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31 magnificent things to do in Saudi Arabia this May

Get your calendars out – cafés, culture and the circus await.

Saudi Arabia is bursting with brilliant things to do in Jeddah, Riyadh and beyond. Whether you’re after football, flowers or films, there’s something for everyone. Plus, there are exciting events, from Cristiano Ronaldo to the Backstreet Boys. Here are the best things to do in May. Saudi, we’ve got you. 

Monday 1 May

Admire the beautiful blooms at Taif Rose Festival 

It’s your last chance to visit Taif Rose Festival 2023. The festival showcases the beauty of the flower, plus the region’s marvellous mountains and Insta-worthy views. The event features a light show, stalls and a dedicated children’s zone, and runs until 5 May. 

GO: Follow @mocsaudi on Instagram for more information.

Taif Rose Festival

Tuesday 2 May

Go up, up and away with AlUla Skies Festival 

AlUla Skies Festival 2023 has taken off. Whether you fancy seeing the skies from a hot air balloon or helicopter ride, you’ll feel like you’re on cloud nine. Experiences also include AlUla Giant Swing and AlUla Staircase. The festival runs until 13 May. 

GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.

AlUla Skies Festival

Wednesday 3 May

Sing your heart at Syrup Lounge’s karaoke night 

Syrup Lounge is one of the first spots in Riyadh to host live music, and today it’s loved by locals for its themed nights. The karaoke night welcomes singers in Arabic and English, and includes locals and expats. Tickets start from SAR 50.

GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.

Syrup Riyadh

Thursday 4 May

Complete the superhero trilogy 

It’s time to marvel at Marvel Studios’ latest film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The release marks the end of the trilogy, and has already been getting great reviews. The story follows a band of misfits who are settling into life on Knowhere. If they fail on their mission to save Rocket’s life, it could lead to the end of the Guardians. 

GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Friday 5 May

Put your hands in the air at Desert Sounds in Riyadh 

Get into the groove at Desert Sounds in Riyadh. The music festival brings together world-class DJs and includes Kevin De Vries, Konstantin Sibold, Ant, Moses and Nofoto. Headliner Kevin De Vries hails from Berlin, Germany, and is making his debut in the kingdom. The event takes place from 7pm until 4am. 

GO: Visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com for more information. 

Desert Sounds in Riyadh

Saturday 6 May

Shop for new kicks at the new Mad Kicks Riyadh 

Do you know your Air Jordans from adidas Yeezy? Well, it’s time to put your most fashionable foot forward, as Mad Kicks Riyadh has opened in Riyadh Park Mall. So, if you’re after stylish sneakers, visit the store for on-trend, rare and collector’s items. We’re talking Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, Nike Dunk, Travis Scott, Yeezy and Yeezy Slides. 

GO: Visit https://madkicks.com for more information.

Mad Kicks Riyadh

Sunday 7 May

Catch a film or three at Saudi Film Festival 

Lights, camera, Saudi. Now in its ninth edition, Saudi Film Festival is taking place at the Ithra Center in Dharan, Dammam from 4 to 11 May. The event has been organised by Cinema Association and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), and looks set to be a showstopper. Plus, it honours the Bahraini writer Amin Saleh and Egyptian producer Saleh Al-Fawzan. 

GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.

Saudi Film Festival

Monday 8 May

Watch footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo in action 

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is now officially a resident of Riyadh. The Madeira-born star signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Nassr. The footballer has had a highly successful career, scoring over 800 goals for club and country and winning numerous titles including five UEFA Champions League and seven league titles. Watch him in action.

GO: Visit https://tickets.victoryarena.com for more information.

Riyadh like Ronaldo
@cristiano

Tuesday 9 May

Be dazzled by Saudi Luxury Week in Jeddah 

Add a bit of luxury into your life with Saudi Luxury Week. Now in its third edition, it is taking place at Hilton Hotel Jeddah and runs from 8 to 11 May. The jewellery and watch event brings together some of the biggest names in the region and beyond. Visitors will have the chance to try on products from high-end jewellery to state-of-the-art watches. 

GO: Visit www.saudiluxuryweek.com for more information.

Saudi Luxury Week

Wednesday 10 May

Take time out to enjoy Jeddah Events 

Jeddah Season is back. This time it’s not taking place over a few months but throughout the year. Jeddah Events 2023 includes international, cultural and marine events, and will share the history and heritage of the city. Plus, the fun-filled festival will have activities for all age groups and visitors.

GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.

things

Thursday 11 May

Sing your heart out to the Backstreet Boys 

Backstreet’s back. One of the biggest-selling boybands of all time is coming to Saudi Arabia. The American pop group Backstreet Boys will perform at the F1 Concert Zone in Jeddah. Catch the fabulous fivesome: Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson. 

