15 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this October
October offers a vibrant range of activities and events, from cultural festivals to fashion shows…
Saudi Arabia comes alive this October with a range of exciting events and activities. From dozens of new festivals (think Riyadh Season galore) to world-class acts and events hitting town, and so much more to enjoy…we’ve found 15 of the best things to look forward to this October 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
October 1: Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh officially opens
Finally, the all-day dining concept on the lobby level of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre will be open. Enter Café Boulud Riyadh, which marks Chef Daniel Boulud’s first entry into Saudi Arabia. Expect the space to be light and airy, filled with Art Deco touches, plush banquettes, sculpted bronze, gilded copper, and polished stone, along with the room’s black and white tile, varnished wood flooring, and stunning art pieces. The gorgeous brasserie will feature a menu rooted in French culinary traditions, offering both classic bistro dishes and inventive creations.
Café Boulud Riyadh, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Tel: 011 211 5000. @fsriyadh
Throughout October: Book a staycation at Hilton Riyadh Olaya
Whether you are planning a solo retreat, a family holiday, or an indulgent city escape with your friends, look forward to a relaxing getaway at the newly opened Hilton Riyadh Olaya. The property, off King Fahd Road and directly across from Kingdom Centre, will have its grand opening on Thursday October 3. Apart from its rooms, the hotel offers a range of facilities, including a Greek brasserie and the stunning eforea Spa & Health Club, which features an indoor infinity pool.
Hilton Riyadh Olaya, 8508 King Fahd Branch Rd, 3817 Al Olaya, Riyadh 12333. @hiltonolayaruh
October 3 to 17: Get ready for a thrilling chapter in Saudi sports history as the Saudi Games 2024 kicks off
The largest national sports event in the Kingdom returns for its third edition. Fans are in for an exhilarating start, with 52 sports – from handball and volleyball to swimming, cycling, and more – set to unfold in Riyadh. The crowd can also look forward to a spectacular opening ceremony featuring a stunning showcase of special performances, artistic and athletic displays, dazzling fireworks, and light shows.
Saudi Games 2024, Oct 3 to 17, Riyadh. Purchase your tickets here.
October 4: Laughs aplenty with funny man Liam Farrelly
Well known for his excellent writing and storytelling ability, this brilliant Scottish comedian, Liam Farrelly, will be in Jeddah for one night only. Liam’s stand-up is story-based and his material is uniquely personal – you could say his unusual family have provided him with a goldmine, as his sister and an aunt are both nuns, he has a wheelchair bound parent who has a wicked sense of self-deprecating humour, and other close relations are in various degrees of deterioration. So, if you like to treat yourself to an evening of award-winning comedy, don’t miss Liam Farrelly Live in Jeddah.
Liam Farrelly Live in Jeddah, Oct 4, 7pm, British Consulate in Jeddah. For tickets, email [email protected]
October 5: Take part in these free wellness events in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam
It’s time to practice that downward dog because lululemon is set to host its largest community event, ‘Together We Grow’, in celebration of World Mental Health Day. A series of wellness events will take place on Saturday October 5 in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The one-day event will feature various activities to promote mental and physical health, including energising workouts, calming yoga sessions, refreshments, and connection zones. Participants are encouraged to move, connect, and engage in meaningful discussions about well-being. The sessions are open to men and women of all fitness levels and will be led by lululemon ambassadors and certified fitness instructors. Whether you have 30 minutes to spare or a free afternoon to enjoy, these free wellness events are offering experiences to nurture the body, mind and soul. Check out the details here.
Together We Grow’ Community Events, Oct 5, 3pm to 7pm, Al Ammariya Hills, Riyadh; 3.30pm to 8pm, Paddock Club, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah & 3pm to 6.30pm, Powerhouse, Dammam. Free entry but you are required to book your spot here. @lululemonme
Until October 5: Experience breathtaking heights at the AlUla Skies Festival
This year, the festival makes its highly anticipated return under a brand-new theme: “A spectacle from every angle” to capture the attention and imagination of adventurers, explorers, stargazers, and night photographers alike. The flagship festival featured as part of the AlUla Moments calendar brings a wide variety of experiences and excursions across the 10-day event from September 26 to October 5. From the Skies Festival Balloon Experience to the AlUla Stairway, Giant Swing, and much more, an impressive array of activities will ensure audiences from near and far explore AlUla’s stunning terrain from elevated vantage points.
AlUla Skies Festival, Sept 26 to Oct 5, AlUla. @alulamoments
Until October 5: Bibliophiles will get their fix at the Riyadh International Book Fair
Happening from Thursday September 26 to Saturday October 5, the Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest events of its kind to be held region wide. You can expect cultural programs like meet-and-greets with writers, poets and intellectuals from all over the region. Usually, the fair is a family affair, complete with a children’s pavilion. The area sees interesting experiences like art, theatre and musical performances, among other cool engaging activities all catered to the tiny tots.
