10 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this June 2024
We’re halfway through 2024…
Whether you’re celebrating the upcoming Eid holidays or just looking for cool new activities in Saudi Arabia, ’tis the season for some crazy fun. Wondering where to start? Check out the best things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this June, including our pick of exciting sports events, shows and unique staycays in the Kingdom that you’ve got to do.
June 1: 5 vs 5 – Queensberry vs Matchroom fight night is here in Riyadh
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Prepare for an extraordinary showdown as Frank Warren’s elite team of five boxers faces Eddie Hearn’s beast squad of five boxers on Saturday June 1 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, in a unique event pitting Queensberry against Matchroom. And the best out of five wins. The five fights make up the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight championship clash between Russians Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. It’s going to be a brilliant main event, with just as an impressive undercard with world title opportunities and world title belts up for grabs. Boxing fans, are you ready for yet another unforgettable showdown?
5 vs 5: Queensberry vs Matchroom Boxing Event, June 1, 9pm, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Only SAR800 Platinum and SAR1,200 diamond tickets are left, and they can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
June 3 to 8: Witness an action-packed pool marathon in Jeddah
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a day in the presence of greatness, that is, world pool masters in Jeddah from Monday June 3. It’ll be an impressive sporting event dubbed ‘The Crown Jewel of Nine Ball’, with 123 elite players competing for the coveted title of The World Champion. This is a special event commanding a global audience as one of the two blue-ribbon events alongside the US Open. So, if you can make your way to Green Sports Halls of Jeddah, where it all happens, it’s more than a privilege to catch all the action live and in person.
World Pool Championship, June 3 to 8, Green Sports Halls, Jeddah. Tickets are priced from SAR25 and can be purchased here.
June 5 to 7: A grand celebration of Khobar’s Al Qadsiah Football Club
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Take part in a three-day festival celebrating Al Qadsiah’s new era of excellence and excitement. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food at the park, an e-sports arena where virtual football comes to life, an extravagant drone show, fireworks, and lights alongside Al Qadsiah Club’s Bus Parade, plus much more. Fans shouldn’t miss the Legacy Zone, where you can dive into the rich history of Al Qadsiah through interactive exhibits. Relive the greatest moments, meet legendary players, and see the evolution of Khobar’s beloved club up close.
Qadsiah Festival, June 5 to 7, 4pm to 2am, Water Tower, Al Khobar Corniche. Free Entry. @fcqadsiah
Until June 6: Immerse in the grand tapestry of European culture
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The 3rd European Film Festival (EUFF) in Saudi Arabia is taking place now until Thursday June 6 at the VOX Cinemas in Riyadh’s Century Corner and Jeddah Park in Jeddah. EUFF is a window into the intriguing world of European cinema and also offers a platform to Saudi filmmakers. Cinemaphiles can look forward to a showcase of handpicked, critically acclaimed masterpieces from across 21 European countries.
European Film Festival, until June 6, VOX Century Corner, Riyadh & VOX Jeddah Park, Jeddah. @voxcinemasksa
June 6, 12 & 21: Be mesmerised by classical music and gorgeous candlelight
The globally loved Candlelight Concerts are back in the Kingdom. For all you classical music lovers, the Candlelight series is back to illuminate unique venues across Riyadh and Jeddah. With mesmerising musical tributes to legendary artists, you are guaranteed to be left completely enamoured. All you have to do is take your seat, sit back, and enjoy.
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, June 6, 7pm & 9pm, Levento Hall, Jeddah & June 21, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, Riyadh. Candlelight: Chopin’s Best Works, June 12, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Riyadh. @candlelight.concerts
From June 10: Wander, explore, and discover teamLab borderless Jeddah
teamLab, Aerial Climbing through a Flock of Colored Birds © teamLab
Get ready to step into a world of wonders when teamLab Borderless Jeddah opens on Monday June 10. Spanning approximately 10,000 square metres, teamLab Borderless Jeddah, the first-ever teamLab Borderless museum to launch in the Middle East, will be permanently established on the shores of Alarbaeen Lagoon, overlooking the panoramic views of Jeddah Historic District, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Plus, tickets for the museum are now available on the official website.
teamLab Borderless Jeddah, Opens June 10, Culture Square, Jeddah Historic District, Jeddah. Ticket starts from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @teamlab_borderless_jeddah
Throughout June: It’s a summer of exceptional adventures in AlUla
AlUla is a forever revitalising year-round destination where the summer climate is notably cooler and less humid than neighbouring cities, with temperatures 5°C to 10°C lower making it an ideal haven for those seeking a summer getaway or a luxurious remote working experience. Look forward to unbeatable hotel offers in AlUla, embark on an evening nature walk in the Sharaan Nature Reserve, or unleash your spirit of adventure with a variety of exciting activities, day or night, in AlUla’s stunning desert terrain.
June 16 (TBC): Enjoy an extra-long weekend for Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha 2024, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is coming up mid-June (the expected date is Sunday June 16) and is the second of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. But like Eid Al-Fitr, the exact dates for Eid Al-Adha depend on the moon’s sighting and will be confirmed closer to the time. Stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for the confirmed Eid dates and the best things to do over the long holiday.
Throughout June: Check into Nujuma, The Red Sea Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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If you’re dreaming of an ultra-luxury getaway close to home in the Kingdom, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve should be high on your bucket list. Set on a paradisiacal strip of sand in the crystalline Red Sea waters, Nujuma is the second of two resorts that has now opened on Ummahat Island on The Red Sea. 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
June 22: Catch the first UFC Saudi action in Riyadh
Brace yourself for an extraordinary night of mixed martial arts action. The first-ever UFC action in Saudi Arabia is ticking along, and it is set to mark its inaugural event with a bang. The card’s main event will be a five-round bout at middleweight between former champion Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. Get your tickets while they’re still available.
UFC Fight Night, June 22, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Only the SAR300 and SAR800 tickets are left, and they can be purchased here.
Images: Supplied / What’s On Archives / Instagram