Saudi Arabia is a kingdom of vast culture and historical past. To preserve the traditions of the Kingdom, various events in Saudi Arabia are organized annually. These events not only display the ancient background of the country but also showcase the advancement of the Kingdom over the years. The events offer numerous activities in a festive environment. Tourists from worldwide participate in these events to experience joyous and fun-filled celebrations.
9 significant events in Saudi Arabia
There are several events that take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mentioned below are the top significant events that anyone can attend in order to experience the culture of the country.
1. National Festival of Janadriyah – Cultural celebration
The largest folk and cultural festival in Saudi Arabia, Janadriyah Festival is a two-week celebration generally organized in the month of February. Janadriyah is a small town located around 30 miles from Riyadh. Among the most liveliest non-religious cultural events in Saudi Arabia, Janadriyah offers thrilling horse and camel races among its top attractions. In addition, a few of Saudi Arabia’s most gifted poets recite their works while artisans from all around the nation sell and exhibit handmade goods.
Location: 27.7 km east of Riyadh city center
Major attractions: Numerous exhibitions and markets sell traditional products, horse and camel racing, poet recitation, and cultural performances.
2. Souq Okaz Festival – Theatrical and poetic performances
Souq Okaz was one of the biggest pre-Islamic marketplaces. Merchants from the Middle Eastern region traveled to the market to conduct daily trade activities. The Saudi government organizes a yearly reconstruction of the souq at its original site in an effort to promote regional culture and history. The Souq Okaz Festival has made a name for itself as one of major events in Saudi Arabia. The souq offers a variety of Arabic cultural activities in addition to traditional arts and crafts booths. Twelve coveted prizes are up for grabs in various categories, including theater, poetry, and photography.
Things to do: Indulge in various theatrical performances and historical events in Saudi Arabia.
Must Read: Souk Okaz Festival: Inviting Tourists Into Cultural Extravaganza of Arabia
3. AlUla Moments – A celebration of Saudi’s grand heritage
The rocky desert of AlUla, a city in Saudi Arabia’s Madinah province, attracts tourists every year in a worldwide celebration of Saudi Heritage. AlUla Moments presents the region’s cultural capabilities in a fresh way by fusing art, music, aerial, and wellness experiences. The heritage site is transformed into a contemporary spectacle featuring fashion displays, AlUla Desert Polo, candlelight concerts, art installations, and gourmet cuisine.
Things to do: Camel races, Ridge Walk hike, Helicopter tour, and more.
4. AlUla Hot Air Balloon Experience – An aerial view of Saudi’s ancient past
The graves and inscriptions at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in AlUla, date to the first century BC. Additionally, Hegra offers a sight to behold because of its magnificent rock formations and elegant buildings. In a hot air balloon, tourists can wander over the region’s historical sites to gradually step back in time to the Nabataean era. The Vintage Aircraft Encounter will have visitors floating above these very landmarks with a g-force that will make the spine shiver if the visitors like a faster-paced experience. Tourists can join a pilot on a quick tour of AlUla in a classic aircraft.
Location: Hegra, Al Ula
Prices of tickets: 1126 Riyals
5. MDLBeast – The biggest music festival in the world
Adhering to vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia, the Musical festival is going to be organized this December in the capital city of Riyadh. Tourists can indulge in EDM storms heading to Riyadh this year. During this event, a stellar lineup of more than 200 performances will have tourists tapping their feet to the music. The MDLBeast festival will be a great way to conclude the year on a positive note while grooving to the music.
Price of tickets: 549 Riyals
6. Riyadh Seasons – The world’s largest lifestyle festival
In 5.4 million square meters, the Riyadh Seasons festival presents more than 7,500 events. The Riyadh Season is organized annually with the aim of providing a pop culture experience in Saudi Arabia and boosting overall tourism in the city. The event has some of the best entertainment, and shopping centers in the Middle East spread in fourteen themed zones. Tourists may eat at one of the 200 restaurants and 70 cafes that will be providing delectable food.
Things to do: Watch wrestling events, musical performances, and various other technological and cultural displays.
Must Read: Riyadh Season 2024: The Annual Festival To Celebrate Pop Culture
7. Summer Festival in Jeddah – Music extravaganza
The month-long summer festival, which takes place in Jeddah, has quickly established itself as one of the top events in Saudi Arabia for foreigners and locals. The city as a whole comes alive during the festival with a variety of events. Tourists can enjoy activities ranging from sporting events to poetry readings. Jeddah World Fest, a single-night music extravaganza that is a festival highlight, draws sizable crowds. The 2019 version, which included 50 Cent and Liam Payne appearances, was a massive success among local audiences.
8. The Saudi Cup – The world’s most valuable horse race
The Saudi Cup, the crowning achievement of the Saudi Jockey Club, is a celebration of the connection between people and horses. Tourists can join the 20,000 horse racing fans in supporting Saudi Arabia’s horses as they outpace one another and compete for the top spots. The sporting event in Saudi Arabia showcases the long history of the Kingdom, of which horses were a major part. They were used during the war, for transporting people and goods, and also for amusement purposes.
9. Symphony Under The Stars – A Musical Serenade That’s An Astronomical Wonder
Arch Rock serves as the backdrop for an orchestra playing enchanting music. While visiting AlUla, the epicenter of adventure and Saudi Arabia’s fascinating past, tourists may join countless artists and tourists for an evening of celebrating musical notes. Tourists can take a stargazing tour of the constellations while softly humming desert music in AlUla. The experience is mesmerizing with a starry night filled with ethereal appeal. This event takes place every year in the month of March.
Prices of tickets: 35 Riyals
Saudi Arabia hosts the finest events attracting tourists from far and wide. The important events in Saudi Arabia offer a glimpse into the historical past and showcase the popular pop culture prevailing in the world.
Events in Saudi Arabia FAQs
What are a few of the upcoming events in Saudi Arabia?
MDL Beast Music Festival is the upcoming events in Saudi Arabia.
What is the cost of a hot air balloon ride in AlUla?
The cost of hot air balloon ride is 1126 Riyals.
Is the MDL Beast music festival worth visiting?
Yes, it absolutely is! A fantastic roster of more than 200 artists will have you dancing throughout the weekend.
What is the cost of the Diriyah E Prix?
The cost of Diriyah E-Prix is 2500 Riyals.
What to do at Symphony under the stars?
The orchestra performs the magical melody against the backdrop of Arch Rock. You may join many celebrities and visitors for an evening of musical notes while exploring AlUla, the center of adventure and the intriguing past of Saudi Arabia.
