Make the most of the leap year with football, film and festivals.
Saudi Arabia is brimming with brilliant events. Whether you’re after boxing or boats, films or football, there’s something for everyone. February marks Saudi Founding Day, and 2024 is also a leap year. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in February.
Thursday 1 February
Catch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s all kicking off in Riyadh. The footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are heading to the capital. The pair will play at Riyadh Season Cup, which sees Inter Miami take on Al Nassr. Tickets start from SAR 375.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Friday 2 February
Check out the boats at the UIM E1 World Championship
Jeddah is home to spectacular shores. During the UIM E1 World Championship, the city comes alive. The first event takes place on 2 and 3 February and is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship. Tickets to the event are free.
GO: Visit www.e1series.com for more information.
Saturday 3 February
It’s your last chance to catch the AlUla Tour
AlUla Tour races into the dramatic desert. Running from 30 January to 3 February, it brings together cyclists. The trail covers Sharaan Nature Reserve to Harrat Viewpoint and goes past monuments from Hegra to Maraya.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 4 February
Watch the new film Cult Killer
Get ready for the twists and turns in Cult Killer. The mystery movie follows a private investigator who is forced into a dangerous alliance with a killer. He aims to uncover a crime and is implicated in the crimes. The film stars Antonio Banderas, Alice Eve and Shelley Hennig.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 5 February
Eat out at Mashi no Mashi’s new pop-up
Mashi no Mashi means to eat more and more in Japanese. The brand’s tagline, slurp like a boss, is a testament to its mission. Now, the fun restaurant has opened a pop-up in Jeddah. The ramen bar includes brilliant bowls of Jiro-style wagyu ramen. Get slurping.
GO: Visit www.mashinomashi.com for more information.
Tuesday 6 February
Treat yourself at the newly opened CROME
The London restaurant CROME, which is famed for its French toast, has opened in Saudi Arabia. Located in Riyadh Park Mall, the restaurant serves sweet and savoury French toast. The sweet options include The Choco-Holic, The Crunchy Salted Caramel, and The Lotus and Caramelised Banana. The savoury options include Eggs Florentine Brioche, Eggs Royale Brioche, and Smashed Avocado Brioche.
GO: Visit www.cromelondon.com for more information.
Wednesday 7 February
Sing along to the sounds at the Riyadh International Jazz Festival
Do you know your Amy Winehouse from your Aretha Franklin? Jazz enthusiasts will be excited about the first Riyadh International Jazz Festival. Running from 7 to 9 February, the event brings together international as well as local acts. The line-up includes Chaka Khan, Kokoroko and The Cat Empire. Plus, Saudi Arabia’s own Fulana and Garwasha. Tickets start from SAR 120.
GO: Visit https://dc.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Thursday 8 February
Watch the Oscar-nominated The Color Purple
The Color Purple has gone from stage to screen, and screen again. The latest adaptation has been produced by Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones. The coming-of-age story follows Celie, who is torn apart from her sister and suffers from an abusive husband. The film stars Taraji P Henson, Halle Bailey and Danielle Brooks.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 9 February
Dance the night away with Groove on The Grass
Get into the groove, Saudi Arabia. The music festival, Groove on The Grass, is coming to Riyadh. Taking place on 9 February in Al Ammariyah, it looks set to be an exciting event, and brings together local as well as international acts. Tickets start from SAR 250.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 10 February
Cheer on the runners at the Riyadh Marathon
On your marks, get set, run. The Riyadh Marathon is running in the city, and includes four races: a 42-, 21-, 10- and four-kilometre run. Cheer on the runners, and make the most of the fitness activities. The Marathon Village will be a hub for activities and food stalls. Tickets start from SAR 59.
GO: Visit https://suffix.events for more information.
Sunday 11 February
Visit The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup brings together man and horse. Running from 10 to 11 February, the event sees riders navigate 120 kilometres in AlUla. The race brings together 200 riders from around the world, and looks set to be a thrilling event.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Monday 12 February
Admire artists at AlUla Arts Festival
Get your art fix at AlUla Arts Festival. The event runs from 9 February to 2 March and includes world-class exhibitions. The event includes the interactive experience, Desert X AlUla, and Wadi AlFann presents Manal AlDowayan. The More than Meets the Eye exhibition takes place at Maraya, and showcases Saudi Arabian artists.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Tuesday 13 February
Dine at the newly opened Somewhere in AlUla
The Arabic meets Mediterranean restaurant Somewhere expanded across the Middle East. The restaurant opened in AlUla’s Oasis Farm, and pays homage to flavours from around the world. The menu includes Beetroot Rice, Kale Tabouli Salad and Wagyu Baos. Plus, sweet treats from baklava to layered cakes.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Wednesday 14 February
Order the Brigitte Bardot dessert at LPM Riyadh
LPM Riyadh is one of the most stylish spots in Riyadh. The restaurant has created a decadent dessert inspired by French actress, Brigitte Bardot, the Orange Blossom Diplomat Cream. The dish can be paired with the drink, Rosé Champagne Colada. The dessert is available between 14 to 29 February.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Thursday 15 February
Watch world greats at Riyadh Golf Club
Chiara Noja, Georgia Hall and Lexi Thompson are just some of the golfers you can see at Aramco Saudi Ladies International. Running from 15 to 18 February, the event takes place at Riyadh Golf Club. The event also includes entertainment and food stalls.
