Festivals
Festivals and community events have long played an important role in Saudi Arabia.
They are a powerful testament to the Kingdom’s deeply rooted culture of togetherness and shared tradition and the warm hospitality (DIYYAFAH) in Saudi.
Whether date festivals, celebrations of dance and poetry, or gatherings centered around traditional crafts — each offers an authentic window into the heart of the community. More recently, Western pop culture has begun to play an increasingly prominent role—and the frequent sell-outs speak for themselves.
MDLBEAST
Riyadh
It’s the region’s boldest, most exhilarating, and—if we may say so—coolest festival.
Positioning itself as a “cultural catalyst” for Saudi youth, MDLBEAST Soundstorm has electrified the capital with a multi-day celebration of music, art, and global creativity. Launched in 2019 with the promise of delivering “the most stellar DJ lineup Saudi Arabia has ever seen,” the inaugural Soundstorm took place in December and featured world-renowned artists including David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Tiësto, and R3HAB. Since then, MDLBEAST has continued to elevate the regional music scene, curating unforgettable performances that spotlight both international icons and emerging local talent—cementing its place as a defining force in the Kingdom’s cultural evolution.
Balad Beast
Jeddah
The Balad Experience is a groundbreaking two-day festival set to illuminate the heart of Jeddah’s Historic District. As the first event of its kind brings music to the storied streets of Al-Balad, the festival blends heritage with innovation in an unforgettable celebration of sound and culture. The district’s timeless charm will be reimagined through immersive stage designs, transforming historic courtyards into dynamic spaces across four vibrant stages. Old City. New Sounds. All Night Long. With a lineup of over 70 genre-spanning artists, Balad Beast invites audiences to experience the soul of Jeddah in a completely new rhythm—where tradition meets the beat of the future.
Winter at Tantora
AlUla
18 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
As the desert air grows cooler, AlUla awakens with the Winter at Tantora Festival. Named after the ancient sundial in the Old Town—once the gathering point for communities to herald the planting season—this signature celebration unfolds in a season of wonder. Over several weeks, AlUla becomes a stage for world-class musical performances, immersive art installations, and multi-sensory journeys. From exquisite culinary encounters to moments of artistic discovery, Winter at Tantora offers every explorer an invitation to connect with AlUla’s heritage, beauty, and timeless spirit.
AlUla Moments
AlUla
Rooted in the timeless landscapes of AlUla, AlUla Moments offer an authentic journey into the region’s rich history and living traditions. Through thoughtfully curated experiences, visitors are invited to connect with the past while witnessing the enduring legacy of this cultural crossroads.
Riyadh Season
Riyadh
Riyadh Season is Saudi Arabia’s flagship annual festival, transforming the capital into a vibrant stage for culture, entertainment, and innovation. Launched in 2019 as part of the Kingdom’s visionary Saudi Seasons initiative, it unfolds each winter from November to March. Across its many themed zones, Riyadh Season celebrates the nation’s heritage and creativity—inviting visitors to explore everything from world-class dining and artistic showcases to spectacular sporting and entertainment events.
Jeddah Season
Jeddah
Jeddah Season is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s vision to elevate tourism and entertainment, transforming the city each year into a vibrant celebration of culture, music, art, and adventure. From international concerts to local performances, from heritage markets to contemporary art showcases, the festival captures the essence of Saudi creativity and hospitality.
Spanning several weeks with a dynamic program for all ages, Jeddah Season has become a signature highlight of the Middle East’s cultural calendar and a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s annual events landscape.
National Date Festivals
Held in the heart of the Qassim region, the Buraydah Dates Festival stands among the largest of its kind in the world. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival generates over 4,000 seasonal jobs, underscoring its vital economic role.
More than 45 date varieties—most notably Sukkary, Barhi, Blonde, and Sagai—are celebrated and showcased. As one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost date-producing regions, Qassim records annual date sales exceeding SAR 1 billion (approximately USD 266 million), reflecting both its heritage and global importance. There is also the Al Ahsa Date Festival (usually runs from January to February), the Season of Al Madinah Dates (in September) and the AlUla Dates Festival (usually from the end of September through mid-to-late October).
Azimuth Festival
AlUla
AZIMUTH has always been where global superstars meet the region’s brightest talents—and this year is set to raise the bar even higher. On the main stage, an electrifying lineup including Ash, BKR, Christian Löffler, Colin, Dish Dash, Kevin De Vries, London Grammar, Mahmut Orhan, Mestiza, Mind Against, Nemahsis, RDJ, Shimza, Shkoon, and Zeyne will ignite the desert with an extraordinary international festival experience.