28 brilliant things to do in Saudi Arabia this February
Check out fun festivals, food and Founding Day activities.
Saudi Arabia is brimming with brilliant things to do in Jeddah, Riyadh and beyond. Whether you want cafés, culture or concerts – where you can jump on stage, too – there’s something for everyone. Plus, there are brand-new restaurants, pop-up experiences and long-term, local favourites – The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, anyone? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in February. Plus, as it’s the month of love, we have romantic options covered. Calendars at the ready.
Wednesday 1 February
Watch cyclists in action at the Saudi Tour in AlUla
Get on your bike. The Saudi Tour whizzes into AlUla, and runs from 1 to 5 February. Created in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Cycling Federation, watch as cyclists from across the world whizz through AlUla. The event is part of AlUla Moments, and takes place in the spectacular desert landscape.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Thursday 2 February
Watch (or join) the open mic night at Syrup Lounge
Saudi Arabia has got talent. Mark the end of the week at the entertainment venue, Syrup Lounge. This was one of the first spots in Riyadh to host live music, and today it’s loved by locals for its karaoke nights. We’d recommend checking out the open mic night, which includes poetry, dancing, singing and more. Participants often range from locals to expats, who perform in Arabic and English. The event runs from 9pm to 1am, and tickets costs SAR 120.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Friday 3 February
Watch the new cross cultural romantic comedy, What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Red Sea International Film Festival opened with What’s Love Got to do With it?, a cross-cultural British romantic comedy set in London and Lahore. Starring Lily James, Shazad Latif and Emma Thompson, it follows a second-generation British Pakistani man’s arranged marriage. The film is written by Jemima Khan, who has an insight into South Asian culture, as she was once married to the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricket player, Imran Khan.
GO: Visit www.amccinemas.com for more information.
Saturday 4 February
Light up your night at Noor Riyadh
It’s your last chance to catch Noor Riyadh. The exhibition From Spark to Spirit takes place in JAX District, Diriyah. The installations give visitors the chance to see the city in a new light – literally. The works transform the city into a dazzling night-time gallery without walls, and includes work by emerging and established from more than 40 countries.
GO: Visit https://riyadhart.sa for more information.
Sunday 5 February
Admire spectacular sculptures across Riyadh
Paint the town, as an exciting art festival is taking place across Riyadh. Tuwaiq Sculpture gives visitors the rare chance to see artists in action. During the event, there will be 65 activities including interactive workshops and panel discussions. The events take place in Durrat Al Riyadh and at the Riyadh Art space at JAX District. The completed artworks will be on display at Durrat Al Riyadh from 5 to 10 February. Get your art on.
GO: Visit https://riyadhart.sa for more information.
Monday 6 February
Enjoy a new dinner menu and a movie at VOX Cinemas
Give your popcorn an upgrade. The classic combo has had a refresh at VOX Cinemas in Jeddah and Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian celebrity chef Mona Mosly has created fusion dishes ranging from BBQ chicken bao to kibbeh nachos. Mona is one of the kingdom’s most celebrated chefs, and is well known for being the host and judge on the television show Top Chef Middle East. After training professionally in Switzerland and attending the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in London, she returned to the Middle East. Go on, it’ll be a blockbuster night out.
GO: Visit www.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 February
Make the most of the evening at Diriyah Nights
Give hump day a boost with Diriyah Nights. The festival gives you a rare chance to experience the historical sight in a unique way. Bringing together cafés, concerts and culture, it is currently underway and runs until 22 February. Catch Arab singers in concert, shop for famous brands, and visit fine dining restaurants and cafés. The restaurants include Greek eats at Okto, Middle Eastern food at Shababik, traditional Saudi dishes at Tawlat Fayza, and Japanese cuisine at Yokari.
GO: Visit https://diriyahseason.sa for more information.
Wednesday 8 February
Visit The Line exhibition in Diriyah
If you can’t wait to visit Saudi Arabia’s gigaproject Neom, there is an exhibition that brings it to glorious life. The Line in JAX District, Diriyah showcases detailed designs, covering the structure’s architecture and engineering. The Line aims to redefine urban living. The Line is a 170km-long residential complex with zero cars, zero roads and zero carbon emissions. When completed, the area will be home to million residents across 34 square kilometres. The exhibition is free and runs until 29 April.
GO: Visit https://theline.halayalla.com for more information.
