Discover Events in Saudi: Your Guide to Winter Festivals, Desert Arts and Global Thrills

Prepare for a journey beyond the ordinary this winter and spring. Saudi Arabia’s “Unreal Calendar” is bursting with events from December 2025 through to the start of spring 2026, offering a unique blend of ancient heritage and world-class entertainment. Whether you seek high-energy music festivals, intimate cultural celebrations, or ground-breaking sporting spectacles, the Kingdom has rapidly become a premier global destination.

Across the country, every region tells its own story. In the desert canyons of AlUla, art and history come to life under starlit skies. Riyadh pulses with the excitement of international performances and record-breaking events, while Jeddah brings the thrill of sport and seaside festivities to the Red Sea coast. This is your chance to experience Saudi Arabia in full celebration mode: a season where tradition meets transformation.

AlUla: Where Heritage Comes Alive

Step into a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty and deep history, where cultural events are set against ancient sandstone backdrops. AlUla, once a key stop along the incense trade route, is now a global destination for heritage, art and innovation. Its dramatic rock formations and centuries-old tombs create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, and during the cooler months, the region becomes a stage for unforgettable experiences.

Winter at Tantora (18 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026, AlUla)

Inspired by the ancient sundial that marked the start of the farming season, Winter at Tantora is AlUla’s flagship festival — a celebration that bridges past and present. Over several weeks, visitors can immerse themselves in concerts by acclaimed regional and international artists, as well as open-air exhibitions and performances that tell stories of Arabian heritage. The festival also highlights local craftsmanship and cuisine, giving visitors a taste of AlUla’s community spirit. Whether you’re attending a candle-lit concert at the Maraya concert hall or exploring heritage villages surrounded by sandstone cliffs, every moment connects you to the land’s timeless rhythm.

AlUla Arts Festival (16 Jan – 14 Feb 2026, AlUla)

As winter deepens, creativity takes centre stage. The AlUla Arts Festival brings together artists from around the world in a celebration of imagination and cultural exchange. Large-scale installations rise from the desert floor, blending modern vision with natural wonder. Exhibitions and artist residencies encourage collaboration between Saudi and international creatives, turning AlUla into a meeting point for global artistic dialogue. Visitors can also take part in workshops and community events, where art becomes an experience to share, not just to observe. The festival’s ever-evolving programme reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the international art scene, inviting everyone to see the desert as a living canvas.

AlUla Desert Polo (16–17 Jan 2026, AlUla)

A highlight of the AlUla calendar, the Desert Polo tournament merges sport, fashion and luxury in a stunning natural arena. Organised in collaboration with the Saudi Polo Federation, the event brings together elite players from around the world. Guests witness an extraordinary fusion of athleticism and elegance, as horses gallop across golden sands framed by towering canyons. Beyond the matches, the event offers fine dining, social gatherings and opportunities to explore AlUla’s rich heritage sites — creating an experience that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Riyadh: The Pulse of Urban Entertainment

The capital city is a hub of electrifying energy, hosting major global spectacles in music, sport and entertainment. Riyadh’s skyline tells the story of a metropolis in motion — where innovation, culture and creativity come together. From global superstars performing to record crowds to world-first sporting moments, the city offers something new with every season.

Red Sea (All Year Round)

Often called the “world’s most pristine aquatic treasure,” the Red Sea returns to the spotlight year-round with a breathtaking collection of over 90 untouched islands and vibrant coral reefs. Spread across thousands of square kilometers of turquoise water, it is a celebration of nature and exploration that draws adventure seekers from every corner of the planet. The atmosphere is serene yet exhilarating — kaleidoscopic marine life, futuristic overwater villas, and golden dunes meeting the sea under a clear coastal sky. For visitors, the Red Sea is not only about luxury but also about regeneration and discovery, showcasing the stunning natural heritage of Saudi’s west coast and its commitment to a sustainable future.

WWE Royal Rumble Riyadh 2026 (31 Jan 2026, Riyadh)

A landmark moment in sports entertainment arrives this January when Riyadh hosts the 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble — the first time this global event has taken place outside North America. Fans from around the world will witness a piece of wrestling history as superstars enter the ring in one of WWE’s most anticipated matches of the year. The event reflects Riyadh’s growing profile as a global entertainment hub, capable of hosting some of the world’s most prestigious sporting spectacles.

Riyadh Season Events (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026, Riyadh)

Running until March, Riyadh Season transforms the city into a nonstop celebration of entertainment, culture and creativity. With new zones, attractions, and surprises, the festival offers everything from outdoor concerts and food markets to immersive art experiences and sports exhibitions. Visitors can stroll through themed districts, enjoy world-class theatre productions or sample international cuisines prepared by top chefs. The energy is contagious — a reflection of a city redefining what urban entertainment can be.

Jeddah: Fast Action and Family Fun by the Red Sea

Jeddah’s Red Sea coast is where excitement meets relaxation — a city of contrasts where sleek modernity coexists with centuries-old charm. Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and maritime heritage, Jeddah transforms into a playground for sport, family entertainment and waterfront festivities during the winter and spring seasons.

ATP Next Gen Finals (17–21 Dec 2025, Jeddah)

For sports fans, December brings the ATP Next Gen Finals, the tournament that showcases the world’s top under-21 tennis players. As the season’s grand finale, it offers a glimpse into the sport’s future with a fast-paced format and innovative rules. Held at King Abdullah Sports City, the event combines high-level competition with a lively fan experience, reinforcing Jeddah’s growing reputation as a destination for global sporting events.

Winter Wonderland (1 Dec 2025 – 15 Jan 2026, Jeddah)

Families can embrace the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland, one of Jeddah’s most beloved attractions. Set along the city’s waterfront, this event recreates a winter fairytale with rides, shows and entertainment for all ages. Ice skating rinks, carnival games and theatrical performances make it a seasonal highlight for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate by the sea or enjoying fireworks over the Corniche, Winter Wonderland captures the joy and warmth of the Saudi winter.

Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabia Grand Prix (17–19 Apr 2026, Jeddah)

Looking ahead to spring, the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabia Grand Prix brings high-speed excitement to Jeddah’s streets. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, renowned as one of the fastest in Formula 1, offers breathtaking coastal views and dramatic night-race action. Fans can experience the thrill of motorsport alongside concerts, fan zones and interactive experiences that make the Grand Prix a weekend-long celebration. The event highlights Jeddah’s ability to combine global spectacle with local hospitality, offering visitors a unique mix of adrenaline and seaside charm.

From the exhilarating beats of Soundstorm to the deep cultural connection of Winter at Tantora and the anticipation of a historic Royal Rumble, the upcoming months in Saudi Arabia promise an adventure for every traveller. Each destination tells a different story, yet together they paint a single picture — a country embracing the world with open arms.

This winter and spring, escape the cold and discover a land where ancient wonders meet modern imagination. Whether you come for art in the desert, music in the capital or high-speed thrills by the sea, you’ll find experiences that stay with you long after your journey ends.