From gaming to gourmet meals, here's how to make the most of the month ahead.
Summer in Saudi Arabia is heating up with fun things to do. Whether you're after new films, food or festivals, there are plenty of places to go. From Aseer Season to Jeddah Season, it's not just about the capital. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in July.
Monday 1 July
Join Jeddah Season 2024
Jeddah Season 2024 will run until September. The Red Sea is filled with cultural and marine-themed events. The festival will celebrate the city's rich historical, cultural and tourism heritage. Expect plenty of performances, exhibitions and experiences this season. Plus, Jeddah Season 2024 will see some new events will be making their way to Saudi Arabia for the very first time.
GO: Visit https://ticketmx.jeddahseason.sa for more information.
Tuesday 2 July
Catch a special exhibition on the Red Sea at Hayy Jameel
Salt-Kissed: Of Vessels That Have Sailed The Red Sea showcases stories from the Red Sea. Running until 7 October at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, it has been curated by Ahmed Al-Aqra and Abed Alrahman Shabaneh. Learn about eight ships that once sailed the Red Sea and the history of trade routes, coastal communities and colonial legacies.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Wednesday 3 July
Get your game on at the Esports World Cup
Gamers get ready because a groundbreaking event. Saudi Arabia is hosting one of the world's most extensive gaming extravaganzas, the Esports World Cup. Running from 3 July to 25 August, it takes place at Boulevard City in Riyadh.
GO: Visit https://saudiesports.sa for more information.
Thursday 4 July
Party the night away at YellowPlus
Dance the night away at YellowPlus' latest concert. Running from 4 to 5 July in Riyadh, the headliners include Cassian and Woo York. The support acts include Alaa Jazaeri, Ant, Darko Delix, Kalo and RDJ. Tickets start from SAR 300.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 5 July
Check into the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East
If you’re already planning your next getaway, put Saudi Arabia on your list. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has opened in the Red Sea. Designed by the British architects, Foster + Partners, it includes 63 one- to three-bedroom overwater and beach villas. Plus, it offers spectacular site-specific experiences, from snorkelling to stargazing.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Saturday 6 July
Try the new Turkish breakfast at Rüya Riyadh
Rüya Riyadh has launched a Turkish breakfast menu, which celebrates food from the country. The menu includes freshly baked bread and cheeses ranging from Aged Goat Cheese to Exine White Cheese. Condiments include honeycomb, olives and toasted sesame. Dishes include Menemen, Pide and Sucuklu Yumurta. Plus, desserts range from an Orange Almond Revani to a fruit platter. The menu starts from SAR 148 per person and is served on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
GO: Visit https://ruyarestaurants.com for more information.
Sunday 7 July
Visit the celebrity restaurant Spago
In 1982, Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in Los Angeles. Spago has come to epitomise fine dining and has now found a new home in Via Riyadh. With its market-inspired menu and commitment to exceptional service, Spago has attained a truly legendary status. Read our FACT Review here.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Monday 8 July
Try the new business lunch menu at Mr Chow
Give lunch an upgrade and head to the celebrity favourite, Mr Chow. Located in KAFD, Riyadh, the restaurant has launched a new business lunch menu. The menu includes Chicken Satay, Lobster Shumai, and Salt and Pepper Prawns. The menu starts from SAR 159 for two courses and is served daily between 12pm to 5.30pm.
GO: Visit www.mrchow.com for more information.
Tuesday 9 July
Eat out at the newly opened MANKO in Jeddah
Jeddah Walk has welcomed the Peruvian meets Asian restaurant, MANKO. Located on Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Street, the original MANKO can be found in Paris, France. The Jeddah menu showcases Peruvian cuisine with Asian influences. The menu covers antichuchos, ceviche, ensalada, manko rolls, nigiri, para picar, sashimi, tiraditors and more.
GO: Follow @manko.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 10 July
Dine at Jason Atherton's new Marina Social in Jeddah
Chefs worth their salt are opening up restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Now, chef Jason Atherton has created his second restaurant in the country with the opening of Marina Social at Jeddah Yacht Club. Marina Social in Jeddah is a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant and is a partnership between the British chef and Saudi businessman Abdelkarim Abbar.
