Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As summer arrives, Riyadh comes alive. The month ahead is packed with excitement, featuring a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts, cultural and culinary events. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in July.
Wednesday 1 July
Indulge in Steak Night at The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge has launched Steak Night, a new weekly dining experience available every Wednesday from 6pm onwards at its Riyadh locations. Designed to bring a classy midweek ritual to the city’s culinary scene, Steak Night showcases The Lighthouse’s blend of refined comfort food, quality ingredients, and top hospitality. Guests can choose between two steak options: a 250g grass-fed striploin, served with parmesan fries and a choice of sauce, or a 260g char-grilled ribeye, finished with shallot and caper relish, mustard sauce, and wild rocket. Each dish is accompanied by a side of choice, including green salad, broccolini, chips, rice, or ratatouille.
Where: The Lighthouse, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, 12512
When: Available every Wednesday from 6pm
Price: Available at SAR 140 per person.
Contact: https://thelighthouse.ae
Thursday 2 July
Dine at Carbone Riyadh
Carbone Riyadh has revealed its new sharing-style menu. The early-evening dining experience introduces a more accessible way to enjoy the FACT award-winning restaurant, extending its offerings beyond traditional fine dining into a more informal, social setting. Enjoy a selection of antipasti and salads, including Shrimp Cocktail with poached red prawns and cocktail sauce, Carpaccio Piemontese with tenderloin, walnuts, and cremini mushrooms, and black truffle dressing. The menu features Carbone’s celebrated pasta selection, spanning angel hair with fresh chillies, garlic and peppercorn, to their world-famous Spicy Tigatoni, followed by desserts such as Carrot Cake or Lemon Cheesecake.
Where: Carbone Riyadh, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel.
When: Available daily from 5pm to 8pm
Price: SAR 249 per person.
Contact: www.sevenrooms.com
Friday 3 July
Check into the new W Riyadh – KAFD
W Riyadh – KAFD marks the brand’s first property in the Kingdom, bringing its high-energy take on luxury lifestyle hospitality to King Abdullah Financial District. The 210-room hotel has been designed as a day-to-night destination where dining, design and social experiences sit at the heart of the guest journey. Dining plays a major role in the hotel’s appeal. Sira introduces a Latin American-inspired menu centred around open-fire cooking, while Beni offers speciality coffee and artisanal ice cream in a more relaxed all-day setting. The WET Deck brings Mediterranean flavours to the outdoor poolside space, complete with cabanas and loungers. Later this year, Sahari will join the line-up as an outdoor lounge geared towards performances and late-night socialising.
Where: W Riyadh – KAFD, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, 13519
Contact: https://w-hotels.marriott.com
Saturday 4 July
Make a splash at AquArabia
Now open in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia is billed as the Middle East’s largest water theme park with 22 rides and attractions spread across 250,000 square metres. It is also home to a serious line-up of record breakers, including Junoon Drop, the world’s tallest and longest water coaster, Slithereel, the world’s longest water slide wheel, Speedy Jamezales, the world’s tallest Aqualoop, and Jamal Joom, the world’s longest mat blaster. The park also adds a first for the Kingdom with Surftopia, Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool.
Where: AquArabia, Qiddiya City, Riyadh Province
When: Daily from 12pm to 8pm.
Price: Tickets from SAR 275.
Contact: https://aquarabiaqiddiyacity.com
Sunday 5 July
Visit the JAX District Fan Zone
JAX District has become one of Riyadh’s most exciting cultural destinations, and its fan zone brings a creative twist to football viewing. Located in Diriyah, the district offers the kind of open, energetic setting that suits major sporting events. For the FIFA World Cup 2026, visitors can look forward to giant LED screens, DJs, food stalls and interactive entertainment in a festival-style environment. It’s a strong choice for fans who want atmosphere, visuals and a lively crowd, all set within one of the city’s coolest districts.
Where: JAX District, Diriyah Biennale, Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact: jaxdistrict.com
Monday 6 July
Tee off at FIVE Iron Golf
Five Iron Golf Riyadh has opened in KAFD, bringing high-tech indoor golf to the capital. Located inside PIF Tower, the 12,000-square-foot venue combines sport, entertainment and hospitality, making it ideal for casual catch-ups, corporate events and competitive sessions. Designed for all abilities, the space features 11 state-of-the-art simulators for up to six players, using TrackMan and GOLFZON technology to deliver tour-level data and access to world-famous virtual courses. Prices start from SAR 150 for 30 minutes, while memberships start from SAR 1,500.
