From Record-Breaking Rides to Royal Rumbles: 8 Reasons to Visit Saudi This Year

Wednesday, Sep 10, 2025 0

As the global spotlight turns to Saudi, the country is rolling out a thrilling lineup of events and experiences that will keep you coming back for more. From record-breaking sports showdowns to world-class entertainment, cultural celebrations, and brand-new attractions, Saudi isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a destination to savour. Whether you arrive for one event or one weekend, you’ll quickly discover there’s always another reason to stay.

The season officially kicks off with the launch of Saudi’s latest global campaign starring Cristiano Ronaldo, underscoring Saudi’s growing role as the world’s sports and entertainment hub. The video sets the tone for a season where every experience is designed to make you “Stay for More”, blending global icons with local culture.

And with the Saudi’s Unreal Calendar packed with headline-making sports line-up of world-class events, concerts, cultural festivals, and lifestyle experiences, Saudi promises immersive, unmissable moments all year round, ensuring visitors always want to explore more, stay longer, and, above all, Stay for More.

1. Riyadh Comedy Festival: The World’s Funniest Lineup

Dates: September 26 – October 9, 2025

The world’s biggest comedy stage is landing in Boulevard Riyadh City, and it’s bringing laughter with it.

Who’s Performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival?

International powerhouses like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Russell Peters, Jo Koy, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Andrew Schulz, Jimmy Carr, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Jessica Kirson and many more.

Expect daily stand-up shows, comedy battles, fan meet-and-greets, and surprise sets across two weeks of side-splitting entertainment.

And while the laughs may fill your nights, Riyadh’s season of spectacle is just beginning. What starts as an evening of world-class comedy can easily stretch into days of concerts, cultural showcases, and adrenaline-fueled fun – proof that in Saudi, one plan often leads to another.

2. Riyadh Season: Where Culture Meets Spectacle

Launching: October 2025

The Riyadh Season long mega-festival returns in October 2025 for its 6^th edition. While a formal concert lineup hasn’t been announced yet, Saudi has pledged to bring in music acts on par with last year’s star-studded performances – think Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Post Malone, and major festivals like MDLBEAST Soundstorm.

Expect global-level concerts, cultural zones, esports arenas, immersive dining, and theatrical productions across Boulevard Riyadh City, VIA Riyadh, and more.

3. AlUla Wellness Festival: Rejuvenate in Nature’s Embrace

Dates: October 24 – November 1, 2025

Discover the AlUla Wellness Festival, an invitation to reset, recharge, and reconnect amid one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. From heart‑pumping triathlons, endurance challenges, and high‑intensity group rides to tranquil sunrise yoga, meditation, and sanctuary-style sound healing, this week-long celebration covers every corner of well‑being.

Set across desert canyons, luxury resorts, and heritage sites, it’s a rare blend of fitness, mindfulness, and cultural immersion, designed so that what begins as self-care often becomes a deeper, longer stay.

4. Diriyah Nights: Heritage Under the Stars

Dates: October 2025 – January 2026

Step back in time and explore Saudi’s roots in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that turns into a cultural oasis every night.

Experiences Include:

Traditional music and dance
Artisan markets and storytelling
Najdi cuisine served in open-air courtyards
Illuminated historical architecture and guided heritage walks

Location: At-Turaif, Diriyah

5. Saudi Red Sea Escapes: Wellness, Nature, Culture & Adventure

The Saudi Red Sea coastline is emerging as the Middle East’s new luxury escape, perfect for nature lovers, divers, and wellness seekers. While many plan their upcoming vacations, October till April is the best time to visit, when the weather is cooler, humidity is low, and marine visibility is optimal – perfect for diving, snorkeling, and desert exploration:

Shebara Island: Overwater villas, starlit snorkeling, and private reefs
Desert Rock Resort: Eco-luxury carved into natural rock formations
Activities include coral dives, paddleboarding through mangroves, yoga on the desert dunes, and sailing trips along the untouched coastline. It’s also an ideal escape for romantic retreats, eco-tourism, and digital detoxes.

But the Saudi Red Sea coast isn’t only about natural beauty. Jeddah is bringing the action with Jeddah Season 2025, which continues until the end of the year. The city comes alive with concerts, cultural festivals, and entertainment hubs like the West Coast Festival, offering beachside fun, family attractions, and food markets.

And for sports fans, Jeddah is also hosting major international competitions. This November, the city welcomes the F1H2O Jeddah Grand Prix (Nov 28–30, 2025), where 21 powerboats from 10 countries will race along the Jeddah Corniche at speeds over 260 km/h – a thrilling spectacle for visitors from around the world. More events action is expected forming part of the Saudi’s Unreal Calendar, making Jeddah a true hub of energy by the sea.

6. A Global Sports Powerhouse: Matches, Champions & Excitement

Saudi is hosting a wave of high-profile international sports events, and the world is watching.

Saudi Pro League: Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema
International Friendlies: Set to take place in Riyadh and Jeddah
WTA Finals: November 1–8, 2025
WWE Royal Rumble: January 2026 – first edition ever held outside the US
Boxing Nights: Rumored names include Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
Formula E Diriyah E-Prix: January 30-31, 2026

7. Six Flags Qiddiya: The World’s Most Extreme Theme Park

Ring in 2026 the Saudi way, where thrill meets spectacle. On New Year’s Eve, Six Flags Qiddiya officially opens its gates, bringing a global entertainment milestone to life just outside of Riyadh.

Highlights:

28 rides and attractions across six uniquely themed lands
5 world-record-breaking coasters: Falcons Flight, Spitfire, Iron Rattler, Sirocco Tower
Live performances, fireworks, and opening night festivities

This isn’t just a theme park, it’s a new benchmark in global entertainment, redefining what extreme fun means in the heart of Saudi.

8. New Year’s Eve in Saudi: A Celebration Like No Other

Whether you want to fly through the sky on a record-breaking rollercoaster or dance beneath a fireworks-lit skyline, Saudi has your 2026 countdown covered.

Top Celebrations:

Six Flags Qiddiya: Grand opening party with DJs and fireworks
Boulevard Riyadh City: Drone shows, fireworks, and live music
Jeddah Waterfront: Light projections and musical spectacles
AlUla: Acoustic desert concerts and candlelit trails

From pulse-pounding matches and one-of-a-kind adventures to rich heritage and unforgettable nights out, Saudi offers more than any single trip can hold. Come for the excitement, stay for the discoveries – and let every visit unfold into the next chapter of your journey.