What's on in Riyadh
While expats living in Riyadh may find the city an especially fascinating place, they may also experience some dismay at the lack of formal organised events. No unruly beer festivals, no international film screenings, and certainly no swimsuit competitions.
That said, expats who know where to look and who aren't afraid to immerse themselves into local culture will find a number of happening events in Riyadh; including motor shows, camel races, the dates festival and the holy holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Most of what's on in Riyadh does not have any specific time / date due to severe weather conditions, but normally annual festivals take place in the same quarter every year.
The vibrant Janadriyah Annual Heritage and Cultural Festival is held every year in Riyadh district. The festival, the largest of its kind in the KSA, showcases the best of Saudi culture, customs and traditions. Visitors can dilly dally the day viewing displays of regional architecture, craft, cuisine, markets, dances and folklore, or they can partake in any one of the numerous activities. Spend time sampling traditional Saudi dishes from the various regions or observing the best dancers and singers. Al-Janadriyah is a unique opportunity for expats to feel like they have gone back in time to the early history and beginnings of Arab culture.
►When: Normally in March or April, expats should keep a track of the dates in the daily newspaper.
►Where: Janadiriyah on Thumamah road near the airport
Held in the month of December every year, the Riyadh Motor Show is the oldest and most important show in the region. The event attracts large crowds eager to get "up close and personal" with many of the latest luxury products, and also draws buyers looking to learn the latest from the top names in the international auto industry. Expats can spend time in the very impressive Hall for Luxury Cars.
►When: December
►Where: Riyadh Expo Centre located on King Abdullah Road near Exit 10 (East Ring Road).
The Reem International Circuit is a motorsports venue near Riyadh. The circuit, situated in a sandy patch in the desert, also has a track for go-karting, a drag strip and an area for off-roading. In winter (from October to April) the circuit holds different types of races, including the A1 Grand Prix, GT1, the Formula 3 race season and even motor bike races. Large crowds come to watch races involving the different types of remodelled / redesigned cars, and also to get a chance to meet the drivers and even to take a joy ride with them.
►When: October to April
►Where: The track is located at Exit 9 on Mecca Road in west Riyadh
The Annual King's Cup Camel Race is held once every year during February or March. More than 2000 riders participate in the competition, most of whom have been trained in the art of camel riding since childhood.
►When: February or March, normally flyers advising of date and timing are published in daily newspapers.
►Where: Janadiriyah in the Riyadh District.
Held every year in July, this festival is a shopaholics sweetest dream. All types of goods, including garments, accessories, electronics, traditional jewellery and sheesha, become available at the appointed souk - usually Al Batha and Dirah near Al Masmak Fort.
►When: July
►Where: Al Batha/Dirah Souk
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest producers of dates. More than 100 different varieties of dates are being produced, and at this festival expats can get a taste of the very famous AJWAH, NABT TAT ALI, NABUT SULTAN, AMBER and SUQRI dates.
►When: June or July, major newspapers publish specific dates
►Where: Vegetable and Fruit market in the Ar Rabwah district on the eastern ring road near Exit 15.
Locals celebrate Eid ul-Fitr and Adha with great pomp in Riyadh. These are the two biggest Muslim festivals; the first coming right after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the second after the pilgrimage of Hajj.
Riyadh expats willing to get in the spirit decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. The whole city engages in untainted revelry during Eid.
There are massive celebrations and events held at all the places like malls, embassies, on streets, private gatherings in houses and parks etc. Many shopkeepers will show their generosity at Eid providing free Eid gifts with each purchase, free toys for children and chocolates for families.
►Dates are subject to change each year.
That said, expats who know where to look and who aren't afraid to immerse themselves into local culture will find a number of happening events in Riyadh; including motor shows, camel races, the dates festival and the holy holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Most of what's on in Riyadh does not have any specific time / date due to severe weather conditions, but normally annual festivals take place in the same quarter every year.
What's on in Riyadh
Al-Janadriyah Festival
The vibrant Janadriyah Annual Heritage and Cultural Festival is held every year in Riyadh district. The festival, the largest of its kind in the KSA, showcases the best of Saudi culture, customs and traditions. Visitors can dilly dally the day viewing displays of regional architecture, craft, cuisine, markets, dances and folklore, or they can partake in any one of the numerous activities. Spend time sampling traditional Saudi dishes from the various regions or observing the best dancers and singers. Al-Janadriyah is a unique opportunity for expats to feel like they have gone back in time to the early history and beginnings of Arab culture.►When: Normally in March or April, expats should keep a track of the dates in the daily newspaper.
►Where: Janadiriyah on Thumamah road near the airport
Riyadh Motor Show
Held in the month of December every year, the Riyadh Motor Show is the oldest and most important show in the region. The event attracts large crowds eager to get "up close and personal" with many of the latest luxury products, and also draws buyers looking to learn the latest from the top names in the international auto industry. Expats can spend time in the very impressive Hall for Luxury Cars.►When: December
►Where: Riyadh Expo Centre located on King Abdullah Road near Exit 10 (East Ring Road).
Reem international Circuit – Race Track
The Reem International Circuit is a motorsports venue near Riyadh. The circuit, situated in a sandy patch in the desert, also has a track for go-karting, a drag strip and an area for off-roading. In winter (from October to April) the circuit holds different types of races, including the A1 Grand Prix, GT1, the Formula 3 race season and even motor bike races. Large crowds come to watch races involving the different types of remodelled / redesigned cars, and also to get a chance to meet the drivers and even to take a joy ride with them.►When: October to April
►Where: The track is located at Exit 9 on Mecca Road in west Riyadh
Annual King’s Cup Camel Race
The Annual King's Cup Camel Race is held once every year during February or March. More than 2000 riders participate in the competition, most of whom have been trained in the art of camel riding since childhood.►When: February or March, normally flyers advising of date and timing are published in daily newspapers.
►Where: Janadiriyah in the Riyadh District.
Riyadh Festival for Shopping and Leisure
Held every year in July, this festival is a shopaholics sweetest dream. All types of goods, including garments, accessories, electronics, traditional jewellery and sheesha, become available at the appointed souk - usually Al Batha and Dirah near Al Masmak Fort.►When: July
►Where: Al Batha/Dirah Souk
Riyadh Dates Festival
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest producers of dates. More than 100 different varieties of dates are being produced, and at this festival expats can get a taste of the very famous AJWAH, NABT TAT ALI, NABUT SULTAN, AMBER and SUQRI dates.►When: June or July, major newspapers publish specific dates
►Where: Vegetable and Fruit market in the Ar Rabwah district on the eastern ring road near Exit 15.
Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha Festival
Locals celebrate Eid ul-Fitr and Adha with great pomp in Riyadh. These are the two biggest Muslim festivals; the first coming right after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the second after the pilgrimage of Hajj.Riyadh expats willing to get in the spirit decorate their homes and prepare sumptuous meals for family and friends. The whole city engages in untainted revelry during Eid.
There are massive celebrations and events held at all the places like malls, embassies, on streets, private gatherings in houses and parks etc. Many shopkeepers will show their generosity at Eid providing free Eid gifts with each purchase, free toys for children and chocolates for families.
►Dates are subject to change each year.
