15 things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in December 2024
We’ve nearly arrived at the final month of 2024…
Oh my word, can you believe it’s nearly December? The year is flying by fast. Soon, it’s time to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome twelve new lovely chapters for 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom comes alive this December 2024 with a range of exciting events in the lead-up to the New Year. From thrilling film festivals to book fairs, cultural exhibitions, vibrant parties, and much more… you won’t be bored next month.
Here are 15 of the best things to look forward to this December 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
From December 4: Michelin-starred L˜ARIA is headed to Riyadh for a limited-time pop-up
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Hailing from Mandarin Oriental Lake Como, L˜ARIA makes its debut in the heart of Riyadh for a limited time only. The pop-up will be taking over the space of what previously used to be Greek restaurant Meraki in Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, and will be open for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 1pm to 4pm for brunch on Saturdays. At the helm of the pop-up is Chef Massimiliano Blasone, who takes a fresh approach to gastronomy by offering Italian dishes with Japanese influences.
L˜ARIA, Dec 4 to Feb 26, 2025, Mon to Sat 6pm to 11.30pm & Sat 1pm to 4pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. @mo_alfaisaliah
Until December 6: Feast to your heart’s content
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure at the fourth edition of the Saudi Feast Food Festival in Jeddah. From Wednesday November 27 to Friday December 6, fairgoers will have the chance to indulge in the diverse Saudi regional cuisine. This year’s festival features activities spread across seven zones: The Culinary Arts Heritage Area, where you can experience the diverse flavours and culinary traditions from all regions of the Kingdom; the Workshops Area offering multiple classes led by professional chefs; the Retail Store Area, perfect for holiday shopping and supporting local vendors; the Theatre Area; the Competition Area featuring exciting cooking contests highlighting the best Saudi dishes; a special zone dedicated to the Year of the Camel 2024; the Children’s Area for the young ones to participate in arts and crafts workshops and hands-on culinary sessions. So, grab a bite, enjoy the atmosphere, and let the melodies carry you into the night.
Saudi Feast Food Festival: Taste The Culture, Nov 27 to Dec 6, 4pm to midnight, Abadi Aljohar Arena, Al Basateen, Jeddah. Tickets start from SAR35 and can be purchased here. @mocculinary
Throughout December: Hop on the Riyadh Metro
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After years of patiently waiting, you’ll be happy to hear that the Riyadh Metro has partially launched on November 27. The metro will operate fully along three major lines: Al-Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and the intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street. Meanwhile, the lines along King Abdullah Road, Al-Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road will launch in mid-December. Tickets are priced at SAR4 for a two-hour ticket, which also allows passengers to transfer between buses within the time frame starting from the first use, SAR20 for a three-day ticket, SAR40 for a seven-day ticket, and SAR140 for a 30-day ticket. Children under six years old ride for free. Tickets can be purchased through various electronic methods, such as Darb Card, Riyadh Buses App, and NFC technology via credit cards or Mada cards.
December 4 to 7: The first ever professional men’s golf tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia
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The PIF Saudi International will debut in December at Riyadh Golf Club after five years at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City. The tournament, backed by SoftBank Investment Advisers, takes place from Wednesday December 4 to Saturday December 7, moving into the coveted season-ending position for both the Asian Tour and The International Series. Confirmed golfers include defending champion Abraham Ancer, 2022 champion Harold Varner III, 2019 and 2021 winner Dustin Johnson, and 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith. The tournament is the last of 10 events on the Asian Tour calendar that offer a direct pathway for players into the LIV Golf League.
PIF Saudi International, Dec 4 to 7, Riyadh Golf Club. Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @saudiintlgolf
December 5 to 7: XP Music Futures is back with its 4th edition
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XP Music Futures, the annual music conference held in Saudi Arabia, has announced the theme for its 2024 edition: Flourish. Get ready for three days of creative discussions, workshops, and musical discoveries enhancing the music scene in the region. By Day, influence the future with your ideas and expand your knowledge through workshops, panels, and more. By Nite, let XP guide you through a musical exploration with over 100 artists, delivering unforgettable experiences.
XP Music Futures ’24, Dec 5, 3pm to 2am, Dec 6 & 7, 1pm to 2am, JAX District 3, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR105 and can be purchased here. @xpmusicfutures
December 5 to 14: Immerse yourself in 10 days of pure cinema
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The Red Sea International Film Festival is set to return to the historic Al Balad district of Jeddah from Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 14, after being held for the last two years at The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. This year’s edition, themed “Cinema Has a New Home”, features a diverse program that includes six Saudi feature films and 27 short films, highlighting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s film industry. The opening will see the world premiere of The Tale of Daye’s Family, which follows the story of a young boy with a beautiful voice, as he faces challenges due to his appearance. Other movies, such as To A Land Unknown, Superboys of Malegaon, Saify, Moon and many others, promise 10 days of pure cinematic brilliance. Apart from movie screenings, a selection of short films will also be on display, talks with industry leaders and film workshops are also on the agenda to give fans an insight into the world of filmmaking and beyond.
Red Sea International Film Festival, Dec 5 to 14, Jeddah. Get your tickets here. @redseafilm
December TBC: Get excited, Zuma is opening in Riyadh
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Riyadh’s dining scene has had some excellent servings of internationally-renowned talent in recent years. Names like Scott’s, Mr Chow, LPM and Signor Sassi are just a handful of the major global players that have landed in the Saudi capital. But this December, one of the biggest names in the business – smash-hit Japanese restaurant Zuma – is finally set to open in Riyadh’s KAFD. When it opens, diners can expect to enjoy expertly plated signatures such as the marinated black cod, sliced yellowtail and robata skewers. We can expect modern, minimalistic interiors befitting of an izakaya-style menu. Reservations will be open soon. Keep it locked on What’s On Saudi Arabia for the latest.
