17 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in August 2025
New month, new things to do
I don’t know about you, but August is a really special month for me. I mean, apart from it being my dad and brother’s birthday month (Leos… I know…), it’s also the month Taylor Swift wrote an entire song about. For me, wanting truly is enough, because I want you to have the best month. From underground gigs, to major sporting events, we’ve rounded everything up, and you need to check these out.
These are the best things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in August 2025.
From August 4: Catch Terhal in Diriyah
“Terhal” follows the journey of a young Saudi man who, while studying in Riyadh, dreams of shaping his country’s future in the digital age. He embarks on a journey across Saudi Arabia to reconnect with the Kingdom’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Along the way, he discovers more about his identity and returns home with renewed confidence, wisdom, and hope.
Tickets are now available on the WeBook platform. There are five categories: Silver A and Silver B are priced at SAR100, Gold A and Gold B are priced at SAR200 each, and if you prefer a VIP experience, the Platinum ticket, which grants you access to an exclusive lounge, costs SAR350.
Location: Mayadeen Theatre, Diriyah 13714.
Timing: Mondays to Thursdays 8.30pm (doors open at 7pm), Fridays & Saturdays 8pm to 9.30pm & 11pm to 12.30am,
Cost: The ticket price starts from SAR100 and can be purchased here.
August 5 to 17: FIBA Asia Cup 2025
Hosting for the second time, Saudi Arabia will be the backdrop for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Starting in Jeddah this week is the international basketball tournament which takes place every four years between the men’s national teams of Asia and Oceania. Qualifying teams include Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, Philippines, New Zealand, Lebanon, Jordan, South Korea, China, Iran, Qatar, Chinese Taipei, Syria, Guam, India, and Iraq.
Location: Jeddah
Cost: From SAR90, book here
August 7: Black Eyed Peas, Meduza, Zeyne, Sharkk
View this post on Instagram
Riyadh’s ultimate Esports World Cup (the world’s largest esports competition) afterparty has just hit restart. 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 its last unforgettable weekend, the ANB Arena will transform into the ultimate destination for both esports fans and music lovers. This time around, performing artists include Black Eyed Peas, Meduza, Zeyne, and Sharkk.
Location: ANB Arena
Timings: 9pm to 2am
Cost: From SAR199, book your tickets here
August 8: Black Eyed Peas in Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
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, and for its last weekend, Jeddah will be hosting major stars. 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.
Timings: 9pm to 2am,
Cost: From SAR199, book your tickets here.
Until August 8: The Riyadh Film Music Festival is still happening
Following the huge success of the first edition of the Riyadh Film Music Festival in July 2023, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced the launch of the second edition of this unique festival in the capital. Welcome to the Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025. Shows to come include Back to the Future and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Black Pearl.
Location: Red Hall, Princess Nourah University Theatre
Dates: Jul 30 to Aug 8
Cost: SAR150, book here.
August 8: Blue One in Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
Happening at the Fazzah Resort, Riyadh, check out a fun party from 10pm to 3am for Blue One, a special night filled with music, lights, and good vibes. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with blue-themed lighting and live music sets by top DJs, blending modern beats with energetic rhythms. A perfect summer night in one of Riyadh’s top venues.
Location: Fazzah Resort
Cost: SAR108, book here
August 8: Euphoria Presents Space Motion Live in Riyadh
Get ready to immerse yourself in the fusion of Afro and tech house, guided by the signature sound of Space Motion—intense, emotional, and unforgettable. With powerful support from BKR, Ingiter, Kriis, and Silvio Saade, this lineup promises layers of sound and rhythm that build into something extraordinary. This is more than a party. It’s a journey through frequency and feeling.
Location: Saudi Media City
Cost: SAR400, book here
August 8: Music And Friends Night In Riyadh
Join in on a night featuring a thoughtful selection of Saudi, Khaleeji, and Arabic songs, both classic and new. Celebrate the music and create new memories in a night filled with soul and sound. Performing artists include Abdullah Al-Najjar, Adam, Mohammed Khaled, and Artist Saud bin Nayef.
Location: House of Culture
Cost: SAR150, book here
August 15 to 16: Check out the last Poolside by Azimuth party
View this post on Instagram
Taking place every weekend, the team behind AZIMUTH Festival is launching a brand-new series of exclusive poolside events across four premium resorts, this time at 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, Dar Tantora (Aug 15 to 16)
Timing: 4pm to 1am
Cost: Starts from SAR200. Book your tickets here.
Until August 24: The Esports World Cup is still on
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.