Riyadh International Book Fair, Sept 26 to Oct 5, Sat to Thurs 11am to 11pm & Fri 2pm to 22pm, King Saud University, Riyadh. Free entry but you need to register here.
October 7: A fashion show featuring Moroccan designers is striding into Jeddah
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Traditional Moroccan fashion encompasses long flowing dresses and robes, along with the iconic kaftan. Spanning decades, the kaftan has been an emblem not only of Moroccan fashion but also of Arab heritage as a whole. On Monday October 7, Jeddah Hilton Hotel is playing host to the Caftan Mazagan fashion show, a dazzling event that will bring together renowned Moroccan designers, showcasing their innovative creations.
Caftan Mazagan, Oct 7, 8pm to 11.30pm, Jeddah Hilton. Tickets are priced at SAR250 for general admission and SAR300 for VIP and they can be purchased here. @caftan.mazagan
October 10 & 15: Watch the Saudi Arabia football team in the next phase of AFC qualifying
Prepare for two exhilarating football matches as Saudi Arabia faces Japan on Thursday October 10 and Bahrain on Tuesday October 15 in the AFC Asian Qualifiers, on the road to the 2026 World Cup. Watch as the teams battle it out for a spot on the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to World Cup ’26, 9pm, Oct 10: Japan vs Saudi Arabia & Oct 15: Bahrain vs Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Tickets start from SAR10 and can be purchased here.
From October 12: Riyadh Season is back
Riyadh Season has captivated millions with its unique blend of entertainment, culture, and adventure. This annual event transforms the city into a global hub of excitement, offering new surprises each year. And this season, it will kick off with an electrifying event: The IV Crown Showdown set for October 12. This headline bout will see Artur Beterbiev face off against Dmitry Bivol in a much-anticipated boxing match. The event also features an action-packed undercard with seven bouts, showcasing 14 fighters going head-to-head. More details on the Riyadh Season 2024 zones can be found here.
October 16, 17 & 19: Six global tennis titans go head-to-head
Tennis fans, get ready for the ultimate clash of titans. The 6 Kings Slam is set to be a unique addition to the city’s growing roster of world-class sporting events. Tennis superstars Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, as well as Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, are set to grace the courts at The Venue in Riyadh. Russian powerhouse Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, the highest-ranking Danish player in history, and Jannik Sinner, the young Italian who recently claimed his first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, will also be competing. The event will be an exhibition and not count for points or be a part of the men’s ATP Tour.
6 Kings Slam, Oct 16 to 19, The Venue, Riyadh. Tickets for the 6 Kings Slam have yet to be released.
October 17 to 21: Riyadh Fashion Week makes a big return
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Fashion lovers will be in a banger of a season. After making a successful debut last year, the fashion juggernaut, Riyadh Fashion Week, is returning this October. The event, staged by the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, will feature a host of the Kingdom’s up-and-coming and established fashion designers, showcasing haute couture, ready-to-wear and more in both menswear and womenswear. The venue for the second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week has yet to be announced but watch this space as soon as we have more details.
Riyadh Fashion Week 2024, Oct 17 to 21. @riyadhfashionweek
October 19: Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira to face off in Riyadh
PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants Press Conference at the The Anthem in Washington D.C., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Cooper Neill / PFL)
The date and location for the hotly anticipated World Title Fight have been set. Get ready for Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact, which will see heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou take on PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in Riyadh on Saturday October 19. But there’s more MMA action to look forward to, with another major world title fight taking place on the night. The greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, Cris “Cyborg, will defend her legacy against PFL two-division champion Larissa Pacheco. Tickets are now on sale via the WeBook app, priced from SAR300.
Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact, Oct 19, 7pm, Mayadeen Venue, Riyadh. @pflmena
Throughout October: Dine at the newly opened Akira Back
Can’t get enough of Japanese food in Riyadh? Professional snowboarder-turned-celebrity chef Akira Back opens his namesake restaurant within the new 1364AH Complex in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. If you’re familiar with the concept, Akira Back features modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair while emphasising seasonal produce. So, don’t come in thinking that you’re going to get traditional Japanese fare. Plus, with any Akira Back dining experience, you’d know that drama is a given – from the interiors right down to the menu.
Akira Back, 1364AH Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. @akirabackriyadh
October 25 & 26: This cultural event in Jeddah celebrates all things Indonesia
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Indonesian culture, you can witness first-hand the archipelago’s cultural diversity at the upcoming “Indonesia Unlimited Chapter 2: The Pestapora Folklore”. All without having to leave Saudi Arabia. The two-day festival in Jeddah celebrates the culture and heritage of Indonesia and will feature a folk music ensemble, a traditional costume parade, authentic culinary and folk dances, and loads of family-friendly activities.
Indonesia Unlimited Chapter 2: The Pestapora Folklore, Oct 25 & 26, 5pm to midnight, Middle Eastern Hall, Al Rehab, Jeddah. General admission tickets are priced at SAR80 and SAR35 for children aged between two and 12 years, and they can be purchased here.