30 great things to do in Saudi Arabia in September
Take your pick from coffee, cinema and comedy.
September is a big month in Saudi Arabia. On 23 September, the Kingdom gets its patriotism on for Saudi National Day. While the city is filled with green, there are still plenty of terrific things to do during the month. So, whether you love food or festivals, here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in September.
Friday 1 September
Dance the night away at Ritual music festival
Ritual Music Festival showcases Afro House. Taking place at Mountain View Resort in northwest Riyadh, it includes local and international artists. The line-up includes Liva K, Igniter, Kris Nami, Sam, and Talak JK. The headliner, Liva K, is famous for his afro house beats.
GO: Visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com for more information.
Saturday 2 September
Catch the new romantic comedy Puppy Love
If an app can’t bring people together, then maybe dogs will do the trick. Puppy Love follows Nicole and Max, after they go on a disastrous first date and become co-parents to dogs. The cast includes Lucy Hale and Grant Gustin.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 3 September
Sign up for the Kingdom Quality of Life Program
If you’ve been keen to learn a new hobby or skill, check out the new Kingdom Quality of Life Program. The programme hopes 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.
GO: Visit https://hawi.gov.sa for more information.
Monday 4 September
Grab a slice of pizza at the newly opened Gleam Pizzeria
If the sound of pizza gets your mouth watering, then you’re in luck. The new Italian Gleam Pizzeria has opened in Riyadh and prides itself on serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Located in Al Nakheel, it serves classics ranging from a Diavola to a Margherita.
GO: Follow @gleam.saudi for more information.
Tuesday 5 September
Enjoy a taste of Asia
Lotus Restaurant, the Asian-inspired culinary haven at Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, offers diners a harmonious fusion of tangy, spicy, sweet, and savoury flavours. Experience authentic hospitality in an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, where you can enjoy fine dining, a separate private dining room or the open-air terrace with striking city views. Open Sunday to Friday, from 4pm to 1am.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 6 September
Treat yourself to fine dining Lebanese food at Taleel
Taleel has opened in Al Quds District, Riyadh. The concept prides itself on serving traditional Lebanese dishes, which span salads, hot and cold appetisers, tajine and rice, mains and desserts. The dishes include an Armenian Tabbouleh, Kibbeh Labanieh and Tabbouleh Salad.
GO: Follow @taleel_sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 7 September
Have a laugh at Riyadh Laughs
Here’s an event that will put a smile on your face. Riyadh Laughs is a stand-up show, which takes place at Boulevard Riyadh’s Muvi Cinema. The comedy nights take place from Thursday to Saturday until 11 November and include performances in Arabic and English. Tickets start from SAR 175.
GO: Visit www.muvicinemas.com for more information.
Friday 8 September
Join the Animal Crossing x Avantgarde festival
The British festival is making its debut in the city and has been created in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Avantgarde. The line-up includes Animal Crossing’s resident artists Bowes, B2B R.O.Y, Dana Ruh, and Joey Jackson. Plus, Avantgarde’s performers Saoud and Voidkid.
GO: Visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com for more information.
Saturday 9 September
Check out the new boutique in Jeddah
Hayy Jameel is famous for its art exhibitions, which celebrate art in the Middle East and beyond. Now, it is mixing things up with a new art shop in Jeddah. If you’re after art books, stylish stationery, paintings and more, this is worth checking out.
GO: Follow @hayyjameel on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 10 September
Visit 367 Café’s new concept meets coffee store in Jeddah
Jeddah has a buzzing coffee scene, and 367 Café is adding to it with its cool concept. The hip hangout includes board games, clothing brands and, of course, coffee. Located in Az Zumurud, it has a boho chic vibe with chandeliers, aristocratic-inspired paintings and brown leather sofas.
GO: Follow @367cafe on Instagram for more information.
Monday 11 September
Try the new Japanese BBQ restaurant Kintan
Meat eaters, this one’s for you. The newly opened Kintan prides itself on being the first yakiniku concept in Riyadh. Translated: diners can cook their steak to suit their needs. Located in Al Wadi, this is the brand’s first expansion into the Middle East and worth checking out.
GO: Visit https://linktr.ee/kintansaudi for more information.
Tuesday 12 September
Enjoy Arabic food and drink at the new restaurant Beit Luz
Beit Luz in Jeddah décor draws its inspiration from the historical neighbourhoods. Located in the Alshati district, it is home to food, drinks and a concept store. The café boasts large windows, plant pots and thatched roofs. Look out for the store at the back, which sells accessories and clothing. Plus, the food includes international dishes, from salads to tacos.
GO: Follow @beit_luz on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 13 September
Check out the hip hot spot Tlado
Tlado is bringing some hip to Hittin. This pit stop is mixing things up with its iced tea. Not only is the décor bright blue, but the drinks are served in equally bright cups, which locals love to share on social. The venue is easy to spot, thanks to its neon sign.
GO: Follow @tlado__ on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 14 September
Catch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Do the names Donatello, Leonardo, Michaelangelo and Raphael mean something to you? If they remind you of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rather than Renaissance artists, then cowabunga dudes. It’s tough being a teenager, but imagine being a turtle. The story follows the group as they try to win over New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teens.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 15 September
Have a good hair day at the new salon, Hair Story
Hair Story, a new hair salon, has opened in Turki Al Awal in Riyadh. Packed with personality, the menu is playful but on point. The treatments include blow dries and haircuts, and the blow-dry looks include Boujee’s beach hair, Emily in Paris’s face-framing look, and Kim Not A Karen’s loose waves.