Where: Five Iron Golf Riyadh, PIF Tower, KAFD, Riyadh
When: Open daily from 7am to midnight
Contact: @fiveirongolf.sa
Tuesday 7 July
Enjoy Seafood Night at Sofitel Riyadh
Zeline restaurant at Sofitel Riyadh introduces its Seafood Night every Tuesday. Inspired by the richness of the sea, guests can indulge in a premium selection of seafood, complemented by live cooking stations that create an engaging and immersive dining experience. The experience is housed in an elegant atmosphere for those who want to enjoy quality and class.
Where: Sofitel Riyadh Hotel & Convention Centre, 6218 Al Urubah Road, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh
When: Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm
Price: SAR 325 per person
Contact: https://sofitel.accor.com
Wednesday 8 July
Feast at Berenjak Riyadh
Berenjak brings London-born Persian dining to VIA Riyadh, marking the brand’s first permanent restaurant in Saudi Arabia. Inspired by the bustling kabab houses of Tehran, the restaurant is known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, fragrant rice, generous mazeh and a lively, shared-table atmosphere. Expect signature dishes rooted in founder Kian Samyani’s family recipes, with bold spices, open-fire cooking and the comforting flavours that helped Berenjak earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand in London and a FACT Dining Award in Dubai. As one of the hottest new Riyadh restaurants right now, this outpost feels right at home among VIA Riyadh’s destination dining scene, offering a warm, stylish spot for casual dinners, group gatherings and flame-led feasts.
Where: Berenjak, VIA Riyadh, Makkah Al Mukarramah Road, Al Hada, Riyadh
When: Open daily from 6pm to midnight
Contact: @berenjak.ksa
Thursday 9 July
Experience Six Flags Qiddiya City
Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Look no further than Six Flags Qiddiya, the ultimate destination for thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies and families seeking fun and entertainment. The theme park features five record-breaking rides, including Sirocco Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing shot tower ride; Gyropsin, the world’s tallest pendulum ride; Spitfire, the world’s tallest inverted top hat coaster; and Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster. However, it’s the gravity-defying Falcon’s Flight, the world’s longest, tallest and fastest coaster that will be Six Flags Qiddiya’s star attraction.
Where: Six Flags Qiddiya City, Qiddiya City, Riyadh Province
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 3pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm to 12am
Price: Tickets from SAR 275
Contact: https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com
Friday 10 July
Catch a match at Boulevard City
Boulevard City is likely to be one of Riyadh’s biggest football hubs during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Known for its large-scale entertainment offering, the destination has the space, screens and atmosphere to host major tournament crowds. Visitors can look forward to a festival-style setting with giant screens, live entertainment, gaming areas and family-friendly activations. Whether you’re watching a group-stage match or one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, Boulevard City brings together dining, entertainment and football fever in one of Riyadh’s most popular destinations.
Where: Boulevard City, Hittin, Riyadh
Contact: https://blvdcity.com
Saturday 11 July
Dine at FACT’s Restaurant of the Year
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes such as Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, and Salt Grilled Seabass. For dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake awaits. The striking design combines stone, wood, and copper, with a dramatic spiral staircase linking the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and DJ booth. Zuma Riyadh was recently named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh 2025.
Where: Zuma Riyadh, Metro Boulevard, KAFD, Riyadh, 13519
When: Open daily from 12pm to 1am
Contact: www.zumarestaurant.com
Sunday 12 July
Journey Into Nature at Nofa Riyadh
Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort, introduces three new offers, each designed to reflect a different way of experiencing time. The Family Experience includes one dinner per person at EC Café Restaurant, for a relaxed setting to unwind; a bowling voucher for a private cinema with popcorn and soft drinks; a complimentary closed-car safari; and a late check-out, subject to availability. The Relaxation Experience gives guests access to Amani Spa facilities, complemented by a one-hour Classic Swedish massage. A seasonal fruit basket, a box of Nofa dates, and a floral bed decoration are provided upon arrival, and a complimentary late check-out is available, subject to availability. The Full Board Staycation includes a set-menu lunch at EC Restaurant, followed by an afternoon tea or coffee with a slice of cake at the Tea Lounge, and a set-menu dinner at Butcher’s Den.
Where: Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort, Exit 857, Riyadh Makkah Highway, Riyadh, 66223
Contact: www.radissonhotels.com
Monday 13 July
Visit the Black Gold Museum
Black Gold Museum offers a fully immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through the history of oil – from its discovery to its role in shaping global economies and the development of the Kingdom. The experience is complemented by advanced technologies and interactive digital exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to explore energy production processes and understand their impact on everyday life and modern industries.
Where: Black Gold Museum, KAPSARC Complex, Riyadh
When: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday from 4pm to 10pm.
