The What's On Saudi Arabia Awards return for 2025
And registrations are now live…
Not too long ago, on September 17, 2024, we were joined by over 350 sensational heavyweights of the hospitality, leisure, and entertainment scene from all over the Kingdom at JW Marriott Riyadh for the second-ever What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards.
On the night, we (with your help, of course) crowned the champions of Saudi Arabia’s finest places to dine and stay, along with brilliant concerts from the last 12 months and so much more. We dished out awards to a total of 30 winners and 42 outlets that placed as highly commended in their respective categories, commemorating the crème de la crème of the Kingdom.
And it brings us great pleasure to announce that we are back, bigger and better than ever, for round three of the most prestigious awards ceremony in the Kingdom. Welcome to the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2025.
Returning to the JW Marriott Riyadh, the stunning soiree will be held on Thursday September 16, with registrations for all categories open now. What makes these awards special is that they are voted for by the public. That’s right, the winners of the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards win because those who frequent them day in, day out genuinely believe they’re the best in the business.
If you’re new to the awards or just need a friendly reminder, we’re bringing you a complete guide to the format below. Plus, sharing a little insider info on what’s new this year.
The process
Registrations are now open, so if you are an F&B professional, know a restaurant that deserves to be recognised, or are at all involved in the hospitality, entertainment, and leisure scene, all outlets are encouraged to sign up soon, before the voting period begins. You’ll be able to register in the category or categories most suited to your venue or outlet via platinumlist.net.
Voting will then open in June. So, if you want your venue to be in with the best chance of winning, you’ll need to register ASAP.
The categories
This year, the awards have been extended to include an impressive 44 categories, expanded to include the many different cuisines and experiences the Kingdom has to offer. The categories encompass restaurants, entertainment, and leisure categories across the wider Kingdom, a testament to the accelerated growth in Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, and the Eastern Province.
Of the 44 categories, 41 will be picked solely based on public votes. But, of course, we couldn’t let you have all of the fun. Completing the awards categories are a trio of coveted Editor’s Choice awards, which will be handpicked by the editorial team. These are the Homegrown Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year.
To view the full list of categories, please click here.
Key dates
May – Registrations open
June – Voting opens
July – Registrations and voting close
August – Shortlist announced and tables go on sale
September – Awards Ceremony
Stay tuned to whatsonsaudiarabia.com/events/awards
For more information, please contact: Mario Saaiby ([email protected]) and Taran Singh ([email protected])