18 top-tier things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in April 2025
Plan your month the right way…
A new month means a new beginning. Luckily, Saudi Arabia is a country where there is truly no dull moment. Complete with outdoor events, and art exhibitions, this month is jam-packed with incredible activities. These are the things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
April 11: MOJ Freaks at Galu Beach in Jeddah
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Join in on an ultimate beach full of music, electrifying performances, and incredible vibes, and it’s all going down in Jeddah. Leading you through the night will be top-tier local talent Futureloop, Varoo, and Majid doing back-to-back sets with local heavyweight in the world of music, Vinylmode on Friday April 11.
MOJ Freaks at Galu Beach in Jeddah, Galu Beach Club, Fri Apr 11, 2am. Book your tickets starting at SAR200 here.
Until April 11: Last chance to experience Layali Diriyah
Wander along the walkways illuminated by glittering lights and explore the enchanting site, which brings together the best of local and global contemporary art and design, exceptional food, live performances, poetry, and theatrical performances, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural festivities and theatrical marvels.
Diriyah Nights, PHPH+467 Diriyah, weekdays 5.30pm to 2am & weekends 5.30pm to 3am. Book your tickets here.
Until April 12: Explore the many ways of food
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation announces the symposium “Turuq: The Many Ways of Food” from April 9 to April 12. This multidisciplinary public program marks the inaugural edition of The Research Room, an annual four-day event dedicated to exploring the relationship between art and daily life. The symposium programming is open to visitors of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah. Tracing historical trajectories and contemporary culinary practices, the program takes a specific look at the enduring influence of the western region of Saudi Arabia with its ancient spice routes and rich traditions.
Highlights of the program include the Edible Lecture: Haisah and Medieval Cooking, a talk and cooking demonstration by medieval food historian Daniel Newman ; a keynote by storyteller, filmmaker, and influencer Nadir Nahdi; a look at food in pop culture with Hafsa Alkhudairi; a screening of short films organized by the Red Sea Film Foundation, and a Canon Academy food photography workshop.
For more details please visit: @biennale_sa
Until April 13: Art Week Riyadh
From art made with shattered glass and plastic toy gun caps to large, intricate textile works, paintings, and sculptures, a full spectrum of artworks is illuminating Art Week Riyadh 2025. Taking place until Sunday April 13, Art Week Riyadh features works from over 45 local, regional, and international galleries, as well as private and institutional collections, alongside a public programme of talks and more. Held under the theme ‘At The Edge’, the Art Week Riyadh 2025 line-up is a promising one, set to unfold over eight days.
The week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic art scene will take place across key cultural sites in Riyadh, including JAX District, Al Mousa Centre, L’Art Pur Foundation, TRITA, Shamalat, Naila Art Gallery, Hewar Art Gallery, 015 Gallery, Isdar, Abdulnasser Al Gharem Studio, and Nasser Al Salem Studio.
Art Week Riyadh 2025, Apr 6 to 13, 4pm to 11pm (except on Thurs, Fri & Sat 4pm to midnight), various locations, including JAX District. Free entry, but you’re required to book your visit here.
April 17: Benoit opens its doors in Riyadh
There is no other place as bistro-like and Parisian as Benoit, a contemporary French bistro by Alain Ducasse. And you’ll now be able to immerse ourselves in the vibe of a genuine Parisian bistro in KAFD. The original Parisian Benoit began when Benoit Matray bought in 1912 and named it after himself, in 1961 his grandson succeeded as the head of Benoit. In April 2005, the family decided to sell Benoit to Maison Ducasse. Ducasse then gave the brand international visibility by opening a Benoit bistro in Tokyo in September 2005, and one in New York in 2008.
Benoit Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District, opens Thu Apr 17. @benoitriyadh
April 17 to April 24: Saudi Film Festival
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Launched way back in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival is the oldest-running film festival in the Kingdom, providing local filmmakers with a hub to screen their films, develop their scripts, engage in educational programs, and connect with other filmmakers for future projects. The festival also provides cinephiles with opportunities to meet key industry parties, as well as access to independent films they otherwise would not be able to watch commercially.
Saudi Film Festival, Ithra Cultural Centre. ithra.com
April 18 to April 20: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
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The fifth F1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race is almost here. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit – the fastest street circuit in Formula 1 – is set to host one of the most exhilarating events in motorsport across the race weekend from Friday April 18 to Sunday April 20. Tickets are on sale already and start at as low as SAR412 for all three days in general admission at a 20 per cent discount, and then go higher for central grandstands A,B,C, and D at SAR800 for all three days at a 20 per cent discount. Main Grandstand B tickets cost SAR1,648 for all three days at a 20 per cent discount, Main Grandstand A tickets are a little higher at SAR2,304 at a 20 per cent discount. Premium Lounge access is also offered at a 10 percent discount and will cost SAR11,159. You can even explore the lounge on the website through a virtual tour.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 tickets, April 18 to April 20, book your tickets here.
April 18 to April 20: F1 Academy
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This April, Jeddah will not only stage the glorious Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races but also welcome the F1 academy on the same dates. Here’s everything we know about the F1 Academy in Jeddah. Taking over Jeddah from Friday April 18 to Sunday April 20, the academy trains women in Formula 4-level single-seater racing championship.
