The 6th edition of JOY AWARDS 2026 was held in Riyadh on Saturday night under the umbrella of Riyadh Season, organised by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in strategic partnership with MBC Group (Middle East Broadcasting Center). The ceremony, attended by HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the GEA, brought together leading figures from cinema, drama, music, sports, and digital influence from across the Arab world and beyond, alongside a strong media presence and wide public engagement.
The event was broadcast live on MBC1, MBC Masr, MBC Iraq, MBC5, and streamed on MBC Shahid, allowing viewers to follow the lavender carpet arrivals and opening moments of the evening.
The night began with the arrival of artists and celebrities in a celebratory atmosphere, accompanied by extensive media coverage and audience interaction. HE Turki Alalshikh’s entrance marked a key moment, followed by the performance of the Saudi Royal Anthem.
The opening entertainment segment featured global singer Katy Perry, who walked the lavender carpet in a dress by Saudi designer Waad Aloqaili before delivering a visual and orchestral performance with dancers, special effects, and dynamic stage design. The innovative Pilobolus shadow-dance segment followed, engaging the audience with light-paced, interactive visuals before the formal award presentations commenced.
Throughout the evening, live musical and performance segments provided highlights of the night. Angham, accompanied by Polish guitarist Marcin, performed a live on-stage set, followed by a joint performance by Robbie Williams and Ayed Yousef, which included hits such as Feel, Takhayal Law, and a duet of Angels. Jude Kofie delivered a calm, artistic piano segment, while Il Divo and Liz Mitchell later added a vocal performance, culminating in the Ya Sham artistic segment, which celebrated beloved cultural themes and iconic works. The ceremony also included emotionally resonant moments, such as a musical tribute by Abeer Nehme honoring artists who passed away in 2025.
JOY AWARDS 2026 successfully combined regional and international talent, live performances, and audience engagement into a fully integrated celebration, solidifying its position as one of the Kingdom’s premier entertainment events. The evening reflected the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for global entertainment and highlighted the vision of the General Entertainment Authority under HE Turki Alalshikh.
