10 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in August 2024
Fabulous festivals and sporting events galore…
Before we know it, August is here, and we’re determined to ensure you spend every moment well. If you’re thinking of filling your time with memorable programmes, we’ve got you covered.
Here are ten things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this August.
August 2, 9 & 16: Check out MDLBeast new music event series in Jeddah
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Look out for another MDLBeast fest in the Red Sea city. And this time, they’re bringing us a special event, their first Jeddah Season party of 2024, over to the city’s incredible venue, Onyx Arena. Held every Friday for three weeks in August, MDLBeast Presents: This Is Onyx offers electrifying rave-hop performances from top-tier artists, including Don Toliver, Axwell, Jack Harlow, Salvatore Ganacci, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack. So, get ready to step into another dimension and lose yourself in the pulsating beats and infectious melodies.
MDLBeast Presents: This Is Onyx, every Fri, 9pm to 1.30am (Gates open at 8pm), Onyx Arena, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah 23737. The ticket is priced at SAR149 for general admission and can be purchased here. Above 18 only. @mdlbeast
August 3: Take part in the Summer Splash race run
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No plans for the summer? Take part in the Summer Splash race run on Saturday August 3 at the Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh. This exciting, watermelon-themed race promises fun for the entire family, featuring a five-kilometre run for adults and a one-kilometre run for kids. There will be plenty of refreshing activities and cool treats, perfect for beating the summer heat. You can still register to participate and experience the joy of running under the summer sun.
Summer Splash, Aug 3, 5.15am for kids’ run & 5.50am for adults’ run, Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, Hena Centre, Irqah, 2593, Riyadh 12585. SAR99 for kids under 12 & SAR169 for adults above 12. @racearabia
Until August 8: Voting extended for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2024
What’s On is the trusted source for discovering the very best things to do in Saudi Arabia. But we’re always keen to know the places that you, our brilliant readers, love to go. Which is why for the last two months, we’ve invited you to vote in your thousands in the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2024. And to give you some more time to cast your votes, we’ll be extending voting until Thursday August 8. That gives you an extra week to make sure you champion your favourites. So, what are you waiting for?
Make sure to head here to vote now.
Throughout August: Cool off this summer at Aseer Season 2024
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Plan a road trip or hop on a short flight to the picturesque province of Aseer, with its cooler temperatures, and immerse yourself in the magic of Aseer Season 2024. Activities on offer include a delightful range of music, dining, and family-friendly activities, promising weeks of excitement and entertainment for the whole family. Whatever activity you choose, you can be rest assured that you will enjoy a stunning view of Aseer on your way down.
Visit: discoveraseer.com
August 13 to 17: Catch the Saudi Super Cup in Abha
Organised by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Saudi Super Cup will be held in the city of Abha from Tuesday August 13 to Saturday August 17. The tournament will coincide with the Aseer Season 2024, and footie fans can look forward to defending champions Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Taawoun clubs competing in the matches. The first match of the semi-finals will be held on Tuesday August 13 between Al-Hilal, the King’s Cup Champion and the Saudi Professional League Champion, and Al-Ahli, who came in third in the standings. The second semi-final will be held on Wednesday August 14, which will bring together Al-Nassr, the runner-up of the King’s Cup, and Al-Taawoun, which is ranked fourth in the table. The winners of the semi-final matches will play in the final on Saturday August 17. Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 4–1 in the final to win their record-extending fourth Super Cup title in 2023. Who do you think will win this year’s Saudi Super Cup?
Saudi Super Cup Final, Aug 13 to 17, 7.15pm, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz City Stadium, Abha. The ticket price starts from SAR30 and can be purchased here.
Until August 16: A summer of fun continues in the Jeddah coast
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If you still haven’t checked it out yet, this year’s Jeddah Season showcases a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. Events are held in several designated areas, including the City Walk, which offers a diverse mix of interactive experiences, motor and skill games, Arabic plays, concerts, restaurants, cafes, and retail stores, as well as the popular family-friendly attraction, Warner Bros. Discovery: Celebrate Every Story.
August 24: The ultimate marathon challenge in AlUla
The heat is on. If you want to test your grit and physical limit surrounded by the beautiful landscape of AlUla in the scorching summer, the highly anticipated second edition of AlUla Desert Blaze returns on Saturday August 24. Athletes and adventurers of all fitness levels are welcome to participate in one of the most daring yet scenic foot races in the world. This remarkable event combines the spirit of adventure with the thrill of competition, offering participants an unforgettable experience like no other over distances of 5km (SAR70), 10km (SAR120), 21km (SAR200), and 42km (SAR350). Think you’ve got what it takes? Pick your distance, lace up your shoes, and get ready to finish in a blaze of glory.
AlUla Desert Blaze, Aug 24, Start time: 8am, AlUla. Register here.
Until August 25: A new chapter in esports history
The first-ever Esports World Cup comes to Riyadh from July 4 until August 25, drawing the world’s top gaming talent to the Saudi Capital. An impressive 2,500 gamers are expected to partake in various events through the 8-week challenge, with an eye-watering USD60 million in prize money up for grabs. It’s taking place at Boulevard Riyadh City, with an after-party put on by MDLBeast each night from 8.30pm to 1.30am called AFT_R, with local and international artists headlining.
Esports World Cup 2024, until Aug 25, 6pm to 2am, 3246 Souwaid Ibn Harithah, Hittin, 6872, Riyadh 13516. The All Access Pass starts at SAR76 and can be purchased on the WeBook platform. @ewc_en
Throughout August: 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 summer racing season begins with the opening night meeting on July 4, and continues through until the end of September, when the King Khalid Racecourse Championship closes proceedings on September 28. There’s free entry to the general admission areas, with hospitality packages from SAR5,500.
From August 30: Top snooker players to star in the first Saudi Arabia Masters
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144 of the best snooker players are set to compete in the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters in Green Halls, Riyadh from Friday August 30 to Saturday September 7. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, a world-ranked event, is part of an exciting legacy commitment with the Ministry of Sport for Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation, which aim to develop snooker and pool in the region over the next decade. Star names including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Allen, John Higgins, Mark Selby, World Champion Kyren Wilson, and the rest of the world’s top 32, as well as leading women players Reanne Evans, Mink Nutcharut, Bai Yulu, and Baipat Siripaporn, will be in the line-up for the first-ever ranking event staged in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, Aug 30 to Sept 7, Green Halls, Riyadh. Tickets will be available soon. @saudibilliards