December 12 to 14: Prepare for the biggest party of the year
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MDLBeast is levelling up Soundstorm. With an all-star line-up, new side quests and the freshest sounds in every genre, this year’s edition isn’t one you want to miss. Joining Eminem, Muse, and Thirty Seconds to Mars will be Linkin Park, American rappers Tyler the Creator, Akon, G-EAZY, JID, and Latto. Afrojack, David Guetta, R3hab, DJ Snake, Armin Van Buuren, Boris Brejcha Black Coffee, Adam Beyer, Adriatique, Agents of Time, Airricia, Alok, Argy, Arielle Free, AZM, and Bedouin will also be a part of the lineup.
MDLBeast SoundStorm 2024, Dec 12 to 14, 7pm to 4am, Banban, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast.soundstorm
December 12 to 21: A bibliophile’s dream come true
In celebration of the vibrant literary culture of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Culture is hosting the Jeddah International Book Fair 2024. This annual event, set to take place from Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 21, will be held in Jeddah, a city known for its rich history and cultural significance. The fair brings together a diverse collection of literary works, publishing exhibits, and cultural activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest releases from both local and international authors, enjoy lectures, and participate in cultural discussions.
Jeddah International Book Fair 2024, Dec 12 to 21. @mocsaudi
Until December 14: Welcome to Riyadh’s light art festival
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Returning for 17 days, Noor Riyadh 2024 runs from Thursday November 28 to Saturday December 14. The festival will return bigger and brighter than ever this year, living up to its title of the largest light art festival in the world. Held across three main hubs, including King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District, this year’s festival is set to display over 60 stunning artworks under the theme of ‘Light Years Apart,’ which explores the relationship between Althara (the earth) and Althuraya (the sky).
Noor Riyadh 2024, Nov 28 to Dec 14, 6pm to midnight, various locations. Book your free passes here. @noorriyadhfestival
December 18 to 22: Meet the tennis stars of the future
Tennis fans in Saudi Arabia can catch a glimpse of the action at the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, taking place at the King Abdullah Sports City on indoor hard courts. The prestigious event returns to Jeddah for the second consecutive year, bringing together the world’s top emerging tennis talents from Wednesday December 18 to Sunday December 22. Alongside the thrilling on-court action, this year’s event will also be hosting fan zones and entertainment activities, making it a must-attend for families and tennis enthusiasts alike. These areas will offer interactive games, meet-and-greet opportunities with players, and live performances, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all ages.
2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, Dec 18 to 22, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Tickets start from SAR30 and can be purchased here. @nextgenfinals
Throughout December: Experience the magical atmosphere of Harry Potter, a Riyadh Season adventure
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Set to take shape as a theme park in Boulevard Riyadh City, the attraction will be the first of its kind in Riyadh. Picture all the locations from the Harry Potter films, complete with interactive technology in a Great Hall, a wonderful sorting experience, a Quidditch Pitch, and exclusive merchandise at The Wizarding World Shops. Feeling rundown after all the dun? Head on over to The Three Broomsticks Food Hall to try a refreshing Butterbeer and so much more.
Harry Potter Experience at Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City, daily 4pm to midnight. Tickets start at SAR60 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
From December 19: The region’s longest-running culture, art, and music festival
AlUla will see the return of Winter at Tantora from Thursday December 19 to Saturday January 11, 2025, shining a light on history, culture, art, music, dining and more, presenting a seasonal spectacle that captures the essence of the region. Named in honour of the traditional sundial in the heart of Old Town, around which for centuries residents gathered together to mark the beginning of the planting season, this flagship festival offers an immersive experience into the rich traditions of AlUla and northwest Arabia. During three brilliant weeks, join visitors from around the world to experience a vibrant itinerary of concerts, tours, carnivals, cultural performances, and specially curated dining experiences.
Winter at Tantora, AlUla, Dec 19 to Jan 11, experiencealula.com
December 21: The highly anticipated Usyk-Fury rematch
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The build-up is underway for one of the biggest fights of the year as Tyson Fury looks to get revenge against one of his biggest rivals. The huge heavyweight rematch, ‘Reignited 2’, will take place on Saturday December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, and tickets are now available on the WeBook platform. The fight card is set to light up the ring, with some of the biggest names in boxing. Of course, the main event will see Ukrainian heavyweight champion Usyk once again face British powerhouse Fury. Don’t miss this exciting chapter of Riyadh Season 2024.
Reignited 2: Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury, Dec 21, 4.30pm onwards, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Throughout December: Check out these celebrated restaurants in AlUla
The renowned Ducasse in AlUla and SASS’ AlUla are back, having deserved another run at the Winter at Tantora festival – which we gladly welcome with open arms (and mouths). If you haven’t heard of Chef Alain Ducasse, then presumably, you’ve been living under a rock. He’s one of the biggest names in gastronomy, and his pop-up restaurant, Ducasse in AlUla, will be back in business on Wednesday December 4. Expect a carefully curated menu integrating local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and traditional flavours with the finest French culinary traditions set against the picturesque backdrop of AlUla’s iconic oasis palm trees. Meanwhile, another heavyweight set to reopen is SASS’ AlUla, located next to Shaden Resort. The famed Monaco dining hotspot brings SASS brilliance and energetic vibes to the magical oasis of AlUla, in the shape of a fine dining menu of Mediterranean and South American cuisine, cooked nomad-style above an open flame, a glitzy décor juxtaposed with the stark desert landscape, and a side of rhythmic DJ sets.
Visit: ExperienceAlUla.com