31 terrific things to do in Saudi Arabia in July
From gaming to gourmet meals, here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
Whether you’re looking for events in Jeddah, Riyadh or beyond, there are many fun things to do in the Kingdom. The month ahead is brimming with special events, discounts and menus. Gamers8 is back with famous e-sporters and singers – Macklemore, anyone? Plus, there are excellent Eid ideas. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in July.
Saturday 1 July
Spend the day at 180 Beach Club
Before the heat takes over, make your way to 180 Beach Club in Khobar. Open until 1 July, the chic spot offers jet skiing, kayaking, soccer and volleyball. Plus, there are markets, DJs and private swimming areas.
GO: Visit https://khobar.platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 2 July
Retreat to Rüya Riyadh for lunch
Rüya Riyadh has launched a new business lunch menu. Located in Al Dabab, the modern yet traditional restaurant offers a three-course feast showcasing the very best of Anatolian cuisine. The menu is inspired by the Anatolian peninsula, and includes classic as well as contemporary dishes.
GO: Follow @ruya_riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Monday 3 July
Check out the Silent Hands exhibition in Jeddah
Hayy Jameel in Jeddah hosts exciting exhibitions. Silent Hands is a group show exploring work and play in Asia. The themes cover gender, financial independence, social mobility, and migration. Plus, the artists include Pacita Abad, Hangama Amiri, Mohammed Kazem, Maha Malluh, Khairullah Rahim, Anhar Salem and Aarti Sunder. The show runs until 16 October.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Tuesday 4 July
Gain free entry into Bujairi Terrace
Make the most of hump day and visit Bujairi Terrace. Over the summer, visitors can enjoy free entry to Diriyah. The Diriyah Summer Access 2023 pass includes access to the historical sight, At-Turaif, and the luxurious fine-dining destination. The pass is valid until Thursday, 31 August.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Wednesday 5 July
Visit the celebrity restaurant Spago
In 1982, Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in Los Angeles. Spago has come to epitomise fine dining and has now found a new home in Via Riyadh. With its market-inspired menu and commitment to exceptional service, Spago has attained a truly legendary status. Read our FACT Review here.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Thursday 6 July
Get your game on at Gamers8
It’s only fitting that the world’s biggest e-sports festival welcomes the world’s biggest stars. Gamers8 is taking place in Riyadh and welcomes international as well as local acts. Taking place at Boulevard Riyadh City from 6 July to 31 August, the event focuses on professional e-sports competitions, entertainment shows, and music performances.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Friday 7 July
Catch Saudi artist Rabeh Saqer at Gamers8
It’s not just American artists coming to Gamers8, as Saudi artist Rabeh Saqer will perform on 7 July. We’re hoping he performs his songs from Ana Ahebbak to Latemanan. More names should be announced in the coming weeks. In 2022, the event hosted celebrity concerts with acts ranging from Black Eyed Peas to DJ Snake, so look out for more announcements.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 8 July
End the week on a sweet note
Maître Choux, the one and only choux pastry specialist patisserie from London, has opened its doors in the Saudi capital. Located in the heart of U Walk, it is a sugary paradise. The chefs blend the best of traditional French techniques with a modern twist. So take your pick from pretty pastries.
GO: Follow @maitrechouxksa on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 9 July
Watch Jackie Chan’s new movie, Hidden Strike
The fastest hands in the East are returning onscreen. Martial arts superstar Jackie Chan stars in Hidden Strike, which follows two ex-special forces soldiers. Their task is to transport a group of civilians along Baghdad’s Highway of Death to safety.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 10 July
Stop by the newly opened Bagatelle Riyadh
Bringing a touch of St. Tropez to Saudi Arabia, Bagatelle Riyadh exudes joie de vivre. Celebrated for its French Mediterranean cuisine, the new restaurant offers signature dishes such as Eggplant Parmigiana, the refreshing Riviera Salad, or the succulent Whole Farm Chicken. Read our FACT review here.
GO: Visit https://bagatelle.com for more information.
Tuesday 11 July
Improve hump day with Il Baretto’s new seasonal menu
Located in KAFD in Riyadh, Il Baretto is famous for its fine-dining Italian food. Now, it is switching things up with its new seasonal menu, which pays homage to the changing seasons in Italy. The new menu draws inspiration from Milan, Sicily and Tuscany, and has been created by the Head Chef, Alex Simone. The dishes include Midollo Gratinato Alla Milanese, Casarecce al Pesto, and Salmone Affumicato. Read our FACT review here.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Wednesday 12 July
Celebrate Japanese culture at Japamura
Gamers8 is hosting this Japanese event, which brings together anime, matcha, sushi and more. Whether you’re a fan of the country’s food or games, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture. Origami, anyone?
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 13 July
Watch Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
The latest Mission: Impossible film premiered in Abu Dhabi. True to Tom Cruise-form, it is packed with spectacular stunts, which have been shot around the world. Now, the lead character Ethan Hunt and his IMF team are on their most dangerous mission yet – to track down a new weapon that threatens all of humanity.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 14 July
Catch American rapper Macklemore
Hitmaker Macklemore will perform at Gamers8 in Riyadh. He is from Seattle, United States and started his career in 2000. He first worked with the producer Ryan Lewis, and is known for the songs Can’t Hold Us, Glorious and Thrift Shop. So, if you want to catch him in the Kingdom, here’s your chance.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 15 July
Get your heart racing on the Fire Boat
Unleash your inner Tom Cruise. We dare you to hop on board the Fire Boat in Jeddah. Taking off from Jeddah Yacht Club, the adrenaline-pumping experience takes you across the sea. We’re talking 360-degree spins and descents on water.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudievents.Firsa for more information.
