25 incredible things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in the second half of 2025
Exciting new openings, fabulous festivals and sporting events galore
Saudi Arabia is preparing for a spectacular second half of 2025, with major events taking place throughout the country. Additionally, there are exciting new restaurants and hotels to anticipate, entirely new destinations, and much more.
Here are 25 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in the second half of 2025.
Make a splash at these epic Poolside by Azimuth parties
The team behind AZIMUTH Festival has launched a brand-new series of exclusive poolside events across four premium resorts in AlUla: Shaden, Our Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree and Dar Tantora. Think pool parties nestled against the famed rocky mountains and sandstone cliffs, with epic live DJ sets, banging soundtracks, and zesty summer mocktails that are as refreshing as a sip of AlUla paradise. Poolside by AZIMUTH is shaping up to be all about the wow-factor, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance due to limited capacity.
Locations: Poolside by AZIMUTH, Shaden Resort (July 4 & 5 and July 11 &12) & Our Habitas AlUla (July 18 & 19 and July 25 & 26)
Timing: 4pm to 1am
Cost: Starts from SAR200. Book your tickets here.
Gamers descend in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup
After its successful launch in 2024, the Esports World Cup returns to Riyadh from Monday July 7 to Sunday August 24 – bigger, bolder, and with more games than ever before. Alongside watching the action, gaming and esports enthusiasts will be able to engage in a variety of activities that blend sports, entertainment, education, culture, and creativity.
Location: Boulevard City, Riyadh
Cost: SAR999 for weekly all access pass. Book your tickets here.
See big names perform at Onyx in Jeddah
For those familiar with MDLBeast’s Onyx music festival at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah, you’ll be delighted to learn that it’s back. The lineup showcases a powerful mix of international artists, commencing with crowd favourites Quavo and the genre-defining Metro Boomin. Fans can anticipate explosive sets from EDM powerhouse Don Diablo, UK rap sensation Central Cee, and global hitmaker R3HAB. The series culminates in a show-stopping finale featuring the legendary Black Eyed Peas and dance music icon Meduza, delivering a summer soundtrack like no other, with standout performances from regional artists like Saud & Jeed, DAFENCII, Sharkk, and many more.
Location: Onyx Arena, Jeddah
Timing: 9pm to 2am (gates open at 8.30pm)
Cost: Starts from SAR169. Book your tickets here.
A summer of fun comes to the Jeddah coast
The much-anticipated Jeddah Season makes its grand return. This year’s festival, which will run until September, will showcase seven new zones featuring a variety of entertainment, tourism, cultural activities, as well as new family-friendly attractions.
Riyadh’s ultimate Esports World Cup afterparty has just hit restart
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AFT_r is making a return to the capital for a second season with the ultimate afterparty series, featuring global headliners, local talent, and relentless dancefloor energy. For four unforgettable weekends, the ANB Arena will transform into the ultimate destination for both esports fans and music lovers. Taking centre stage are global superstars including chart-toppers Quavo, Metro Boomin, and EDM icon Don Diablo. The excitement continues with fan favourites such as Central Cee, R3HAB, and the legendary Black Eyed Peas, alongside rising regional stars like Nileboi, Shaolin, Bayou, and more. So, cheer on your favourite players, then head next door to catch the AFT_r.
Location: ANB Arena, Riyadh
Timing: 9pm to 2am
Cost: Starts from SAR169. Book your tickets here.
There’s a free street food festival in Riyadh
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Happening until Friday July 25, the Culinary Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture is hosting a cool new street food festival in Riyadh. Tuck into authentic dishes and distinctive flavours that reflect the history and culture of the different regions of the Kingdom. Visitors can also enjoy live cooking experiences, as well as authentic Saudi coffee and various types of Saudi Arabian dates. Look out for the ice cream cart featuring five distinct Saudi flavours – perfect for the hot summer weather.
Location: Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin
Time: 6pm to 1am
The pinnacle of the World Nineball Tour calendar returns
For the second year in a row, the 2025 World Pool Championship is taking take place in Jeddah, from Monday July 21 to Saturday July 26 at the Green Halls, as part of the Jeddah Season festivities. Fans can look forward to top-tier action led by reigning champion and world No. 1 Fedor Gorst. His challengers will include a stellar lineup of former world champions and other top players, including Shane Van Boening, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Joshua Filler, Ko Pin-Yi and Carlo Biado.
