16 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia this September 2024
It’s going to be a spectacular September…
Can you believe we’re getting closer and closer to the end of the year? Better mark your calendars with your favourite events below because there are dozens of fun things to do in Saudi Arabia this September 2024. As the summer school holidays come to an end, the Kingdom welcomes an exciting lineup of things to do in September, including outdoor activities, exhibitions and music festivals.
September 5: The stage is set for the AFC Asian Qualifiers in Jeddah
Get ready for an exhilarating football experience as Saudi Arabia takes on Indonesia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This highly anticipated match will take place on Thursday September 5 at the iconic King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Book your tickets now and be part of the journey as Saudi Arabia fights for a spot in the Continent of Asia’s biggest football event.
AFC World Cup 26 Qualifiers: Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia, Sept 5, 9pm, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Tickets start from SAR10 and can be purchased here.
Until September 7: Top snooker players to star in the first Saudi Arabia Masters
Fans in Riyadh will have the chance to see the world’s best cueists competing in an all-new tournament. Taking place from Friday August 30 to Saturday September 7, the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will be held at the Green Halls, Riyadh. Snooker’s all-time greatest player, Ronnie O’Sullivan, will compete for the trophy, alongside world number one Mark Allen, World Champion Kyren Wilson, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Mark Williams, John Higgins, former World Champion Shaun Murphy, who reached the final of the recent Shanghai Masters, and many more of snooker’s biggest stars.
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, Aug 30 to Sept 7, 2pm to 12.30am, Green Halls, Riyadh. Ticket prices start from SAR12.50 and can be purchased here. @saudibilliards
September 13 & 14: The globally loved Candlelight Concerts are back in Jeddah
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Listen to your favourite music in a new light. A Candlelight tribute to Tay Tay herself is coming to Levento Hall on Friday September 13 and you simply can’t afford to miss it. Hear tracks like “Love Story,” “Blank Space”, “Anti-Hero”, and “I Knew You Were Trouble” performed by the Jeddah Quartet in a revolutionary way. Her hits will come to life in the most amazing of atmospheres. Meanwhile, for all the Queen fans, Candlelight has a special tribute to this legendary group in store for you. Although nothing can really compare to the voices and instrumental power behind the band, the Jeddah Quartet will do their songs justice and give them a classical twist as they’re surrounded by a sea of twinkling candles for a unique experience. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” to “Another One Bites The Dust” and “We Will Rock You“, rediscover all your favourite Queen hits at Levento Hall on Saturday September 14.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift, Sept 13, 7pm & 9pm, Levento Hall, Rawasi Hotel Suites, Abdul Maqsud Khojah, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23435. Tickets are priced at SAR300 for Zone A, SAR250 for Zone B, SAR200 for Zone C, & SAR150 for Zone D, and they can be purchased here.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen, Sept 14, 7pm & 9pm, Levento Hall, Rawasi Hotel Suites, Abdul Maqsud Khojah, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23435. Tickets are priced at SAR300 for Zone A, SAR250 for Zone B, SAR200 for Zone C, & SAR150 for Zone D, and they can be purchased here.
September 17: The What’s On Awards returns with a glittering ceremony
After a hugely successful inaugural event last year, the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards will return on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, ready to crown the finest restaurant, leisure and entertainment operators across Riyadh and beyond. After several months and thousands of votes cast, here’s the shortlist for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2024.
What’s On Riyadh Awards 2024, Sept 17, 7.30pm, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. @whatsonksa
September 18 to 28: The Middle East’s first travelling water circus is coming to Riyadh
Following a hugely successful run in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Fontana – the Middle East’s first travelling water circus – will be hoisting its big top in Riyadh next month. Taking place from Wednesday September 18 to Saturday September 28, the shows will be held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up at the open space next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall. Brought to the capital by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, the aquatic show combines a thrilling mix of mind-bending illusions and astounding acrobatics. Expect to see awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthral the entire family.
Fontana by Cirque Du Liban, Sept 18 to 28, 6pm to 9pm (the show starts at 7pm sharp), Fontana Circus, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh (next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall). Tickets start from SAR95 and can be purchased here. @fontanashow
September 19 to 21: A huge music festival descends on the AlUla desert
Love a rave in the desert? Azimuth, the must-attend electronic music festival, is set to attract fans from across the region and beyond for its fourth edition. With the 2024 theme of ‘Until the Sun Comes Up,’ this year’s line-up includes world-famous artists like German producer and electronic music star Ben Böhmer, English singer-songwriter James Blake, and French electronic dance duo The Blaze. You can also look forward to regional sensation Cosmicat alongside Ghostly Kisses, Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, and Amine K.
