Saudi Arabia in 2026 is hosting the most ambitious events calendar in the Kingdom’s history. From the world’s richest horse race in February to the Middle East’s largest music festival in March, from Formula 1 on the Jeddah Corniche to the Esports World Cup drawing 2,000 elite gamers to Riyadh in the summer, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a global events destination on a scale that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. Add the religious pilgrimage seasons of Ramadan, Umrah, and Hajj, and 2026 offers something for every type of visitor.
This month-by-month guide covers every major event, festival, and cultural moment in Saudi Arabia during 2026, with confirmed dates, locations, and practical information for planning your trip.
January 2026
Riyadh Season (Continues from October 2025)
Riyadh Season 2025–2026 opened on 10 October 2025 and continues through the winter months with a packed programme of sports, entertainment, and cultural events. The season spans 11 entertainment zones and features 15 world championships and 34 exhibitions and festivals.
Key zones include Beast Land, a 188,000 m² adventure destination with 15 major rides, 14 interactive experiences, and a 50-metre bungee jump; Boulevard City, the first free-entry zone with 20 concerts, 80-plus restaurants, and 14 theatrical performances; and Boulevard World, featuring 40 rides, 1,700 stores, and more than 500 restaurants representing cuisines from around the globe, with Indonesia, Kuwait, and South Korea joining as new country pavilions for this edition.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AlUla Arts Festival & Desert X AlUla | 16 Jan – 14 Feb | AlUla | Fourth edition of Desert X with 70+ international artists; theme: “In Interludes and Transitions” |
| AlUla Tour (Cycling) | 27–31 Jan | AlUla | Elite cycling race through AlUla’s desert landscapes |
| AlUla Desert Polo | January (dates TBC) | AlUla | International polo on a purpose-built sand arena beside sandstone cliffs |
| Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale | 30 Jan – 2 May | Diriyah | 70+ international artists; titled “In Interludes and Transitions” |
| WWE Royal Rumble | 31 Jan | Riyadh (KAFD) | First Royal Rumble outside North America; King Abdullah Financial District |
The WWE Royal Rumble on 31 January is a headline event — the first time this flagship WWE pay-per-view has been held outside North America. It takes place at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, continuing Saudi Arabia’s multi-year partnership with WWE that has brought Crown Jewel, Super ShowDown, and Elimination Chamber events to the Kingdom.
February 2026
February is one of the busiest months of the Saudi events calendar, with the world’s richest horse race, Formula E racing, a global music festival, and the beginning of Ramadan all converging in a single four-week period.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDLBEAST (Jeddah) | 5–6 Feb | Jeddah | MDLBEAST music event in Jeddah ahead of Formula E |
| Jeddah E-Prix (Formula E) | 13–14 Feb | Jeddah Corniche Circuit | Double-header night race under floodlights; rapper Future performs |
| Saudi Cup | 13–14 Feb | King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Riyadh | World’s richest horse race; $35.35M total purse, $20M main race ($10M to winner) |
| AlUla Arts Festival (continues) | Through 14 Feb | AlUla | Desert X AlUla fourth edition concludes |
| Ramadan Begins | 18 Feb | Nationwide | Start of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH |
| Saudi Founding Day | 22 Feb | Nationwide | Public holiday commemorating the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 |
The Saudi Cup
The seventh edition of the Saudi Cup takes place on 13–14 February at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh. With a total prize purse of $35.35 million, it remains the world’s richest race meeting. The main Saudi Cup race on Saturday 14 February carries a $20 million purse, with $10 million going to the winner. The two-day card also includes the $2 million Saudi Derby, the $1.5 million 1351 Turf Sprint, and several other high-value races that attract the best thoroughbreds from Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia.
Jeddah Formula E Double-Header
The Jeddah E-Prix brings Formula E racing to the Corniche Circuit for a double-header weekend on 13–14 February, with both races held at night under floodlights. The event includes entertainment beyond the track — rapper Future is confirmed to perform — along with Formula E simulators and interactive fan zones. This marks Jeddah’s second year hosting Formula E after the race moved from its original Diriyah venue.
Ramadan Begins
The holy month of Ramadan begins on 18 February, reshaping daily life across the Kingdom for the next 30 days. Entertainment events pause, restaurant hours shift, and the spiritual atmosphere intensifies. See our dedicated Ramadan travel guide for full details on what changes and how to plan your visit.
