10 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this January
Kickstart the new year with the best things to do…
Here’s presenting our first guide for 2024… and it looks like January is going to be an exciting month. The year begins on a high with a fab mix of events waiting for you. From the first-ever AlUla Falcon Cup and a legendary concert to the annual polo tournament we adore, we’ve got it all.
Here’s a roundup of all the things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this January.
Until January 5: The first-ever AlUla Falcon Cup
Taking place at the Mughaira Heritage Sports Village from Thursday December 28, 2023 to Friday January 5, 2024, the first-ever AlUla Falcon Cup includes a racing competition and Falcon Mazayen best-of-breed show. Expect to see some of the finest displays of falconry set among AlUla’s spectacular scenery.
AlUla Falcon Cup, Dec 28 to Jan 5, Mughaira Heritage Sports Village, AlUla. Tickets can be purchased here. Free for general admission and SAR150 for premium. @alulamoments
January 5 to 19: A gruelling race comes to the Saudi desert dunes
Motorsports fans, this one’s for you. The 2024 Dakar Rally is set to be one of the most gruelling routes ever, starting in AlUla on January 5 and concluding in Yanbu on January 19. The fifth edition of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia will see the field tackle an Empty Quarter triptych introducing a brand-new concept: a 48-hour chrono stage held over two days in which the competitors, scattered among eight bivouacs, basically left to their own devices. The rest day in Riyadh will only provide a brief respite, as the varied terrain between that point and the finish in Yanbu is riddled with navigational challenges that could shift the balance of power at any time.
2024 Dakar Rally, Jan 5 to 19. Dakar.com
January 10 to 14: Watch the Spanish Super Cup 2024 in Riyadh
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Hosting the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth consecutive year, the event will feature four of the top clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and CA Osasuna. The first semi-final will be played between reigning Copa del Rey champions Real Madrid and Atlético on January 10, and the second one between defending champions Barcelona and Osasuna on January 11.
Spanish Super Cup 2024, Jan 10 & 11, Al-Awwal Park, King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh. The tickets start from SAR100 and can be purchased here. @mosgovsa
January 11 & 12: Lace up your trainers for the AlUla Trail Race
AlUla Trail Race is back. Two days of heart-thumping action in some of the most rich and diverse landscapes on the endurance race global calendar. This second edition of the hugely popular weekend of races is once again offering the full range of distances for all ages and includes routes past the award-winning Maraya, the naturally carved wonder of Elephant Rock and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra. Whether you’re tackling the 100km, 50km, 20km, 10km, or just here for the fun sunset run or kids race – or even just to watch – you can be sure the effort and emotion will leave a beaming smile on the faces of everyone.
AlUla Trail Race, Jan 11 & 12, AlUla. The entry fee starts from SAR45. Register here. @alulamoments
Throughout January: Make a reservation at Siddharta Lounge Jeddah
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Recently opened Siddharta Lounge is a rooftop pool and restaurant bar that can be found in the Assila A Luxury Collection Hotel, which in itself is a stunning venue. Plus, the drinks are incredible, the vibes are on 10 and we are already planning another trip to top up our tan.
Siddharta Lounge, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St, Al Andalus, Jeddah, daily 6pm to 1am daily. @siddhartaloungejeddah
From January 14: Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 returns for its 5th edition
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Happening from Sunday January 14 to Thursday February 8, 2024, the fifth edition of the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium (TISS) will be held under the theme of “Dimensions of Movement”. Visitors can look forward to a range of panel talks by artists and practitioners. These discussions will showcase top sculptors building upon each other’s experience and explore the connections between the different forms of sculpting.
Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024, Jan 14 to Feb 8. Riyadhart.sa
January 17 to 20: All eyes will be on the polo field at AlUla Desert Polo
The game of Kings is back with the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2024 taking place from Wednesday January 17 to Saturday January 20. Across the four days, visitors can witness the legendary teams playing alongside local and international guests and competing in the fashion stakes, showcasing their favourite winter looks while they cheer on the riders.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Tournament 2024, AlFursan Equestrian Village, Jan 17 to 20. Tickets start from SAR180 and are available here. @alulamoments
January 26: A beloved classical artist will perform in AlUla
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For a quarter of a century, Andrea Bocelli, the world’s most beloved tenor, has been captivating his countless fans – and maddening classical music purists – with his suave, ingratiating vocal style. His repertoire is broad and eclectic, encompassing everything from Europop to operatic standards, and his concerts are always a treat for fans of all ages. And on Friday January 26, Andrea Bocelli returns to Saudi Arabia. The Italian classical artist will headline a special one-off concert at the award-winning Maraya Hall in AlUla.
Andrea Bocelli at Maraya, Maraya Hall, AlUla, Fri Jan 26, 8.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm). Tickets start from SAR1,122 and can be purchased here. @alulamoments
January TBC: An incredible island escape to the dreamy St Regis Red Sea Resort
Get ready to embark on a Saudi staycation of next-level luxury: The St Regis Red Sea. The dreamy and exclusive island escape is one of two luxurious Marriott Resorts that unrolls along the sugary sands of Ummahat Island, nestled among a protected conservation area on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. Accessible via boat or seaplane, the 90-key resort, of all beachfront and overwater villas, invites guests to enjoy blissful getaways where white sandy beaches, tropical gardens and a thriving underwater world await. On the culinary front, guests can dine at five restaurants, including all-day dining with a Levantine twist at Nesma, enjoy refined Japanese flavours at Gishiki 45, and tuck into fine cuts cooked to order at sleek steakhouse Tilina.
The St Regis Red Sea Resort, The Red Sea. Rates start from SAR5,000. Marriott.com
January 26 & 27: The exciting 2024 Diriyah E-Prix is headed back to Riyadh
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Diriyah gets set to host another pair of night races as Formula E illuminates the historic desert surroundings of the Unesco World Heritage site. Expect exciting battles throughout, showcasing that even the most intense, unpredictable racing can take place, as the circuit is illuminated with the latest in low-power LED technology. Tickets for the event have been released here, and prices start at SAR100 for one-day general admission access, SAR170 for two-day general admission, SAR150 for one-day grandstand access and SAR255 for two-day grandstand access.
2024 Diriyah E-Prix, Jan 26 & 27, Diriyah, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. @diriyah_eprix
Images: Instagram