2024 Azimuth, Sept 19 to 21, AlUla. Book your passes here. @mdlbeast
Throughout September: Dine at the stunning new SUSHISAMBA Riyadh
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The highly-anticipated SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is finally here in KAFD, and it’s proving to be the ultimate place for a unique night out as you tuck into a medley of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours. The three-page menu features appetisers, small plates, raw dishes, robata items, wagyu beef, large plates, sushi, sashimi, and sides, including Saudi exclusives like the seabass ceviche and the Samba Riyadh Roll.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District, Area 5, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. Reservations can be made here. @sushisamba.riyadh
September 20: PFL MENA returns with a third instalment
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Come and see the most dramatic night of MMA. As we enter the playoffs, only the top 16 are remaining. The playoffs will decide who makes it to the finals, for a chance of winning the Championship belt and pocketing a $100,000 cash. The playoffs will feature 10 fights, with Saudi’s top prospect Abdullah “The Reaper” Al-Qahtani headlining the card. The event will be live from Boulevard City, Riyadh at the PFL MENA studio and broadcasted on SSC, MBC Action and Shahid. All tickets include complimentary food and beverages, and are within eight rows of the cage.
PFL MENA Playoffs, Sept 20, 6.30pm, PFL MENA Studio, Boulevard City, Riyadh. Tickets are priced between SAR299 and SAR850, and they can be purchased here. @pflmena
Until September 23: Saudi Games torch relay begins 3,500 km journey
The countdown to the start of the third Saudi Games got underway as the torch relay began its journey from Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. The relay will take the flame on a 30-day, 3,500 km journey through 17 cities across the Kingdom before arriving in Riyadh for the start of the Games proper. The journey will culminate on September 23, coinciding with Saudi National Day.
September 23: Happy Saudi National Day
Here’s to the last of the 2024 public holidays in the Kingdom – the Saudi National Day. The holiday marks the unification of Najd and Hijaz, and September 23 marks the date on which the merged nations became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This year, Saudi National Day will be celebrated on Monday (September 23), but it’s expected that we will be getting a public holiday on Sunday September 22, which would mean a long weekend for everyone. Nonetheless, get ready to celebrate Saudi National Day and look forward to a weekend of festivities and fireworks.
Stay tuned to whatsonsaudiarabia.com for the official announcements.
September 26 to 29: Barry’s wellness retreat returns to Banyan Tree Alula
For those looking to reset after the summer season while nourishing their mind, body, and soul, Banyan Tree AlUla is partnering with global fitness giant Barry’s for the second time to offer guests a three-night wellness retreat – perfect if you want to go on a full wellness retreat and stay active. Taking place from Thursday September 26 to Sunday September 29, Barry’s wellness retreat package includes a three-night stay in Banyan Tree AlUla’s luxurious tented Dune Villa, a healthy cooking class, spa treatment, airport transfers, and more. You can book Barry’s weekend wellness retreat at Banyan Tree AlUla here.
Wellbeing Retreat with Barry’s Bootcamp, Sept 26 to 29, Banyan Tree AlUla. Email [email protected] or call +966 14 512 0000. @banyantree.alula
From September 26: The return of AlUla Skies
Starting on Thursday September 26 and going on until Saturday October 5, AlUla Skies 2024 will be offering fun experiences day and night. During the day, you can book hot-air balloons that offer spectacular flights over AlUla’s breathtaking scenery. And then at night, you can return to Earth for under-the-stars picnics and stargazing experiences.
AlUla Skies Festival, AlUla, Sept 26 to Oct 5. experiencealula.com
From September 26: Bibliophiles will get their fix at the Riyadh International Book Fair
Happening from Thursday September 26 to Saturday October 5, the Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest events of its kind to be held region-wide. You can expect cultural programs like meet-and-greets with writers, poets and intellectuals from all over the region. Usually, the fair is a family affair, complete with a children’s pavilion. The area sees interesting experiences like art, theatre and musical performances, among other cool engaging activities all catered to the tiny tots.
Riyadh International Book Fair, Sept 26 to Oct 5, Riyadh.
September 27: Egyptian superstar Amr Diab to perform in AlUla
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Amr Diab will make his much-anticipated debut in AlUla as part of the AlUla Skies Festival, launching the brand new AlUla Moments Concert Series that will stretch long into 2025. A truly unique experience, the concert will take place under a blanket of stars in an outdoor venue nestled into AlUla’s iconic landscape. Known affectionately as the Father of Mediterranean Music, Amr Diab’s music has transcended borders through several decades, yet this performance will no doubt standout among his most iconic, and most intimate. Amr Diab live in AlUla is the first of many concerts to be announced, with others set to feature as part of other festivals, including Wellness Festival, Winter At Tantora, Ancient Kingdoms and more.
Amr Diab Live in AlUla, Sept 27, AlUla. Tickets are set to go on sale soon, with prices still to be revealed. @alulamoments
September 27: Riyadh Season to host African Super Cup
Riyadh Season 2024 is set to make an exciting return with the African CAF Super Cup finals on Friday September 27, where Champions League winners Al Ahly face Confederation Cup champions Zamalek at the Kingdom Arena. This thrilling Egyptian derby will witness fierce competition between continental stars and Africa’s top clubs. Tickets have not gone on sale just yet, but stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for the latest.
Visit: @riyadhseason
Until September 28: 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 began 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.
Taif Summer Race Night, until Sept 28, 3pm to 9pm, King Khalid Racecourse, Taif. @jcsa_racing