F1 Academy in Jeddah, Jeddah Corniche Circuit. f1academy.com
Until April 19: Check out three AlUla Arts exhibitions
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A trip to AlUla offers a lifetime of inspiration – in its wind-sculpted red rock, soothing green palms, and even the startling contrast of bright blue sky against the shimmering golden desert. Needless to say, the ancient city is brimming with arts, culture and events, celebrating its fascinating heritage. Exhibitions like Maha Malluh’s Reminiscence, Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, Tarek Atoui’s Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House), and Raw to Revival will be on until Saturday April 19.
AlUla Arts Festival 2025, AlJadidah Arts District. experiencealula.com
April 24 to April 25: 1001 Music Festival
Happening from Thursday April 24 to Friday April 25, self-described as a ‘festival beyond the sands, where the music never stops and legends come to life.’ Lineup highlights include DJ Snake, Salvatore Ganacci, and R3HAB. Read the full details here.
1001 Music Festival in Riyadh, Apr 24 to 25, location TBA, 4pm to 2am. Tickets here. @a.thousandandone
April 18 to April 27: Fly high with AlUla Skies
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Eyes on the skies, this month brings by the exciting return of AlUla Skies, the city’s arguably most anticipated festival each year. Experience a one-of-a-kind celebration of adventure and discovery, where you can explore AlUla’s breathtaking landscapes from incredible viewpoints. Take a hot air balloon ride over ancient ruins or enjoy stargazing under the desert sky. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, rich heritage, and unforgettable entertainment, all while discovering AlUla’s spectacular aerial and celestial wonders.
AlUla Skies, AlUla, Apr 18 to Apr 27. experiencealula.com
Until April 24: Coco Bango Beach in Jeddah
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Groove to the hottest tracks, bask in the stunning beachside ambience and enjoy an exciting mix of games and activities. Whether you’re dancing the night away, tanning, or just soaking in the good vibes, this is the perfect way to spend the day by the sea.
Coco Bango Beach in Jeddah, BOA The Beach, every Thu from Apr 10 until Apr 24, 8.30am to noon & 7.30pm to midnight. Book your tickets starting at SAR160 here.
Until April 30: Sea Nights in Jeddah
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A vibrant celebration of Arab culture, family fun, and thrilling beach activities, Sea Nights in Jeddah. Picture gorgeous Arab dance and folklore shows, children’s drawing shows, talent shows, children’s dance and chanting shows, acrobatic shows, and international circuses.
Sea Nights in Jeddah, M443+X4, Ash Shati, Jeddah, Wed Apr 16 to Wed Apr 30, 9pm to 1am. Book your tickets starting at SAR30 here.
Until April 30: Fontana by Cirque Du Liban Jeddah
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After dazzling crowds in Riyadh, the sensational Fontana Circus is headed to Jeddah’s Cenomi Mall of Arabia at the end of March. Fontana by Cirque Du Liban Jeddah will be one for the ages. Taking place until Wednesday April 30, the shows will be held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up next to the Cenomi Mall of Arabia. Brought to the Red Sea city by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, the aquatic show combines a thrilling mix of mind-bending illusions and astounding acrobatics. Expect to see awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthral the entire family.
Fontana by Cirque Du Liban Jeddah, Cenomi Mall of Arabia, daily 5pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here
Throughout April: Explore Art of the Kingdom
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After a successful run in Rio de Janeiro, the Museums Commission announced that “Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations,” will be making its way to the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at JAX District. Happening until Saturday May 24, the exhibition is the first travelling group exhibition of Saudi contemporary artists. Showcasing works by 17 prominent Saudi artists from different generations, regions, and artistic practices. From paintings to installations and video works, the artworks shed light on Saudi Arabia’s history, collective memory, and cultural traditions.
Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, JAX District. @samocamoc
Throughout April: Head to Foodsphere
Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in rich cultural heritage, is home to a diverse and flavourful culinary tradition. For a sensory journey through the Kingdom’s rich food culture, you can now check out FoodSphere, a new immersive space located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street. It takes guests on a journey of discovery within the future of innovation, the fundamental connections that shape our food ecosystem and the city’s sustainable future. FoodSphere covers an area of 11,000 square meters and features three indoor zones. Visitors will be guided through each themed space. Read more here.
Riyadh Oases: FoodSphere, 6871 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz (Tahlia Street), Riyadh 12242, Sat to Thurs 9am to 11pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm. @riyadhoases
Throughout April: Dine in at the new Crazy Pizza location
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Riyadh jumped on the crazy train with yet another amazing Crazy Pizza location across the capital. Now open at Northyard by Oud, the restaurant originally comes from Porto Cervo, Italy, and is known for making pizzas second and a production first. That’s not to say that the food is an afterthought here but to put a spotlight on just how much goes into taking a regular old slice and elevating it to fine dining.
April TBC: AOK Kitchen opens a brand-new location
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If you’ve feasted on A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh’s delectable treats over the years at the King Abdullah Financial District location, you’ll be delighted to know the brand is now opening in Diriyah. Welcome to A.O.K Kitchen Diriyah. Set to open this month, A.O.K Kitchen will be setting up shop in the newly opened Zallal Diriyah complex, a short three years after the KAFD location opened. The new 78-seat venue seamlessly integrates A.O.K. Kitchen’s contemporary design with Najdi architectural elements to establish a unique dining atmosphere that pays homage to Diriyah’s history.
A.O.K Kitchen Diriyah, Zallal Diriyah. @aokkitchensaudi