15 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in September 2025
Discover a list of exciting openings and experiences
September in Saudi Arabia is stacked with festivals, culture, and one-off events. Here are some of the best things to do this month. Get your diary out and start filling it up now.
September 4 to 6: Calling all opera fans
Carmen Opera
For the first time in Saudi Arabia, the masterpiece opera Carmen by French composer Georges Bizet will be staged at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh from Thursday September 4 to Saturday September 6, all thanks to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Tickets for Carmen are already on sale via Platinumlist. One for everyone’s bucket list, be sure to get your tickets quick as there are only three performances scheduled.
Location: King Fahad Cultural Centre, Ar Rafiah, Riyadh 12752
Timings: Sept 4 to 6, 8pm to 11pm (Doors open at 7pm)
Cost: SAR80 for Standard tickets, SAR120 for Silver, SAR200 for Gold, SAR360 for Platinum, SAR600 for VIP & SAR920 for Royal. Tickets can be purchased here.
September 5: Experience the biggest Saudi Pro Wrestling Show
Featuring only top Saudi wrestlers in epic title matches, this event delivers fierce rivalries, high energy, and national pride. Get ready for the ultimate homegrown wrestling experience in the Kingdom.
Location: Battle Kart Riyadh, Ishbiliyah, Riyadh
Timings: Sept 5, 7pm to 11pm
Cost: Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here.
Throughout September: World’s largest date festival in Buraydah
Did you know that Saudi Arabia has the highest number of palm trees in the world representing around 25 per cent of global date production? It’s the height of date season and just over 220 miles northwest of the capital, the Buraydah Dates Carnival is bustling as Saudis flock to get the first pick of prime dates fresh off trees. The star attraction is the vast date market, where over 40 date varieties are displayed in numerous stalls. Beyond the marketplace, the festival offers a vibrant array of cultural and entertainment events. Competitions for the best dates and date-based dishes, traditional Saudi music, dance, and poetry performances provide a window into the region’s heritage.
From September 13: Beast House Riyadh launches Brunshouka
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Beast House, Riyadh’s go-to creative hub and cultural hotspot, is turning up the volume on your weekends with the launch of Brunshouka. Think standout flavours meet curated soundtracks in an immersive, high-energy atmosphere that redefines daytime dining in the capital. What sets Brunshouka apart isn’t just the food from its in-house restaurant — it’s the full experience. Guests will enjoy live music, vinyl listening sessions, and sets by local DJs, offering an evolving musical journey that spans funk, RnB, pop, and electro swing. Who’s ready for brunch the Beast House way?
Location: Beast House Riyadh, JAX District
Timings: Every Saturday, starting Sept 13, noon to 4pm
September 16: The What’s On Awards returns with a glittering ceremony
Following two immensely successful events, the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards will return on September 16 at the beautiful JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, poised to honour the finest restaurant, leisure, and entertainment operators across Riyadh and beyond. The shortlist is here, and it’s a vibe. Who do you think should take the win?
September 16 to 18: Riyadh gears up for the inaugural Orgatec Workspace Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is set to provide a global platform for workplace innovation next month with the debut of Orgatec Workspace Saudi Arabia 2025, the Kingdom’s first dedicated trade fair for workplace, office design, and hybrid working solutions. Expected to welcome more than 10,000 professional visitors – including architects, interior designers, facility managers, government representatives, and corporate decision-makers – the exhibition will span industries from commercial offices to hospitality, healthcare, education, and transport hubs. What’s more, at the heart of the event will be the Orgatec Workspace Summit, featuring more than 50 international and regional speakers across three days. Free to attend, the Summit will explore topics ranging from agile workplace concepts, AI integration, workplace strategy and corporate real estate, future workspaces, sustainability, and designing Saudi workplaces that blend cultural identity with global standards.
Location: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre
Timings: Sept 16 to 18, 4pm to 10pm
Contact: Register here to visit
September TBC: 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.
