30 joyful things to do this June in Saudi Arabia
Whether you’re after boxing, bakeries or burger joints, here are the best things to do in the Kingdom.
Hello Saudi, hello June. The new month means new events across sports, screens and showbiz. The events include blockbuster boxing, fantastic films and marvellous menus. Plus, Eid Al Adha takes place, and sees celebrations across the country. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in June. Saudi, we’ve got your back.
Saturday 1 June
Watch the 5 vs 5 Riyadh Season Boxing Tournament
Saudi Arabia is becoming known for hosting blockbuster boxing events. Now, it is set to host the 5 vs 5 Riyadh Season Boxing Tournament. Taking place at the Kingdom Arena on 1 June, the event welcomes fighters from Matchroom and Queensberry. The line-up includes Artur Beterbiev against Dmitry Bivol and Nick Ball against Ray Ford.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Sunday 2 June
Visit the Ladies’ Day at Mangrove Resort in Jeddah
Calling all ladies. Mangroves Resort has launched its Ladies’ Day, which runs until 30 June. The offer includes a welcome drink and food. The facilities include a ladies’ gym and spa, bowling alley, football pitch and more. Tickets start from SAR 201.
GO: Visit https://jeddah.platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 3 June
Try the new business lunch menu at Mr Chow in Riyadh
Give lunch an upgrade and head to the celebrity favourite, Mr Chow. Located in KAFD, Riyadh, the restaurant has launched a new business lunch menu. The menu includes Chicken Satay, Lobster Shumai, and Salt and Pepper Prawns. The menu starts from SAR 159 for two courses, and is served daily between midday to 5.30pm.
GO: Visit www.mrchow.com for more information.
Tuesday 4 June
Visit the Perfume of the East exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi National Museum has opened Perfumes of the Middle East. Located in Riyadh, the exhibition explores the link between scents and the region. The exhibition brings together 200 items and looks back at the art, history and traditions of perfume making. Tickets start from SAR 29, and the exhibition runs until 14 September.
GO: Visit https://dc.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Wednesday 5 June
Check out the newly opened Forno Del Buffone in Riyadh
What do you know about Italian food? Well, Forno Del Buffone in Riyadh asks diners to put aside their preconceptions. Located in Al Nakheel, it includes freshly baked pizzas hot from the wood-fired oven and daily-made pasta that tastes like a trip to Italy.
GO: Follow @fornodelbuffone on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 6 June
Watch Bad Boys: Ride or Die in the cinema
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back with Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The film, directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, sees the Miami cops on the run. The cast also includes Jacob Scipio, Vanessa Hudgens and Eric Dane. FACT’s Editor-in-Chief has already seen the film, which he says ups the comedic antics of the dynamic duo.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 7 June
Party the night away on Praia Beach
Soak up the sea, sand and sounds. As the sunsets, the volume is turned up on Praia Beach. The DJs include Bkr, Blacky, Chills and Marien Baker. The event starts at 8pm and finishes at 3.30am. Tickets start from SAR 181.
GO: Visit https://jeddah.platinumlist.net for more information.
Saturday 8 June
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 9 June
Eat your way around Via Riyadh’s restaurants
Via Riyadh is the new luxury destination that keeps on giving. The venue boasts celebrity chefs, world-famous fashion brands, and a five-star hotel – The St. Regis Riyadh, no less. We’re big fans of the 17 restaurants, which range from the legendary Wolfgang Puck’s Spago to the rising star Hisato Hamada’s Wagyumafia and the FACT award-winning Gymkhana.
GO: Visit www.viariyadh.com for more information.
Monday 10 June
Visit teamLab Borderless Jeddah on the opening day
teamLab Borderless Jeddah is breaking boundaries with its new experience. Opening on 10 June, the event includes experiential artwork and cutting-edge technology. Explore 80 artworks in interactive galleries, from 3D environments to immersive installations. Tickets start from SAR 450.
GO: Visit www.teamlab.art for more information.
Tuesday 11 June
Eat out at the new Japanese restaurant Ricci San
Chopsticks at the ready. The Japanese restaurant, Ricci San, has opened in Jeddah. Located on Jeddah Promenade, the menu spans sushi, sashimi and catch of the day, and the drinks showcase Japanese flavours.
GO: Visit https://ricci-san.com for more information.
Wednesday 12 June
Book a table at the new restaurant MANKO in Jeddah
Peruvian meets Asian at the new restaurant, MANKO. The original MANKO can be found in Paris, France, and it has made its debut in Saudi Arabia on Jeddah Walk. The menu showcases a fusion of flavours. The options cover antichuchos, ceviche, ensalada, manko rolls, nigiri, para picar, sashimi, tiraditors and more.
GO: Follow @manko.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 13 June
Treat yourself at the new Montblanc Suite 4810
The Kingdom Centre in Riyadh is home to a range of shops, from luxury fashion to home items. Now, the Montblanc Suite 4810 has come to the capital. Spanning 2,600 feet, the high-end boutique is home to a range of accessories, bags, fragrances, stationery and watches. The venue includes the brand’s latest collection, which is presented elegantly across the store. Plus, it is home to a gift corner, pantry and VIP Room.
GO: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Friday 14 June
Celebrate the Year of the Camel at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Did you know that 2024 was the Year of the Camel? To mark the occasion, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, has launched a special menu. La Brasserie’s dishes include a Camel Kabsa, and The Globe’s dishes include a Camel Loin Pithiver. Executive Chef Ahmed Fazli Abdulrahman, explained: “This exclusive menu is our tribute to the nationwide celebration. With the launch of our ‘Year of the Camel’ dishes, we are delighted to play a leading role in encouraging guests to explore and appreciate the exquisite gourmet creations that can be crafted from camel meat and camel milk products.”
