Catch the F1, films and fine dining experiences.
Saudi Arabia is filled with things to do in March. Sporting stars come to the Kingdom, from boxing matches to Formula One. The month marks the start of Ramadan, and sees iftars, suhoors and special tents popping up across the city. Here are the best things to do in March.
Friday 1 March
Get moving at Sand Clash 2024 in Riyadh
On your marks, get set, Sand Clash. The event and tournament aim to get the capital moving. The event promotes fitness and spreads awareness about health and physical fitness. Tickets start from SAR 30.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 2 March
It’s your last chance to catch AlUla Arts Festival
Now in its third edition, AlUla Arts Festival boasts a program of events, exhibitions, and creative initiatives. The exhibitions across the city include AlUla 1445 in Old Town, Desert X AlUla with 15 new works and Oasis Stories installation.
GO: Visit experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 3 March
It’s the final day to see Imagine Picasso
Pablo Picasso’s artwork has been shown across the world. Now, he is making his debut in Saudi Arabia with the exhibition, Imagine Picasso. The exhibition takes place at Laysen Valley, and spans from his Blue and Rose period to pieces from the Cubist and Surrealist movements. The curators have used state-of-the-art technology, large-scale projections, lighting techniques and a special soundtrack to make you feel like you are stepping into a magical masterpiece.
GO: Visit https://dc.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Monday 4 March
Head to Echoing the Land in Riyadh
Misk Art Institute presents Echoing the Land, which brings together 20 Saudi Arabian artists. Spanning 54 artworks, from 1959 to 1989, the artists explore the country’s varied landscapes, urban settings and traditional architecture. The exhibition runs until 7 March.
GO: Visit https://miskartinstitute.org for more information.
Tuesday 5 March
Join Ithra Readers Club in Riyadh
Ithra hosts a reading club each month. Each book has been chosen by the Ithra Library committee. In March, the session explores The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. The session takes place between 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.
Wednesday 6 March
Head down to Yanbu Flower Festival
Get your cameras ready. One of the world’s most beautiful festivals is in full bloom in Saudi Arabia. Yanbu Flower Festival runs from 15 February to 9 March. This year’s edition looks set to be a record-breaking event with the largest flower basket in the world, and the largest display of flowers writing a word.
GO: Visit https://yanbuflowerfestival.com.sa for more information.
Thursday 7 March
Catch the electronic music show, Resonance in Riyadh
Put your hands in the air, Riyadh. The international star Juliette Fox is making her first visit to the country, and is bringing sharing her techno sounds. The lineup also includes Julian Mesa, Mania, Moses and Noa. The show takes place at Anghami Lab and tickets start from SAR 350.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 8 March
Catch sports stars at Knockout Chaos Boxing
Riyadh, here’s a knockout event. Riyadh Season brings Knockout Chaos Boxing to the capital, and sees Antony Joshua take on Francis Ngannou. Antony is a British boxer who previously held the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation titles. Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist and boxer. He has competed in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and was the UFC Heavyweight Champion.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Saturday 9 March
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 races into Jeddah
Saudi, start your engines. The Formula One STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place from 7 to 9 March. The event brings together the world’s fastest drivers, and runs across the spectacular Jeddah circuit. Tickets are available now.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudiarabiangp.com for more information.
Sunday 10 March
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.
Monday 11 March
Head to Smar’s winter destination
Located in Diriyah, Riyadh, Smar combines entertainment with recreation. The family-friendly space includes activities for all ages, and a chance to experience the heritage site in a different light. The experience runs from 1 January to 11 March, and tickets start from SAR 40.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Tuesday 12 March
Spend Ramadan at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh’s Fawanees Experience creates an idyllic iftar. The tent is adorned with lanterns, and can hold up to 1,800 guests. The classic dishes include Jellab, Kamer El Dine and Tamer Hindy. Plus, there is a dedicated family-friendly area with children’s activities. The all-inclusive package starts from SAR 475 or guests, and the iftar runs from 5pm to 9pm. The iftar runs from 10 March to 9 April.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Wednesday 13 March
Break your fast at LPM Restaurant & Café Riyadh
The French Mediterranean LPM Restaurant & Café Riyadh has launched a special iftar menu. The experience starts with a drink, dates and soup. The starters include Burrata with Tomatoes and Basil, and Green Lentil Salad with Apple and Burnt Tomatoes. The mains include Fusilli Pasta with Prawns, Grilled Veal Rib Eye ad Sea Bream Provençal Style. The iftar menu is served from 6pm, and starts from SAR 250 per person. The suhoor a la carte menu is served from 9.30pm to 1.30am.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com/riyadh for more information.