GO: Follow @aramcoladiesint on Instagram for more information.
Friday 16 February
Experience the Super Brunch at Al Faisaliah Hotel
Start your weekend off in style. The Super Brunch takes place in Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh every Friday and runs from 1pm to 5pm. The restaurant includes eight live cooking stations, and a range of cuisines. Diners can dig into buffets, BBQ stations and personalised pizzas. The family-friendly entertainment includes live music, face painting and a magician. The brunch starts from SAR 397 for adults and SAR 198 for children.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Saturday 17 February
Witness boxing history with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk
The Ring of Fire match sees Tyson Fury take on Oleksandr Usyk. Taking place on 17 February, it will be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Fury hails from Manchester, England, and he has represented both England and Ireland during his career. Usyk is from Simferopol, Ukraine. He is considered one of the country’s greatest boxers, and has held the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts. Tickets start from SAR 175.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 18 February
Watch the Saudi Pro League
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Saudi Pro League at The Terrace in Radisson Blu Hotel, Convention and Exhibition Center. Catch all of the high-octane matches as you soak up the electrifying energy and cheer alongside fellow football fanatics. Fuel your football fever with special deals on food, beverages and shisha.
GO: Call 011 215 4444 for reservations and more information.
Monday 19 February
Check into Neom’s first-ever hotel
Saudi Arabia’s Neom is making history with its state-of-the-art approach to urban living. Now, it has opened its first hotel, Hampton by Hilton Sharma. The hotel is home to 201 rooms and covers 8,200 square metres. Guests at the hotel can enjoy breakfast at The Hub, swim laps at the outdoor swimming pool, work up a sweat at the 24-hour fitness centre or relax in the games room.
GO: Visit www.neom.com for more information.
Tuesday 20 February
Check out the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
Diriyah is getting its art fix. Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale runs from 20 February to 24 May and is held in JAX Diriyah. The After Rain event features 92 artists from 43 countries. Plus, there are 30 artists from the Middle East, and Saudi Arabian artists including Asma Bahmim and Abdulrahman Al Soliman.
GO: Follow @biennale_sa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 21 February
Sleep under the starts at Riyadh Exit
Pack your bags, Riyadh. There’s a new camping experience in the capital. Riyadh Exit has launched as part of Riyadh Season, and offers camping under the stars. The camping options range from traditional tents to glamping getaways. The Arabic-inspired setting boasts Najdi-style features, from carpets to huts. Tickets start from SAR 5,000.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Thursday 22 February
Celebrate Saudi Founding Day
Happy Saudi Founding Day. On 22 February, the Kingdom gets into a celebratory spirit, and marks the day that the country was founded. In 1727, the first state was founded to create what we know as modern-day Saudi Arabia. Each year, special events include fireworks, parades and shows.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Friday 23 February
Visit The Saudi Cup in Riyadh
The Saudi Cup gallops into Riyadh. Running from 23 to 24 February, the event is held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. The world’s leading racehorses and jockeys battle it out at the prestigious race. The championship is the richest race in the world, and boasts a $20 million prize purse. Tickets are available now.
GO: Visit https://thesaudicup.com.sa for more information.
Saturday 24 February
Test yourself at Tough Mudder Infinity in AlUla
On the double. Tough Mudder Infinity in AlUla is inspired by military obstacle courses. Starting from 24 February, the event is the first Infinity race to take place outside of North America. The eight-hour competition includes laps and loops, which range from five to 10 kilometres. Tickets start from SAR 400.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 25 February
Watch the new Bob Marley: One Love movie
Bob Marley’s life and music come to life in the new biopic. Bob Marley: One Love looks at the singer’s message of love and unity. Produced in partnership with the Marley family, the film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 26 February
Book at stay at the new Dar Tantora Hotel in AlUla
Dar Tantora Hotel has opened in AlUla’s Old Town. Operated by Kerten Hospitality, the hotel draws inspiration from the surrounding area. The repurposed mud brick building features 30 rooms and boasts traditional décor. Wake up next to history.
GO: Visit www.dartantora.co for more information.
Tuesday 27 February
Let the good times roll at AlUla on Wheels
Saudi, there’s an exciting event rolling into the Kingdom. AlUla on Wheels runs until 27 April, and is a fun-filled experience for the family. Taking place in Al Jadidah district, it brings feel-good nostalgia with its roller skating and superb soundtrack. Look out for DJ nights.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Wednesday 28 February
Spend the night at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
Six Senses Southern Dunes is officially open – and FACT were one the first to visit. Home to 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas, the hotel is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the dramatic dunes and wonderful wadi. Designed by Foster+Partners, it is 45 minutes from the Red Sea International Airport.
GO: Visit www.sixsenses.com for more information.
Thursday 29 February
Indulge in Fairmont Riyadh’s new spa menu
You’ve made it to the end of the week and month. Treat yourself to a special spa experience at Fairmont Riyadh. The five-star hotel has unveiled its new spa menu, and it includes manicures, massages and more. The venue also includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment and health professionals.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
