20 top things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in February 2025
These are the top picks…
A new month means a new beginning, and I don’t know about you, but I really need it. Luckily, Saudi Arabia is a country that truly comes alive in the winter. Complete with outdoor events, fight nights, and public holidays, this month is jam-packed with incredible activities. These are the things to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in February 2025
February 1: UFC Fight Night
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Happening on Saturday February 1, tickets for the massive bouts are on sale via Webook. The night will unfold at The Venue. The fight card for the massive night has been unveiled and will feature former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya who’ll be facing off against rising star Nassourdine Imavov in the main event. The co-main event will see No. 14 ranked Shara Magomedov take on superstar Michael “Venom” Page. You can find the full fight card here.
UFC Fight Night returns to Saudi Arabia, The Venue. ufc.com
Until February 1: The Illusionists are in Jeddah
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Happening from Wednesday January 29 to Saturday February 1, the touring magic production will take over Abadi Al Johar Arena. You can look forward to stage illusions, mind reading, escapology and comedic magic. The performance has also previously made its way across the globe in places like Kuwait, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Mexico. The European Tour featured Prague, Bucharest, Athens, Istanbul, Minsk, Kyiv, and Budapest.
The Illusionists in Jeddah, Abadi Al Johar Arena, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Al Basateen, Wed to Fri 8pm to 10pm & Sat 4pm to 6pm & 8pm to 10pm. Book your tickets here.
February 6 to 8: LIV Golf in Riyadh
LIV Golf Riyadh, which will be happening in the capital for the very first time. Previously, LIV Golf had previously been playing at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), located north of Jeddah. Following the Riyadh season opener event, the league will head to Adelaide, Australia, for the third consecutive year and one of its most popular events. Two weeks later, LIV Golf returns to Hong Kong Golf Club for the second year in a row, followed by a third visit to Sentosa Golf Club for LIV Golf Singapore.
Taking the stage on Thursday February 6 are regional station Cheb Khaled and international French DJ and record producer DJ Snake. Followed by legendary boyband Backstreet Boys and Bosnian-Swedish DJ and record producer Salvatore Ganacci. The event is also promising to announce additional music acts as we get closer to D-Day.
LIV Golf Riyadh concerts, Riyadh Golf Club, Thu Feb 6 to Sat Feb 8. Get your tickets here.
Until February 6: Enjoy the Art of Sushi
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Japanese food and Riyadh basically go hand in hand at this point. It seems every week, we’re welcoming a new spot. And this is one experience that is coming to the capital for a limited time only. Chef Tetsu will be taking over the usually signature Californian spot to invite you to experience the art of sushi. Bringing 30 years of artistry to the table, the chef will be in town until February 6, while the sushi counter will be a permanent addition to the restaurant.
The Art of Sushi, Spago, Via Riyadh. Book your table here.
February 6 to 7: Jazz in Jeddah
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Love Jazz? So do we. And this year’s Jazz Music Festival invites participation from 10 countries, uniting under the theme “Jazz Music and the Hijaz Rhythm”, while deepening the bond between Saudi Musical culture and global cultures. It includes a variety of programs that provide opportunities for talents and jazz enthusiasts to enjoy a unique experience that combines local and international talents. The festival aims to promote cultural diversity and enrich musical arts through international collaboration.
Jazz in Jeddah, Balad, 40 Lake Garden, 8pm to 1am. Book your SAR170 tickets here.
February 7: Desert Sound is back
No concert goes harder than a Riyadh concert, and with the weather cooling down, this is just the start of winter fun in the capital. Desert Sound Riyadh is coming back to Riyadh next week. This music fest is where global sounds meet Saudi traditions in an all-new venue and a stage unlike any other. It’s a vibe you can’t miss. Headliners include Vinyl Mode, Dennis Cruz, and K.Led.
Desert Sound Riyadh, AlJohara Resort, 8pm to 3am. Book your tickets starting at SAR250 here.
February 7 to 8: Riyadh Active Show
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Starting the event list off strong is Riyadh Active. Take part in women’s-only or mixed workout sessions led by celebrity trainers, including upbeat Zumba classes and an iconic Lululemon Pilates session. There will also be hundreds of brands showcasing the latest in fitness, from apparel to cutting-edge equipment, including Sonico, PIA Studio, Grenade, and lululemon. You can also look forward to exclusive giveaways, discounts, and thousands of freebies throughout the weekend. That’s not all though; GymNation will also host exclusive fitness competitions and activations. The event will be happening from Friday February 7 until Saturday February 8.