Thursday 14 March
Take to Riyadh’s largest terrace
Nestled in U Walk. Huqqa Riyadh is renowned for serving the finest Turkish breakfast alongside a diverse international menu. Offering stunning views of Riyadh’s skyline, Huqqa features the capital’s largest terrace filled with verdant foliage and sprawling pools. Tuck into steaks and Turkish kebabs complemented by luxurious shisha flavours and exquisite mocktails. Huqqa Riyadh is open daily from 8am to 1am.
GO: Visit https://huqqa.com for reservations and more information.
Friday 15 March
Watch Linsday Lohan in a new Netflix film
New York-born and now Dubai-based Lindsay Lohan is starring in Irish Wish. This marks her second Netflix original film, and was shot in Ireland. The romantic comedy also stars Ed Speelers and Alexander Vlahos.
GO: Visit www.netflix.com for more information.
Saturday 16 March
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, which 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.
Sunday 17 March
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.
Monday 18 March
Catch One Life in the cinema
British greats including Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter and Jonathan Pryce star in this World War Two drama. The story follows Sir Nicholas’ Nicky’ Winton, and how he rescues 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.
GO: Visit https://voxcinemas.com for more information.
Tuesday 19 March
Climb the new Via Ferrata and Canyon Hammock in AlUla
Do you have an adventurous streak? We dare you to try the newly opened Via Ferrata and Canyon Hammock in AlUla. The experience begins with a climb up the mountain, ariel walks and obstacle courses. Once you have reached 200 metres high, you will be between two cliffs. The hammock net awaits and you will be able to, well, hang out.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Wednesday 20 March
Shop at Qilada Fine Jewellery in Jeddah’s new flagship store
Get ready to be dazzled. Qilada Fine Jewellery proudly opened its doors in Jeddah. Founded in 2012 by Fatima Ficociello, the brand has come a long way, and this launch in Al Basateen Mall is a testament to its evolution. The latest collection ranges from necklaces to bracelets.
GO: Follow @qilada on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 21 March
Visit the new 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.
Friday 22 March
It’s the final day to experience Boulevard World
Riyadh Season has a range of exciting events. Boulevard World is a family-friendly zone with entertainment themed around travelling, exploring and playing. Visit the largest man-made lake, and wonders inspired from around the world. Tickets start from SAR 29 for the weekdays and SAR 58 for the weekend, and the zone is open until 22 March.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Saturday 23 March
Catch the Bollywood blockbuster Shaitaan in the cinema
Bollywood fans will be excited to see the return of Ajay Devgn. The actor stars in Shaitaan, which sees a family friendly weekend turn into a nightmare. When a mysterious stranger turns up, the family are forced to confront their worst fears.
GO: Visit https://voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 24 March
Visit AOK Kitchen Riyadh’s pop-up at Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
AOK Kitchen Riyadh’s pop-up is a popping place. The breakfast dishes include fluffy pancakes served with berries, organic maple syrup and coconut Chantilly cream, and the all-day dining highlights range from handmade gluten-free gnocchi to tender sirloin tagliata. The pop-up runs from 24 February to 24 May.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Monday 25 March
Check into AlUla’s new hotel, Dar Tantora
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.
Tuesday 26 March
Head to Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is back. Led by Artistic Director, Ute Meta Bauer, it brings together local and international artists and architecture. The event showcases how art is developed with a strong focus on collaborations, conversation and connections between communities. The participants include musicians, restaurateurs and traders. The event runs from 20 February to 24 May.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Wednesday 27 March
Catch the exhibition Etel Adnan, Between East and West
Ithra, The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, in Riyadh is hosting the art exhibition, Etel Adnan, Between East and West. The exhibition is a retrospective of the American Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher Etel Adnan. Plus, the show has been curated by Dr. Sébastien Delot.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.
Thursday 28 March
Camp at the new experience, Riyadh Exit
There’s a new camping experience in the capital. Riyadh Exit has launched as part of Riyadh Season, and offers camping under the stars. If you want to get back to basics – but in style – the site gives camping a luxurious upgrade. Located 45 minutes from northwest Riyadh, it includes an Arabic-inspired setting, and boasts Najdi-style features, from traditional carpets to huts.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Friday 29 March
Visit NEOM‘s first hotel
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.
Saturday 30 March
Visit 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.
Sunday 31 March
Get your game on at a new WWE Experience
Wrestling fans will be excited to hear that a WWE attraction is opening in Riyadh. The WWE Experience has opened for Riyadh Season. The legendary wrestler, The Undertaker, was seen going on a tour of the venue. The different rooms with different themes include historical photos, motorcycles and a life-size ring.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