Location: 2025 World Pool Championship, Green Halls, Al-Wazeeriyah, Jeddah
Cost: Starts from SAR12.50. Book your tickets here.
Horse racing takes centre stage in Taif
While the sweltering heat puts a halt on alfresco experiences in Riyadh, elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, outdoor pursuits can continue. Like in Taif, where the racing season begins with the opening night meeting on July 25, and continues through until the end of September, when the King Khalid Racecourse Championship closes proceedings on September 27. There’s free entry to the general admission areas, with hospitality packages from SAR5,500.
Terhal theatrical show is a captivating celebration of Saudi heritage
The smash-hit immersive theatrical show “Terhal” is returning to Riyadh this summer 2025. Taking place from Monday August 4 to Monday August 25 at the Mayadeen Theatre in Diriyah, the second edition of “Terhal” offers a visually captivating experience. It features acrobatics, stunts, aerial performances, dazzling special effects, and traditional Saudi art and dance. Tickets are now available on the WeBook platform.
Location: Terhal, Mayadeen Theatre, Diriyah 13714
Timings: Mondays to Thursdays 8.30pm (doors open at 7pm), Fridays & Saturdays 8pm to 9.30pm & 11pm to 12.30am
Pricing: The ticket price starts from SAR100 and can be purchased here. @mocsaudi
The What’s On Awards returns with a glittering ceremony in September
Following two immensely successful events, the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards will return on 16 September 2025, poised to honour the finest restaurant, leisure, and entertainment operators across Riyadh and beyond. Voting is now open, and you can support your favourites by casting your vote today.
A huge music festival amidst the AlUla Desert
EDM music festival Azimuth has become a firm favourite on the AlUla festival calendar, and it returns for 2024 from September 19 to 21. Although the line-up is still under wraps, previous festivals have seen headline sets from Jorja Smith, Tinie Tempah and The Chainsmokers, all against the backdrop of the breathtaking AlUla desert.
Get your hands on Riyadh’s very own Monopoly board
There’s a new Monopoly board coming to market this September – and it’s got all the happening places in Riyadh. The new version of the game celebrates “the rich heritage and modern transformation” of the Kingdom’s capital and features locations such as the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Myazu, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road. Whether you’re playing in Arabic or English, it’s a fun way to explore and own a piece of Riyadh.
Celebrate Saudi National Day
This year, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 95th National Day on September 23. Every year, the streets of Saudi Arabia come alive with vibrant green decorations, fireworks displays illuminate the skies, and citizens demonstrate pride in their homeland. Events, concerts, and cultural performances provide memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. The Saudi National Day also marks the last public holiday of the year.
Bibliophiles can get their fix at the Riyadh International Book Fair
Happening from Thursday October 2 to Saturday October 11, 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 will see interesting experiences like art, theatre and musical performances, among other cool engaging activities all catered to the tiny tots.
Anticipation is building for the upcoming Riyadh Season
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. Every year, it promises to be the biggest and best entertainment spectacular yet. Stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for more details on the Riyadh Season 2025.
Watch the world’s top tennis stars battle it out
Tennis fans, get excited because the Six Kings Slam tournament is back in Riyadh. Taking place on Wednesday October 15, Thursday October 16 and Saturday October 18, the legendary tennis showdown gathers some of the sport’s biggest legends and rising stars for an exhibition filled with high-stakes competition. The Six Kings Slam 2025 will once again feature tennis legend Novak Djokovic, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, and last season’s winner, Jannik Sinner. This year’s line-up also features three players making their debut in the tournament: Alexander Zverev, an Olympic gold medallist at Tokyo 2020 and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, British number one Jack Draper, and American number one Taylor Fritz, who are currently ranked fourth and fifth in the world, respectively.
Riyadh Fashion Week returns for its third edition
Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 is set to take over the capital city from Wednesday October 15 to Monday October 20, although locations haven’t been revealed just yet. The event will bring together celebrated designers and rising talents from across the fashion world. The shows are usually invite-only. Fashion enthusiasts can visit Riyadh Fashion Week’s website to watch a live stream of the runway shows. The pulse of Saudi Arabia’s fashion renaissance, we definitely can’t wait to see what’s in store for the upcoming Riyadh Fashion Week.