Riyadh Active, The Arena, Fri Feb 7 to Sat Feb 8. Book your tickets here.
February 8 to 9: AlFursan Endurance Cup in AlUla
The historical city of AlUla will be the backdrop of yet another stunning sporting event very soon. Welcoming one of the Gulf region’s most prominent endurance events next month, the AlFursan Endurance AlUla 2025, the city is set to be abuzz with excitement. Happening from Friday February 7 to Sunday February 9, the elite endurance will include the 120-kilometre Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup (CEI 2) and the 160-kilometre Al Mutadil Endurance Cup (CEI 1). Attracting 250 riders from around the world to AlUla, the races are organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).
AlFursan Endurance AlUla 2025, MXHP+PCF AlMu’tadil, 6pm (Feb 8) & 5pm (Feb 9). Book your passes starting at SAR30 here.
February 14 to 15: The first-ever Jeddah E-Prix
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Formula E will return to Saudi Arabia for another thrilling race under the stars next year for its first double-header, but at a brand-new location. Previously, the all-electric championship race has traditionally been held at a street circuit around Diriyah in Riyadh, with the first Diriyah E-Prix held in 2018. Diriyah has been the host city in Saudi Arabia for the past six seasons. Jeddah will now host the Saudi Arabia double-header, scheduled for Friday February 14 and Saturday February 15, 2025. The Jeddah E-Prix is set to race on a shortened version of Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit during the 2024-25 season, the same track which has been used for Formula 1 races.
Jeddah E-Prix, Feb 14 & 15, 2025, Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Book your tickets here. @fiaformulae.
February 21: A.R. Rahman concert
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Ask any Desi expat in Riyadh who their favourite singer is, and A.R. Rahman is bound to come up, so imagine our delight when we find out the star is set to make his Riyadh debut next month. Yes, you read that right. We’re going to welcome an A.R. Rahman concert in Riyadh this February. Happening on Friday February 21, A.R. Rahman will be taking the stage at the capital’s Dirab Park located on Jabal Ajyad Road in Dahiat Namar. The Indian music composer, record producer, singer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist is known predominantly for his work in Indian cinema; mostly in Tamil and Hindi films, with occasional cameos in international cinema.
A.R. Rahman concert in Riyadh, Dirab Park. Fri Feb 21, 4pm. Get your tickets starting at SAR115 here.
February 21 to 22: The Saudi Cup
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Recognised as the world’s most valuable horse race, The Saudi Cup is racing back next month for its sixth edition. The Saudi Cup 2025 is set to raise the stakes and bring an even bigger spectacle to the capital. Happening from Friday February 21 and Saturday February 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, The Saudi Cup will boast a prize fund worth over US$38.1M on offer. The weekend will be a celebration of the best of Saudi sporting, entertainment, cuisine, and cultural experiences, headlined by the World’s Richest Race, the Saudi Cup where US$20M is on offer.
The Saudi Cup 2025, King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Fri Feb 21 to Sat Feb 22. Book your tickets here.
February 21 to 22: Majd in Jeddah
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If you’re celebrating Founding Day in Jeddah this year, you need to check out Majd. Look forward to heritage zones showcasing traditional crafts and products that have a national identity, musical and theatrical performances featuring Saudi folk arts, exhibitions displaying the historical timeline of the Kingdom, and a traditional market that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore heritage products.
Majd in Jeddah, ONYX Arena. Tickets will be available here soon.
February 22: Founding Day
The decision to commemorate Saudi Founding Day on February 22 dates back three centuries, during the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud when he founded the first Saudi state in 1727 and established a political entity that achieved unity, stability, and prosperity. On that day, Diriyah became the capital of the first Saudi State. . It will include an appreciation of traditional art and crafts, culture and heritage, as well as live music and performances. The cultural celebrations are expected to last several days, too.
February 22: Catch The Last Crescendo
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It’s official. Riyadh Season has, without a doubt, upped the fight game. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will indeed headline what just might be one of the greatest nights of boxing in quite some time. The undisputed light heavyweight title fight will take place on Saturday February 22 in Riyadh. The epic event, which is being dubbed “The Last Crescendo”, will revisit the October clash in which Beterbiev narrowly edged Bivol via a majority decision to unify the division. Along with the rematch between champion Beterbiev and challenger Bivol, the IBF heavyweight title will be on the line when Daniel Dubois squares off with Joseph Parker. Read the full fight card here.
