30 fantastic things to do in Saudi Arabia in November
From Riyadh Season to the Red Sea Film Festival, here are the best things to do.
Hello, November. Saudi Arabia is bursting with exciting things to do in the autumn. Riyadh Season has kicked off in spectacular style and continues throughout the month. The Kingdom also hosts the Wellness Festival in AlUla and the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. So, grab your diaries – food, festivals and fun await.
Wednesday 1 November
Book a break at the AlUla Wellness Festival
AlUla is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sights and cool concerts. Now, visitors can enter a state of zen at the AlUla Wellness Festival 2023. The event brings together activities, which are focused on the body, mind and soul. Experts from around the world will be on hand to create the holistic experience, which runs until 4 November.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Thursday 2 November
Enjoy the concert The Night of Abdul Majeed Abdullah
If you love Arabic music, you’ll be excited to hear that Abdul Majeed Abdullah is in Riyadh. He will be performing at Riyadh Season and is coming to Boulevard World. The event will include state-of-the-art visuals and surprise guests.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Friday 3 November
Have a laugh at Riyadh Laughs
Here’s an event that will put a smile on your face. Riyadh Laughs is a weekly event, and the comedians perform in Arabic and English. Running until 11 November, the shows take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and it takes place at Boulevard Riyadh City’s Muvi Cinema.
GO: Visit www.muvicinemas.com for more information.
Saturday 4 November
Cheer on the wrestlers at WWE Crown Jewel
Do you know your powerslam from your mandible claw? Well, you’ll be thrilled to hear that WWE Crown Jewel 2023 is returning to Riyadh for Riyadh Season. WWE looks to be a showstopper and welcomes the World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins and “The Scottish Warrior”, Drew McIntyre.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 5 November
Dig into the new seasonal menu at Il Baretto
Il Baretto celebrates the changing seasons with a new menu. Inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean, the menu showcases fresh, seasonal flavours and sustainably sourced ingredients. Created by chef Alex Simone, the dishes range from Endivia salad (endive and pears with gorgonzola dressing and whole nuts) to Risotto All’Aragosta (lobster and fennel risotto). Plus, pasta dishes include Cappelletti ai Porcini, Mezzi Paccheri con Cozze e Bottarga and Ravioli di Zucca.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Monday 6 November
Dine at the New York institution Carbone
Riyadh, you’ll have stars in their eyes – we’re talking MICHELIN Stars. The fine dining Italian restaurant Carbone is coming to the capital this month. As the New York brand makes its debut in the city, diners will be able to enjoy innovative Italian cuisine. Dishes span antipasti, zuppa e insalte, macaroni, pesci, carni and contorni.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 7 November
Try terrific tacos at Guaka’s new restaurant in Jeddah
Located on Prince Sultan Road, Guaka is a casual spot for Mexican food and drink, and the name is inspired by guacamole. The restaurant is easy to spot, as there is a big bright blue logo above the floor-to-ceiling windows. Diners can choose from tacos, quesadillas, desserts and drinks.
GO: Visit @guaka.sa for more information.
Wednesday 8 November
Fly up, up and away in the new Hero Balloon Flights in AlUla
Hero Balloon Flights has launched Saudi Arabia’s first commercial hot air balloon flights. Guests can fly 4,000 feet above AlUla’s stunning landscapes, canyons and tombs. The shared hot air balloon starts from SAR 995 per adult and SAR 795 per child, and the private hot air balloon flight starts from SAR 9,995 for up to eight guests.
GO: Visit www.heroballoonflights.com for bookings and more information.
Thursday 9 November
Hop on board the new luxury airline, Beond
If you’ve been fantasising about your next break, Beond might have the answer. The airline has launched luxury flights from Saudi Arabia to Maldives. Get ready to travel in style – the flights will go from the Riyadh to Male from 9 November.
GO: Visit https://flybeond.com for more information.
