30 joyful things to do this June in Saudi Arabia
Whether you’re after comedy, cinemas or cafés, here are the best things to do in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is bursting with brilliant things to do in Jeddah, Riyadh and beyond. Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, or sit back and watch A-listers like De Niro, there’s something for everyone. Plus, there are exciting events – Eid Al Adha, anyone? Here are the best things to do in June. Saudi, we’ve got your back.
Thursday 1 June
Catch Saudi’s space exhibition
Here’s an exhibition that will put stars in your eyes: Saudi Towards Space is taking off, and celebrates the Kingdom’s space mission. Visitors can enjoy virtual flight simulators, live experiments, shows and workshops. The exhibition is free to enter and takes place in King Abdullah Financial District until 1 June, and then travels the country.
GO: Visit kafd.sa for more information.
Friday 2 June
Laugh the night away with Charlie Chaplin
Few silhouettes are as famous as Charlie Chaplin. The British actor is known throughout the world for his tramp persona and comic timing. Jeddah Season celebrates the icon in the musical Charlie, which follows the ups and downs in his career. Catch the show at City Walk from 2 to 6 June, from 9pm to midnight. Tickets start from SAR 100.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudievents.sa for more information.
Saturday 3 June
It’s your last chance to visit Jeddah Season’s City Walk
If you’re after family-friendly fun, then head down to Jeddah’s Season’s City Walk. It’s your last weekend to enjoy the ten zones, which range from rides to restaurants. Plus, if you need a little zen, head to the meditation zone. City Walk runs until 7 June and is open from 6pm to 1am. Tickets start from SAR 55.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudievents.sa for more information.
Sunday 4 June
Watch the new Robert De Niro film, About My Father
It’s the Fourth of July. Sebastian is embarrassed to bring his father, Salvo, to his fiancé’s family home. Robert De Niro plays the over-the-top, tracksuit wearing, Italian dad, and what follows is a series of culture clashes. The film is a cross between Father of the Bride and Meet the Parents. Plus, the cast includes Kim Cattrall, Leslie Bibb and Brett Dier.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Monday 5 June
Join a panel discussion on the role of Europe
If you’ve been wondering what the difference is between Brexit and Brussels, join this Panel Discussion on Europe. The event it part of Europe Month 2023, and looks at the relationship between Europe and the Middle East. Plus, it takes place on the anniversary of the EU-Gulf Strategic Partnership. The event is held at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah at 6pm.
GO: Visit www.eueventsinksa.eu for more information.
Tuesday 6 June
Say bonjour at a free European language class
Do you wish you could speak another language? Well, check out Europe Month 2023. Taking place in Jeddah and Riyadh, the festival celebrates the continent’s culture and provides plenty of inspiration. The festival is offering a free one-hour language class in French, German and Italian. The class takes place at the Ibis Hotel, Jeddah from 6pm.
GO: Visit www.eueventsinksa.eu for more information.
Wednesday 7 June
Catch the Portuguese pianist Joana Gama
Be enchanted by the beauty of Portuguese pianist Joana Gama. The concert is part of Europe Month 2023, which celebrates arts and culture from the continent. She will perform The Book of Sounds from the German composer, Hans Otte. The location has yet to be confirmed, and the concert takes place from 8pm.
GO: Visit www.eueventsinksa.eu for more information.
Thursday 8 June
Watch the new Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Get ready for an exciting adventure. The franchise continues with the Autobots and Decepticons, and a whole new breed of Transformers. The film includes thrilling chase scenes, lavish locations and state-of-the-art special effects. The cast includes Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 9 June
Book yourself a spot at the Teatro brunch
Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences is home to a range of exciting restaurants. The signature all-day dining concept, Teatro, is hosting a fantastic Friday brunch. The selection includes local, regional and international dishes, and live cooking stations to watch the chefs at work. The brunch takes place from 1pm to 4pm, and starts from SAR 339.25.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for more information.
Saturday 10 June
Find your inner peace at the Yin Yoga Class
Yoga instructor Nora Wahbi is on a mission for you to feel zen. The class aims to help you relax and create a cathartic experience, which brings harmony between your body and soul. Taking place at Syrup Lounge in Riyadh, it runs from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets cost SAR 120.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Sunday 11 June
Indulge in a business lunch at Clap Riyadh
Put your hands together. Clap Riyadh has launched a business lunch, which is worth taking your time over. Located in Ramla Terraza, the menu includes Japanese favourites including the Black Miso Cod, Crunchy Salmon and Wagyu Crispy Rice. The menu starts from SAR 150 per person.
GO: Follow @clap.riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Monday 12 June
Try out the new seasonal menu at Il Baretto
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.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Tuesday 13 June
Grab a coffee and cake from Duzo Café
You’ll smell Duzo Café before you see it. The venue boasts lots of light, thanks to the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The name translates to plenty, and it has plenty of sweet and savoury dishes. The savoury babkas range from Pesto Cheese to Turkey mushrooms, and the sweet babkas range from Cinnamon Dates to Chocolate Hazelnut. Plus, there are cakes, tarts and a fun mocktail list – Lavender Coconut, anyone?
GO: Follow duzo.sa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 14 June
Get a health kick at the newly opened Sprout
The vibrant café is located in Al Zahra, Jeddah and includes green tiles, chairs and plants, and positive slogans. One reads: “Looking for a sign you’re eating healthy, this is it.” The café specialises in salads, sandwiches, soups and soups. The menu includes a Keto Salad, Lime Shrimp and Grain Bowl and Wild Halloumi Sandwich. Plus, there is a selection of fresh juices, coffee and tea.
