From the last days of 2025 through the early days of 2026, Saudi’s calendar fills up with blockbuster race weekends, open-air concerts, light-soaked heritage nights, and seaside winter fun.
Between Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Diriyah, and the Eastern Province, every corner of the country has a reason to visit in the cooler months.
Whether you are excited to book a year-end getaway to the heart of Arabia or looking forward to indulging in traditional festivities with a side of contemporary flair, Saudi is ready to welcome you this winter.
Signature winter festivals
Winter Wonderland
Embrace the spirit of the season at the first-ever Winter Wonderland on the Jeddah Red Sea coast.
Over 40 rides, carnival games, and live shows await across themed zones, creating a unique festive atmosphere. With comfort food stalls serving hot treats and perfect photo spots nearby, it is the ultimate destination for family fun or a night out with friends.
- Date: 1 December 2025 to 15 February 2026.
- Location: Roshn Waterfront at Al-Nawras Square, Jeddah Waterfront.
- Entry: Tickets can be purchased on-site. Online tickets will be available soon.
AlUla Arts Festival 2026
Each winter, the AlUla Arts Festival turns AlUla into a dazzling stage for creativity. Set against sandstone cliffs, palm-filled valleys, and the colorful streets of the AlJadidah Arts District, this open-air gallery showcases the best in contemporary art, design, music, film, and performance.
Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the festival returns with its biggest lineup yet. Expect land art in Wadi AlFann, Desert X installations, and exhibitions throughout AlJadidah and the Old Town. During the day, wander from shaded courtyards to interactive workshops like AlUla Music Hub, Design Space AlUla, Daimumah, then settle in for open-air screenings and live music by night.
- Date: 16 January to 14 February 2026.
- Location: Across AlUla, including AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla Old Town, and Wadi AlFann.
- Entry: Many installations and outdoor activities are free to explore, while select exhibitions, performances, and key highlights are ticketed via the official Experience AlUla website. Tickets will be available soon.
WWE Royal Rumble Riyadh 2026
Saudi gets ready to mark one of its first momentous highlights of the year with the WWE Royal Rumble Riyadh 2026. This will be the first time it is being held outside of North America.
A full-scale stadium spectacle awaits as WWE’s biggest superstars battle for championship opportunities on their road to WrestleMania. With both Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches, this promises to be among Riyadh’s most talked-about nights of the year.
- Date: 31 January 2026.
- Location: KAFD – King Abdullah Financial District.
- Entry: Tickets are on sale at WeBook, with standard floor and premium options available. Ticket prices start from SAR 80.
World-class sporting events
Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026
Kick off the new year with one of motorsport’s most legendary challenges as the Dakar Rally returns to Saudi Arabia. Over two weeks, drivers and riders in cars, bikes, quads, and trucks take on thousands of kilometers of dunes, rocky plateaus, and desert tracks in a true test of navigation and endurance.
The 2026 edition follows an epic loop that starts and finishes in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, with a rest day in Riyadh and stages passing through some of the Kingdom’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Date: 3 to 17 January 2026.
- Location: Loop route starting and ending in Yanbu, with stages across Saudi Arabia and a rest day in Riyadh.
- Entry: Spectator zones and hospitality packages are available via official Dakar Rally partners and Saudi tourism operators.
Saudi Cup 2026
Prepare for a premier spectacle in global horse racing during your getaway. The Saudi Cup Weekend brings together the finest thoroughbreds, top jockeys, and a showcase of sport, style, and entertainment in Riyadh.
Whether you’re a racing aficionado or just looking for a spectacular outing, the Saudi Cup promises world-class athleticism, glamour, culture, and celebration.
- Date: 13 & 14 February 2026.
- Location: King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh.
- Entry: Tickets are on sale now, with pricing tiers for general admission up to premium hospitality passes on WeBook, starting from SAR 175.
AlUla Desert Polo 2026
Elite players and patrons take to a purpose-built desert arena, framed by soaring sandstone canyons and vast skies, for a tournament that blends glamour, culture, and top-tier equestrian sport in AlUla’s iconic landscape.
Off the field, guests can relax in shaded lounges, savor gourmet dining, and watch live entertainment for the whole family.
