Football, food and film – here’s how to spend the month.
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 Saudi Arabia in September.
Sunday 1 September
Catch the last of Aseer Season
Aseer Season is filled with exciting events. Running until 1 September, it includes food stalls, pop-up shops and entertainment. Located among the beautiful mountains and forests, it also boasts cooler temperatures. Now, these lush landscapes have gotten more exciting, thanks to a range of family-friendly events.
GO: Visit https://saudievents.sa for more information.
Monday 2 September
Visit Echoes of Shells at Hayy Jameel
Echoes of Shells: Sounds of the Red Sea with Nouf Abdulkarim & FLEE Project showcases the beauty of sound. Running from 1 to 7 September, the exhibition and workshops explore sounds in everyday life, across animals, music and the city.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Tuesday 3 September
Eat at the newly opened SUSHISAMBA
The internationally acclaimed SUSHISAMBA has made its debut Riyadh. Located in King Abdullah Financial District, it blends together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures and cuisines. The menu will showcase SUSHISAMBA’s signature dishes, including the Brazilian churrasco, Japanese tempura, Peruvian anticuchos, and a colourful selection of sushi and seviches.
GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 4 September
Elevate your self-care game
Spend a day dedicated to relaxation and recovery at Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center’s wellness hub. For just SAR 450 guests can enjoy access to an indoor swimming pool and invigorating steam and sauna facilities. The state-of-the-art gym equipment invites a satisfying workout, with options for personal training sessions and swimming lessons tailored to your needs. After breaking a sweat, indulge in soothing massage treatments starting from just SAR 90. Whether you’re looking to tone up, unwind, or simply indulge in self-care, B-Shred Wellness Club has everything you need.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Thursday 5 September
Spend your evening trying A.O.K Kitchen’s new menu
A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh has bought a touch of California and the Mediterranean to the capital. The new Summer Night menu draws inspiration from the brand’s European roots. Dishes include Warm Octopus Salad with new potatoes, herbs, olives and capers; and Risotto Primavera with crispy tempura vegetables. The menu starts from SAR 119 per person.
GO: Follow @aokkitchensaudi on Instagram for more information.
Friday 6 September
Dig into The Jeddah EDITION’s Summer Brunch
The Jeddah EDITION has unveiled a Summer Brunch. Located on the Jeddah Corniche, the menu has been created in celebration of Jeddah Season. The French-Asian restaurant Maritime offers a three-course menu, which starts from SAR 180 per person, and The Summer Brunch menu starts from SAR 250 per person.
GO: Visit www.editionhotels.com for more information.
Saturday 7 September
Make the most of staycation offers at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh
Fairmont Hotel Riyadh has unveiled its summer packages. Endless Summer Memories offers 15 per cent off breakfast for a minimum of two nights stays. Bookings must be made before 15 September, and it’s available for stays until 30 December.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Sunday 8 September
Try House of Grill’s Business Lunch
House of Grill in Fairmont Hotel Riyadh takes you back to the Roaring Twenties. The fine dining steakhouse showcases fresh meat and prime cuts, and a chef’s table experience. From Sunday to Thursday, it offers a Business Lunch deal, which starts from SAR 225 for a two-course lunch and SAR 275 for a three-course lunch.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Monday 9 September
Eat out at MANKO Jeddah’s new restaurant
The original MANKO can be found in Paris, France. The restaurant is located at Avenue Montaigne and is a sultry spot. The Jeddah venue is a sophisticated spot. The food 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.
Tuesday 10 September
Catch Saad Eloud in Jeddah
Enjoy a night of classic Arabic tunes with Saad Eloud. Saad hails from Egypt, and will be heading to Jeddah. The concert takes place on 10 September at The Club – Al Shallal. Tickets are available now and start from SAR 176.
GO: Visit https://jeddah.platinumlist.net for more information.
Wednesday 11 September
Grab a smashed burger at the new OKLA
It’s rare that a rapper becomes a restaurateur. Mutah Beale was one of the founding members of the Tupac-led rap group, Outlawz. He is behind the smashed burger concept, OKLA. The menu features the Oklahoma onion-smashed burger with American cheese and special sauce.
GO: Follow @oklaburger1 on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 12 September
Shop until you drop
Footwear and accessories retailer ALDO has launched its ALDO Sport Club collection just in time for the back-to-school season. This fresh lineup of styles is inspired by ALDO’s iconic A/heart symbol. Standout pieces include retro-inspired sneakers, headlined by the MOTION X sneaker. Designed for active living, it features a shock-absorbing sole for a perfect bounce, breathable engineered knits, and lightweight ALDO Pillow Walk™ cushioning.
GO: Visit www.aldoshoes.com for more information.
Friday 13 September
Catch Al Nassr play Al Ahli
Football fans can see legendary sports stars in action in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Pro League match takes place on 13 September. Al Nassr’s most famous player is the Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo – and here’s your chance to catch him in action.
GO: Visit www.alnassrfcsa.com for more information.