GO: Follow @sproutsalads.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 15 June
Catch the superhero film, The Flash
Do you need a hero? Well, fly forward The Flash. Ezra Miller plays the DC superhero, who is starring in his first standalone film. Watch as he pushes his superpowers to the limits. The film also stars Michael Shannon, Sasha Calle and Ron Livingston.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 16 June
Dig into desserts at Kayu Bakehouse
Leave room for dessert because Kayu Bakehouse has made its debut in the Kingdom, serving spectacular sweet treats. The concept draws inspiration from France and is set to add a touch of chic to the capital. Located in Sulimaniyah, the café prides itself on being an artisanal dessert boutique.
GO: Follow @trykayu on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 17 June
Shop like Cristiano Ronaldo at Jacob & Co
The luxury watch and jewellery brand, Jacob & Co, opened its first boutique in Saudi Arabia. To celebrate the opening, it launched with the limited-edition Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 collection and a special guest in the form of Ronaldo himself. The shop is located on Olaya Main Street, Akariya Plaza. Warning: the pieces range between $28,000 and $145,000.
GO: Visit https://jacobandco.com for more information.
Sunday 18 June
Start the week off at Starbucks Reserve
Okay, so we wouldn’t normally put a Starbucks on a list of the coolest cafés in Jeddah, but this isn’t any normal outlet. Starbucks Reserve sources its coffee beans from Arabica trees, and uses rare as well as diverse ones. The opening has been #trending, as it’s the first Starbucks Reserve in Jeddah. Plus, there are 16 different deserts.
GO: Follow @starbucksksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 19 June
Catch a movie at Via Riyadh’s swanky cinemas
Via Riyadh is home to FOMO-inducing cinemas. We’re talking screens inspired by secret gardens, Tuwaiq’s mountain range and the Orient Express. The cinemas can be reserved for private screenings and screen the latest blockbusters.
GO: Visit www.viariyadh.com for more information.
Tuesday 20 June
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.
Wednesday 21 June
Get your sweet fix at Kawkab
If you like your coffee with cookies, then check out Kawkab. The new bakery serves classic coffees including an Americano, Cappuccino, Café Latte and Espresso. The snacks menu includes creative as well classic flavours, from Apple Cinnamon Cookies and Carrot Cake Cookies to Chocolate Chip Cookies and Double Chocolate Cookies. The cosy spot is ideal for a pit stop, as you grab and go or sip from the pink seats.
GO: Follow @kawkab.musattah on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 22 June
Watch the new Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Have your spidey senses been tingling? It’s time for a new Spider-Man movie. “Anyone can wear the mask, but how you wear it, that’s what matters,” says Miles Morales. This time, our superhero enters the Multiverse and encounters Spider-People. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld, Shameik Moore and Oscaar Isaac.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 23 June
Eat your way around Via Riyadh’s restaurants
Via Riyadh is the new luxury destination that keeps on giving. The venue boasts celebrity chefs, world-famous fashion brands, and a five-star hotel – The St. Regis Riyadh, no less. We’re big fans of the 17 restaurants, which range from the legendary Wolfgang Puck’s Spago to the rising star Hisato Hamada’s Wagyumafia.
GO: Visit www.viariyadh.com for more information.
Saturday 24 June
Shake your stuff at Syrup Lounge
Let out your inner Shakira. Syrup Lounge is groundbreaking, as it was one of the first entertainment venues to open in Riyadh. The Belly Dance class is for ladies only and takes place from 4pm to 6pm. Tickets cost SAR 130.
GO: Visit https://syrup.sa for more information.
Sunday 25 June
Check out the new Mexican restaurant, El Camino
It’s time to say hola to Riyadh’s new restaurant. El Camino serves marvellous Mexican food and has opened its doors in KAFFD. The décor boasts cool cacti, colourful sombreros, fringed lamps and shelves lined with vases. The menu spans s seafood, burritos, tacos, quesadillas and desserts. The restaurant is open from 7pm to 11pm.
GO: Follow @elcamino.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 26 June
Get swept away by the new restaurants at Jeddah Yacht Club
If you want to stay up to date with the latest dining trends, then head over to Jeddah Yacht Club. The recently opened area is home to the Italian restaurant Le Vésuvio, Brooklyn pizza place Emmy Squared, French restaurant Le Comptoir de Nicole and Japanese eatery Mashi No Mashi. You are spoilt for choice.
GO: Visit https://restaurants.coolinc.com.sa for more information.
Tuesday 27 June
Unwind in style at The Spa/Nail Shop
Atelier La View in Jeddah has launched new hammam services and a brand-new Libra Bed, which aims to get your feeling next-level relaxed. The spa combines traditional treatments with state-of-the-art technology, and the menu includes massages, facials and more.
GO: Follow @thespasa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 28 June
Celebrate Eid Al Adha
While the dates have not yet been confirmed, Eid Al Adha is expected to start around 28 June. If you count the weekend, this creates a six-day break. Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmail. The festival observes how Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmail, as an act of obedience to Allah. However, before the sacrifice took place, Allah stopped Ibrahim and he was given a lamb to kill in his son’s place.
Thursday 29 June
Laugh out loud at Jennifer Lawrence in No Hard Feelings
The premise for this new movie is a little creepy. Jennifer Lawrence plays a delivery driver who is so desperate for money, she accepts a job on Craigslist. The ad reads: “Date our son this summer, and bring him out of his shell before college”. Watch as a painfully awkward teenage boy tries to run, jump and pepper spray his “date”.
GO: Visit https://ksa.voxcinemas.com for more information.
Friday 30 June
Book a staycation at Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport
Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport is offering dazzling deals. The hotel includes 471 rooms, from duplexes to villas. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, all-day dining Lune Restaurant, and casual Kazbah Café. In-house guests can enjoy 20 per cent off spa treatments, complimentary movie screenings in the auditorium, and 20 per cent off the bookings if they stay for two nights on the weekend.
GO: Visit www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