Sunday 16 July
Start the week off in style at café ELLE
Fashion and food may not make for a traditional pairing, but café ELLE in Via Riyadh is switching things up. This laid-back café brings to life the world-famous magazine. Embracing the French art de vivre, it offers pretty plates, which are Insta-ready. Strike a pose or three.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Monday 17 July
Visit Les Deux Magots for Parisian charm
Les Deux Magots is now open in Via Riyadh. The menu offers Parisian delights, including rich coffee blends, freshly baked viennoiseries, fluffy omelettes, steak with crispy fries, and satisfying club sandwiches. The OG venue welcomed A-list visitors from the literary world, and we’re expecting this to be a cultural hotspot.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 18 July
Step onto a Seabob in Jeddah
If you’ve never heard of a seabob, fear not. The fearless people at Jeddah Waves are ready to teach you all about the sea and seabobbing – aka environmentally friendly scooters. The rides give you a new way to explore the sea. The experience lasts 15 minutes and runs until 20 July.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudievents.sa for more information.
Wednesday 19 July
Hop on board a Jet Ski in Jeddah
It’s (almost) your last chance to enjoy the Jet Ski Experience from Jeddah Waves. Running until 20 July as part of Jeddah Events, visitors can ride across the sea on jet skis and enjoy exceptional views of the city.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudievents.sa for more information.
Thursday 20 July
Watch K-pop band Ateez in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia loves K-pop. Not only has it welcomed big stars, from BTS to BLACKPINK, but it even launched a KCon festival. Now, the South Korean supergroup Ateez are coming to the Kingdom. The Fellowship: Break the Wall Tour takes place at Jeddah Superdome. So join the Atiny fans, and cheer along to the songs.
GO: Follow @ateez_official on Instagram for more information.
Friday 21 July
Watch the hilarious new Barbie movie
Whether you used to play with Barbie or not, this movie takes a satirical look at consumer culture and women’s role in society. The premise is a cross between Toy Story and The Truman Show, as Barbie is on a mission to enter the real world. The film stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell, and is directed by Greta Gerwig.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Saturday 22 July
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.
Sunday 23 July
Check out the newly opened ROKA Jeddah
Dubai, London and Riyadh all have one, and now Jeddah does, too. ROKA Jeddah has opened, and the restaurant serves contemporary robatayaki cuisine. The menu includes the brand’s signature dishes from the flaming grill such as kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber) to the bekupoteto (baked potato with yuzu cream and chives).
GO: Call +966 9200 17652 for reservations and more information.
Monday 24 July
Eat at the new steampunk-inspired Mac & Enzi
Mac & Enzi hopes to add something a little different to Riyadh’s dining scene, as it is packed with personality. Enter the unassuming black door, and you’ll find an intriguing space. Located on Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Aw Road, the concept is like a cross between The Addams Family and Sherlock Holmes. Plus, the food ranges from burgers to salads.
GO: Follow @macandenzi.sa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 25 July
Visit the newly opened Madeo in Via Riyadh
Madeo is no stranger to the Kingdom, as it launched pop-ups during Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and Riyadh Season. Now, it has a permanent home in Via Riyadh. The fine-dining Italian restaurant is a sophisticated space, and you shouldn’t leave without trying its signature spaghetti bolognese. Read our FACT review here.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for more information.
Wednesday 26 July
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.
Thursday 27 July
Celebrate at Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport
The hotel is located near King Khalid International Airport and boasts 471 rooms, including connecting rooms for families, duplexes and villas with private pools. Visitors can enjoy special offers and events, which often includes live music at Lune restaurant.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Friday 28 July
Rock on to Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons are coming to Riyadh. The band hail from Las Vegas, United States and released their debut album in 2012. The group consists of lead singer Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee and drummer Daniel Platzman. Get ready to sing along to hit songs including Believer, Thunder and Whatever It Takes.
GO: Visit https://gamers8.gg for more information.
Saturday 29 July
Catch the Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths to the Soul exhibition
Did you know that Arabic calligraphy has been awarded UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List status? Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths to the Soul exhibition explores the spiritual dimension of calligraphy in the Arab works through contemporary and historical artworks. The free event runs until 2 September, and is held at Irqah Hospital.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Sunday 30 July
Start the week off with a Saudi meal
Maiz is a homegrown fine dining concept, which uses ancient Saudi Arabian cooking methods. The menu reads like the Kingdom’s greatest food hits, and brings together the best dishes from the country’s thirteen provinces. So, get ready to go on an adventure from the comfort of your maiz (aka table). Read our FACT review here.
GO: Visit https://maiz.sa for more information.
Monday 31 July
Get transported to New York at Raoul’s Riyadh
Raoul’s Riyadh brings a taste of New York to Via Riyadh. The décor is characterised by a sophisticated dark colour palette, intimate spaces, and luxurious red velvet accents. A spiral staircase leads guests to an intimate upstairs lounge, offering a vantage point over the restaurant below. The meticulously crafted menu includes seasonal classics, ranging from foie gras to steak au poivre with frites. Read our FACT Review here.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