GO: Visit www.livenation.me for more information.

Backstreet Boys in Abu Dhabi

Friday 12 May

Catch local and international DJs at Night Light Festival in Riyadh 

Saudi Arabia is turning up the volume. Night Light Music Festival is back, and taking place at Al Ammariya Village. The line-up includes Dish Dash, Moses, Alaa Jazaeri, Igniter, Darkodelix, Dorar, Melon, Virgo, Haffs and OHM. Saudi Arabian DJs Dish Dash are headlining the festival, and bringing their techno beats to the stage. The festival runs from 11 to 12 May. 

GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.

Night Light in Riyadh

Saturday 13 May

Go back in time and watch Blackberry

We’ve been told the origin story of Apple in Steve Jobs and Facebook in The Social Network. Now, it’s time for Blackberry. The film shares the rise and fall of the handset, which revolutionised how people communicated. Judging from the trailer, we’re expecting some funny lines. Plus, the cast includes Jay Barchel, Glenn Howerton and Cary Elwes. 

GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Sunday 14 May

Start your week off with a cup of coffee from the new café, Scrmy 

Scrmy describes itself as your coolest neighbourhood hangout. Located in Al Aqiq, it aims to create a community feel. The menu covers breakfast, pastries and sandwiches. The drinks range from coffees to juices, and the latter comes in flavours ranging from dates to thyme. Lookout for the shelves stacked with interesting items – we spotted a photo of Audrey Hepburn to books on Arabian Leopard. Plus, the statement “taste and tell” is hung outside the venue, and on the wall in neon lights.

GO: Visit @scrmy.sa for more information. 

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Monday 15 May

Spend the night at Morini Riyadh 

Morini Riyadh comes FACT approved. When we visited, we loved how it bought the buzz of New York to Riyadh. Dig into simple Italian dishes served in an elegant setting. The restaurant impresses with its friendly service, chic dining room and simple Italian staples executed with flair. 

GO: Follow @moriniriyadh on Instagram for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Tuesday 16 May

Be dazzled by Saudi Luxury Week (again) in Riyadh 

Add a bit of luxury into your life with Saudi Luxury Week. Now in its third edition, it is taking place at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh and runs from 16 to 19 May. The jewellery and watch event brings together some of the best names in craftsmanship and creativity. Highlights include AWKN1’s fine jewellery from Thailand, FerriFirenze’s handmade jewellery from Italy, and Dani by Daniel K’s award-winning jewellery.

GO: Visit www.saudiluxuryweek.com for more information.

Saudi Founding Day

Wednesday 17 May

Dash over to Dasha in Riyadh 

One celebrity chef who is hoping to put their mark on the capital is internationally renowned chef Akira Back. He has opened a new restaurant in Riyadh – Dasha – which looks set to be a dining destination. Located in The Esplanade, the modern Chinese restaurant also includes a private karaoke room. 

GO: Visit https://dashathree.orientaldemo.com for more information.

new restaurants In Riyadh

Thursday 18 May

Watch the latest film in the Fast and Furious franchise

Strap in, it’s going to be an exciting ride. The Fast and Furious franchise started in 2001, and is clearly not running out of steam. Dom Torretto and his family are now facing their most dangerous opponent, the son of Fast Five villain Hernan Reyes, Dante. Dante discovers that Dom has an eight-year-old son, so plans to take revenge. Let’s be honest, nobody is here for the sketchy story, instead spectacular stunts – and there are plenty. The film stars Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez and Brie Larson. 

GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Friday 19 May

Check out the new shop, The Sneaker Laundry 

The Sneaker Laundry has opened a new store in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliyah Centre. The shop prides itself on taking care of trainers, so don’t be embarrassed about the state of your kicks, as they’ve seen it all before. The cleaning service includes a Basic Clean (with the upper and midsole), Full Exterior clean (which adds the outsole and laces), and The Lot (which adds a deep clean, deodorise, disinfecting and waterproofing). 

GO: Follow @thesneakerlaundry.riyadh on Instagram for more information.

The Sneaker Laundry in Riyadh

Saturday 20 May

Dig into creative curries at Hara in Riyadh 

We’re spilling the daal on a new restaurant in Riyadh. Hara serves Indian dishes that have got our mouths watering. If you’re a fan of classic curries and curious creations, check out the Hara Chicken Roll and Chicken Cheesy Biriyani Rice Balls. Plus, there are biriyanis, tandoor and sharing dishes. 

GO: Follow @hara.ksa on Instagram for more information.


