10 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this October
Hello, October…
Want to know what the new month has in store? We promise you so much more fun as we usher in October – whether it’s the new and exciting Riyadh Season, a cool new restaurant opening, or epic sports and wellness events. Trust us; it’s going to be a month to remember. Read on for the juicy deets on awesome things to do this October in Saudi Arabia.
October 1 to 4: Partake in the first filmmaking event in Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
The first edition of the Saudi Film Confex is a four-day conference and exhibition that aims to promote the Kingdom’s film industry and attract filmmakers, producers, directors, investors and media professionals from around the world. It will feature curated workshops, thought leadership sessions with 50 keynote speakers, and six interactive zones. A highlight is the Innovation Zone, dedicated to showcasing the latest technologies and new product concepts, in addition to the destination exhibition that will display the most prominent shooting location in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Film Confex, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, Oct 1 & 2, 10am to 10pm, Oct 3 & 4, 4pm to 10pm. @filmconfex
Until October 1: All things coffee
View this post on Instagram
Love yourself some Saudi coffee? Then check out the Saudi Coffee Festival in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. The festival aims to celebrate the rich heritage of Saudi coffee and its importance in Saudi culture. Look forward to coffee-tasting areas from all over the Kingdom, artisan booths, a modern coffee roaster, an exhibitors’ area, a restaurant, a children’s oasis and a competition’s corner. There will also be cultural talks and sessions, coffee workshops, and live music and poetry performances.
Saudi Coffee Festival, Sept 28 to Oct 1, 5pm to midnight, KAFD, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR20. @mocculinary
October 5: Celebrity-loved Mr Chow restaurant opens in Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
Bringing cinematic glamour to Riyadh, Mr Chow is making its first Middle East debut in Riyadh. Born in London in 1968, the globally renowned restaurant has been a hotspot for A-list celebrities and legendary clientele in the worlds of entertainment, music, sports, politics, design, and fashion for 55 years. Helmed by Executive Chef Jia He, the restaurant’s signature dishes include the Green Prawns, famous Chicken Satay, Peking Duck and handmade Mr Chow Noodles. Guests will also be able to delight in the brand’s signature hand-pulled noodle show – with Mr Chow the first to offer the now iconic experience as nightly entertainment.
Mr Chow, KAFD, Bldg 2.09, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 6pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 12658. @mrchowriyadh
October 13 to 15: Golf legends taking centre stage at LIV Golf Jeddah
LIV Golf Jeddah, presented by ROSHN, is all set for its highly anticipated return to Royal Greens Golf & Country Club at King Abdullah Economic City. Tournament aside, the event is also a family-friendly fiesta for those looking for an unforgettable weekend for the whole family. From a first-of-its-kind Nerfball Zone to an exclusive Beach Club, big and little golfers alike will enjoy a fun day out at Royal Greens, featuring a series of great activities and games. You’ll also be promised an entertaining festival atmosphere with live music playing in the background.
LIV Golf Jeddah, Oct 13 to 15, 10am onwards, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City. Ticket starts from SAR75 for ground passes. Get your tickets here, including exclusive hospitality packages, grounds passes and special ticket offers.
Throughout October: Escape to a luxurious summer paradise
View this post on Instagram
Calling all ladies to enjoy laidback luxury & boho-chic vibes with exclusive beach access every Saturday at the renowned private beach, The Pearl Beach, situated in the Eastern Province. Seize the opportunity and call your besties for an indulgent Saturday by the beach as you get pampered with a specially curated menu and an impressive array of beverages. The casual venue is perfect for a weekend treat, catching up with your besties, or even enjoying solo.
The Pearl Beach at InterContinental Al Jubail Resort, Pearl Beach Compound 7445 King Faisal Sharqi 5495, Jubail City Center Al Jubail 35514, until Nov 25, Sun to Fri 8am to 7pm. Saturday is ladies’ day only. SAR150 for adults and SAR72.50 for kids aged ten and below. Book your tickets here.
From October 14: Broadway musical ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ makes Riyadh debut
View this post on Instagram
If you’re ready to be transported back to the 1800s with a thrilling tale of love, romance, and horror, you need to check out The Phantom of the Opera in Riyadh. The musical will take place at The Arena Riyadh from October 14 to December 5, produced by Broadway Entertainment Group by arrangement with the Really Useful Group. The iconic musical will enchant audiences in Riyadh with a total of 59 performances, and will include 100 cast, crew and orchestra members, and more than 230 intricately designed costumes.
The Phantom of the Opera, The Arena Riyadh, Oct 14 to Dec 5, Fri 2.30pm & 8pm, Sat 2pm & 7.30pm, Mon to Thurs 7.30pm. The ticket price starts from SAR250 and can be purchased here.
From October 19: Get ready to relax at the AlUla Wellness Festival
View this post on Instagram
The AlUla Wellness Festival is back for its third edition. Focusing on the healing power of silence, art and nature, the largest festival of its kind in the Middle East will take place from Thursday October 19 to Saturday November 4. Organised by AlUla Moments, the two-week festival features a wide range of holistic workshops and activities aimed at fostering the well-being of the mind, body and soul, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city. From free workshops to full-board couples retreats, there is something for every wellness, sport, and nature enthusiast.
Tickets for the AlUla Wellness Festival 2023 are available here. @alulamoments
October 20 to 23: Bespoke fashion galore is making its way to Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week is happening. An impressive line-up of 30 Saudi brands will grace the runway, accompanied by a plethora of world-renowned celebrities, VIPs, buyers and key industry stakeholders set to storm the capital in celebration of Saudi’s rapidly emerging fashion scene. No venues and timings have been announced for the massive event in Riyadh but watch this space for more updates.
Riyadh Fashion Week, Oct 20 to 23. @riyadhfashionweek
October 27 to 29: Attend the first ever professional women’s golf tournament in the capital
View this post on Instagram
The fifth and final date on the 2023 Aramco Team Series calendar will take place at Riyadh Golf Club from October 27 to 29, and promises to be an exhilarating showcase of golfing brilliance, camaraderie, and passion. This three-day golfing event will feature a variety of entertainment options and a ‘taste of the world’ culinary experience with delicious foods representing different cultures for spectators of all ages to enjoy throughout the fan zone. Visitors can sample international cuisine from catering stations showcasing flavours tying in with the countries seen throughout the ATS series so far to satisfy every palette.
2023 Aramco Team Series – Riyadh, Oct 27 to 29, 7am to 11pm, Riyadh Golf Club. The price for the ticket starts from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @aramco_series
October 28: It’s time for Riyadh Season 2023
View this post on Instagram
The BIG festival is back. Riyadh Season will open with a massive ceremony and is set to feature globally renowned artists. It will be followed by the largest and first event of its kind, the Riyadh Season Belt match, held between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. The opening ceremony will take place in a newly constructed Boulevard Hall, which is set to be an exceptional 200,000 square metre multi-purpose building. While ticket details are yet to be revealed for the Fury vs Ngannou Riyadh Season fight, watch this space for all the latest updates.