Friday 10 November
Catch the new superhero movie The Marvels
Teyonah Parris, Brie Larson, Iman Vellani and Samuel L. Jackson join forces and star in the new film, The Marvels. Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity. In true superhero-style, there are unexpected consequences that affect the universe.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com/movies/the-marvels for more information.
Saturday 11 November
It’s your last day to visit AlUla Dates Festival
If you know your Medjool from your Piarom, you’ll be excited to hear about the AlUla Dates Festival. The event showcases date-inspired food and drink, and is a great way to learn about the region’s famous food. The festival also supports local farmers and provides a platform for trade as well as the exchange of expertise. The event runs until 11 November.
GO: Visit www.rcu.gov.sa for more information.
Sunday 12 November
Have a fashionable tea time at café ELLE
At café ELLE in Via Riyadh, fashion and food go together like Dolce and Gabbana. The casual café brings to life the world-famous magazine and serves Insta-worthy dishes. Now, it has introduced an afternoon tea. The food includes finger sandwiches and canapés, from cucumber and chicken coronation to hummus beetroot blini. Plus, Al Hassa-sourced date scones with clotted cream and rose jelly from Madina. The tea takes place daily from 3pm to 6pm
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for more information.
Monday 13 November
Sign up for the Kingdom Quality of Life Program
If you’ve been looking to learn a new hobby or skill, hit up the new Kingdom Quality of Life Program. The activities hope to transform lives by creating clubs and bringing communities together through hobbies. After you answer a questionnaire, it will present you with events, from art classes to comedy nights. Happy learning.
GO: Visit https://hawi.gov.sa for more information.
Tuesday 14 November
Visit the celebrity favourite Mr Chow
A-listers from Adele to Justin Bieber have been spotted at Mr Chow. With restaurants in America, from Beverly Hills to New York City, the restaurant opened in Riyadh last October. Executive Chef Jia Hef is behind the fine dining menu, which includes Chicken Satay, Green Prawns, Peking Duck and handmade noodles.
GO: Visit www.mrchow.com for more information.
Wednesday 15 November
Sing your heart out at Syrup Lounge
Syrup Lounge is famous for its entertainment offering in Riyadh, from live music nights to dance classes. If you love to sing, make sure you check out the karaoke night. The event attracts local soloists and groups performing in Arabic and English. The event runs from 9pm to midnight, and tickets start from SAR 50.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Thursday 16 November
Catch the new film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The sci-fi movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes brings together the stars Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth and Viola Davis. Snow has been assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, and Snow sees an opportunity to shift Baird’s fate. Can Snow beat time and reveal if he will become a songbird or a snake?
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 17 November
Dine out at Together & Co. Restaurant
Together & Co. Restaurant in Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Financial District serves international and Middle Eastern delights. Located in Al Ghadir, a seafood night runs every Friday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. The menu showcases spectacular seafood and a range of mocktails, and takes place in a modern, trendy space.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for more information.
Saturday 18 November
Check out the Ancient Kingdom Festival in AlUla
History buffs, we’ve got you. AlUla is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. To mark its 15th year with the title, the festival returns to celebrate the oases connecting AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma. The event runs from 16 November to 2 December.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Sunday 19 November
Grab a cup of coffee at the newly opened Lilly’s Café in Riyadh
Al Mamlaka Social Dining has been causing a buzz in Riyadh, and offers an elevated dining hall. Now, it has welcomed a new kitchen, Lilly’s Café. Coming from Covent Garden, London, Lilly’s Café is a charming café, which serves breakfast, small and large plates, and cakes and bakes. Plus, tea and coffees with a twist – Baked Apple Chai, Chillout Mint and Turmeric Twist, anyone?
GO: Visit https://almamlakasocialdining.com for more information.
Monday 20 November
Check out the new Arabic café Siwa Coffee
Siwa Coffee is hot off-the-coffee-press. The café has opened in The Esplanade, Riyadh and is inspired by Arabia. The sophisticated space has been designed by the architects, david/nicholas, and is already popular with locals. So, if you’re a coffee connoisseur, make your way through the hot and cold drinks, which range from an Americano to Khuzamaa Blossom.