- Date: 16 & 17 January 2026.
- Where: AlFursan Equestrian Village, AlUla.
- Entry: A range of day passes and premium hospitality packages can be purchased through the official AlUla website. Day passes start from SAR 400.
AlFursan Endurance AlUla
The 7th edition of AlFursan Endurance AlUla returns in 2026, serving as a crucial prelude to the FEI Endurance World Championship later in the year. Over two intense days, elite horse riders will tackle rugged desert terrain in 120 km and 160 km challenges.
Beyond the track, spectators can expect traditional performances, heritage showcases, family zones, food stalls, and fan activations.
- Date: 7 & 8 February 2026.
- Location: AlFursan Equestrian Village, AlUla.
- Entry: Tickets start from around SAR 60 per person, with 1-day and 2-day passes for adults from SAR 400 and special children’s rates available via the Experience AlUla website and app (slightly discounted on the app).
Spanish Super Cup
Come January, football fans can head to Jeddah to cheer for their favorite team as the 2026 Spanish Super Cup brings four of Spain’s biggest clubs for a high-stakes mini-tournament.
Across two semi-finals and a winner-takes-all final, fans can watch FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, and Athletic Club battle it out for the first silverware of the year in a world-class stadium.
- Date: 7 to 11 January 2026. Two semi-finals will be held on 7 & 8 January consecutively, with the final match on 11 January.
- Location: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
- Entry: Tickets are available on WeBook with prices starting from SAR 750.
Formula E Jeddah E-Prix 2026
Feel the charge of all-electric racing as Formula E hits the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The double-header race takes place under the lights, featuring wheel-to-wheel battles on a fast street track.
With the Red Sea on one side and Jeddah’s skyline on the other, it’s a race with a view like no other. Across two nights of racing, visitors can witness the Formula E buzz and a lively setting in the grandstands and fan zones.
- Dates: 13 & 14 February 2026.
- Where: Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah Waterfront.
- Entry: Register on the official Formula E website to be notified when tickets are made available.
Concerts, culture & lifestyle
Rashed Al-Fares & Oumaima Taleb Event
Spend a night in Diriyah being serenaded by Rashed Al-Fares and Oumaima Taleb. Expect the evening to charm you with live songs, soulful performances, and intimate on-stage moments that will echo long after the last note.
- Date: 25 December 2025.
- Location: Sada Alwadi, Diriyah.
- Entry: Tickets can soon be booked from the WeBook page.
Fawares
Fawares brings top-level show jumping to Riyadh, transforming Nofa Racetrack into an arena of speed, precision, and powerful equestrian skill.
As one of the region’s most anticipated annual equestrian competitions, the 2025 edition gathers talented riders and elite horses for a multi-day championship that celebrates horsemanship, athleticism, and Saudi’s growing passion for show jumping.
- Dates: 23 December to 27 December 2025.
- Location: Nofa Racetrack, west of Riyadh.
- Entry: Tickets start from around SAR 50. Tickets are available via the official partner Platinumlist.
White Out @ Beast House
If you are over 21, ring in the New Year with White Out @ Beast House. Watch Riyadh’s first music & creative members club transform into a sophisticated all-white experience.
With a strict all-white dress code, renowned DJs, and high-energy vibes, this is your chance to choose an alternative to the traditional gala. Enjoy signature mocktails, small plates, and VIP tables for a memorable midnight countdown.
- Date: 31 December 2025.
- Location: Beast House, J12, Al Dariyah Al Jadidah, Riyadh.
- Entry: Tickets start from SAR 255 and are available for purchase on WeBook.
Experience Courchevel
Step into a slice of Alpine heaven at Experience Courchevel in Boulevard World. This snowy escape brings a French mountain vibe to Riyadh, complete with a thrilling ski slope to watch and a cool setting that feels worlds away from the desert.
Whether you’re a fan of skiing and snow sports or simply looking for a refreshing outing with family and friends, Courchevel delivers snow-filled fun, cozy views, and plenty of photo-op moments.
- Dates: 25 November 2025 to 2 May 2026.
- Location: Courchevel Zone, Boulevard World, Riyadh.
- Entry: Village access tickets are priced at SAR 60 and can be booked via WeBook.