March 2026
March is dominated by the final stretch of Ramadan, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, and a major music festival.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDLBeast Soundstorm | 4–9 Mar | Banban, Riyadh | Middle East’s largest music festival; global and regional artists |
| Last Ten Nights of Ramadan | ~9–19 Mar | Nationwide (esp. Makkah & Madinah) | Holiest period of Ramadan; Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) falls within this window |
| Eid al-Fitr | 20–23 Mar | Nationwide | Four-day public holiday marking the end of Ramadan; celebrations, feasts, fireworks |
| Taif Rose Festival (begins) | Late Mar | Taif | Annual celebration of the Taif rose harvest; runs ~45 days into April |
MDLBeast Soundstorm
MDLBeast Soundstorm 2026 runs from 4 to 9 March in Banban, Riyadh, and is the Middle East’s largest music festival. The event transforms the desert outside Riyadh into what organisers call the “City of Sound,” drawing hundreds of thousands of fans for performances by global and regional artists. Past editions have featured acts including Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Tiesto, and Bruno Mars. Note that Soundstorm falls during Ramadan in 2026, which may affect the event’s format — check the official MDLBeast website for updates closer to the date.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, confirmed for Friday 20 March, is a four-day public holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. Cities come alive with fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and shopping. This is peak domestic tourism season — expect crowded airports, fully booked hotels, and busy attractions. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, and visitors are warmly welcomed into the celebrations.
April 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (F1) | 17–19 Apr (originally scheduled) | Jeddah Corniche Circuit | Status uncertain due to regional conflict; check F1 official calendar |
| AlUla Skies Festival | 17–26 Apr | AlUla | Stargazing, Lyrids meteor shower viewing, celestial experiences during moonless skies |
| Taif Rose Festival (continues) | Through April | Taif | Rose harvest celebrations, markets, cultural activities; ~45-day festival |
| MDLBEAST “A Thousand and One” | 23–24 Apr | TBC | New MDLBEAST event format announced for 2026 |
Formula 1 — Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was originally scheduled for 17–19 April on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — a temporary street circuit along Jeddah’s 30 km coastal resort area that averages speeds of 250 km/h with 27 corners, making it one of the fastest and most technically demanding tracks on the F1 calendar. However, Formula 1 announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix “will not take place in April” due to the regional security situation, with Sky Sports reporting the calendar would drop to 22 races. Check the official F1 calendar for the latest status on whether the race is rescheduled or cancelled for 2026.
AlUla Skies Festival
The AlUla Skies Festival (17–26 April) is timed to coincide with moonless skies and the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower, offering one of the best stargazing experiences in the Middle East. AlUla’s remote desert location, minimal light pollution, and dramatic sandstone landscape make it an ideal setting for celestial observation. The festival includes guided astronomy sessions, immersive night experiences, and cultural programming.
Taif Rose Festival
The Taif Rose Festival celebrates the annual harvest of millions of Taif Damascus roses, which bloom between March and April in the cool highland climate of Saudi Arabia’s “City of Roses.” The festival runs for approximately 45 days and includes the Rose Market, scenic Rose Mountain tours, parades, live performances, flower displays, theatre shows, and workshops on traditional rose oil distillation. Taif rose oil is among the most expensive essential oils in the world, and the city has been cultivating roses for over 2,000 years.
May 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diriyah Biennale (concludes) | Through 2 May | Diriyah | Final weeks of the contemporary art biennale |
| Jewels of the World (Spring) | 8–12 May (Riyadh) | Riyadh | International jewellery and watch exhibition |
| Day of Arafah | ~26 May | Mount Arafat, near Makkah | Holiest day in the Islamic calendar; central rite of Hajj |
| Eid al-Adha | ~27–30 May | Nationwide | Festival of Sacrifice; four-day public holiday coinciding with Hajj completion |
Hajj Season
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place in late May 2026, with the Day of Arafah falling on approximately 26 May (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH) and Eid al-Adha on 27 May (10 Dhul-Hijjah). Exact dates depend on moon sighting and will be confirmed by Saudi authorities closer to the time. Hajj is the world’s largest annual human gathering, drawing over two million pilgrims to Makkah, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
Non-Muslim travellers note: Makkah is closed to non-Muslims at all times. During Hajj season (approximately two weeks before and after the pilgrimage), Madinah and the wider Hijaz region are also extremely crowded. If you are not performing Hajj, consider visiting other parts of Saudi Arabia during this period.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is the holier of the two Eids and is celebrated with a four-day public holiday. Families sacrifice an animal — typically a sheep, goat, or cow — and distribute the meat to family, friends, and those in need. Cities host fireworks, family events, and large gatherings. Like Eid al-Fitr, this is a peak domestic travel period.
June 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hajj (if dates shift to early June) | Possible early June | Makkah & surrounding areas | Dates depend on moon sighting; some sources cite early June |
June is typically one of the quieter months on the Saudi events calendar, falling between the Hajj/Eid al-Adha season and the summer entertainment programme. Temperatures in Riyadh regularly exceed 40°C, and much of the population that can travel heads to cooler destinations. However, air-conditioned indoor venues, malls, and attractions remain open, and hotel prices drop significantly — making June a viable budget travel window for heat-tolerant visitors.