GO: Follow @siwa.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 21 November
Take some time out at the new MNAYA Spa
Give hump day an upgrade. Visit the newly opened MNAYA SPA, which is perfect for pampering. Located in Ar Rabwah, the spa and salon offer hair as well as nail treatments. The treatments range from manicures to pedicures. The premium products span Jo Malone creams and candles, and nail varnish from Essie to Orly in a range of shades.
GO: Follow @mnaya.spa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 22 November
Add some chic to your day with the new Café Lilou
Café Lilou is bringing chic to the city. The French café and restaurant started in Bahrain and opened in Saudi Arabia. Located in Hittin, it draws its inspiration from Parisian brasseries in the 19th century. The menu spans starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers and risotto. Dishes range from L’Ame de Montmarte oven-baked salmon, to La Rotunde grilled tenderloin steak.
GO: Follow @cafelilouksa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 23 November
Check out tennis stars at Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah
Get ready tennis fans, Jeddah is hosting the much-anticipated Next Gen ATP Finals this year. Running from 23 November to 2 December 2023, the event takes place at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. This year, the record-breaking prize is SAR 7 million ($2 million).
GO: Visit www.atptour.com for more information.
Friday 24 November
Watch Joaquin Phoenix star in the new film Napolean
So much has been written about Napolean Bonaparte. Now, the general during the French Revolution gets his very own film, courtesy of the director Ridley Scott. The film takes a personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his climb to power. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, and Vanessa Kirby and Ludivine Sagnier.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Saturday 25 November
Catch the new Disney film Wish
Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine star in the new Disney film, Wish. The animated musical comedy takes place in the magical kingdom of Rosas. Asha is an idealist who makes a wish that it is answered by a cosmic energy called Star. So, Asha and Star work together to confront the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 26 November
Try the new business lunch at LPM Riyadh
Start the week off in style. The FACT favourite LPM Riyadh has launched a new business lunch menu. Located in Al Faisaliah, the restaurant is famous for its French Mediterranean dishes. The options include Escargots de Bourgogne, seasonal fish and meat including Grilled Beef Sirloin, Grilled Red Mullet and the signature Pasta Arrabbiata. The lunch is available weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Monday 27 November
Order from A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh’s new delivery service
If you love to order in, do it in style with A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh. Enjoy the Mediterranean-Californian cuisine, which showcases seasonally inspired cuisine free from refined sugar and limited in dairy and gluten. The restaurant delivers to homes, offices and other private establishments. The service is available on The Chefz, Hungerstation, Jahez and pick up at the KAFD restaurant.
GO: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Tuesday 28 November
Check out the new burger joint Bunster in Riyadh
The new burger joint Bunster has bought retro American vibes to Riyadh. The cool spot is now open for burger and fries, and aims to please. Located in Hittin, it is a hip hangout. Check out the old-school touches: there’s an analogue TV playing shows, and the wall is decorated with clapper boards, number plates and posters.
GO: Follow @bunstersksa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 29 November
Enjoy the new Arabic film Al Hareefa
Bayomi Fouad, Nour El Nabawy, Ahmed Hossam and Nour Ehab star in the film Al Hareefa. The story follows the football lover, Maged. As he tranfers from his private school to public school, he uses his football skills to make new friends.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Thursday 30 November
Celebrate the region’s movie scene at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah
Movie buffs, the Red Sea International Film Festival returns for its third edition. The festival celebrates local and international talent. So far, a line-up of Saudi short films has been unveiled and Australian director Baz Luhrmann has been announced as the jury head. He is behind hit films ranging from Moulin Rouge to The Great Gatsby. Look out for screenings, talks and workshops. The event runs from 30 November to 9 December.
GO: Visit https://redseafilmfest.com for more information.