GO: Follow @hairstory.sa On Instagram for more information.
Saturday 16 September
Watch Poirot in A Haunting in Venice
Kenneth Branagh returns as the detective Poirot. The next tale is set in Venice, and unexpected events take place after a séance. Following the murder of one of the guests, it is up to him to find the killer. The cast includes Kelly Reilly and Michelle Yeoh.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Sunday 17 September
Unwind at the new Agave Spa and Beauty
Agave Spa and Beauty has opened in An Narjis, Riyadh, and it’s a serene spot for women. The new salon offers treatments including manicures, massages and a Moroccan bath. The plush place includes cool, contemporary vibes, thanks to the cream curtains, floor and sofas.
GO: Follow @agave_spa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 18 September
Grab a cup of coffee at the new Enekas in Riyadh
Enekas is a sleek spot in Olaya. The décor spans white to grey shades. The look includes metallic tables – even the cups are white with a silver embossed logo. Try the Tirimasu, which is served in a giant slab and is already popping up on social media accounts across the Kingdom.
GO: Follow @.sa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 19 September
Check out ROKA Jeddah’s new menu
The award-winning brand has mixed things up with its new menu, which is only available in Jeddah. Located on Jeddah Walk, the new dishes at ROKA Jeddah include a Chicken Sando, Soft-shell crab with chilli shiso sauce, Truffle Yakisoba Noodles and Spicy Tuna Tempura Toll.
GO: Visit www.rokarestaurant.com for more information.
Wednesday 20 September
Sip away at the chic new café Heather
Have your coffee with a shot of chic at Heather. Located in Al Aqiq, Riyadh, it has an understated elegance with beige, cream and white. The hot drinks range from an Americano to a Spanish Latte, and cold drinks range from an Iced Hibiscus to Iced Tea Passion Fruit. The bakery serves croissants and cakes in flavours including coconut, chocolate and honey.
GO: Follow @heather.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 21 September
Watch Expend4bles in the cinema
The Expendables film franchise has been flexing its muscles onscreen. Now, it’s back with its action-packed cast, who bring to life a team that have been recruited as the last line of defence. The cast includes Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Megan Fox, 50 Cent and Andy Garcia.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 22 September
Head to Abha Summer Festival
Visit Aseer for its cooler climate. Abha Summer Festival runs until 24 September, and is a family-friendly event. Taking place in Sama Abha Park, it covers 126,000 square meters and brings together fun activities. Hop on classic fairground rides, watch local artists in concert and try traditional Saudi cuisine.
GO: Follow @aseer.seasons on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 23 September
Celebrate Saudi National Day
It’s time to get your patriotism on. Today marks the 93rd Saudi National Day. The Kingdom will be filled with special events including concerts, fireworks and parades. This year’s theme is “we dream and we achieve”. The new logo includes a man and a woman around the country’s different megaprojects.
GO: Visit www.gea.gov.sa for more information.
Sunday 24 September
Get your caffeine fix at the new O2 Café
O2 Café aims to bring a breath of fresh air to Riyadh’s coffee scene. The tagline states, “when oxygen meets coffee”. The concept brings the outdoors indoors with green grass on the floor, baskets filled with fruit and a white tree. The drinks include an Americano, Cortado, Flat White, Saffron Latte and White Mocha.
GO: Follow @o2caffe.sa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 25 September
Bite into a brilliant burger at the newly opened Prime Cut
Riyadh, there’s a new burger joint in town. Located in Al Nada district, Prime Cut serves burgers and fries. The offerings are stacked high with patty upon patty and dripping sauce. The signature burger is the Prime Classic with Angus beef, iceberg lettuce, pickles and Monterey Jack cheese.
GO: Follow @primecut_sa on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 26 September
Give yourself a treat at the new Zoni Bakery and Pastry
Zoni Bakery and Pastry has opened in Al Aziziyah in Riyadh and serves pastries and signature coffee. Sit near the open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs at work. The café serves cakes, croissants, cookies, and doughnuts with fun fillings. Plus, there are a range of hot and cold drinks.
GO: Follow @zonibp on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 27 September
Check out the newly opened Tellus in Riyadh
Coffee shops don’t have to be casual. To prove the point, Tellus aims to elevate your coffee experience. The team label themselves as coffee roasters, and the menu features a wide selection of hot drinks. Plus, the décor includes African touches, from colourful artwork to decorative cushions.
GO: Follow @tullus.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 28 September
Join Groove on the Grass
Groove on the Grass is coming to Riyadh from 28 to 29 September. The line-up has not yet been announced, but if previous editions are anything to by, it will be an exciting event bringing together local and international acts. Groove on the Grass has been running for almost 10 years, and started life in Dubai, UAE. The first Saudi Groove took place in May 2022.
GO: Visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com for more information.
Friday 29 September
Shop at Charlotte Tilbury’s first store in Saudi
Located in the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah, the new Charlotte Tilbury store showcases the British make-up artist’s collection, from bronzers to blushers. The store includes palm-like chandeliers, a gift-wrapping station, and a wall with covers that she has worked on, from Harper’s Bazaar to Vogue. Plus, the limited edition Disney100 X Charlotte Tilbury collection is available in-store.
GO: Visit www.charlottetilbury.com for more information.
Saturday 30 September
Find your zen at The Yoga House in Riyadh
The Yoga House in Riyadh maybe your new happy place. The new centre is located in Alyasmin, and showcases movement, sound and wellness treatments. Take your pick from classes for different abilities, and join seminars and workshops with guest speakers.
GO: Visit www.theyogahousesa.com for more information.