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Saturday 15 June
Celebrate Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on 15 June and could contain a three-day public holiday. If that is the case, Saudi Arabia is expected to get 16 to 19 June off of work. Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmail. The festival observes how Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmail, as an act of obedience to Allah. However, before the sacrifice took place, Allah stopped Ibrahim and he was given a lamb to kill in his son’s place. The holiday is celebrated during Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to Makkah.
GO: Visit www.my.gov.sa for more information.
Sunday 16 June
Sign up for Hiking in the Sunset in AlUla
If you’re after an adventure, then head to Hiking in the Sunset in AlUla. The event runs until 30 September, and takes place in the dramatic landscape. Visitors will be able to join a guided three-hour hike, which starts at 4:30pm. Tickets start from SAR 265.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Monday 17 June
Hiking under the stars
Hiking Under the Stars in AlUla runs until 30 September, and takes place in the deserts and canyons surrounding the ancient city. Visitors will be able to join a guided three-hour hike across four kilometres. Tickets start from SAR 265.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Tuesday 18 June
Check into the new Radisson Hotel and Residence Riyadh Olaya
If you’re looking for a way to spend Eid Al Adha, how about a special staycation. Radisson Hotel and Residence Riyadh Olaya has recently opened and is located in Al Yasmin. The hotel includes 201 guest rooms and apartments, plus a fitness centre, pool and spa.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Wednesday 19 June
Unwind at the new Kayanee wellness store
If you need some me-time, head to the newly opened Kayanee wellness store. Located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, it offers stylish and supportive fitness clothing that is on-trend, high-quality, and modest.
GO: Visit https://kayanee.com for more information.
Thursday 20 June
Watch the Saudi Arabian film Norah
It’s not often that Saudi Arabia is showcased onscreen. Norah is set in the Kingdom during the 1990s, and follows a teacher who arrives in a small village. The film stars Maria Bahrawi and Abdullah Al Sadhan.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 21 June
Get swept away by the restaurants at Jeddah Yacht Club
If you want to stay up to date with the latest dining trends, then head over to Jeddah Yacht Club. The trendy area is home to the Italian restaurant Le Vésuvio, Brooklyn pizza place Emmy Squared, French restaurant Le Comptoir de Nicole, Japanese eatery Mashi No Mashi and Vietnamese hotspot Crustacean. You are spoilt for choice.
GO: Visit https://restaurants.coolinc.com.sa for more information.
Saturday 22 June
Catch UFC Fight Night in Riyadh
Saudi is ready to rumble. UFC Fight Night takes place on 22 June at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. The headliners include Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. The line-up also includes Sergei Pavlovich against Alexander Volkov, and Johnny Walker against Volkan Oezdemir.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.sa for more information.
Sunday 23 June
Work out at the newly opened KARVE Pilates in Jeddah
Start the week off with a sweat at KARVE Pilates. Located in Jeddah, the newly opened venue offers 50-minute workouts, from low to high intensity. The classes include Reformer Pilates, which focuses on building slow-twitch muscle fibres, promoting increased strength and boosting the metabolism.
GO: Follow @karve.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 24 June
Check out the new burger joint OKLA
It’s not often that you hear of a rapper turned restauranteur. Mutah Beale was previously part of Tupac’s rap group, Outlawz. He converted to Islam and moved to Saudi Arabia and is behind a range of restaurants. His latest is OKLA, which specialises in smash burgers.
GO: Follow @oklaburger1 on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 25 June
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.
Wednesday 26 June
Visit the recently opened Bundt Bakery in Jeddah
Jeddah, we have some freshly baked news. Bundt Bakery has expanded from Riyadh to Jeddah. Located in The Village Mall, Al Asalah, it prides itself on its classic bundt cakes. Options include Dates Chocolate Nut Cake, Lemon Raspberry Cake and Vintage Carrots Vanilla Cake. Plus, they come in mini bundt sizes and in fun flavours.
GO: Follow @bundt.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 27 June
Catch a special exhibition on the Red Sea at Hayy Jameel
Salt-Kissed: Of Vessels That Have Sailed The Red Sea showcases stories from the Red Sea. Running until 7 October at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, it has been curated by Ahmed Al-Aqra and Abed Alrahman Shabaneh. Learn about eight ships that once sailed the Red Sea and the history of trade routes, coastal communities and colonial legacies.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Friday 28 June
Check into the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East
If you’re already planning your next getaway, put Saudi Arabia on your list. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has opened in the Red Sea. Designed by the British architects, Foster + Partners, it includes 63 one- to three-bedroom overwater and beach villas. Plus, it offers spectacular site-specific experiences, from snorkelling to stargazing.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Saturday 29 June
Shop at the first Aesop in Saudi Arabia
Fashionistas, the first Aesop store has opened in Saudi Arabia. Located on the lower ground floor of Via Riyadh, it covers skin care, hair and fragrances. The store boasts a sleek yet simple design with brown to beige tones. Visitors can also book facials and leave feeling refreshed.
GO: Visit https://sa.aesop.com for more information.
Sunday 30 June
It’s your last chance to visit the WADI Al Reem Festival
If you’re after family-friendly fun, then visit WADI Al Reem Festival. Running until 30 June, it brings together circus performers, from acrobats to dancers. The children’s entertainment covers circus, music and more. Tickets start from SAR 10.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