Thursday 9 February
Join Yauatcha in celebrating its third anniversary
Yauatcha has made its mark in Riyadh as one of the city’s best Chinese restaurants. To celebrate its third anniversary in Riyadh, it will be serving a special menu. The set menu costs SAR 350 and includes a dim sum platter, sanpei chicken and wok-fried asparagus. If you visit on 9 or 10 February, you’ll also be treated to a live DJ. We recommend sitting on the terrace for a stellar view. Happy birthday, Yauatcha.
GO: Visit https://yauatcha.com for more information.
Friday 10 February
Watch BMX bikes and break dancers at Diriyah Urban Festival
Diriyah Urban Festival, which is part of Diriyah Season, runs from 10 to 18 February. The highlight of the festival is the BMX Freestyle World Cup. Plus, it’s a rare chance to see break dancing, parkour and skateboarding in the historic site. So, enjoy the cool vibes, as there’ll be athletes, DJs and street art.
GO: Visit https://diriyahseason.sa for more information.
Saturday 11 February
Shoot for the stars at Riyadh Space Fair
Here’s an exhibition that will put stars in your eyes: The Riyadh Space Fair. Running until 20 February at King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh, it explores the theme of mankind and space. The displays explore astronomy, cosmology and modern scientific theories. One of the highlights include the kingdom’s achievement of sending Prince Sultan Bin Salman into space, as this was the first time that an Arab and Muslim flew into space.
GO: Visit https://riyadhspacefair.com for more information.
Sunday 12 February
Visit WaCafe Camp in Ithra
If you’re after post-work plans, then put WaCafe Camp in Ithra, Riyadh on your radar. Make the most of the cooler weather, and head to this outdoor experience. Bring your friends or family along, and gather inside one of the tents. Dig into cooking stations, watch live music and shop at pop-up stalls. WeCafe Camp is open daily from 5pm until midnight and runs until 22 March.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.
Monday 13 February
Be dazzled by Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love exhibition
If you can’t buy jewellery for Valentine’s Day, then this might just be the next best thing: Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love at The National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The dazzling exhibition brings together 250 pieces of jewellery, watches and precious objects from Van Cleef & Arpels. The brand was founded in 1906, and this is the first time it has been exhibited in the kingdom. The exhibition runs until 15 April.
GO: Visit https://mocevents.ticketmx.com for more information.
Tuesday 14 February
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at A.O.K Kitchen
Our Editor-in-Chief fell in love with A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh and you will too, especially on Valentine’s Day. The London-born brand recently opened in Riyadh, and has launched romantic experiences. The Love Bridge at A.O.K opens from 7 February, and allows guests to place padlocks on the bridge as a symbol of their love – à la Paris’ Pont des Arts padlock bridge. From 10 to 15 February, Valentine’s Day baskets will be available with treats.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Wednesday 15 February
Enjoy spectacular seafood at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
Perhaps the most famous hotel in the capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh puts on a showstopping breakfast and brunch. Don’t overlook its seafood nights at the classy Al Orjouan restaurant. It’s a great excuse to dress up and indulge in a fine dining experience. The event takes place every Wednesday from 6.30pm to midnight.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Thursday 16 February
Visit one of the pop-up restaurants in AlUla
AlUla is a super spot to spend a long weekend. There are plenty of reasons to visit AlUla in Saudi Arabia, from its UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its exciting line-up of concerts. Now, we have four more, as cool new pop-ups have opened. Combine culture and cuisines at the fine dining venue, Awna Restaurant and Tea Lounge. Taste Spanish classics under the stars at Mamzel. Dig into a farm-to-fork concept at Heart of Oasis Restaurant. Plus, enjoy local Saudi flavours at Tawlet Fayza.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Friday 17 February
Check out an exciting exhibition of Andy Warhol in AlUla
Andy Warhol’s work has been spotted everywhere, from the walls of New York galleries to cans of soup. Now it is making its way to Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, as the exhibition FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla opens from 17 February. This is a rare chance to see some of Warhol’s most famous paintings and prints in the kingdom. The silkscreens showcase the artist’s interest in the power of public figures and celebrity. Highlights include Warhol’s silkscreen prints of Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and Dolly Parton.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Saturday 18 February
Brunch at the recently opened, Hustle n Flow
Make time for this beautiful brunch spot. Hustle n Flow launched in Marbella in 2018, and can now be found in Al Nafal, Riyadh. The hipster hotspot boasts funky street art, living walls and neon slogans. The restaurant prides itself on its gluten-free and vegan menu. The all-day brunch venue serves organic smoothies, line-caught salmon, free-range chicken and grilled halloumi. Plus, drinks range from activated charcoal lattes to blue spirulina lattes. Go with the flow.
