17 amazing things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in May 2025
Plan your month the right way…
Summer’s officially here (but you already knew that), and if it’s one thing Saudi Arabia does well, it’s summers (that’s because every other month is summer). May 2025 will be packed with top-tier fights, concerts, restaurant openings, and so much more. These are all the things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in May 2025. May this be your month.
May 1: Kevin Hart’s in Jeddah for real
After wowing crowds in Riyadh in 2023, comedian and actor Kevin Hart is heading to Jeddah. For real. This is your chance to catch Kevin Hart in Jeddah. Performing at the Abadi Aljohar Arena on Thursday May 1, the performance is set to take over the city for one night only. Hailed as one of the highest-earning comedians of 2019 by Forbes, the American powerhouse is best known for his self-effacing humour and for delivering high-octane performances that are full of punch.
Kevin Hart in Jeddah, Abadi Aljohar Arena. @jed.calendar
May 2: Melotech presents RDJ & Friends
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Riyadh’s favorite Friday night is back—bigger, louder, and stronger than ever. This Friday get ready to make history at The Venue 13 in JAX by welcoming a techno powerhouse to Saudi Arabia.RDJ brings a high-energy blend of Deep, Tech House, and underground sounds guaranteed to electrify the crowd.
Melotech presents RDJ & Friends, The Venue 13, JAX District, 9pm. Book your SAR200 here
May 2: Groove on the Grass
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With the arrival of summer, we will have to bid outdoor raves farewell, but not before a massive season finale to conclude all the fun we’ve had. The massive festival will see local and international stars taking the stage to open a brand new season of events right here in Riyadh. The pioneering music and arts festival was born in Dubai and has been travelling across Saudi Arabia in Jeddah and Riyadh for a while. Performing artists include Shkoon, Sebastian Leger, Dish Dash, Deian, Vinyl Mode, Hats & Klaps, Blacky, Leen, and SMHAR.
Groove on the Grass Season Finale, Juman Park, KAEC, 3pm. Book your SAR275 ticket here.
May 3: Fatal Fury
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Riyadh has been the backdrop of many incredible fights over the years, and this summer is no different. Fatal Fury, a mega bout headed for the capital this May, will see Canelo vs. Scull in Riyadh. Happening on Saturday May 3, Fatal Fury will be taking over the ANB Arena, where Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be taking on Cuban contender William Scull to win the Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion title.
Fatal Fury: Canelo vs. Scull in Riyadh, ANB Arena, 5pm. Get your tickets here.
Until May 3: Passport to the World Khobar
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First came Boulevard World and Suwaidi Park, to give us a taste of the many cultures around the world, without ever leaving the country, and now we have a glorious new festival in Khobar doing the same. Welcome to Passport to the World Khobar. Happening every week from Wednesday April 9 until Saturday May 3, the festival invites to experience a different culture every week over the coming weeks, at the Al Khobar Housing Park.
Passport to the World Khobar, Askan park, 4pm to 1am. Book your tickets here.
Until May 3: Layali Najdiyah in KAFD
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Head to the glorious King Abdullah Financial District for an all-new celebration of true Najdi culture at Layali Najdiyah. Starting on Wednesday April 30, and happening until Saturday May 3. Enjoy live performances on Thursday by Turki Al-Abdullah and on Friday by Abdullah Al-Mana,
Layali Najdiyah, KAFD, until May 3. Book your SAR85 tickets here.
May 4 to 7: Carnival 9
Step into a world where the ordinary is left at the gate, and the unexpected becomes reality. Carnival 9 is the Social Committee’s most ambitious event yet, held on the prestigious campus of Alfaisal University. After eight successful editions, each more vibrant than the last, this year’s carnival breaks the mould with a bold new theme.
Carnival 9, AlFaisal University, Sun May 4 to Wed May 7. Book your SAR75 tickets here.
Until May 3: Here’s your last chance to visit Boulevard World
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Anticipation is building as Riyadh Season 2024/2025 gears up for its grand launch on October 12, promising to be the biggest and best entertainment spectacular yet. And one of the zones that we’ve always looked forward to is the Boulevard World. Known to be Riyadh Season’s largest and most ambitious project to date, this season’s Boulevard World closes on Saturday May 3. Tickets are now available via webook.com, priced at SAR20 for weekday tickets and SAR30 for weekends.
Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets here.
May 8 to 10: Arabian Warrior AlUla
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Thinking about doing an obstacle course challenge? Look no further. The Arabian Warrior, the premier Middle Eastern obstacle course race series, is having its first-ever event in AlUla. The Arabian Warrior AlUla 2025 will take place from Thursday May 8 to Saturday May 10 at the iconic Camel Cup Track Site located in Mughaira Heritage Sports Village.
