact date has not been revealed. The announcement confirmed an earlier PWInsider report.
WWE has announced that for the first time ever, the #RoyalRumble will take place outside North America when it heads to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January 2026!
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2025
MORE INFO: https://t.co/Mu6thsow3p
WWE’s Nick Khan was quoted in today’s press release:
“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 Royal Advisor His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said in a statement:
“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.”
“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, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia.”
لأول مرة في السعودية …حدث رويال رامبل الأسطوري قادم إلى #موسم_الرياض في يناير 2026 .. ليلة تاريخية لعشاق WWE 🇸🇦🔥
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 6, 2025
For the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the legendary Royal Rumble is coming to #RiyadhSeason on January 2026 A historic night for WWE fans 🇸🇦🔥… pic.twitter.com/5Oy3BmxYBq
WWE noted in today’s press release that the annual Royal Rumble PLE, ” includes both a men’s and women’s match.” However, there is no update on the potential lifting of wardrobe restrictions female WWE wrestlers face while performing in the country.
The 2025 edition of the Royal Rumble will take place later this month, on Saturday, February 1, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Today’s full press release reads:
“WWE, in partnership with The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), on behalf of HE Turki Alalshikh, announced that the 39th annual Royal Rumble will be held in January 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark event marks the first time the Royal Rumble will be hosted outside of North America.
Royal Rumble is an annual WWE Premium Live Event that includes both a men’s and women’s match with the winners eliminating all opponents and securing a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania.
In a statement, HE Turki Alalshikh said, “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.”
He added, “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, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia.”
“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,” said Nick Khan, WWE President.
The announcement of Royal Rumble being held in Riyadh in 2026 marks a continued expansion to the successful partnership between WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which has already seen record-breaking events including Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, King & Queen of the Ring, Night of Champions, SmackDown and Monday Night RAW.”