12 ways to celebrate Saudi Founding Day 2025 in Riyadh
Celebrate the holiday in the right way…
It’s Founding Day week, and you already know the city will pull out all the stops to celebrate the holiday in Riyadh.
The holiday aims to celebrate the Kingdom’s story which dates back to the 18th century when Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the first Saudi state in 1727 in Diriyah. Here are all the ways to celebrate Saudi Founding Day 2025 in Riyadh.
The Ritz-Carlton
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The Ritz-Carlton is throwing a big celebration this Saudi Founding Day. The property invites you and your family for an evening dedicated to Saudi heritage. Look forward to henna art, a Saudi national dress show, a Falcon experience, live oud music, and more, all for free.
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, 433 8313 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al Hada, Sat Feb 22. @theritzcarltonruh
A.O.K. Kitchen
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Looking for last-minute Saudi Founding Day plans? Head to A.O.K Kitchen wearing Saudi traditional attire and enjoy a coffee on the house. Throughout the weekend, you can also enjoy live music while you dine at the venue.
A.O.K. Kitchen, King Abdullah Financial District, Fri to Sat 8am to 11pm. @aokkitchensaudi
II Baretto
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Hosted in collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, II Baretto will be the backdrop for three local artisans coming together to showcase their craft live in action, honouring the Year of Handicrafts and Heritage. While you’re there, enjoy the Founding Day special drink, the Arabic Velvet, which is described as the perfect blend of Saudi coffee, homemade date syrup, and white chocolate.
II Baretto, KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591, Tue to Sun 12.30pm to midnight & Mon 12.30pm to 11.30pm. @ilbarettosa
JW Marriott
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At JW Marriott, you can look forward to a traditional Saudi tent, a majestic falcon and Arabian horse display, live oud music, Founding Day scarves and pins, and a cake-cutting ceremony in the lobby. And if you book a stay between February 20 to 22, you can enjoy 30 per cent off on all hotel outlets.
JW Marriott, King Fahd Rd, Sahafah District. @jwmarriottriyadh
SushiSamba
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This Saudi Founding Day, SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is proudly collaborating with The Brief to showcase the works of Saudi artists Alif, Hessa, and Amjad. As you dine at the venue, you can take in their unique interpretations of heritage, tradition, and identity. While you’re there order up some of the Saudi exclusives on the menu like seabass ceviche with charred baby corn, mango and passionfruit leche de tigre, and the Samba Riyadh Roll, which is filled with crab, Medjool dates, beef bacon, aji date jam, and pistachio crumble.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, Al Aqiq, Sat to Wed 12.30pm to midnight & Thu to Fri 12.30pm to 1am. @sushisamba.riyadh
Piatto
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Celebrate Saudi Founding Day at Piatto and get 50 per cent on your second main course of the same value or less from February 22 to 23 at all the branches
Piatto, various locations. @piattoksa
Steak House
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Satisfy your cravings this Founding Day Saudi’s very own Steak House where you can enjoy 50 per cent off your second main course (of same value or less) from February 22 to 23.
Steak House, various locations. @steakhouseksa
The Saudi Cup
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Day two will, of course, see the main event of the weekend, The Saudi Cup, followed by a further eight races, which include the Ministry of Culture Jockey Club Local Handicap; the Group 1 Diriyah Gate Development Authtickets here. ority Obaiya Arabian Classic run by Purebred Arabian horses; the $2m Howden Neom Turf Cup; the $2.5M Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, the $1.5m Boutique Group Saudi Derby, the National Housing Commission Saudi International Handicap, the Sports Boulevard Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the much loved Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint.
The Saudi Cup 2025, King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Fri Feb 21 to Sat Feb 22. Book your tickets here.
Founding Day Orchestra
Happening over two days, the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir will present an exceptional orchestral performance that embodies the national identity as part of the 2025 Founding Day concerts. Look forward to distinctive local songs, in addition to light and sound shows that highlight the Kingdom’s ancient history. There will be a handicrafts corner, a corner to take souvenir photos, and a corner for national poems, amidst an exceptional atmosphere to celebrate the anniversary of Founding Day. Get your seats now with prices starting from SAR100 and enjoy unforgettable national music performances.
Founding Orchestra 2025, King Fahd Cultural Center, Feb 22 to 23, Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8.30pm. Book your tickets here. @safoundingday .
The Night of Travel
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Get ready for an exceptional evening of art as artist Majid Al-Muhandis takes you on a journey through Saudi Arabian history with authentic melodies and sweet music on Saturday February 22, with a collection of national songs and distinctive classical pieces.
Travel Night, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Feb 22, doors open at 7pm, show starts at 10pm. Book your tickets SAR200 tickets here. @safoundingday .
The Night of Samar
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Rabeh Saqr’s “Laylat Al Samar” concert on February 23 will join the list of Founding Day 2025 concerts which are happening at the Mohammed Abdo Arena. Book your seats now with prices starting from SAR100.
Summer Night, Mohammed Abdo Arena, February 23, doors open at 7pm, show starts at 10pm. Get your tickets here. @safoundingday .
The Night of Suhail
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No local celebration can be complete without the voice of the Saudi artist Mohammad Abdo, who’ll be performing in Riyadh for “Suhail Night,” in celebration of Saudi Founding Day. Mohammed Abdo is preparing to present a special national evening in which he will sing the most wonderful sweetest classic Saudi songs, on a night named after the Suhail star, which was a guide for travellers in the past.
Suhail Night, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Feb 21, doors open at 7pm, show starts at 10pm, Book your tickets here. @safoundingday .
Tuck into the flavours of heritage
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Fairmont Hotel Riyadh invites guests to indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience at The 365 on Saturday February 22, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Founding Day Buffet showcases a selection of local signature dishes and modern twists, offering a rich blend of tradition and innovation. Guests can indulge in signature dishes like lamb aish belaham and kubeba, prepared with local ingredients such as dates, thyme, and Zatar, delivering a true taste of the region. The dining experience is enhanced with interactive live cooking stations, including maraseeh, smoked lamb with dukka and dates, and a customizable Murtabak station, allowing guests to personalize their meals. This unique culinary experience offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, creating a memorable celebration of Saudi heritage all at SAR320 per person.