Saturday 14 September
Catch Perfumes of the East at the National Museum
The National Museum is hosting Perfumes of the East. Running until 14 September, it explores the history of perfume civilisation. Discover how certain fragrances have been held in high esteem, and the ones that are deeply rooted in Arab society.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 15 September
Last chance to join Fenaa Hayy at Hayy Jameel
Running until 15 September, Fenaa Hayy will feature a programme of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs over the course of two months. The space at Hayy Jameel will give space to pop-up eateries, cosy co-working spots and a line-up of thematic events that will keep you engaged and inspired.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Monday 16 September
Catch Al Nassr play Al Shorta
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo hit the headlines when he moved to Saudi Arabia. Catch the Al Nassr forward in action, as he plays a game as part of the AFC Champions League Elite on 16 September.
GO: Visit www.alnassrfcsa.com for more information.
Tuesday 17 September
Dine among royal memorabilia in Faseelah in Jeddah
Faseelah offers breakfast with a regal twist. Umm Mohammed is behind the concept in Jeddah, which was born from her passion for the past. The décor includes a collection of royal items. The highlights include King Abdullah’s shoes and sunglasses, King Faisal’s portrait, King Naif’s taxidermy falcons, and King Salman’s travel bag.
GO: Follow @faseelah_breakfast on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 18 September
Watch Fontana in Riyadh
Cirque Du Liban’s Fontana made a splash in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and hopes to do the same in Riyadh. Running from 18 to 28 September at Nakheel Mall, the troupe will combine spectacular stunts with amazing aerialists. Expect theatrics from a dancing musical fountain to motorcycle stunts.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 19 September
Dance the night away at AZIMUTH
Saudi Arabia is turning up the volume. AZIMUTH in AlUla has announced its dates, and it will be running from 19 to 21 September. The first day incudes Amine K, Ben Bohmer, Daddybisht, Eli & Fur, Ghostly Kisses and The Blaze.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Friday 20 September
Catch James Blake in AlUla
James Blake is heading to AlUla for AZIMUTH. In 2009, the British singer and songwriter released his debut record, Air & Lack Therof. Over his career, he has worked as a songwriter and in production for other artists, including Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. He has also won two Grammy Awards and the Mercury Prize.
GO: Visit experiencealula.com for more information.
Saturday 21 September
Binge on burgers at the newly opened BeKaBo
The taste of Southwestern America has landed in Saudi Arabia. BeKaBo has opened in Al Wadi, Riyadh, and prides itself on offering an authentic American experience. Burgers include the Ambassador Burger with crispy fried chicken, kimchi pickles, and coleslaw; Shaheen Burger with Black Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes; and Wagyu Burger with Wagyu brisket, caramelised onions, and rocket leaves.
GO: Follow @bekaboeats on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 22 September
Watch Al Hazem play Al Nassr
It’s not often you get to see legendary footballers in action. In Saudi Arabia, however, it’s becoming commonplace. Watch Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al Nassr as part of the Saudi King’s Cup.
GO: Visit www.alnassrfcsa.com for more information.
Monday 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 94th 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.
Tuesday 24 September
Grab a slice of 911 Pizza in Riyadh
Pizza fans, it’s time to grab a slice or three of 911 Pizza. Located in As Sulaimanyah, Riyadh, the casual contemporary spot specialises in Chicago-style pizzas. The team prides itself on the pizzas, which are reminiscent of Chicago’s pizzerias. The tavern-style, party-cut pizza boasts a circular shape and a thin, crispy crust. The toppings are spread right to the edge, and the pizza is cut into squares rather than triangles.
GO: Follow @911pizzasa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 25 September
Dine at the first Em Sherif Sea Café in Saudi Arabia
Located in Laysen Valley, Em Sherif Sea Cafe is a tribute to Lebanon’s historic ties to the Mediterranean world. This new restaurant boasts a special seafood spin including a catch of the day. There is also selection of cold and hot mezze, including traditional delicacies and contemporary dishes.
GO: Visit https://emsherifcafe.sa for more information.
Thursday 26 September
See the skies with AlUla Skies Festival 2024
It’s time to go up, up and away. AlUla Skies Festival 2024 is taking off and celebrates the sky. Whether you fancy seeing the skies from a hot air balloon or helicopter ride, you’ll feel like you’re on cloud nine. Running from 26 September, it is packed with memorable experiences. Go on, look up.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Friday 27 September
Catch the new movie The Wild Robot
Go on an animated adventure with The Wild Robot. Follow the robot, ROZZUM unit 7134, as it’s shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. It must learn to adapt to the new surroundings and build a relationship with the animals on the island. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara and Lupita Nyong’o.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Saturday 28 September
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 29 September
Dine at the newly opened Jon and Vinny’s
Jon and Vinny’s, hailing from Los Angeles, California, has opened in Al Dabbab, Riyadh. The concept brings Italian cuisine to the Kingdom. Created by the friends, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the aim is to make Italian food that is reminiscent of nonnas – aka Italian grandmas. The pizzas include a Breakfast Pizza 2.0 with potato, egg and red onion; La Woman with local burrata, tomato basil and olive oil; and The Rosy with tomato and olive oil crust.
GO: Visit www.jonandvinnysksa.com for more information.
Monday 30 September
Buy the new Al Nassr and adidas football jersey
Saudi Arabian football team Al Nassr has partnered with adidas, and dropped a new home jersey for the 24/25 season. The jersey celebrates the football legacy of the club, and features the club’s iconic yellow base with blue details. Plus, it includes the slogan: “Nassr runs in my blood”.
GO: Visit www.adidas.sa for more information.
