Whether you’re after football, films or festivals, here are the most exciting events in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is brimming with brilliant things to do in April. The month marks the end of Ramadan, and is your last chance to catch iftars and suhoors. Lookout for the latest cafés, cinemas and concerts, and new openings across Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond. Here are the best things to do in April.
Monday 1 April
Explore Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel
Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel offers a diverse programme of film screenings, restaurants, shopping, and workshops. The event celebrates community, culture, and well-being and aims to cater to all ages. It runs until 4 April and is free, but visitors must book in advance.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Tuesday 2 April
Experience Ramadan Season
Ramadan Season is aimed at celebrating the culture of Saudi Arabia, including the traditions that take place during the Holy Month of fasting. The event brings together concerts, crafts and cuisines via iftar and suhoor areas. Look out for competitions, handicrafts, exhibitions, games and sports in Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh.
GO: Visit www.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Wednesday 3 April
Visit Huna’s first Ramadan bazaar
Huna is a hip hangout to eat, drink and socialise. From 15 March to 3 April, it will host a Ramadan bazaar. The centre will bring together art and fashion, so expect a creative community vibe. Tickets are available now.
GO: Follow @iam.huna on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 4 April
Check out a new members-only lounge in Jeddah
Chef and entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji is behind the new members-only lounge, Khalia. The concept blends together Arabic traditions with modern sensibilities, and aims to be a warm and welcoming space. The menu draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s traditional dishes and gives them a modern twist. Plus, is boasts live entertainment, which spans DJs and bands.
GO: Visit www.khalila.co for more information.
Friday 5 April
Catch some football in Saudi Arabia
Footie fans can watch games across the Kingdom. Al Ittihad takes on Al Taawoun at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Damac takes on Al Nassr at Prince Sultan Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium in Abhha, and Al Khaleek takes on Al Hilal at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.
GO: Visit https://mos.gov.sa for more information.
Saturday 6 April
Discover Jasmine Box Ramadan Pop-up
Hayy Jameel is also hosting the Jasmine Box Ramadan Pop-Up. Running until 7 April in Homegrown Villa, it includes accessories, homewear and thobes. The pop-up is open from 2pm to 5pm, and 10pm to 2am.
GO: Follow @homegrown_market on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 7 April
Race your way into Battle Kart
On your marks, get set, race. If you’re a fan of the video game Mario Kart, you’ll love Battle Kart. Located in Ishbiliyah, Riyadh, the experience uses augmented reality. Players can race along tracks and use weapons including nitrous, bombs, and oil barrels. Players must be at least 145 centimetres tall, and tickets start from SAR 120.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 8 April
Spend the day at Ramla Terraza
Saudi Arabia’s new tourist attraction, Ramla Terraza, is well worth a visit. Located in Riyadh’s As Sahafah, it’s home to world-famous restaurants and cafés, plus live entertainment. So far, the high-end venues include Brute and Clap, and the casual venues include Iris Café and Jones the Grocer, which we anticipate will serve special iftar menus.
GO: Follow @ramlaterraza on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 9 April
Visit KAFD Ramadan Nights
Visit KADF Ramadan Nights in Riyadh for family-friendly fun. Located in the valley area, there are activities for all ages. Once the cannon blasts, visitors can break their fast. The area includes a Mesaharati show, a children’s play area, a bazaar, and a lounge. The event ends on 11 April, and tickets start from SAR 300.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 10 April
Celebrate Eid al-Fitr
As the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims around the world will end fasting. When the moon has been sighted, it marks Eid Al Fitr, which literally translates to the festival of breaking the fast. The date is likely to fall on 10 April.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thursday 11 April
Watch the action movie Land of Bad
Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth lead the cast in Land of Bad. The story follows a special forces operation in the South Philippines, which spirals into a 48-hour battle for survival. When Kinney finds himself outnumbered on the ground, it’s up to Air Force drone pilot Reaper to save him. The cast also includes Milo Ventimiglia and Liam’s brother, Luke Hemsworth.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 12 April
Catch Kuwait’s Miami Band in AlUla
Welcome to Miami in AlUla. The award-winning Miami Band is bringing its Feykom Tarah: The Miami Show to Saudi Arabia’s desert. Taking place on 12 April, the theatrical show brings together 100 performers and looks set to be a superb spectacle. This marks the first time that the Miami Band is coming to AlUla. Tickets starts from SAR 330.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Saturday 13 April
Watch The First Omen
If you like scary movies, then watch The First Omen. Set in Rome in 1971, an American woman is sent to work in a church. She uncovers a conspiracy to bring about the birth of the antichrist. The cast includes Bill Nighy, Charles Dance and Ralph Ineson.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 14 April
Dine out at the newly opened Kuuru in Riyadh
Having already opened in Jeddah, Kuuru recently made its debut in Riyadh. Located in KAFD, it showcases Nikkei cuisine. The sharing-style menu is designed to bring people together and spans a raw bar, sashimi platters and nigiri. Plus, the mains range from steaks to lobster.
GO: Visit https://kuururestaurant.com for more information.
Monday 15 April
Grab a cup of coffee at the new Ouia
Ouia is a playful place for a cup of coffee. The tagline states: “May cause extreme productivity and happiness”. Located in Al Qairawan, the café boasts soft blue and green tones across the seats, tables and walls. The takeaway cups come in a range of colours including black, grey and red. The hot and cold drinks include an Americano, Cappuccino and Spanish Latte. The food includes a Melfei Cheesecake, Melfei Pecan and Pudding.