September 18 to 27: Step into a world of dreamy acrobats and jaw-dropping stunts
For the first time in Saudi Arabia, the internationally acclaimed Pluma Circus is bringing its magic to Riyadh. Get ready for jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling costumes, hilarious clowns, and mind-blowing visual effects that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Location: Pluma Circus Tent, Al Nakheel Mall, Riyadh
Timings: Sept 18 to 27, Mon, Tues & Thurs 6pm to 8pm & 9pm to 11pm, Wed 7pm to 9pm, Fri & Sat 5pm to 7pm & 8pm to 10pm & Sun 9pm to 11pm
Cost: SAR95 (Green), SAR140 (Blue), SAR180 (Red), SAR240 (Silver) & SAR345 (Gold). Tickets can be purchased here.
September 19: Mishaal Tamer live in Riyadh
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Saudi pop pioneer Mishaal Tamer returns to the Riyadh stage for a once-in-a-lifetime live show during Saudi National Day weekend, marking a new era in the Kingdom’s music scene. The night will also feature two of the most exciting acts from Saudi Arabia’s emerging music scene: Gimmix – A high-energy alternative rock band formed in Riyadh in 2017, known for their explosive performances and genre-blending sound; and Shargeeya – a Saudi singer/songwriter whose music is a hybrid rooted in Khaleeji rhythm, shaped by dance, and layered with global influences.
Location: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre, Riyadh
Timings: Sept 19, 8pm to 1am
Cost: SAR50 and tickets can be purchased here.
September 23: 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.
September 25 & 26: 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 2025 on September 25 and 26. The experience has always delivered the most exciting blend of global superstars alongside the brightest and best in local talent, and this year will be no different. Check out the line-up here.
Location: Azimuth 2025, AlUla
Timings: Sept 25 & 26, 7pm to 6am the following day (last entry is at 2am)
Cost: Tickets start from SAR1,200 and can be purchased here.
From September 26: Get ready for the biggest LOLs
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Saudi Arabia will host the first Riyadh Comedy Festival as part of its growing calendar of entertainment events. Running from September 26 to October 9, the festival will take place in Boulevard City and is set to feature over 50 comedians from around the world. From stand-up to satire, sketch to improvising, this electrifying lineup is set to spark laughter, challenge norms, and connect cultures under one roof. Line-up includes Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, Maz Jobrani, Bill Burr, Jimmy Carr, Zarna Gargg, Andrew Schuluz, Jessica Kirson, among others.
Location: 4 venues in Boulevard City
Dates: September 26 to October 9
Cost: Tickets start from SAR100 and can be purchased here.
Throughout September: 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.
September 27: Mega fighting action awaits
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Catch the region’s best going head-to-head in the cage as they compete in the PFL semifinals in Riyadh. Kicking off at The Arena on Saturday September 27, the tournament is dubbed PFL MENA semifinals: Champions Collide. In the main event, Kuwait’s Mohammad Alaqraa takes on Egypt’s Ayman Galal in a welterweight clash with everything on the line. With 14 fights on the card, including eight semi-final bouts and three showcase matchups, 9 regional champions, this is the most explosive PFL MENA event yet. Winners will advance to the Season 2 Finals this November, where four champions will each claim $100,000 and the title of PFL MENA 2025 Champion.
Location: The Arena Riyadh
Timings: Sept 27, 6pm
Cost: Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here.
September TBC: The Red Sea EDITION is set to open
On the main hub island of Shura, lifestyle-driven Edition Hotels will open their second property in Saudi. Joining The Jeddah EDITION, The Red Sea EDITION will open this month, inviting guests to check in to one of 240 guest rooms and suites that range in size from one- to three-bedroom. Elsewhere, there will be two signature restaurants, a destination bar, beach bar, fitness centre, swimming pools and spa. As is customary for the brand, everything from the design to the culinary offering will reflect the location’s cultural influence.
Images: What’s On Archives / Social / Supplied