July – August 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esports World Cup | 6 Jul – 23 Aug | Riyadh | 2,000 players, 200 clubs, 100+ countries; $75M+ prize pool; 25 tournaments across 24 games |
Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup returns to Riyadh from 6 July to 23 August, establishing itself as the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s summer events calendar. The second edition brings together 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $75 million-plus prize pool, according to Arab News.
The game lineup includes Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, VALORANT, Dota 2, EA Sports FC 26, PUBG, Fortnite (returning in Reload mode), Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania (new for 2026). The event occupies a purpose-built venue in Riyadh and draws significant international audiences both in person and via global streaming.
For esports fans, this is the single largest competitive gaming event in the world by prize pool, and tickets typically sell out for headline finals weekends. Book accommodation early if you plan to attend the opening or closing weekends.
September 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZIMUTH (AlUla) | Late Sep (around 23 Sep) | AlUla | Global and regional music festival timed to Saudi National Day weekend |
| Saudi National Day | 23 Sep (Wednesday) | Nationwide | Public holiday; parades, fireworks, Ardha folk dances, concerts, military displays |
| Canelo Alvarez Boxing | 12 Sep | Riyadh | “Mexico Against the World” fight card in Riyadh |
Saudi National Day
Saudi National Day on 23 September commemorates the 1932 proclamation by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud that renamed the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a public holiday and one of the most patriotic days on the calendar.
Celebrations span the entire Kingdom. Riyadh hosts concerts, aerial displays, military parades, and exhibitions. Jeddah’s Corniche lights up with fireworks, food trucks, and live performances along the waterfront. The Eastern Province cities of Dammam and Khobar stage family-friendly events in parks and cultural zones. Buildings and streets are decorated in the national colours of green and white, and the traditional Ardha (sword dance) is performed at public events across the country.
AZIMUTH — AlUla Music Festival
AZIMUTH launches in AlUla around the Saudi National Day weekend, combining global and regional music talent with immersive performances and cutting-edge production set against AlUla’s ancient landscape. This is a new addition to the AlUla Moments calendar for the 2025–2026 season.
October 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Season 2026–2027 (expected launch) | Mid-Oct (TBC) | Riyadh | Expected launch of the next Riyadh Season edition |
| AlUla Wellness Festival | October (week-long) | AlUla | Week-long celebration of wellness, balance, and transformation |
| Jewels of the World (Jeddah) | 19–22 Oct | Jeddah | International jewellery and watch exhibition |
October marks the return of cooler weather and the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s peak events season. Temperatures in Riyadh drop from the 40s to the low 30s°C, making outdoor events feasible again. The next edition of Riyadh Season is expected to launch in mid-October, continuing the pattern established in previous years, though dates are not yet confirmed for the 2026–2027 season.
November 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTA Finals | 7–14 Nov | Riyadh | Season-ending women’s tennis championship; top 8 singles players and doubles teams |
| Diriyah Season (expected) | Nov onwards | Diriyah | Heritage, culture, and sports at the UNESCO World Heritage site |
| UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup | November (TBC) | Diriyah | International BMX competition |
WTA Finals
The WTA Finals come to Riyadh for the third consecutive year from 7 to 14 November, bringing together the world’s top eight women’s singles players and top eight doubles teams for the season-ending championship of women’s tennis. As one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, the WTA Finals draw significant global media attention and offer substantial prize money. The event includes fan zones, meet-and-greet opportunities, and entertainment alongside the tennis.
Diriyah Season
Diriyah Season is expected to return in November, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage at Diriyah — the ancestral home of the Saudi state and a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the outskirts of Riyadh. The season typically features cultural programmes, traditional music, art exhibitions, and workshops highlighting Saudi Arabia’s centuries-old heritage, alongside international sporting events including previous editions’ hosting of Formula E and boxing.
December 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDLBeast Soundstorm 2026 | Dec (dates TBC) | Banban, Riyadh | Middle East’s largest music festival (annual December edition) |
| Red Sea International Film Festival | Dec (dates TBC) | Jeddah (Al-Balad) | International cinema showcase in Jeddah’s historic district |
| Riyadh Season (continues) | Through Dec | Riyadh | Entertainment, sports, dining across 11+ zones |
MDLBeast Soundstorm
Soundstorm typically holds its main annual edition in December (the 2025 edition ran 11–13 December), though the 2026 calendar also includes a March edition. The December festival is historically the largest iteration, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees to Banban in Riyadh for performances by top-tier global DJs and artists. Previous headliners have included Calvin Harris, Cardi B, Post Malone, and Pitbull. Dates for the December 2026 edition are expected to be announced in the second half of the year.
Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea International Film Festival, held in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, has rapidly established itself as the Middle East’s premier cinema event. The 2025 edition ran 4–13 December. The sixth edition is expected in December 2026, showcasing Arab and international cinema alongside industry talks, masterclasses, and the Red Sea Souk market for film financing and distribution.
Looking Ahead — What Is Coming in 2027 and Beyond
Saudi Arabia’s events ambitions extend well beyond 2026. Two transformational events are on the near horizon:
AFC Asian Cup 2027
Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup from 7 January to 5 February 2027 — the Kingdom’s first time hosting Asia’s premier football tournament. The tournament will be played across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, with King Fahd International Stadium (capacity 68,000+) hosting the opening match and final. The Asian Cup serves as a critical rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup 2034, testing Saudi Arabia’s stadium infrastructure, transport systems, and international tournament logistics at continental scale.
Expo 2030 Riyadh
Riyadh will host the World Expo from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, with the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow” and sub-themes of Transformational Technology, Sustainable Solutions, and Prosperous People. The event is designed to accommodate more than 40 million visits and host over 195 participating nations. Infrastructure projects already under development with the Expo in mind include the Riyadh Metro expansion, King Salman International Airport, and new cultural districts. Preparation work will be visible throughout 2026.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026
Saudi Arabia has a limited number of public holidays, all of which are based on Islamic or national commemorations:
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | 22 February | 1 day | Commemorates founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 |
| Eid al-Fitr | ~20–23 March | 4 days | End of Ramadan; dates depend on moon sighting |
| Eid al-Adha | ~27–30 May | 4 days | Festival of Sacrifice; coincides with Hajj completion |
| Saudi National Day | 23 September | 1 day | Commemorates the 1932 unification of the Kingdom |
Both Eid holidays are based on lunar calendar dates and are confirmed only after official moon sighting by the Saudi Supreme Court, typically one to two days before the holiday begins. Build flexibility into travel plans around these dates.
Planning Tips for Attending Saudi Events
Tickets and Booking
- Riyadh Season: Tickets available via Webook.com and the Riyadh Season app. Many zones offer free entry; specific events require tickets.
- Formula 1 / Formula E: Book through the official circuit websites or authorised resellers. Grandstand and hospitality packages sell out months in advance.
- Saudi Cup: Tickets available through the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia website.
- Esports World Cup: Tickets via the official EWC website. Finals weekends sell out fastest.
- WTA Finals: Available through the WTA or official Saudi event partners.
Accommodation
- Book early for peak periods: Eid al-Fitr (March), Eid al-Adha (May), Saudi National Day (September), and Riyadh Season launch (October).
- Hotels in Riyadh fill up during major Riyadh Season events, WWE, and the Esports World Cup. Consider serviced apartments in the Diplomatic Quarter or King Abdullah Financial District as alternatives.
- For AlUla events, accommodation options are more limited than in major cities. The Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla, and Shaden Resort are popular choices, but they book out quickly for festival weekends.
Visa
Saudi Arabia’s e-visa and visa-on-arrival system covers citizens of 63 countries for tourism visits of up to 90 days. Apply online through the Visit Saudi visa portal before your trip. Event-specific visas may also be available for certain international events.
Weather Considerations
| Month | Riyadh Temp (°C) | Jeddah Temp (°C) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 8–22 | 20–29 | Outdoor events, desert activities, sightseeing |
| Mar–Apr | 15–32 | 22–33 | Cultural festivals, Ramadan/Eid experiences |
| May–Jun | 25–43 | 27–37 | Indoor events only; Hajj season |
| Jul–Aug | 28–45 | 29–39 | Esports World Cup (indoor/air-conditioned) |
| Sep–Oct | 22–40 | 27–36 | National Day; Riyadh Season launch |
| Nov–Dec | 12–27 | 22–31 | Peak season; WTA Finals, Soundstorm, film festival |
The November to February window offers the best weather for outdoor events. Summer events (Esports World Cup) are held in air-conditioned venues, but getting around cities in 45°C heat requires planning.
The Year That Puts Saudi Arabia on the Global Stage
Saudi Arabia’s 2026 events calendar is not just about entertainment — it is a statement of intent. Every major event, from the $75 million Esports World Cup to the WTA Finals to the world’s richest horse race, is part of a deliberate strategy under Vision 2030 to position the Kingdom as a year-round global destination for sport, culture, and entertainment. With the AFC Asian Cup in January 2027 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 on the horizon, 2026 is a rehearsal year for even greater ambitions.
For visitors, this means an unprecedented density of world-class events in a country that, just a decade ago, issued no tourist visas at all. Whether you come for the horse racing, the esports, the music, the motorsport, or the cultural festivals, 2026 is the year Saudi Arabia proves it can compete with any events destination on earth.
Start planning at our Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 hub.