10 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in May 2026
From art festivals to iconic concerts
How is it already May? 2026 is flying by. So, make the most of this month with these thrilling activities and things to do in Saudi Arabia.
May 8: Carl Cox is coming to Riyadh
Riyadh’s nightlife scene is about to get loud. Global DJ icon Carl Cox is heading to JAX District this weekend for In Act’s eighth edition, alongside Saudi duo Dish Dash. Expect huge beats, late-night energy and a very big night for electronic music fans.
Location: In Act – Act VIII, Plot K, JAX District, Riyadh
Timings: May 8, 5pm to 3.30am
Cost: SAR250 for general access, SAR400 for POV VIP & SAR600 for Backstage VVIP. Book your tickets here.
May 9 & 10: Dubai’s viral workout lands in Riyadh
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Riyadh girls, this one’s for you. Kayanee Wellness Club and Saudi Life: Unpacked are bringing Dubai favourite SYNKRO to the capital for a two-day, ladies-only session packed with movement, sweat and good vibes. Expect a 45-minute mat-based workout with ankle weights, dumbbells and bodyweight training, plus smoothies, Asteri beauty goodies and a little retail therapy on the side.
Location: Kayanee DQ, 1364 Mall, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512
Timings: May 9, 9.30am, 1pm, 4pm & 6pm | May 10, 9.30am, 10.30am & 6pm
Cost: SAR350. Book your spot here.
Until May 10: All things beauty under one roof
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Head to Jeddah Superdome for the Beauty Show Expo, where it’s all about skincare, hair, make-up and the latest trends. Expect live demos, expert tips, new brands to discover and plenty of reasons to upgrade your routine.
Location: Jeddah Superdome, Al Madinah Al Munawarah Rd, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah 23735
Timings: Until May 10, 5pm to midnight
May 14 to 16: Jeddah’s getting a soapbox race
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Forget polished race cars – this one’s all about chaos, creativity and questionable steering. SoapBox Saudi is bringing gravity-powered racing to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit this May, with homemade carts flying down the track in one of the wildest events of the month.
Location: 6779 Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, 2708, Ash Shati District, Jeddah 23613, Saudi Arabia
Timings: May 14 to 16, 3pm to 10pm
Throughout May: Free entry to Diriyah
Your excuse for another night out in Diriyah has arrived. Until September 30, you can explore At-Turaif and stroll through Bujairi Terrace for free – no entry pass required. Come for the heritage views, stay for the dinner plans.
Location: 7295 King Faisal Road, Riyadh 13711
Timing: Sat to Thu 10am to midnight & Fri 2pm to midnight (At Turaif), Sat to Tue 9am to midnight & Wed to Fri 9am to 1am (Bujairi Terrace)
From May 20: A new kind of art exhibition lands in Jeddah
Art lovers, this one’s worth the trip. “Global Positioning System” is the first-ever dual exhibition spanning Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with exhibitions running simultaneously at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah and at Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. The exhibition brings together more than 40 artists from over 20 countries to explore how navigation systems shape contemporary life. Through a wide range of works, the show examines mapping, mobility and the infrastructures that govern movement, while questioning their limitations and failures. Expect contemporary works, big conversations and plenty to take in.
Location: 7829, Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah 23615
Timing: Wed to Mon 2pm to 10pm
May 21 to 31: Easier Eid escapes to The Red Sea
Dreaming of an Eid escape? The Red Sea is adding 32 extra flights between Thursday May 21 and Sunday May 31 to keep up with holiday demand, making it even easier to swap city life for island stays, desert resorts and beach clubs. Expect packed Eid programming too, from Michelin-starred dinners and jazz nights to surf sessions at ADRENA. Flights to The Red Sea are operated by leading carriers including Saudia, Qatar Airways, and flydubai.
May 23: Lace up for One Run
Riyadh is hitting the ground running this May as One Run returns to the capital. Taking place at Wadi Namar, the global race brings together runners from more than 100 cities worldwide, with distances for everyone from serious marathoners to casual joggers. If you’re thinking about signing up, registration is already open. Entry fees are SAR180 for the 21-kilometre Half Marathon, SAR135 for the 10-kilometre race, SAR99 for the 5-kilometre race and SAR59 for the 1-kilometre Fun Run.
May 24 to 29 (TBC): Blessed Eid Al-Adha
Start planning that escape. Eid Al-Adha is expected to fall at the end of May this year, which could mean a long public holiday in Saudi Arabia. Nothing is confirmed just yet, but it’s never too early to start eyeing travel deals and staycation plans.
May 29: Candlelight concerts are coming to Scitech in Khobar
Fancy swapping loud crowds for something a little more magical? Candlelight concerts are lighting up Al Khobar this May with glowing tribute performances dedicated to Coldplay, Imagine Dragons and Hans Zimmer – all set against a sea of candles at Scitech. Expect big soundtracks, stripped-back classics and serious atmosphere.
Location: Scitech – Prince Sultan and Technology Centre, 6418 3618 Corniche Rd, Al Khobar 34412
Timings: Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons 6.45pm | Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer 9pm
Cost: Start at SAR189. Book your tickets here.
Images: What’s On Archives / Socials
