11 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this April
From Ramadan deals and experiences to a haunted attraction and art exhibitions…
It’s no April fool’s joke – there are more events and activities to mark in your calendar next month and we’re buzzing. Here are ten things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this April.
April 1 to 5: Shop pre-loved clothes at the Swap Shop
Did you know that on average, we wear our clothes a total of seven times and then, many simply get thrown away? One of the simplest and most sustainable ways to let garments live longer is to find them a new owner. Enter the swap shop by the Saudi Fashion Commission. The event is set to take place at the A Fashion House in Boulevard Riyadh City. You will be able to swap pre-loved clothing and accessories for other used pieces or exchange them for new items provided by Cenomi Retail.
Swap Shop, Apr 1 to 5, A Fashion House, Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh, daily 9pm to 1.30am. @fashionmoc
Until April 8: Get ready for kick-off at Saudi Arabia’s first Red Bull Four 2 Score
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Riyadh is set to host Saudi Arabia’s first Red Bull Four 2 Score – a new 4×4 football competition – from Friday March 31 to Saturday April 8. The championship, organised in partnership with Red Bull MOBILE, is centred around football matches for teams of four, giving amateur players a chance to showcase their skills in a unique competition format. The all-new tournament comes with a twist that will see each goal doubled in the first and last minute of the 10-minute matches. The teams of four with one substitute will battle it out in qualifiers from March 31 to April 5 at Koora Park Stadium in Riyadh.
Red Bull Four 2 Score, until Apr 8, Koora Park Stadium, Ar Rimal, Riyadh 11564. Football fans can now register via Red Bull’s official website. @redbullsaudi
Until April 20: Experience Ramadan in AlUla
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Make this year’s Ramadan the most memorable one yet with a trip to AlUla. With special Ramadan accommodation offers, superb Iftar and Suhoor settings, as well as a myriad of exciting outdoor evening adventures, AlUla offers a range of unique experiences for families and friends to share during this special time of the year.
Ramadan in AlUla, until April 20, AlUla. Experiencealula.com
Throughout April: Experience Ramadan nights at Diriyah
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Diriyah celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with a vibrant curation of events and activities. Start by exploring Bujairi Terrace, which has been transformed into a Ramadan-themed destination with beautiful décor, traditional gathering lounge seating, and a Ramadan market selling traditional arts and crafts. Next, head to At-Turaif and take in the breathtaking surroundings of the Unesco World Heritage Site. There will be plenty of enriching activities highlighting the district’s unique heritage and culture.
Diriyah, Riyadh, daily 4pm to 3am. Book your Diriyah Pass here. SAR100 per person (Can be redeemed up to the value of the ticket on food and drinks at all locations). @visitdiriyah
April 21 to 24: A long weekend in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr 2023
Eid Al-Fitr 2023 is from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, which on the Gregorian calendar will likely correspond to Friday April 21 to Monday April 24. This, however, is dependent on the sighting of the moon. Officials will announce the date closer to the time. If the dates for Eid Al-Fitr are confirmed, as mentioned, that will mean a long weekend in April for us. So, keep an eye out on What’s On Saudi Arabia for any updates and things to do during the long weekend.
Until April 23: Discover the beauty and diversity of Islamic Arts
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Millions of Muslim pilgrims are familiar with the Hajj Terminal, but it’s been transformed into an artistic hub, thanks to the Islamic Arts Biennale. So, if you’ve been curious about Islam or want to brush up on your knowledge, this should be on your cultural radar. The inaugural exhibition aims to celebrate and enrich the cultural and artistic exchange between Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, and communities around the world. The themes during the biennale will range from sacred direction (qiblah) to migration (hijrah), and it will explore how Muslims view the Kaaba as their spiritual home.
Islamic Arts Biennale, until April 23, Hajj Terminal, Jeddah. Free entry, but online registration is required.
Until April 23: Indulge in a luxurious iftar at Al Mirkaz tent
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The Al-Mirkaz Ramadan tent is back with a spectacular, contemporary arabesque-inspired design and luxurious style. The lavish buffet spread offers guests a wide range of Saudi, Oriental, European, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. For more iftars in Jeddah, see our guide here.
Al Mirkaz Ramadan Tent, Leylaty Group, Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah 23422, Iftar 6pm onwards & Suhoor 11pm to 3am. SAR555 per person (for iftar and suhoor). Make your reservations here. Tel: 012 606 6666. @leylatygroup
Throughout April: Dive deeper into the works of Andy Warhol
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As the second edition of the AlUla Arts Festival’s flagship exhibition, ‘FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla’ is the first collaboration with the Andy Warhol Museum in the region and is currently being displayed at the award-winning Maraya. Curated alongside this ground-breaking exhibition, explore the different tours, talks and workshops related to Andy Warhol and his iconic pop-art style.
FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla, until May 16, Wed to Sun, 2pm to 9pm (Ramadan hours: 8pm to 2am), Maraya, AlUla. Free entry. Book your visit here. @artsalula
From April 26: AlUla Skies Festival celebrates all things sky
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Whether by hot air balloon or helicopter, there’s no better way to see AlUla than from the air. And come night, return to earth for stargazing, symphonies and Astro-photography that will leave unforgettable memories. Look forward to a gamut of activities that let you see AlUla from an exhilaratingly elevated perspective – from AlUla Hot Air Balloons flying high over the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra to the AlUla Stairway that will take you up a 45-metre suspended ladder with an exhilarating 150-metre zipline back down to the valley floor.
AlUla Skies Festival 2023, Apr 26 to May 13, AlUla. Experiencealula.com
From April 27: Set your heart racing with incredible acts at Fuzion
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Cirque du Soleil is rolling into Jeddah for the 2023 Jeddah Season festival. Its newest production, Fuzion, lands at King Abdullah Sports City from Thursday April 27 to Friday May 26, bringing with it riveting and heart-stopping acrobatic acts and uproarious antics. So, whether you’re a die-hard Cirque du Soleil fan, or it’s your first foray into this enchanting world, prepare to be captivated and kept on the edge of your seat.
Fuzion by Cirque du Soleil, Apr 27 to May 26, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. @jed.calendar
Throughout April: Step inside this scary zombie-themed haunted house in Khobar
Venture inside this haunted building in Al Khobar and get ready to eradicate a zombie outbreak. ‘Hunted 88’ is a terrifying attraction that puts you in the middle of an all-out war for survival. Try to navigate around each floor of the building, starting from apartment 808 to the maze and the scary zombie court, while avoiding the infected bite of a zombie predator who craves nothing more than the taste of your human flesh. So, stay alert; will you survive, or will you join the legions of the undead at ‘Hunted 88’?
Hunted 88, until May 6, 8pm to 2am, Hunted 88 Building, 8462 Al Khobar 32412, Saudi Arabia. Book your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR110.
Images: Social