GO: Follow @marinasocial.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 11 July
End the working week on a sweet note
Maître Choux, the one and only choux pastry specialist patisserie from London, has opened its doors in the Saudi capital. Located in the heart of U Walk, it is a sugary paradise. The chefs blend the best of traditional French techniques with a modern twist. So take your pick from pretty pastries.
GO: Follow @maitrechouxksa on Instagram for more information.
Friday 12 July
Catch the Professional Fighters League in Riyadh
Get ready to rumble, Riyadh. PFL Regular Season MENA brings together lightweights and heavyweights. This event features seven Middle East Champions, as they compete for the PFL MENA belt. The line-up includes Hattan Al Saif and Mostafa Nada. Tickets start from SAR 50.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 13 July
Eat out at the new Hidden Garden in Riyadh
Hidden Garden in Riyadh boasts a brilliant breakfast menu which draws inspiration from European and local dishes. The concept includes garden-sourced ingredients and traditional European cooking techniques. Plus, the décor is a ray of sunshine, as it includes bright yellow sofas, traditional patterns and potted plants.
GO: Follow @hiddengarden.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 14 July
Celebrate the Year of the Camel at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
Did you know that 2024 was the Year of the Camel? To mark the occasion, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, has launched a special menu. La Brasserie's dishes include a Camel Kabsa, and The Globe's dishes include a Camel Loin Pithiver. Executive Chef Ahmed Fazli Abdulrahman, explained: "This exclusive menu is our tribute to the nationwide celebration. With the launch of our 'Year of the Camel' dishes, we are delighted to play a leading role in encouraging guests to explore and appreciate the exquisite gourmet creations that can be crafted from camel meat and camel milk products."
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Monday 15 July
Dig into the new restaurant Cacho The Cheese
Riyadh, there's a restaurant that will make you melt. Cacho The Cheese has opened in the capital, and specialises in Italian food. Located in Al Wadi, the menu includes cheesy concoctions across its calzones and pizzas. The menu spans starters, calzone, pizza, pasta, risotto and dessert.
GO: Follow @cachoeats on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 16 July
Check out the new burger joint OKLA
It's not often that you hear of a rapper turned restauranteur. Mutah Beale was previously part of Tupac's rap group, Outlawz. He converted to Islam and moved to Saudi Arabia and is behind a range of restaurants. His latest is OKLA, which specialises in smash burgers.
GO: Follow @oklaburger1 on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 17 July
Grab a slice at San Marzano in Riyadh
Saudi, it's time to grab a slice or three at a new pizza place. San Marzano has opened in Laysen Valley, Riyadh, and offers Italian food, drink and vibes. The name itself refers to the Italian plum tomato, which is grown specifically in the country near Mount Vesuvius. The menu is great for groups, and includes a range of pizzas. Plus, there is a wood fired oven, which creates the traditional-styled pizzas.
GO: Follow @sanmarzanosa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 18 July
Luxuriate at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was the first island resort to open in the development and is a high-end property with 90 villas, two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a spa and a kid’s club. With five diverse restaurants to choose from, guests can dive into Middle Eastern cuisine at Nesma or indulge in Japanese flavours at Gishiki 45. Located on the Ummahat Islands archipelago, the resort is accessible via seaplane or speedboat.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Friday 19 July
Tuck into a Saudi meal
Maiz is a homegrown fine dining concept, which uses ancient Saudi Arabian cooking methods. The menu reads like the Kingdom's greatest food hits, and brings together the best dishes from the country's thirteen provinces. So, get ready to go on an adventure from the comfort of your maiz (aka table). Read our FACT review here.
GO: Visit https://maiz.sa for more information.
Saturday 20 July
Join Aseer Season
Abha is the capital of the Aseer region. It was previously under Ottoman control and then conquered by Ikhwan tribes. Now, it is popular with domestic travellers during festivals. Aseer Season runs from July to August and brings together cultural events and plenty of things to do in Saudi Arabia.
GO: Visit https://saudievents.sa for more information.
Sunday 21 July
Sign up for a guided tour in Abha
Abha is the capital of the Aseer region. Nicknamed the Bride of the Mountain, it sits 7,450 feet above sea level in the Aseer Mountains. The weather is good throughout the year, but it is a popular place in the summer, due to its cooler temperatures. Join the Abha City Tour, which takes you to Jabal Sawda, El Sahab Park and on a cable car.