Until August 30: Check out Forest Wonders in Jeddah
Summer is when Jeddah comes to life with its version of the iconic Saudi Seasons, Jeddah Season. The city lights up with gorgeous new zones, activities, and so much more. Welcome to Forest Wonders by Jeddah Season. Perfect to beat the heat, Forest Wonders is a completely indoor, air-conditioned zone that draws inspiration from nature and the allure of mysterious forests. Open until Saturday August 30, the jungle-like zone is offering you a chance to meet turtles, feed goats, and see lemurs.
Location: Al Mohammadiya District
Dates: Until Saturday August 30
Timings: Daily 4pm to 11pm, last entry 10pm
Cost: SAR25, book your tickets here.
Throughout August: Ladurée’s new savoury menu
View this post on Instagram
Known for its iconic macarons, Ladurée now brings its signature flair to a new savoury menu, offering elegant options from breakfast through to dessert. Mornings begin with comfort and craft—eggs florentine, omelette royale, and a locally inspired Middle Eastern omelette. From the shrimp rolls “Terre et Mer,” crab salad, and avocado gazpacho to blinis with smoked salmon or Oscietra caviar, bring French elegance to the table. The sandwich selection includes highlights like the Lobster Roll, the rich Ladurée gourmet burger, and the classic croque-monsieur.
Location: Across all outlets in Saudi Arabia
Throughout August: The Open Call for the Ithra Art Prize is still open
View this post on Instagram
The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) announces the open call for the 7th edition of the biennial Ithra Art Prize, an art grant supporting contemporary art across the Arab world. Founded in 2017, the prize offers a valuable platform for artists from the region. With a grand prize of USD100,000, the winning artwork will find a lasting home within Ithra’s permanent art collection. Submissions are now officially open and will be accepted until 16th October 2025. As part of its evolving approach, both new commissions and recontextualised existing works are eligible to apply.
Throughout August: Maestro x Netflix’s Squid Game
View this post on Instagram
Maestro Pizza, a leading quick-service restaurant chain, has announced an exclusive partnership with Netflix to launch a limited-edition menu inspired by the highly anticipated series “Squid Game 3.” This unique culinary experience is now available across Maestro Pizza locations in Saudi Arabia.The collaboration introduces Pizza 456, a bold new offering that draws inspiration from the main character and iconic symbols of the global hit series. Complementing this, Maestro Pizza is also serving OX Chicken Bites, featuring crispy chicken paired with distinctive green “O” and red “X” sauces, a playful homage to the show’s memorable visuals.
Location: Across all outlets in Saudi Arabia
Throughout August: Check out Encore’s new menu
View this post on Instagram
ENCORE operates from within one of the most exclusive social clubs in town, CORE Social Wellness Club, in the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter. This flagship location offers a complete culinary experience, dine-in service, themed evenings, private catering, and more. Its innovative themed nights, among the first of their kind in the city, transform weeknights into immersive cultural journeys, from Mediterranean feasts to Asian-inspired menus. Non-members can still enjoy ENCORE’s signature dishes via delivery on Jahez, Lugmety, and ToYou.
Location: Al Safarat
Timing: Sun to Thu 7am to 11pm, Fri noon to midnight, Sat 9am to midnight
Throughout August: Eden by Jeddah Season
EDEN is a beachside escape with natural seaside charm, a refreshing pool, curated restaurants, and entertainment, all designed for your enjoyment by the sea.
Location: R22R+22F Al Zummrad, Jeddah
Timings; 10.30am to 1am
Cost: From SAR150, book here
Throughout August: Girls, head down to Bambi Beach
Bambi Beach is a women-only, pink beachside pop-up. Picture this: a vibrant, pink-themed seaside escape designed exclusively for women. Book your spot at one of the beach setups, grab a bite from Xbite and Sunset Cafe, and soak up the sun in shaded chill zones. Enjoy deep-sea swimming from a floating pontoon or lounge on one of the inflatables—no shoreline paddling here, just pure open-water freedom.
Location: Al Mohammadiya District
Dates: Until Saturday August 30
Timings: Daily 4pm to 11pm, last entry 10pm
Cost: SAR25, book your tickets here.
Throughout August: Try the first lasagneria in the GCC
Currently in its soft-opening stage, the spot is helmed by chef and founder Alessandro Zingarelli, who pays tribute to the woman behind it all, his mother. Setting out with the mission to open the first Lasagnaria in the GCC, Ammamia in Khobar is truly one of the most unique concepts in the city right now.
Location: Prince Nayef St, Ash Shamaliyah District
Timings: Sun to Thu 11am to 1pm, Fri to Sat 12pm to 11.3opm
Images: Provided/Getty