Sunday 21 May

Go on a nostalgia trip in the new hipster hangout, Chino 

Located in Wadi Al Shouara, Chino feels like an adult’s playground. The café is already getting the Insta love, as it is standing out from the coffee crowd. The playful touches range from a chain basketball hoop to pink graffiti stating “je m’en fous” (which translates to “I don’t care”). The décor takes you on a nostalgia trip, as the shelves boast old-school toy cars, deflated basketballs and stuffed animals. The food menu includes a selection of flatbreads and desserts. 

GO: Follow @chinoruh on Instagram for more information.

Chino

Monday 22 May

Hop on board the new Riyadh bus 

While you probably prefer Uber-ing your way around town, there’s a new Riyadh bus in operation. The service started with 350 buses on 15 routes across the city, and is part of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project. Upon completion, the bus network will be 1,900 km long and include 2,900 stations and stops.

GO: Visit www.rcrc.gov.sa for more information. 

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Tuesday 23 May

Check out Bagatelle’s new branch in Riyadh 

Bagatelle can be found in Dubai, Doha, Miami and Mykonos. Now, it has opened a new restaurant in Riyadh’s Laysen Valley. Famous for its French Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant will be led by Executive Chef, Michiel Geldenhuys. The menu includes signature dishes, from Eggplant Parmigiana to Jivara chocolate pizzetta with caramelised piedmont hazelnuts.

GO: Visit https://bagatelle.com for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Wednesday 24 May

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.

The Ritz-Carlton RIyadh

Thursday 25 May

End the working week at Signor Sassi Riyadh 

Make like FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, and visit the Italian restaurant, Signor Sassi. The brand has welcomed royalty and celebrities from across the world. The chefs pride themselves on creating simple Italian staples. Dig into dishes including grilled lobster, fillet of beef tagliata, whole fresh crab salad, spaghetti alle vongole, and filetto al pepe verde. 

GO: Call +966 9200 11877 or follow @signorsassiriyadh on Instagram for more information.

Signor Sassi Riyadh

Friday 26 May

Treat yourself with sweet treats at the newly opened Beika 

Beika is a bakery, cake and coffee shop. Located in Al Mughrizat, it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a bright, airy feel. The monochrome interior is punctuated by gorgeous greenery. Great for group gatherings or solo sippers, there are long tables and sofa seats. Plus, the menu includes Baklava Cheesecake, Kiri Cinnamon Fingers and Tahina Pecan Cookies.

GO: Follow @beika.sa on Instagram for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Saturday 27 May

Marvel at Cirque du Soleil’s Fuzion in Jeddah

Roll up, roll up. Cirque du Soleil’s Fuzion has swung into Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, and runs until 27 May. Visitors are in for a treat, as the show has been specially created for Jeddah, and tells the story of two friends who are on the hunt for creativity, love and friendship. 

GO: Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com for more information.

Cirque du Soleil Jeddah

Sunday 28 May

Get your coffee and cake fix at the new café, BAC Bakery 

BAC describes itself as a bakehouse and coffee shop. Located in Alyasmin, the interiors include fringe lamps, pretty plants, soft sofas, and wooden chairs and tables. The menu is divided up by bakeries, cookies and desserts. If you’re struggling to choose, head over to the counter. The options range from a Feta Zaatar Croissant to Pecan Croissant, Lemon Tart to Strawberry Tart, and Chocolate Zaatar Cookies to Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. 

GO: Follow @bacbakery on Instagram for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Monday 29 May

Listen to terrific tunes at Music and Antiques in Jeddah 

The newly opened Music and Antiques in Jeddah is hitting all the right notes. The music hub includes a café, library, shop and hosts live music nights. Located in Al Batarji, Al Zahra, the décor includes comfy rugs, red leather sofas and dark wooden panels. There are plenty of musical nods including a disco ball, gramophone and A. Bord piano – an antique wooden one, no less. 

GO: Follow @musicandantiques on Instagram for more information.

Music and Antiques Jeddah

Tuesday 30 May

Dig into the newly opened 7 Ribs in Jeddah 

When you want to unleash your inner carnivore, make a beeline to the recently opened 7 Ribs in Jeddah. The brand already has fans at its popular restaurant in Riyadh, and is hoping to gain some more as it opens its first restaurant in Jeddah7 Ribs is located in Hira Street, Al Shatia District, and the menu includes wateringly good starters, mains and sides – we’re talking fall-of-the-bone brilliant. 

GO: Follow @7ribs on Instagram for more information.

things to do in Saudi Arabia

Wednesday 31 May

Explore Accommodations exhibition at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah 

We all remember where we were when we had to quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. Well, Accommodation explores the idea of homes during pilgrimages and pandemics. The items on display range from urban plans to architectural sketches. The show comes courtesy of the Saudi Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Plus, the architects include Hussam Dakkak, Basmah Kakiand Hessa AlBader of Studio Bound. The exhibition runs until 7 August.

GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.

Hayy Jameel

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