Celebrating The Year of Handicrafts with Ahlam
Celebrate Saudi’s Year of Handicrafts with a special one-night-only concert by Ahlam. Known for her powerful voice and glamorous stage presence, Ahlam returns to AlUla for an evening that brings music and culture together on a striking outdoor stage.
Before the headline performance, explore immersive activations that highlight the Kingdom’s artisanal heritage, from traditional crafts to contemporary design touches. It’s a chance to enjoy a memorable night of live music while honoring the stories and skills behind Saudi handicrafts.
- Date: 26 December 2025.
- Location: Thanaya, AlUla.
- Entry: Tickets will be available soon via the official Experience AlUla website. Booking in advance is required.
Spanish Night
Discover a taste of Spain on the Arabian Gulf at Spanish Night in the Eastern Province. Set along the coast, this themed evening brings together Mediterranean flair and seaside charm, with Spanish-inspired music, dance, and flavors creating a vibrant atmosphere by the water.
With live performances, rhythmic beats, colorful décor, and coastal views, it’s an ideal night out for friends, couples, or anyone looking to add a little Iberian energy to their Saudi getaway.
- Date: 17 January to 31 January 2026.
- Location: Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
- Entry: Free entry.
Winter at Tantora
As temperatures drop, AlUla comes alive with Winter at Tantora, the oasis’s marquee festival rooted in the historic Tantora sundial. It transforms the canyons and Old Town into a hub of culture, featuring concerts, art installations, and dining.
Serving as the umbrella for highlights like the following, it is the perfect time to combine headline performances with heritage tours under the stars.
Hegra After Dark
A visit to Saudi isn’t complete without seeing Hegra After Dark, winner of the 2025 Best Arts and Culture Event. Walk through incense-scented trails and illuminated facades as Nabataean history comes alive.
Throughout the evening, take horse-drawn carriage rides, live performances, and a theatrical marketplace inspired by the Incense Road. As part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, it blends tradition with contemporary theater and technology, offering a magical way to witness AlUla’s heritage.
- Date: Ongoing till 14 February 2026.
- Location: Hegra Visitor Centre and surrounding heritage site, AlUla.
- Entry: Ticket prices start from SAR 250 and can be purchased online via the official Experience AlUla website.
Old Town Nights
Set within the dramatic surroundings of the Old Town Amphitheatre and the 10th-century AlUla Fort, Old Town Nights is an evening of heritage-inspired shows and fine dining that brings AlUla’s stories to life.
Drawing on the charm of a bygone era, it pairs live performances and immersive visuals with an intimate, starlit setting. Guests can choose the heritage show alone or upgrade to an exclusive fort-top dinner, combining heritage shows with delicious food and panoramic views of the oasis.
- Date: 18 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
- Location: Old Town Amphitheatre and AlUla Fort, AlUla Old Town.
- Entry: Tickets start from SAR 90 per person and can be booked via the official Experience AlUla website.
AlManshiyah Carnival
Set around the historic Plaza near the old railway station, AlManshiyah Carnival fills the evening with music, lights, and nostalgic fun.
Vintage games, mini parades, and workshops create a relaxed, family-friendly setting. With local crafts and street-food bites, it is the perfect way to round off a day of sightseeing and soak up the festive atmosphere.
- Dates: Selected weekends from 19 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
- Location: AlManshiyah Plaza, AlUla.
- Entry: Free entry; some games, workshops, and food and drink options are payable on site.
Balad Beast 2026
Let your winter getaway in Saudi set the tone for the year ahead with an exhilarating night of music and light in Jeddah’s Historic District. Be part of a new chapter in the district’s history as four stages host over 100 regional and global artists, transforming the coral stone buildings and lantern-lit courtyards of Al-Balad into an open-air venue of modern sound.
From hip-hop and house to electronic and experimental sounds, each courtyard offers a unique vibe amplified by immersive visuals, drone shows, and interactive art. It is the ultimate weekend for those seeking to witness Jeddah’s old-meets-new energy.
- Date: 29 & 30 January 2026.
- Location: Al-Balad, Jeddah.
- Entry: Ticket prices start at SAR 559 and can be purchased from the NoFomo website.