GO: Follow @hustlenflowriyadh on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 19 February
Sip hot chocolate at SAID dal 1923
With the weather still chilly, indulge in warm hot chocolate. Start the week with a trip to SAID dal 1923, which has branches in Dubai, London, and a newly opened one in Riyadh. The signature hot chocolate comes in dark, hazelnut and milk chocolate flavours. The drink is served with triple chocolate (dark, hazelnut and milk) dripping down the side. The drink has received such high praise. Go and see what all the fuss is about.
GO: Follow @saiddal1923ksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 20 February
Dine at the new restaurant, Maiz
Are you a fan of kabsa? If you love Saudi’s national dish or are eager to try it, we’d suggest getting your local on at Maiz. The new fine dining restaurant has opened in Diriyah, Riyadh. Plus, the menu also includes gourdan, soups and saleeg – the latter originated in the Hijaz region. The dish is made with buttermilk, olive oil, rice and spices, and it is cooked with meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb.
GO: Visit https://maiz.sa for more information.
Tuesday 21 February
Visit the Hijrah exhibition at Ithra
It’s your last chance to visit the Hijrah exhibition at Ithra, Riyadh. If you’ve ever been curious about Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his journey from Makkah to Madinah, then this is a great starting point. Admire artwork, documents and books, which bring to life Hijrah.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.
Wednesday 22 February
Celebrate Saudi Founding Day
Happy Saudi Founding Day. The new public holiday launched in 2022, and marks the kingdom’s foundation. Different to National Day, which is on 22 September, it commemorates the foundation of the first Saudi state, Diriyah. Lookout for special events including art exhibitions, fireworks displays and set menus in restaurants.
GO: Visit www.foundingday.sa/en for more information.
Thursday 23 February
Visit Islamic Arts Biennale: Awwal Bait
Spend a long weekend in Jeddah and check out the Islamic Arts Biennale: Awwal Bait. Taking place in Jeddah’s Aga Khan Western Hajj Terminal, and it runs until 24 April. The exhibition brings the story of Islam to life. Plus, it is in a significant location – the port is entry point for millions of pilgrims on their journey to Mecca and Medina.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Friday 24 February
Enjoying bowling and billiards at The Round
Whether you’re with family, colleagues or special someone, bowling has an undeniable charm. Even if you can’t bowl as well as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Spend the day (or weekend) at Jeddah. It has a brand-new family-friendly entertainment centre, The Round. We love the lit-up lanes with neon purple lights, which include screens to keep you updated on the action. Plus, you can let down or raise up the barriers – we’re not judging.
GO: Follow @theroundsa on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 25 February
Eat your way through Lebanese classics at Niyyali
If the sound of falafel, fatteh and fattoush gets your stomach rumbling, then you’ll be thrilled to hear about the new Lebanese Niyyali in Jeddah. The menu has taken comfort food favourites and transformed them for an upmarket dining experience. Dig into signature dishes, soups, salads, hot and cold mezze, fatteh and grilled dishes.
GO: Visit www.niyyali.com for more information.
Sunday 26 February
Have Insta-tastic coffee at EL&N London
Cameras at the ready. One of the most Instagrammable cafés in the world has recently opened in Jeddah: EL&N London. The much-loved brand has opened its first branch in Jeddah, which includes its instantly recognisable pink walls, floral features and motivational neon signs. The drinks menu covers hot coffee, iced coffee, lemonade, frappe and mocktails. The hot chocolate options ranges from Turkish delight hot chocolate to Lotus Biscoff hot chocolate. If you’re in the kingdom’s capital, there are venues in 7th Avenue Boulevard, Panorama Mall, Riyadh Front, Riyadh Park Mall and The Zone Mall.
GO: Visit https://sa.elnlondon.com/pages for more information.
Monday 27 February
Go shopping for sneakers at the new Urban Necessities
Sneakerheads and hypebeasts should check out Urban Necessities, which recently opened at Boulevard Riyadh City. Here, you can shop for exclusives, hard-to-find collectable shoes and new drops that may have sold out elsewhere. The new Riyadh location is the place to find popular brands such as Adidas, Nike and Timberland, and rare sneakers including Yeezy’s and Air Jordan’s.
GO: Follow @urban_necessities_riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 28 February
Check out Fenaa Alawwal Cultural Centre’s inaugural exhibition
Fenaa Alawwal Cultural Centre is jam-packed with artistic activities including a café, library and sculptural garden. It’s your last chance to check out its inaugural exhibition, The Memory Deposit, which ends on 28 February. Drawing inspiration from the idea of the memory as a bank, it retells the history of the kingdom’s currency through an artistic lens. Plus, it includes six local and international artists.
GO: Visit www.moc.gov.sa for more information.