GO: Visit @ouiacafe for more information.
Tuesday 16 April
Dig into delicious pastries at Pierre Hermé Patisserie
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has welcomed Pierre Hermé Patisserie. The critically acclaimed chef Pierre Hermé is known around the world for this innovative approach to dessert-making. The collection ranges from dacquoise biscuits to nori seaweed-infused macaron.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Wednesday 17 April
Visit The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
If you’re after a winter escape like no other, then put this on your radar. Get ready to set sail for The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Scheduled to open on 7 January, this luxurious island resort promises to be a haven for travellers seeking both natural beauty and refined hospitality. FACT’s Editor-in-Chief has a reservation. Will you be there?
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Thursday 18 April
Check into Dar Tantora by The Hotel House
Dar Tantora by The Hotel House has repurposed mud brick buildings into a new hotel. Drawing inspiration from the area, the venue boasts a traditional décor created using contemporary engineering. With 30 rooms, it also hosts cultural activities including fresh bread making, Saudi coffee sessions, ancient games and craft making.
GO: Visit www.dartantora.co for more information.
Friday 19 April
Watch a football match in Riyadh
The Saudi Pro League sees Al Riyadh take on Al Tai. The match takes place on 19 April at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. With a capacity of more than 22,500 people, it has welcomed some of the world’s biggest players from Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Shabab.
GO: Visit https://mos.gov.sa for more information.
Saturday 20 April
Visit the first hotel that has opened in NEOM
Instead of just hearing about NEOM, go and visit. Hampton by Hilton Sharma is the first hotel to open in the megaproject. The hotel is home to 201 rooms and covers 8,200 square metres. Plus, it boasts sustainable energy-efficient systems.
GO: Visit www.neom.com for more information.
Sunday 21 April
Check out the new coffee shop Chérie
A new coffee spot, Chérie has opened in Riyadh. Located in Olaya, it serves hot and cold drinks, and pretty pastries – the venue prides itself on its cheesecake. The décor boasts neutral tones with soft beige, browns and whites, and wooden benches, chairs and tables. Chérie is open daily from 7.30am to 2.30am.
GO: Follow @cherie.sa1 on Instagram for more information.
Monday 22 April
Take a ride on the Fire Boat in Jeddah
Adventure seekers, get ready to ride those waves. Fire Boat in Jeddah is a thrilling experience that will get your adrenaline pumping. The boat makes a 360-degree rotation and even dives into the water. The experience runs until 24 April.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Tuesday 23 April
Visit the Harvey Nichols Riyadh pop-up
Fashionistas, this one’s for you. The luxury department store, Harvey Nichols Riyadh’s Ramadan Caravan brings together a range of designers from the region. The collection includes abayas, bags, dresses, kaftans, and shoes plus a special collection of homeware items for iftars and Ramadan. The pop-up runs until 25 April.
GO: Visit @harveynicholsriyadh on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 24 April
Catch the AlUla Camel Cup
The AlUla Camel Cup runs from 24 to 27 April. The thrilling event brings one of the region’s oldest sports into modern times. Bringing together players from around the world, the event started in 2023. Lookout for special celebrity guests, which have previously included actor Will Smith and producer Swizz Beatz.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Thursday 25 April
Tailor your holistic wellness journey
Experience a summer of wellness at the Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. Gym memberships start at SAR 1,250 per month, granting you access to top-notch facilities and personalised training. Indulge in signature spa sessions starting at SAR 450 per hour, or opt for any Barbershop Service or Package and receive a 25% discount. The hotel also offers a swim package with a 20% discount on eight sessions for SAR 1,600.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com or call +966112154444 for more information.
Friday 26 April
Visit the More than Meets the Eye exhibition in AlUla
Maraya puts on a stunning show of Saudi Arabian art. Bringing together paintings, photography, sculptures and video, the exhibition showcases local artists. Spanning the past 25 years, some of the works are being shown to the public for the first time. Look out for talks and workshops from experts and artists. Tickets are free.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Saturday 27 April
Check out the Hassan Hajjaj exhibition in AlUla
The Moroccan photographer, Hassan Hajjaj, turns his lens on AlUla. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic desert landscape, the outdoor exhibition shares portraits and stories from the local community. The self-taught artist is best known for his shots of the streets in Marrakesh. Tickets are free.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 28 April
Watch the new family-friendly film Black Dragon
The family fantasy film Black Dragon follows Kaka. His body is invaded by an evil force, which has the power to destroy the entire world. Black Dragon, Princess Nini, Chief Baragon and Bearly work with Kaka to defend the land. The story follows them across parallel universes, as they aim to remove dark forces.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 29 April
Check out the new Bohemia Café and Records in Riyadh
Bohemia Café and Records has opened in Riyadh and brings together art, coffee and vinyl records. Located in a warehouse in the JAX District, the team buy and sell vinyl records. The café serves Americano, Boheme Latte, Cortardo and more. Plus, there are live music nights.
GO: Visit https://bohemiaartcafe.com for more information.
Tuesday 30 April
Visit the In The Night art exhibition in JAX District
What do you do when the sun sets? In the Night at Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art explores this question. Running from 15 February to 20 May, it is all about the night, and how people spend the time between sunset and sunrise. The show brings together more than 30 local and international artists from Argentina, Croatia, France, India, Japan, Morocco, Pakistan and Tunisia.
GO: Visit https://dc.moc.gov.sa for more information.
