11 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this May 2024
Here are some May-jor things to do…
As we approach the mid-year period soon, events are still going strong, and there is plenty to do around the Kingdom. With so much to see and do, May is going to be nothing short of a-may-zing. We round up the best and most exciting events happening in Saudi Arabia this May.
From May 2: Dine at the new restaurant, Crustacean, in Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
In the mood for modern Vietnamese fare? Soon, the Jeddah Yacht Club will be home to Crustacean Jeddah. Created by Chef Helene An, also known as the “Mother of Fusion”, the fine dining destination blends traditional Vietnamese cuisine with modern-day innovation. Taking its first step into international waters, The House of An will bring forth its reputable Modern Asian Cuisine to Jeddah, staying true to its sister restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. Jeddah guests will soon be able to indulge in the grilled Vietnamese satay, seared tuna Tiato complete with black truffle poke sauce, spicy steamed shrimp and lobster dumplings, and most importantly, AN’s famous garlic noodles.
Crustacean, opens May 2, Jeddah Yacht Club. Tel: 013 663 7000. Reservations can be made here. @crustacean_sa
May 3: Groove to the return of Saudi Groove on the Grass in KAEC
View this post on Instagram
It’s the spectacular season finale of Saudi Groove, and it’s back with a stellar line-up. Taking you into the night will be local sensations Vinyl Mode, Dish Dash, Hats & Klaps, HiFi, and Smhar, alongside international DJs Satori and Deian, as well as Milan duo Hunter/Game. While you’re there, don’t miss the Groove Bazaar offering festival attire, fashion, accessories, art, and fun activities by local market vendors.
Saudi Groove on the Grass, May 3, 3pm to 2am, Juman Park, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). SAR275 for general admission, SAR545 for VIP & SAR845 for Backstage. Tickets can be purchased here. @grooveonthegrass.ksa
Until May 3: Here’s your last chance to visit Boulevard World
View this post on Instagram
The fan-favourite Riyadh Season zone, Boulevard World, is set to close its doors after months of fantastic family fun. Complete with 15 sub-zones, each sub-zone is dedicated to a different country from across the globe, celebrating the best of that destination’s shopping, culinary and cultural experiences. And it’s all set out around the largest man-made lake in the world, which visitors can enjoy with gondolas, cars and even floating submarine rides.
Boulevard World, until May 3, 4pm to 2am, Hittin, Riyadh. Ticket entry starts from SAR109 and can be purchased here. Admission to Boulevard World does not include the following experiences: The Wheel, Super Fly, CocoMelon, Playocity, BLVD Lagoon Rides, skill games and all experiences. @blvdworldsa
May 4 to 11: Jeddah welcomes the titans of table tennis to Saudi Smash
View this post on Instagram
Strap in for the crème de la crème of table tennis extravaganza. Saudi Smash will take place from Wednesday May 1 to Saturday May 11 in Jeddah, marking the first professional table tennis event to be held in the country. Fans are guaranteed action-packed matches and jaw-dropping moments. Beyond the sporting action, fans will also be able to immerse in the festivities at the Saudi Smash Park. The venue will be abuzz with live entertainment, delectable food and beverage options, and interactive fun for all ages.
Saudi Smash 2024, May 1 to 11, Sports Hall King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Tickets start from SAR25 and can be purchased here. @saudismash
May 5 to 9: See the glitz and glamour at Saudi Luxury Week 2024 in Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
The Saudi International Luxury Week 2024, the country’s premier watch and jewellery event, is back. Indulge in a curated selection of jewellery sourced from every corner of the globe, offering the rare chance to acquire exclusive pieces that epitomise sophistication and exclusivity. Don’t miss your chance to experience luxury at its finest.
Saudi Luxury Week 2024, May 5 to 9, 4pm to 11pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Free entry but you need to register your visit here. @saudiluxuryweek
May 10: PFL MMA launches debut season of PFL MENA in Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
Are you ready for a night of adrenaline-pumping action? The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will launch its inaugural PFL Mena event in Riyadh, with home favourite Abdullah Al Qahtani headlining. The new regional mixed martial arts league will take place on Friday May 10 at The Green Halls, and comprises athletes from featherweight and bantamweight divisions. The fighters will compete in the traditional, play-off-win-and-advance PFL format. Also, don’t miss the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever female MMA fighter, Hattan Al Saif, in the SmartCage, along with the return of local hero Malik Basahel.
PFL MENA – Riyadh, May 10, from 5.30pm, The Green Halls, Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Rd. Ar Rafiah, Riyadh 12752. Tickets start from SAR92 and can be purchased here. @pflmena
May 16 to 18: Strut in style for the first Red Sea Fashion Week
View this post on Instagram
The Saudi Fashion Commission has announced the first edition of Red Sea Fashion Week, which will be held from Thursday May 16 to Saturday May 18 with the participation of 100 Saudi brands and international designers to display their latest designs for ready-to-wear and resort wear at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. And we can’t wait to see what each designer will bring to the runway. Stay tuned for updates.
Red Sea Fashion Week, May 16 to 18, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. @redseafw
May 18: Boxing history in the making
View this post on Instagram
The ‘Ring of Fire: Fury vs Usyk’ fight night is ready to finally take centre stage. For all the fans who have waited so long for this fight, the undisputed showdown will take place on Saturday May 18 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. All the heavyweight belts will be on the line when two of the world’s greatest boxers, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, clash.
Ring of Fire, May 18, 9pm, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Ticket starts from SAR100 and you can purchase your tickets here.
May 21 to 23: Gear up for an aromatic journey at the Saudi Food Show
View this post on Instagram
The Saudi Food Show brings together an unmatched global line-up of international exhibitors, thought leaders, F&B communities, strategic partners, never-seen-before brands, and top regional and international chefs on one ground-breaking stage. Devout foodies can also look forward to exclusive masterclasses and live demos, savouring traditional flavours reinvented, and witnessing the art of cooking live.
Saudi Food Show, May 21 to 23, noon to 8pm, Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre. SAR150 per person and you can register here. @thesaudifoodshow
Until May 24: Check out the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024
View this post on Instagram
Now in its second edition, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has become a distinctive event in the region’s art calendar. The 2024 edition titled ‘After Rain’ opens up a moment of revitalisation and renewal. Visiting the Diriyah Biennale 2024 will take audiences across six airy exhibition halls in the JAX District. This year, the 177 works on show by artists from all over the world address pressing topics, such as water shortage, arid landscapes, and climate migration. In addition, there are many learning sessions and activations, including kids’ workshops and the much-loved Cinema Nights, taking place during the Diriyah Biennale 2024. Here are some highlights from our visit.
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024, until May 24, JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh, Sat to Thurs 11am to 11pm & Fri 3pm to midnight. Free entry but you need to book your ticket here. @biennale_sa
May 26 onwards: Check into Nujuma, The Red Sea Ritz-Carlton Reserve
View this post on Instagram
If you’re dreaming of an ultra-luxury getaway close to home in the Kingdom, the upcoming Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve should be high on your bucket list – and room reservations are now open. Set on a paradisiacal strip of sand in the crystalline Red Sea waters, Nujuma is the second of two resorts opening on Ummahat Island on The Red Sea. Bookings are now open for the Reserve for stays starting from May 26. Villa rates start from SAR9,250 per night. The resort joins an ultra-exclusive collection of just five other Ritz-Carlton Reserves around the world, and will be home to 63 one- to four-bedroom overwater and beach villas. We’re already mentally packing our bags…
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ummahat Islands 2-3, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Tel: 014 504 4444. @nujumareserve
Images: Supplied / Social