31 brilliant things to do in Saudi Arabia in August
Enjoy games, gigs and gram-worthy restaurants.
Who said Saudi Arabia shuts down in the summer? Sure, the temperature is scorching, but the cultural scene is heating up. So, whether you’re after new cafés or comedy nights, there is something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in August.
Tuesday 1 August
Check out the exciting e-sports event, Gamers8
On your marks, get set, play. Gamers8 is back and brings together gamers from across the world. Meet your favourite gamers, and explore the cool zones. Japanophiles will love the Jabamura zone – dress up in traditional clothes and join an origami class. Plus, the Barbie zone is inspired by the doll.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Wednesday 2 August
Get your green on at AOK Kitchen in Riyadh
AOK Kitchen has opened a glorious garden, and guests can plant their very own seeds. The restaurant has partnered with Saudi Arabian landscaping company, Rosemary Contracting. The initiative started on World Environment Day and is now running throughout the summer.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 3 August
Catch the new Saudi Arabian action film Ras B Ras
We aren’t used to seeing the words “Saudi Arabian” and “action film” together, but Ras B Ras is shifting stereotypes. The title translates to Head to Head, and stars Adel Redwan. The story follows the clumsy chauffeur Darwish, who picks up a retired crime lord from the airport.
GO: Visit www.netflix.com for more information.
Friday 4 August
Dance the night away to DJ Snake in Riyadh
Gamers8, the world’s largest e-sports tournament, is back. It’s not just about games, as there are also gigs. DJ Snake is joining the line-up, and bringing his infectious beats to the capital. We’re expecting him to play his hits, which range from Let Me Love You to Taki Taki.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 5 August
Join a K-pop dance class at Syrup Lounge in Riyadh
If you know your BTS from your Blackpink, then you’ll be thrilled to hear about this K-pop dance class. Taking place at Syrup Lounge from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on 5 August, it helps you channel your inner South Korean star. Tickets cost SAR 150.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Sunday 6 August
Try the Summer Tasting Menu at Robata in Riyadh
The Japanese restaurant Robata is nominated for a FACT Dining Award Riyadh 2023 and prides itself on its creativity. Whether you need a space for a business lunch or family gathering, the restaurant has launched the Executive Table – Summer Tasting Menu. The menu has been designed for two people and costs SAR 250 per person.
GO: Visit www.robatas.com for more information.
Monday 7 August
Have dinner at the new Thai Soi in Riyadh
If the sound of Pad Thai gets your mouth watering, then we have some good news. A new Thai restaurant has opened in Riyadh – Thai Soi. The menu celebrates Thai street food and brings the flavours of Thailand to Saudi Arabia. Located in Al Awal Plaza, Takhasussi, it is a casual, cool spot.
GO: Follow @thaisoi.sa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 8 August
Check out the Power Lunch Menu at Kayzo in Riyadh
Kayzo in Diplomatic Quarter has launched a business lunch menu, which aims to give your working week a boost. The Power Lunch menu includes sushi and salad and has been designed to share between two guests. The menu is SAR 150 per person.
GO: Visit www.kayzo.com for more information.
Wednesday 9 August
Dig your chopsticks into ROKA Riyadh’s new ramen menu
There are many reasons to visit ROKA Riyadh. Now, we have one more, as it has launched a special summer menu. The dishes include a Robata Gyuniku Tori Paitan Ramen, Tori Paitan Ramen and Zaru Soba Tsuyu Tuske. The menu is available on Sunday for lunch and dinner, and runs until the end of August.
GO: Visit www.rokarestaurant.com for more information.
Thursday 10 August
Catch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Do the names Donatello, Leonardo, Michaelangelo and Raphael ring a bell? If they remind you of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rather than Renaissance artists, then cowabunga. It’s hard enough being a teenager, but imagine being a turtle. The story follows the turtles as they try to win over New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teens.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 11 August
Party the night away with Ava Max in Riyadh
Ava Max is clearly a fan of the Middle East. Not only will she grace Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, but also Gamers8 in Riyadh. Famous for her catchy pop tunes and lyrics, her hits range from Sweet but Psycho to Kings & Queens. Brace yourself because she’ll be bringing #girlboss energy to the capital.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 12 August
Have a laugh at the new comedy night, Riyadh Laughs
We’ve got some news that will put a smile on your face. There’s a new comedy festival in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Laughs brings stand-ups to Boulevard Riyadh City’s Muvi Cinema. Check out the established as well as emerging talent in the Kingdom and beyond. The event includes Arabic and English shows. Running until 11 November, it takes place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and tickets start from SAR 175.
GO: Visit www.muvicinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 13 August
Admire an inspiring true story in Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo follows a gamer turned professional race car driver. Jann Mardenborough went from playing video games to winning a Nissan-sponsored video games competition. The cast includes Djimon Hounsou and Orlando Bloom.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 14 August
Dig into the new business lunch at Signor Sassi
Add some sass to your week – well Signor Sassi in Riyadh. The Italian restaurant has launched a Business Lunch menu, which includes starters, a main and a dessert for SAR 280. The brand can be found around the world and has welcomed royalty and celebrities. The Riyadh venue got the FACT Editor-in-Chief’s seal of approval, so check it out.
GO: Follow @signorsassiriyadh on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 15 August
Take a tour of the castles of Abu Nuqar Al Mathami in Abha
As Aseer Season gets underway, look out for special events. The region is famed for its lush landscapes and cooler temperatures. Join a historical tour of the castles in the region, which include Tabb. Visitors can also visit forts and palaces, which are built on the mountainside. Tickets start from SAR 10.