Visit: riyadhfashionweek.com
Stop and smell the roses at King Abdullah International Gardens
Soon, Saudi Arabia is set to house the world’s newest botanical gardens in the arid desert of the Kingdom. Meet King Abdullah International Gardens as part of the megaprojects in Riyadh. Set to open its doors in autumn 2025, the gardens follow a brief, which sought to “create botanical gardens to rival those at Kew and Singapore.” Planned to be the largest temperature-controlled gardens in the world, each garden will take the visitor through different botanical periods, including the prolific Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, the Devonian era, followed by the Carboniferous, Cenozoic and later Paleobotanic periods.
Fly direct from Dammam to London on Saudia
Good news for those residing in the Eastern Province. Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, has announced the launch of a new direct flight route connecting Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport with London Heathrow. The service, scheduled to commence on Thursday November 6, will operate three times a week. This positions Dammam as the third city in the Kingdom – after Jeddah and Riyadh – to offer direct flights to London Heathrow, one of the United Kingdom’s busiest aviation hubs.
It’s tee time in Riyadh as a golf tournament hits the city again
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PIF’s Saudi International is headed back to Riyadh for the second year in a row. Happening from Wednesday November 19 to Saturday November 22, it retains its position as the season-ender for the International Series. It was Joaquin Niemann who took the trophy home for the 2024 PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, after he fought off Cameron Smith and Caleb Surratt in a three-way playoff to claim his first-ever Asian Tour win. This year, players will be eyeing the USD5 million first prize which is considered the most coveted prize on the Asian Tour.
Location: Riyadh Golf Club
Riyadh Air prepares for takeoff
Scheduled to commence later this year, Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier, Riyadh Air, is considering two European cities for its inaugural flights, which will operate on the airline’s new Boeing 787s. Pretty much every capital city within Europe, all the big capital cities within the Far East, most of the big capital cities within Central Asia, within the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent, as well as the eastern seaboard of North America will be early fixtures in Riyadh Air’s network. Owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was launched in March 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a global aviation centre by expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations and tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million.
We’ll get an exciting new resort at The Red Sea
One of almost a dozen new hotels opening on Shura Island is a 210-room InterContinental Resort Red Sea. All with sea views and beach access, the strong culinary focus will see guests spoiled for choice with seven restaurants, several swimming pools, a spa and health club. For those travelling for business, events spaces of varying size will also form part of the offering.
Thrill-seekers will soon have a new theme park to check out
If you haven’t heard, Six Flags Qiddiya City is preparing to open by Q4 2025, alongside the newly announced Aquarabia, the first water theme park of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the largest in the region. Located in the shadow of the breathtaking Tuwaiq Mountains, Six Flags Qiddiya City is a thrill park that will push the boundaries of the possible with five world record-breaking rides, including the Falcons Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, which will run parallel to the F1 track.
A wellness resort will also open at The Red Sea
With a strong focus on wellness and mindfulness, Miraval Resorts and Spas have become an industry leader in the US – and for their first wellness escape outside of America, the brand is headed to Saudi Arabia. Welcoming guests to an 180-room luxury wellness escape, guest rooms range from one- to -four-bedroom villas, all spread across a sprawling 3 million square foot plot. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and unique topography of the Red Sea, Miraval The Red Sea promises to promote moments of ‘mindfulness, relaxation, and introspection.’ Sounds blissful. The star attraction will be the Life in Balance Spa, set to be the Red Sea’s largest, complete with 39 treatment rooms, a mangrove boardwalk, walking trails and workshop spaces. In addition to offering a selection of Miraval’s most coveted signature spa treatments and experiences, the spa will offer groundbreaking new treatments, destination-inspired experiences, and a series of innovative wellness programs that pay homage to the rich local culture and heritage of the Middle East.
Who’s ready for SoundStorm 2025?
Happening from Thursday December 11 to Saturday December 13, the massive music festival will once again be taking over the gorgeous Banban area in Riyadh, complete with multiple stages, mega artists, and more. While a lineup hasn’t been confirmed just yet, we’re pretty sure – like all previous editions – it will be an all-star, top-tier, best-of-the-best type, and we cannot wait. SoundStorm 2025 isn’t one you want to miss. With the stages you love and hundreds of artists, you’re in for another round of electrifying performances, adventures, and unforgettable memories at the loudest festival in the region.
