8 amazing things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this May
A festival in AlUla, a major concert in Jeddah and a musical in Riyadh…
As May approaches, it comes with the opportunity to enjoy so many new activities and experiences across the Kingdom. If you’re looking for new things to do in Riyadh, there’s musicals, festivals and an exciting new restaurant opening, while Jeddah will play host to a huge concert, the return of Groove on the Grass and cool new Jeddah season events.
Here’s 8 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this May.
May 1 to 13: Enjoy some family-friendly fun at Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical is coming to Riyadh this May. Based on the Oscar-winning Dreamworks film, the Broadway hit will take place at The Arena in Riyadh from Monday May 1 to Sunday May 13. Shrek fanatics, prepare for non-stop laughing as Shrek, his noble steed Donkey, Princess Fiona, and the rest of the well-loved characters (‘do you know the muffin man?’) embark on a magical and musical adventure. In addition to the film’s popular soundtrack including hits like I’m a Believer and Don’t Let Me Go, there will be 19 new tunes that will have you singing along all the way back to your swamp.
Shrek the Musical, The Arena, Riyadh, 7.30pm, May 1 to 13. SAR150 general, SAR250 gold, SAR375 platinum. shrekthemusicalinriyadh.com
May 5: Get grooving in Jeddah as Groove on the Grass returns
Groove on the Grass is back for an epic night of dance music on Friday May 5. The big festival is going to be held at Juman Park in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). There will be two stages and over 18 artists performing, called the Main Stage and the Groove Bus Stage.The 18 artists include four international artists and 10 regional artists, so you can ham out in the right way. At the Main Stage, we’re going to be seeing Nicole Moudaber, Amémé, Husa & Zeyada, BKR, and Dish Dash. Then at the Groove Bus Stage, you can check out Dewalta & Shannon, Baloo, Biirdperson, and Vinyl Mode. Tickets start from SAR295.
Saudi Groove On the Grass, Juman Park KAEC, Jeddah. Book your spot here. @grooveonthegrass.ksa
Until May 5: Stop and smell the roses at Taif of Roses Festival
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The arrival of springtime in Saudi Arabia means Taif is in full bloom with an array of bright pink roses. In celebration of this special time of year, the Taif of Roses Festival 2023 celebrates these blooms in a two-week-long festival which is running until Friday May 5. Among the highlights, a parade of roses takes place through the streets of Taif to Al-Raddaf Park. The festival will also feature a ton of exciting events which include a light show, a market and a children’s zone.
May 7: Sing out loud as The Backstreet Boys perform in Jeddah
Backstreet’s back, alright?! Nineties pop icons The Backstreet Boys are performing in Jeddah at the F1 Concert Zone at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Thursday May 11. The Backstreet Boys rose to fame in 1996 with the release of their first album, and went on to sell over 130 million records. The five-piece, comprising of AJ McLean, Howie D, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell have enjoyed worldwide success for more than 25 years, and are widely regarded as the most successful boyband of all time. The prices haven’t yet been confirmed, but mark your alarm for 4pm and head over to saudievents.sa to snap them up from 4pm on Thursday April 27.
The Backstreet Boys live, F1 Concert Zone, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Thursday May 11. saudievents.sa
Throughout May: Check out Jeddah Season’s new district, City Walk
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You can now visit Jeddah Season’s popular family zone, City Walk. From thrilling rides to tasty restaurants, there’s plenty for the whole family with 10 fun-filled districts to discover. City Walk is open from 6pm every day until June 7, with ticket prices starting from SAR55.
City Walk, Jeddah. April 24 to June 7. Daily 6pm to 1am. SAR55 entry weekdays, SAR100 weekends. tickets.saudievents.sa
Party the weekend away at Night Light Riyadh
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A celebration of Riyadh’s burgeoning underground music scene, Night Light returns for two days of epic raving at Al-Ammariya Village Resort on Thursday May 11 and Friday May 12. Across the two-day event, expect electrifying sets from Dish Dash, Alaa Jazaeri, Igniter, Darkodelix, Dorar and more. But as well as music, there will be food trucks, face painting, fun activities and plenty of spots to snap the coolest pics.
Night Light Riyadh, Al-Ammariya Village Resort, 8pm to 4am, Thursday May 11 and Friday May 12, from SAR250. @night_light_n
Until May 13: Enjoy AlUla from above with the AlUla Skies Festival
AlUla has one of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and it’ll be celebrated from above as the AlUla skies festival floats in from Wednesday April 26 to Saturday May 13. AlUla Skies Festival 2023 will include the AlUla Hot Air Balloons where dozens of colourful hot air balloons drift high above Hegra with 360-degree views. You can also take off in a chopper and take in breathtaking famous landmarks and heritage sites. Calling all adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Another way to get to the skies is to get on the Giant Swing which is 70 metres long where you can swoosh through the air, or climb up the 45-metre-long ladder: AlUla Stairway.
AlUla Skies Festival, AlUla, Wednesday April 26 to Saturday May 13. @alulamoments
May date TBC: Dine at a sleek new Anatolian restaurant in Riyadh
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A favourite amongst our What’s On team in Dubai, swanky restaurant RÜYA is making its way to Riyadh this May. The restaurant will open soon alongside an array of the city’s finest eateries including Beefbar, Roka and Coya, in Midtown. Enjoy authentic, contemporary Anatolian cuisine – that’s Turkish to you and me – with a contemporary twist in a lively, relaxed setting. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the food regions of Turkey with mezes from Marmara, Pides from the Black Sea region, olives from the Aegean Sea and kebabs from Southeastern Anatolia.
Ruya, Midtown, Riyadh, opening May 2023. @ruya_riyadh