Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
March is a time for Ramadan reflections. The Holy Month is filled with iftars and suhoors, from the traditional to trendy. Across the Kingdom, there are also art exhibitions, film screenings and the Saudi Cup. So, whether you’re in AlUla, Jeddah or Riyadh, here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in March.
Saturday 1 March
Visit Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations
Visit Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art. Running from 24 February to 24 April, it is located in JAX District and is filled with art exhibitions that celebrate homegrown as well as international artists.
GO: Follow @samocamoc on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 2 March
Watch the thrilling Saudi Cup
The Saudi Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place on 2 March at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh. The world’s richest horse race is an exciting event, and includes a full day of competitive races leading up to the Saudi Cup.
GO: Visit https://jcsa.sa/en/saudi-cup for more information.
Monday 3 March
Step into Layali Diriyah
Layali Diriyah is back for its fourth edition. This winter event transforms Diriyah into a magical wonderland of lights, culture, food and entertainment. As part of Diriyah Season, the event will run until 11 April and welcomes you into a world where history meets modern luxury amidst Diriyah’s palm groves. The experience includes six cafes and nine restaurants.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Tuesday 4 March
Visit Diriyah Season
Saudi Arabia knows how to put on a season. The next season coming up in the Kingdom is Diriyah Season. The season includes events after dark, which cover arts, culture and music. Look out for illuminated walkways, poetry readings and theatre shows.
GO: Follow @diriyahseason on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 5 March
Watch the Roshn Saudi League
Al Nassr takes on Alshabab in Fixture 24 of the Roshn Saudi League. The event gives you the chance to see the Kingdom’s football league in action. Tickets are available now.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Thursday 6 March
Head to Café Boulud for iftars and suhoors
Chef Daniel Boulud’s iftar at Café Boulud offers a modern French twist, featuring Wagyu tenderloin with King Trumpet mushrooms and a decadent chocolate molten cake. Suhoor is a more relaxed affair, with an à la carte menu offering breakfast dishes until 3am. The experience takes place in a cosy, mid-century dining room with Arabian horse murals, and runs daily from sunset to 10pm.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Friday 7 March
Experience Ramadan at Fairmont Ramla
Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences welcomes you to celebrate Ramadan with a luxurious iftar buffet and signature suhoor at The View Restaurant & Terrace. The iftar offering features a sumptuous spread of international and traditional dishes for SAR 315, while the suhoor buffet is priced at SAR 190.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 8 March
Dig into Isabel Mayfair’s new Ramadan menu
Isabel Mayfair is offering a Ramadan menu. Break your fast with Sukkari dates, Arabic coffee and water. The menu is inspired by European cuisine, and dishes include green and tomato salads, crispy cheese bites with honey and saffron risotto. The menu is served daily from 5.30pm to 1am, and starts from Sar 200.
GO: Visit www.isabelriyadh.com for more information.
Sunday 9 March
Break your fast at AOK Kitchen
Ramadan at AOK Kitchen is a classic yet Californian affair. The kitchen prides itself on offering gluten-free, dairy-light and refined sugar-free dishes. During the Holy Month, it will host a camping-style seating areas with lanterns and moon decorations. Iftar includes soups, salads and samosas, and runs daily from sunset to 10pm.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Monday 10 March
Try the Chef’s Table during Ramadan
When only luxury will do, head to Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. The Chef’s Table takes place in a candle-lit tent. The buffet includes international as well as Saudi dishes. Options include Cheese Kunafa, Chicken Kabsa and Lamb Ouzi. Takeaway hampers with Pierre Hermé’s pastries, anyone?
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Tuesday 11 March
Visit Fairmont Hotel Riyadh’s Ramadan experience
Fairmont Riyadh’s iftar experience welcomes guests with Arabic coffee and dates. Visit the Bedouin-style bazaar with stalls selling gifts. Inside the Al Thuraya Ramadan Tent, dishes range from Spiced Camel Kabsa to Turkish Fattah. The event runs daily from sunset to 9pm.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Wednesday 12 March
Visit the Dunes of Arabia zone at Riyadh Season
Get ready to channel your inner Lawrence of Arabia. Riyadh Season is welcoming the Dunes of Arabia zone, located near the Riyadh Exit. The zone promises family-friendly fun and is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s culture and community. Step into the soul of Arabia and enjoy falconry shows, camel encounters, and live oud music. Try on traditional attire, immerse yourself in the aroma of Saudi spices, and gather around a bonfire to savour Saudi coffee and dates.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Thursday 13 March
Start the weekend off at Beast House
Beast House transforms from a nightclub to a place for reflection. During Ramadan, Riyadh’s first nightclub turned into a majlis. The experience includes cultural workshops, from calligraphy to rug-making. The venue hosts iftars and suhoors, all of which showcase Saudi Arabian flavours.
GO: Visit www.beasthouse.com for more information.
Friday 14 March
Watch a football match in the heart of Riyadh
Al Nassr takes on AlKholood in Fixture 25 of the Roshn Saudi League. The event gives you the chance to see the Kingdom’s football league in action. Tickets are available now.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Saturday 15 March
Spend Ramadan at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most iconic hotels in Saudi Arabia. During Ramadan, it hosts a buffet filled with food from around the world. Dishes draw inspiration from Egypt, Lebanon, India and, of course, the Kingdom itself. During the iftar, there is a violinist.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Sunday 16 March
Step into The St. Regis Riyadh
The St. Regis Riyadh has created a Suhail-inspired iftar. Located in Via Riyadh, it takes place in the luxurious ballroom. Guests can enjoy Arabic dishes with classic flavours and modern twists. The experience takes place from 5.30pm to 9pm.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Monday 17 March
Head to the open-air experience at Amasy
At Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace and Riyadh Airport Marriott, Amasy has created an open-air Ramadan experience. The buffet brings together Asian and Western dishes. Plus, there is a chance to win prizes including free stays and flights.