Arabian Warrior AlUla 2025, May 8 to 10, Camel Cup Track Site, Mughaira Heritage Sports Village, AlUla. Tickets start from SAR65 for the kids’ categories and SAR185 for the adults’ categories. Secure your spot here. @wearearabianwarrior
May 9 to May 12: Jewels of the World 2025
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Welcome to Jewels of the World, an exclusive boutique event where some of the finest international jewellery and watch collections converge. Join in on an unforgettable experience in Dhahran, where luxury, artistry, and exclusivity come together. Discover the world’s most exquisite craftsmanship, curated just for you.
Jewels of the World, Dhahran Expo. jowsaudi.com
May 9: Catch the Professional Fighters League in Jeddah
Another chapter in MMA history is about to unfold in Jeddah in a little over a month. Catch the region’s best go head-to-head in the cage as they compete in the second season of the Professional Fighters League in Jeddah (PFL). Kicking off at the Onyx Arena on Friday May 9, PFL will partner with Jeddah Season to elevate the sport of MMA in the Middle East. This season, 32 elite fighters from across the Middle East and North Africa will compete in the PFL MENA format: one fight, then playoffs, then finals. Saudi Arabia’s very own Abdullah “The Reaper” Al-Qahtani, the 2024 featherweight champion, is set to return.
May 16 to May 19: Round two of Jewels of the World 2025
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When it comes to jewels, we (much like everyone else) like them to make a shiny statement, and that’s just what you get at Jewels of the World 2025 in Riyadh. After days of nonstop glamour at the Dhahran Expo, the exhibition is finally coming to Riyadh with exclusive brands, bespoke experiences, new collections, and so much more.
Jewels of the World 2025, Mandarin Oriental Riyadh. jowsaudi.com
Until May 17: Fontana by Cirque Du Liban Jeddah
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 Saturday May 17, the shows will be held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up next to the Cenomi Mall of Arabia.
Fontana by Cirque Du Liban Jeddah, Cenomi Mall of Arabia, daily 5pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here
May 20: Downtown Design takes Saudi Arabia
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Downtown Design, the leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design in the Middle East, will open its inaugural fair in Saudi Arabia later this month. Downtown Design Riyadh will take place from May 20 to May 23, in JAX District, Riyadh, a creative hub that combines cutting-edge cultural infrastructure with the stunning backdrop of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Turaif.
Downtown Design, JAX District. Book your SAR90 tickets here.
May 23: Guns ‘N Roses
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Don’t you cry at this piece of news – but the original big-hair hard rockers Guns N’ Roses have just announced on their Instagram page that they will be kicking off their 2025 world tour in Saudi Arabia. The legendary rock supergroup is all set to perform in Riyadh on Friday May 23, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena. Known for their smash hits “November Rain” and “Welcome To The Jungle”, Guns N’ Roses will be performing for one night only as part of their wider dates across the Middle East and Europe in 2025. The world tour will also see the band stopping off in Abu Dhabi in May.
MDLBeast Presents: Guns N’ Roses, May 23, 8.30pm to 2am, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR179 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Until May 24: Passport to the World Jeddah
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Visitors can look forward to traditional food, dance performances, live music, interactive installations, and workshops. Each week, you can expect to see everything from local fabrics to souvenirs and learn about the country’s history and heritage. There are also several open-air markets to shop at for the perfect gift. Currently, the event calendar features celebrating the culture of the Philippines from April 30 to Saturday May 3, the Bangladeshi culture from May 7 to May 10, the Indian culture from May 14 to May 17, and the Sudanese culture from May 21 to May 24.
Passport to the World Khobar, Al Warood, 4pm to 1am. Book your tickets here.
Throughout May: Attend a brand-new exhibition
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Get ready for the second-ever major exhibition at Diriyah Art Futures. Titled Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World, the exhibition brings together works by more than 40 artists from the MENA region. Maknana features pioneering voices from across the region who have embraced and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression. Spanning decades and disciplines, from early video art and experimental film to generative systems and expanded media, Maknana offers a rare survey of how Arab artists have engaged with and reimagined the digital landscape on their own terms.
Diriyah Art Futures, 3029 King Faisal Rd, Al Bujairi, Mon to Thu 11am to 1pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm & Sat 11am to 11pm & Closed Sun. @dafmoc
Images: Getty/ Instagram/ Provided