Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. September is a month filled with exciting events. The Kingdom comes alive with pomp and pageantry during Saudi National Day. Football fans can cheer on Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Plus, there are concerts, cultural events and cafés. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in September.
Enjoy a memorable meal at Sumosan
Hidden in Laysen Valley, Sumosan is a sleek and refined Japanese dining destination. The restaurant’s earthy tones and statement chandeliers give way to a dramatic, theatre-style kitchen. The restaurant’s marvellous menu offers standout dishes such as Crispy Sushi Rice Pizza, Lobster Salad, Tuna and Truffle Rolls, Wagyu Sandwiches, and the ever-popular 24-hour Miso-marinated Black Cod.
Go: Visit www.sumosan.com for more information.
Tuesday 2 September
Dine at the FACT award-winning NOOA
NOOA (Naturally Out Of Africa) offers a charming piece of Cape Town in Laysen Valley. The café’s breakfast menu features favourites like Honeybush Brioche French Toast, Shakshuka and Wagyu Egg Muffins. Elsewhere, the all-day offering includes Earth Bowls, Sandwiches, Sliders, and a moreish Date Malva Pudding or Honeybush Crème Brûlée. The selection of beverages covers botanical mixology, rooibos and speciality coffee.
GO: Follow @nooasaudi on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 3 September
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
Located in the heart of AL Olaya, the FACT award-winning La Petite Maison is renowned for its French Mediterranean fare. The new business lunch menu includes Bar Poêlé et Petits Pois, Filet de Rouget, Risotto aux Asperges and Salade de Chou Frisé. Guests can opt for either the Le Petit Menu (180 SAR) or the Le Grand Menu (230 SAR), which includes starters, mains, side dishes, and a delicious dessert. Available on weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Thursday 4 September
Explore Al Masmak Palace Museum
A captivating piece of Saudi heritage, this mudbrick fortress is situated in the Ad-Dirah district. It displays traditional Najdi architecture, characterised by its thick walls, watchtowers, a central courtyard, a mosque, a majlis, and residential units. Converted into a museum in 1995, the palace now houses photographs, weapons, documents, audio-visual exhibits, and artefacts that narrate the Kingdom’s founding.
GO: Visit https://welcomesaudi.com for more information.
Friday 5 September
Visit Wadi Namar
Situated in the southwestern part of Riyadh, Wadi Namar is renowned for its stunning scenery and serene atmosphere. This valley is a fabric of artificial lakes, palm-lined walking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas. It is the perfect place for families who enjoy nature and activities like cycling or walking.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Saturday 6 September
Enjoy a taste of Southern Italy in Altopiano
Located in Al-Diriyah, AlDpiano is a Saudi-born Italian restaurant that graces the picturesque Al Bujairi Terrace. The restaurant blends Southern Italian cuisine with subtle Middle Eastern sway. The interiors feature rustic elegance, with dim lighting and both indoor and outdoor seating, offering views of the historic At-Turaif district. Altopiano’s menu features popular dishes like Branzino Sea Bass, Insalata Altopiano, Truffle Mushroom Pappardelle, and a Classic Tiramisu for dessert.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Sunday 7 September
Check out the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 8 September
Shop until you drop at Solitaire
Riyadh has a new lifestyle destination: Solitaire. The destination offers a diverse range of experiences, including shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section features fine dining, fast food, and a rooftop food hall. The brands already open for business include Bateel, Lavazza, Paul Le Café and The Butcher Shop. Additionally, it will feature Arcade Food Hall, which is set to open on the rooftop later this year.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Tuesday 9 September
Take a trip to the Museum of Science and Technology
Riyadh’s King Abdullah Museum of Science and Technology is an engaging destination for families, students and curious minds. The museum offers interactive exhibits and activities that explore various scientific fields, including biology, physics, renewable energy, robotics, and space.
GO: Visit https://www.kaust.edu.sa for more information.
Wednesday 10 September
Explore Riyadh by camel
The Riyadh city tour with camel riding offers a perfect blend of modern exploration and traditional adventure. The tour explores the Qasab Salt Flats, one of the largest salt flats in Najd and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Shaqra Heritage Museum. As you ride the golden dunes, you get the feel of the Bedouin’s way of life whilst enjoying the tranquil beauty of the desert landscape.
GO: Visit https://evendo.com for more information.
