RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. With the excitement from the inaugural revived Intervision Song Contest still settling, attention is already turning to the 2026 host city: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the 2025 Moscow event successfully launched the competition in mid-September, our sources suggest that a mild shift in the calendar is being strongly considered, primarily driven by the Gulf nation's climate.
Instead of adhering to the mid-September timeframe established by the recent Russian hosts, insiders believe the organizers are exploring scenarios that place the 2026 final in either October or even November.
The single biggest factor pushing the date back is Riyadh’s summer heat. In September, daily temperatures in the Saudi capital frequently climb past 40 degrees Celcious, making logistics, outdoor events, and the general experience for visiting delegations and fans challenging.
The additional time provided by shifting the date also plays a significant role in operational continuity. As the inaugural host of the revived contest, Russia provides the only recent blueprint for running a successful Intervision event. Moving the contest to October or November gives the Saudi organizational teams an extra four to eight weeks to receive and integrate crucial technical, logistical, and broadcast expertise from their Russian counterparts. This handover of knowledge is essential for establishing a smooth and consistent format as the new contest expands its international scope.
Two alternative Scenarios Under Discussion
While no official dates have been confirmed (an announcement is expected early next year), two alternative scenarios are currently dominating the discussion.
Late October
Holding the contest in late October would split the difference between the 2025 timing and the optimal weather window. This allows the contest to avoid clashing with the busy December holiday period, which often sees other major international events schedule their finals.
Pros: Closer to the established timeline; avoids year-end congestion.
Cons: October can still experience heat spikes.
Early to mid-November.
This option is gaining traction as it lands squarely within Saudi Arabia’s prime events season. November offers the most reliable, moderate weather, and aligns with the successful scheduling of other large-scale cultural and sporting events hosted in the Kingdom.1
Pros: Optimal weather for city exploration, red carpet events, and delegate comfort; maximum synergy with Saudi Arabia's annual event calendar.
Cons: Could clash with key international sporting finals (like football qualifiers) or regional events.
Regardless of the specific week chosen, Intervision 2026 is poised to be a landmark event, marking the first time the revived contest is hosted outside of Russia and debuting in the Middle East. Moving the date to October or November demonstrates a clear focus on creating a world-class environment tailored to the host nation’s specific circumstances, ensuring the focus remains firmly on the music and cultural exchange.
Organizers are expected to confirm the official date and venue details in the first quarter of 2026.
Written by Manios Themis
Intervision Song Contest specialist. Combines a Computer Science background with exhaustive knowledge of every edition (1965 Golden Clef, 1977–1980 Sopot era, 2025 revival, and Saudi Arabia 2026). Author and curator of the most complete independent Intervision archive online.
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