The Last Crescendo, Feb 22, 2025, Riyadh. @riyadhseason
Throughout February: Check out Isabel Mayfair
Riyadh foodies, get ready for an exciting new restaurant. Hailing from London’s upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, glamorous restaurant Isabel will be making its international debut in Riyadh in January. Set to welcome diners from next month in As Sulimaniyah district, it’s the first international expansion of the famed London restaurant. A product of restaurateur and designer Juan Santa Cruz and named after the well-connected Argentinean’s grandmother and mentor, Isabel opened in London in 2017. It almost instantly became a celebrity favourite, counting Noel Gallagher, Sienna Miller, Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, and Robert Patterson among its most famous patrons. Isabel brings modern European elegance with upscale Mediterranean cuisine. If Isabel Mayfair’s stunning ocean liner 1930s-inspired space is any indication, we’re expecting the Riyadh iteration to also feature jaw-dropping interiors with a mix of Chinoiserie and Art Deco influences.
Isabel Riyadh, 3818 Al Ayinah, As Sulimaniyah. @isabelriyadh
Throughout February: Dine in at Chotto Matte
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It’s been about three years since we first learned that upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte, which boasts other locations in Doha, London, and Miami, was coming to a new space in Riyadh. And the venue, is now open for business. The menu, inspired by Kurt’s passion for Nikkei cuisine, is as eclectic as it is exciting. It brings together the rich heritage of Japan and the spirit of Peru. All dishes – created by Group Executive Chef Jordan Sclare – will be artfully curated, combining Japanese and Peruvian flavours and culinary techniques, blending tradition with innovation on every plate. Expect ceviche, tiradito, anticucho BBQ, and sushi all on the menu.
Signature items include the pollo den miso (chicken marinated in miso paste), sato maki sushi (yellowtail and salmon with red pepper lime soy, flamed at the table), black cod aji miso (cod with a chilli-miso and yuzu marinade), and cordero Nikkei (lamb anticucho with pear and yellow tomato salsa).
Chotto Matte Riyadh, KAFD, Al Aqiq, 7229 Innovation Blvd, 3004, Riyadh 13519. Reservations can be made here. @chottomatteruh
Throughout February: Diriyah Season is happening
Diriyah Season, an annual celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, has officially returned for its 2024 to 2025 edition, and it’s already making a mark. The Diriyah Season Turaif Cultural Programs will be happening throughout the month of February and will feature events like historical quests, horse shows, majlises, and so much more. You can check out the event details here.
Throughout February: Check out Hōchō
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A meat lover’s haven awaits at Via Riyadh’s all-new dining destination, Hōchō. The spot brings something different to the ultra-luxury complex, a focus on Kobe beef, a prized Japanese meat. Immerse yourself in a curated menu that takes you on a culinary journey that features exquisite sushi and bold flavours inspired by the historic Silk Road.
Hōchō, Via Riyadh, Sat to Wed 3pm to midnight & Thu to Fri 3pm to 1am. @hocho.sa
February TBC: Berenjak opens at Via Riyadh
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A Persian restaurant by way of London, Berenjak has long been one of the city’s favourite stalwarts for piling up delightful kebabs onto plates since its opening in 2018. They’ve grown from strength to strength, opening additional locations in London, as well as in Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha. Now, the team – in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, Riyadh Season, and Cool Inc. – is setting up shop in Saudi Arabia, with the arrival of Berenjak at Via Riyadh.But hurry, as this unique experience will only be available in Riyadh for a limited time. The pop-up is set to debut this February and will run for just one month.
Berenjak Pop-Up, Via Riyadh, Opening in February 2025. Reservations can be made here.
Throughout February: The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is on right now
Saudi Arabia has been supporting local and international artists in showcasing their artworks to a wider audience. One way the country has been accomplishing this is by launching the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and hosting the first-ever art biennales in the Kingdom. And now, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is officially happening.
Happening in Jeddah, from Wednesday January 25 to Sunday May 25 2025, the Islamic Arts Biennale is taking over the iconic Western Hajj Terminal at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Visit: biennale.org.sa