Thursday 11 September
Stay at Mansard Riyadh
The Mansard Riyadh, Radisson Collection Hotel is a five-star Parisian-inspired retreat located in the Ar Rabi District. The hotel features a distinctive Mansard-style roof, evoking mid-19th-century Haussmann architecture. Summer at Mansard means enjoying exclusive benefits and fun activities, including breakfast and barbecue delights at Sadelle’s, a Parisian afternoon tea at L’ami Dave or an Italian-American dinner at Carbone.
GO: Visit https://www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Friday 12 September
Escape to the Edge of the World
Explore the majestic clifftop at Jabal Fihrayn and take in the land stretching seemingly forever before you. It is one of Riyadh’s most stunning day-trip adventures, located 120 kilometres from the capital. Grab a guide for a full tour of the rugged desert landscapes and dried riverbeds below. Take a stroll along the old camel caravan route, following historic trails once walked by Bedouin traders.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
Saturday 13 September
Explore one of Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems
Heet Cave, also known as Ain Heet Cave, is a hidden geological marvel situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Riyadh. This natural limestone cavern features a dramatic eye-shaped entrance, leading to a narrow descent to an underground lake. Adventurous hikers and experienced cave divers will enjoy this memorable subterranean desert adventure.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 14 September
Shop at Riyadh’s oldest market
Souk Al Zal is located in Riyadh’s historic district and is known as one of the city’s oldest traditional markets. Explore the market and shop for aromatic spices, handcrafted jewellery, intricately woven carpets and oud perfumes. The Souk’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the traditions of the Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Monday 15 September
Beat the heat at Snow City
Snow City at Al Othaim Mall offers a winter-themed escape in the heart of the desert. It’s the first of its kind indoor snow city, maintaining a chilly temperature of -3 degrees all year round. The snow city offers a range of fun activities, including ice tubing, bumper cars, rope courses, a suspension bridge, sledges, climbing walls, and ski zones, all designed for families and children to enjoy. Visitors can experience a cool retreat to escape Riyadh’s scorching summer weather.
GO: Visit www.ootlah.com for more information.
Tuesday 16 September
Caffeinate at Ralph’s Coffee
Ralph’s Coffee has opened its first café in KAFD. The fashion-forward café from Ralph Lauren exudes classic preppy-Americana with its signature green and white palette, vintage décor, and equestrian-inspired artwork. The menu features classic cold brews, matcha lattes, and gourmet pastries – think Carrot Cake, New York Cheesecake and Ralph’s Brownie. The café also includes a retail corner with branded mugs, tumblers, tote bags and even dog bowls.
GO: Visit www.ralphlauren.global for more information.
Wednesday 17 September
Go quad biking in Thumama Desert
Located just 30 to 45 minutes from the capital, Thumama Desert is famous for its beautiful red sand dunes. Riders can rent quad bikes on-site, with options available for both beginners and experienced bikers. The best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden hue over the dunes.
Go: Visit www.riyadhtrips.com for more information.
Thursday 18 September
Dine in the sky at Al Faisaliah Tower
The Globe restaurant is situated inside the golden sphere on top of Al Faisaliah Tower, offering a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic views of Riyadh’s skyline. The modern European cuisine is a refined dining space featuring some of the exquisite meals, from Salmon gravlax and steak tartare to lobster truffle risotto. The restaurant also offers High Tea from Friday to Saturday, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Whether you’re looking to admire the twinkling city lights or indulge in expertly plated dishes, The Globe offers a memorable dining experience.
GO: Visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Friday 19 September
Visit the cult-favourite burger joint Pickl
The UAE-born burger brand is now available at two locations in Riyadh, Cenomi AL Nakheel Mall, and U Walk. Pickl’s menu features smash-style cheeseburgers, beef burgers, crispy chicken sandos, loaded fries, and house-made sauces. Their Signature items include the New York Cheeseburger and Nashville-Spiced Chicken Caesar Sando. Pickl’s bold interiors feature neon-lit and graphic walls, with cosy dine-in booths.
GO: Visit https://eatpickl.com for more information.
Saturday 20 September
Enjoy a contemporary Japanese dinner at Zuma
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes like Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, Salt Grilled Seabass, and for dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake. The striking design combines stone, wood, copper, and a dramatic spiral staircase that links the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and a DJ booth.