GO: Visit https://amasy.me for more information.
Tuesday 18 March
Check out JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh’s Ramadan offering
Drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s souks, JW Marriott offers a traditional Ramadan experience. The buffet brings together dishes from around the world across Asia, Lebanon and Morocco. Dishes include mixed grills, shawarmas and a cheese kunafa.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Wednesday 19 March
Shop at Maison Assouline in Bujairi Terrace
The iconic French luxury publisher and lifestyle brand Assouline has opened its flagship store in Riyadh: Maison Assouline Riyadh. Located in Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace, this cool cultural sanctuary is spread over two stories and celebrates the art of living, featuring Assouline’s products and vintage collections.
GO: Visit www.assouline.com for more information.
Thursday 20 March
Check into Shebara Resort in the Red Sea
Located in the Red Sea’s Al Wajh Lagoon, Shebara Resort is now welcoming guests. This beachfront property features beautiful pod-shaped and dazzling dining options. The restaurants include Ariamare, Iki, Roe, Lunara, Saria and Solera.
GO: Visit https://shebara.sa for more information.
Friday 21 March
Spend the day at Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale
Art lovers, get ready to paint the town. Jeddah has bought back the Islamic Arts Biennale. Running from 25 January to 25 May, the venue is located at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. More than 30 major global institutions from countries such as Turkey, France, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, and Spain will participate.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Saturday 22 March
Watch Weekly Cinema Nights in Jeddah
Lights, camera, Jeddah. Weekly Cinema Nights have returned to the cultural city as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Running from 6 February to 22 May, it has been curated with the Red Sea Film Foundation and in partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Sunday 23 March
Visit Dolce&Gabbana’s first café in Saudi Arabia
“Can you please spell Gabbana?” Fashion fans, we have some stylish news. Diriyah is home to many things, from fine-dining restaurants to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, it is collaborating with a legendary Italian fashion house. Dolce & Gabbana has opened its largest store in Saudi Arabia and its first café in the region at Bujairi Terrace.
GO: Visit https://bujairi.sa for more information.
Monday 24 March
Visit the new Desert Rock Resort
Desert Rock Resort boasts a spectacular setting, as it is situated within the desert cliffs. The unique hotel features 48 stunning villas and 12 well-appointed rooms, offering discerning travellers an exclusive and secluded retreat. Designed with modern luxury in mind, the recently released videos showcase rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the desert landscape. Private pools offer a tranquil oasis for relaxation, while the resort’s contemporary furnishings create a stylish and comfortable ambience for guests. The project is fully integrated into the rock, showcasing a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
GO: Visit www.redseaglobal.com for more information.
Tuesday 25 March
Check out Il Baretto’s Ramadan menu
Il Baretto’s Luna del Ramadan menu brings together Italian classics with Arabic flavours. Dishes range from the Caprese Salad to Penne All’arrabbiata, and mini ice cream cones for dessert. If you want to share the treats, there is a takeaway tiramisu.
GO: Visit www.ilbaretto.com for more information.
Wednesday 26 March
Enjoy Ramadan in AlUla
One of the highlights of Ramadan in AlUla is Iftar Tofareya, a special communal iftar. Located in Incense Road in the AlJadidah Arts District, the gathering offers an opportunity to break fast together in a warm and welcoming setting. Indulge in an array of traditional delicacies while immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage and spirit of togetherness that defines Ramadan. The experience runs daily from 1 to 29 March, from 5pm to 8.30pm.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Thursday 27 March
Check out the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Friday 28 March
Go Skiing in Riyadh
Riyadh Season has been creating extraordinary experiences in the heart of the capital. Now, it is snowing in Saudi Arabia, thanks to Courchevel in Riyadh. Located in Boulevard World, the attraction aims to replicate the snowy sights. Look out for the (fake) snow falling from the ceiling, backdrops of painted mountains and models of ski lifts. The festive touches include trees, snowmen and more. The venue includes plenty of picture-worthy moments – a fire in an igloo, anyone? Guests can dress up in ski outfits and will be kitted out with all of the gear. Plus, there are statues of winter animals, from polar bears to reindeer.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Saturday 29 March
Check out Souq Al Awaleen
Open daily from 3pm to 11pm, Souq Al Awaleen is one of the many zones in Riyadh Season. This zone offers a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage. This traditional market reflects the Kingdom’s identity, offering an immersive journey through the diverse regions of the country. Each corner of the market showcases a variety of handicrafts, attire, and spices from different provinces.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Sunday 30 March
Spend Ramadan at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisalia knows how to put on a showstopping Ramadan experience. Different iftars take place in different venues. The grand majlis welcomes up to 1,800 guests, and The Globe offers food with a view. The Asir Lounge offers an a la carte menu, and the Mandarin Lounge is a quieter affair.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Monday 31 March
Celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2025
The dates for Eid Al Fitr have not yet been confirmed. The dates will be confirmed by the sighting of the moon, and the government will declare when there is a national holiday. Eid is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, and it is celebrated by Muslims around the world with prayers, meals and gifts.
GO: Visit https://www.my.gov.sa for more information.