GO: Visit https://mysauditours.com for more information.
Monday 22 July
Work out at the newly opened KARVE Pilates in Jeddah
Work up a sweat at KARVE Pilates. Located in Jeddah, the newly opened venue offers 50-minute workouts, from low to high intensity. The classes include Reformer Pilates, which focuses on building slow-twitch muscle fibres, promoting increased strength and boosting the metabolism.
GO: Follow @karve.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 23 July
Get transported to New York at Raoul's Riyadh
Raoul's Riyadh brings a taste of New York to Via Riyadh. The décor is characterised by a sophisticated dark colour palette, intimate spaces, and luxurious red velvet accents. A spiral staircase leads guests to an intimate upstairs lounge, offering a vantage point over the restaurant below. The meticulously crafted menu includes seasonal classics, ranging from foie gras to steak au poivre with frites. Read our FACT Review here.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 24 July
Check out the newly opened Forno Del Buffone in Riyadh
What do you know about Italian food? Well, Forno Del Buffone in Riyadh asks diners to put aside their preconceptions. Located in Al Nakheel, it includes freshly baked pizzas hot from the wood-fired oven and daily-made pasta that tastes like a trip to Italy.
GO: Follow @fornodelbuffone on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 25 July
Watch Deadpool & Wolverine in the cinema
Superhero fans are in for a terrific treat. Deadpool & Wolverine brings together two heroes, and two superstars. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the film follows Marvel Comics characters. Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool) has left his adventurous days behind him, but then is pulled into a new mission.
GO: Visit https://uae.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 26 July
Sleep under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla
Tent and luxury aren’t two words you expect to go together. Banyan Tree AlUla, with its elegant tented villas, is one of the most luxurious hotels in AlUla. The rooms include one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, some of which come with pools and a fire pit. Drawing inspiration from the Ashar Valley, it feels like you’re at one with nature. The resort includes a spa, health centre and rock pool, which sits between two soaring cliffs. Plus, the dining options include the Thai restaurant, Saffron, and Arabic restaurant, Harrat.
GO: Visit www.banyantree.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 27 July
Hike under the stars in AlUla
Hiking Under the Stars in AlUla runs until 30 September, and takes place in the deserts and canyons surrounding the ancient city. Visitors will be able to join a guided three-hour hike across four kilometres. Tickets start from SAR 265.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 28 July
Treat yourself at the new Montblanc Suite 4810
The Kingdom Centre in Riyadh is home to a range of shops, from luxury fashion to home items. Now, the Montblanc Suite 4810 has come to the capital. Spanning 2,600 feet, the high-end boutique is home to a range of accessories, bags, fragrances, stationery and watches. The venue includes the brand's latest collection, which is presented elegantly across the store. Plus, it is home to a gift corner, pantry and VIP Room.
GO: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Monday 29 July
Visit the Perfume of the East exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi National Museum has opened Perfumes of the Middle East. Located in Riyadh, the exhibition explores the link between scents and the region. The exhibition brings together 200 items and looks back at the art, history and traditions of perfume making. Tickets start from SAR 29, and the exhibition runs until 14 September.
GO: Visit https://dc.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Tuesday 30 July
Visit teamLab Borderless Jeddah
teamLab Borderless Jeddah is breaking boundaries with its new experience. Running until 18 September, the event includes experiential artwork and cutting-edge technology. Explore 80 artworks in interactive galleries, from 3D environments to immersive installations. Tickets start from SAR 450.
GO: Visit www.teamlab.art for more information.
Wednesday 31 July
Escape to Six Senses Southern Dunes
Six Senses Southern Dunes is a haven for wellness enthusiasts and eco-conscious travellers and is up there amongst the best things to do in Saudi Arabia. With 76 thoughtfully designed rooms offering panoramic views of the desert mountains and wadis. At the heart of the resort lies the Oasis, inspired by a desert flower, where guests can discover the Earth Lab, an area showcasing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. The resort also boasts a holistic anti-ageing centre, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments, as well as wet facilities that include cold pools and a sensory wet suite. Culinary delights abound with restaurants and bars that feature a chef’s table, cooking school and juice bar. Read our FACT Review here.
GO: Visit www.sixsenses.com for reservations and more information.