GO: Visit www.zumarestaurant.com for more information.
Sunday 21 September
Visit The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum is situated within the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in Riyadh. It was designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, and the crescent-shaped, dune-inspired façade is a nod to the Saudi Arabian desert. The galleries are organised into eight thematic sections, which display the evolution of the Arabian Peninsula, from geological traces and early human history to pre-Islamic civilisation. The standout detail about the museum is the immersive Hajj & Two Holy Mosques Hall.
GO: Visit https://museums.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Monday 22 September
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated to the northwest of Riyadh, At Turaif is a 15th-century mud-brick citadel that served as the capital of the First Saudi State from 1727 to 1818. This stunning fortress showcases Najdi architecture, featuring fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, with breathtaking views overlooking Wadi Hanifah. At its heart stands the impressive four-storey Salwa Palace, along with the historic Saad Bin Saud Palace, which features a bathhouse, and the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing social life, military history, and trade.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Tuesday 23 September
Celebrate Saudi National Day
Saudi National Day falls on 23 September each year. In 1932, the unification of the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz took place, and the nation became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This year marks the 95th Saudi National Day, and it will include festivals, fireworks and food. Look out for special menus across restaurants and cafés.
GO: Visit www.gea.gov.sa for more information.
Wednesday 24 September
Eat at the newly-opened Table;To
Located in the Al Takhassousi district, Table;To is a stylish new restaurant currently in its soft opening. The progressive menu showcases Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, including Crispy Hawasi Rice, Josper Bone Marrow, Wagyu Asian Beef Shawarma Tacos, and an innovative’ Funk’, which is a 48-hour marinated chicken. Enjoy hot clay pots of Beef Rice or Hawasi Rice, alongside wood-oven baked Bread Bombs. The interior features a display of playful custom captions, dark wood, and a whimsical setting.
GO: Visit https://tableto.redro.menu for more information.
Thursday 25 September
Book a staycation at The St. Regis Riyadh
This summer, The St. Regis Riyadh, situated near VIA Riyadh, invites guests to enjoy its exclusive seasonal offer. The hotel has thoughtfully curated a soulful Summer Spa Package that includes a limited-time spa stay with treatments designed to restore balance, beauty, and calm. A solo retreat at the spa is available for single occupancy at SAR 1,850 and for double occupancy at SAR 2,250.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Friday 26 September
Dine at the FACT award-winning Mamo Michelangelo
Bringing the sun-drenched charm of French and Italian havens to Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, Mamo Michelangelo is a Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the elegance of Provence. The menu features creamy Napoli burrata, wood-oven roasted Lamb Shoulder, Truffle Focaccia and Ravioli. The dessert selection includes comforting classics like Lemon Tart and Tiramisu.
GO: Visit https://mamo-michelangelo.com for more information.
Saturday 27 September
Explore the Murabba Historical Palace
Murabba Historical Palace in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic heritage landmarks. This palace was built in the 1930s by King Abdulaziz and was a royal residence and administrative centre during the early years of the Kingdom’s unification. The name “Murabba” means “square”, reflecting the traditional Najdi design elements such as mud-brick walls, wooden ceilings and spacious courtyards. This palace includes several buildings, gardens, and historical artefacts.
Go: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 28 September
Have a laugh at Riyadh Comedy Festival
Riyadh’s Comedy Festival is set to be the largest comedy gathering staged in Saudi Arabia. This exciting event will be held at Boulevard City and will host more than 50 international comedians, delivering stand-up, satire, sketches and more. Each night, comedic icons like Aziz Ansari, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Russell Peters, and Tom Segura will take the stage by storm.
Go: Visit https://enjoy.sa for more information.
Monday 29 September
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands tall at a height of 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It has 99 floors and houses the King Abdullah Mosque on the 77th floor, making it the world’s second-highest mosque. It is also home to several local and international luxury brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, VOX cinemas and exquisite fine-dining restaurants.
Go: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Tuesday 30 September
Enjoy a thrilling experience at SENSAS
SENSAS is an immersive adventure spot located on Al Thoumamah Road. It allocates teams to navigate sensory-based challenges, some even in total darkness, over a two-hour session. It is an ideal place for families and friends to enjoy time together, combining thrills and fun. The venue operates daily from 8am to 1.30am.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.sensas.top for more information.