GO: Visit https://saudievents.sa for more information.
Wednesday 16 August
Get your culture fix at Abha’s Art Street
If you want to get your culture on, then visit Abha’s Art Street. The area is located just off the King Khalid Road, and is near Al Muftah village. The street is home to 10 galleries, a theatre, restaurants, cafés and free events. Plus, Aseer Season is hosting a free walk.
GO: Visit https://saudievents.sa for more information.
Thursday 17 August
Join a hiking trail in Abha’s Mount Mana’a and Mount Moma
Tie up your laces. If you want to go on a hike but need a helping hand, then join this guided trail. The guides will take you through Mount Mana’a and Mount Moma in Tanuma, and you can choose between three trails that suit different difficulty levels. Tickets start from SAR 115.
GO: Visit https://abha.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 18 August
Enjoy a night of EDM with DJ Steve Aoki
The American DJ Steve Aoki is turning up the volume at Gamers8 in Riyadh. Watch him unleash his signature brand of EDM in Riyadh. We’re talking electrifying remixes and original tracks, from Boneless to Delirious.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 19 August
Rock it out to Metallica M72 World Tour Live Night 1
If the songs Enter Sandman and Master of Puppets are your jam, then this is for you. The first of two live broadcasts are being shown in cinemas across the world. The band are playing two nights, but with two different set lists. So, you won’t see the same song twice. The second night takes place on 21 August.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 20 August
Check out the Misk Art Week’s Summer Exhibition
Misk Art Institute is famous for its art exhibitions in Riyadh. Running until August 31, the summer exhibition brings together 33 visual artists from across Saudi Arabia. The artists explore the theme of Tradition through drawing, paintings, photography and sculptures.
GO: Visit https://miskartinstitute.org for more information.
Monday 21 August
Watch Metallica M72 World Tour Live Night 2
The rock legends have launched a two-night show, which is being broadcast live in cinemas around the world. Both shows will be unique and include different songs, which span the band’s forty-year career. The first night takes place on 19 August.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Tuesday 22 August
Check into the Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Celebrate the summer season with a city staycation. Mansard Riyadh is offering 20 per cent off from June to August 2023. Visitors can take advantage of special benefits across rooms and restaurants. The dining offerings range from Parisian fare at L’ami Dave to the New York diner Sadelle’s Riyadh.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Wednesday 23 August
Sing your heart out at a karaoke night in Riyadh
Syrup Lounge karaoke nights attract a buzzing crowd. Catch singers belting out hits in Arabic and English. If you’re feeling brave, you can get your Kelly Clarkson on and jump onstage. The event runs from 9pm to midnight, and tickets start from SAR 50.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Thursday 24 August
Watch Liam Neeson in Retribution
Liam Neeson is 71 years old, but he shows no signs of slowing down. He is starring in the new action film, Retribution. The story follows a bank executive who receives a bomb threat while driving his children to school. He is told that his car will explode if they stop.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 25 August
Watch the Australian rapper Iggy Izalea
The Australian rapper Iggy Azalea is coming to Gamers8 in Riyadh. The performer has made a name for herself with her bold lyrics and infectious hooks. We’re expecting her to play her hits, which range from Black Widow to Fancy and Work.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 26 August
Check out Urth Caffé’s new branches
Have a leisurely breakfast at Urrth Café. The menu includes Breakfast Burrito, Classic Belgian Waffle and Stuffed French Toast, and there is an all-day brunch. Now that the branch has opened in Mall of Arabia in Jeddah and Riyadh Park, you can enjoy healthy dishes across the Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.urthcaffe.sa for more information.
Sunday 27 August
Treat yourself to a trip to Habitas AlUla
Make the most of the weekend and head to Habitas AlUla. Situated in an ancient oasis in the Ashar Valley, the site is home to 96 guest rooms with jaw-dropping views. Prices start from SAR 1,700 and include breakfast.
GO: Visit www.ourhabitas.com for more information.
Monday 28 August
Visit the art exhibition Returning to a Present in AlUla
Jeddah’s ATHR Gallery have bought Returning to a Present to AlUla’s AlJadida. The group show brings together Saudi Arabian artists Sarah Abu Abdullah, Ahaad Alamoudi, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Sultan bin Fahad, Ibrahim Romman and Muhannad Shono. The show explores the relationship between tradition and transformation in the Kingdom and runs until 30 September.
GO: Visit https://athrart.com for more information.
Tuesday 29 August
Get your gram on at Jeddah’s new EL&N London
Jeddah, we have some exciting news. EL&N London, aka the world’s most Instagrammable cafe, has spread its pink and floral wings to Jeddah Yacht Club. So enter the world of florals and pinks, and dig into cute coffees and cuter cakes.
GO: Visit https://sa.elnlondon.com for more information.
Wednesday 30 August
Catch the Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths to the Soul exhibition
Did you know that Arabic calligraphy has UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List status? Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths to the Soul exhibition explores the spiritual dimension of calligraphy in Arab works through contemporary and historical artworks. The free event is held at Irqah Hospital and runs until 2 September.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Thursday 31 August
Feel like a big kid and hang out with Barbie and Ken
Barbie has arrived fashionably late to Saudi Arabia. While most of the world has seen this doll onscreen, we have had to wait until the end of August. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and is directed by Greta Gerwig. Catch the film in VOX Cinemas from 31 August.
GO: Visit https://uae.voxcinemas.com for more information.