Price: Free entr
Contact: www.kapsarc.org
Tuesday 14 July
Dine at the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a multiple FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
Where: Jon & Vinny’s, Turki Ibn Abdullah Al Saud, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh, 12234
When: Open daily 8am to 11:30pm
Contact: @jonandvinnys.ksa
Wednesday 15 July
Explore the SENSAS Experience
This two-hour SENSAS multi-sensory experience features puzzles, games and more energetic experiences. Spanning nine rooms – mostly in total darkness – will see guests trust their senses as their only guide. The perfect activity for friends or family, with something for everyone of all ages. From the upside-down metro to the laser room, go on an unforgettable and truly hilarious journey.
Where: SENSAS, Cordoba, Riyadh.
When: Daily until 30 June 2026
Contact: https://webook.com
Thursday 16 July
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated to the northwest of Riyadh, At Turaif is a 15th-century mud-brick citadel that served as the capital of the First Saudi State from 1727 to 1818. This stunning fortress showcases Najdi architecture, featuring fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, with breathtaking views overlooking Wadi Hanifah. At its heart stand the impressive four-storey Salwa Palace, the historic Saad Bin Saud Palace, which features a bathhouse, and the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing social life, military history, and trade.
Where: At Turaif, Wadi Hanifah, Diriyah, 13711
When: Daily from 10am to midnight
Contact: www.diriyah.sa
Friday 17 July
Escape to the Edge of the World
For one of the most spectacular day trips from the capital, head to Jabal Fihrayn and take in the cliff-top views that seem to stretch forever. Located around 120 kilometres from Riyadh, this dramatic landscape of rugged rock formations and dried riverbeds is best explored with a guide. Follow old caravan routes, walk historic trails once used by Bedouin traders and stay for golden hour when the scenery becomes even more cinematic.
Where: The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), Acacia Valley, Northwest Riyadh, 15426
Contact: www.edgeoftheworldtour.com
Saturday 18 July
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands at 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks. It has 99 floors and houses the King Abdullah Mosque on the 77th floor, making it the world’s second-highest mosque. It is also home to several local and international luxury brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, VOX cinemas and exquisite fine-dining restaurants.
Where: Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, Riyadh, 12214
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm
Price: SAR 115 per person
Contact: https://kingdomcentre.com.sa
Sunday 19 July
Watch the FIFA World Cup Final
Football fans, this is the biggest date for your diary. The FIFA World Cup final takes place on 19 July, and it’s a chance to celebrate the beautiful game. The games are being held across Canada, Mexico and the United States. If you couldn’t afford to travel, then you can settle for one of Riyadh’s many cafes and restaurants showing the games. Set within the King Abdullah Financial District, Kanza Lounge at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh combines hotel hospitality with a stylish outdoor setting, making it ideal for fans seeking comfort and atmosphere.
Where: Kanza Lounge at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, KAFD, Riyadh
Contact: www.ihg.com
Monday 20 July
Feel the flame at B+F
B+F brings Kuwait’s cult burger scene to Riyadh with a new restaurant in Laysen Valley. The boutique burger concept is known for its open-flame charcoal cooking, giving its comfort-led menu a smoky, fire-kissed edge. Expect Classic Burgers in addition to Hot Dogs, Sliders, Ribs, Short-rib Rigatoni, Smoked-brisket Shawarma, charred salads, and Burnt Chocolate Cake, all of which add depth to the offering. With two branches in Kuwait and one in Qatar, B+F’s Riyadh arrival marks its fourth GCC location.
Where: B+F Riyadh, Laysen Valley. King Khalid Br Road, Al Gharbi, Riyadh
When: Open daily from 6pm to midnight
Contact: @bandfriyadh
Tuesday 21 July
Fly into the skies of Saudi Arabia
If you thought you had seen everything Riyadh Season had to offer, think again. The capital is already packed with pop-ups, performances, and places to explore, and Boulevard City keeps adding fresh reasons to visit. The latest? A new attraction called Flying Over Saudi Arabia, which takes sightseeing to the next level by letting you experience the Kingdom from above, without ever boarding a plane. Launched at Boulevard City, Flying Over Saudi is billed as the country’s first immersive aerial experience. It is designed to make you feel like you can “fly” across Saudi Arabia while remaining firmly on the ground. The concept is simple but seriously impressive: a short, high-impact ride that blends cinematic visuals with physical effects, so you are not just watching the scenery, you are moving through it.
Where: Boulevard City, Hittin, Riyadh
When: Daily from 4pm to 4am
Price: SAR 70
Contact: www.webook.com
Wednesday 22 July
Relax at Wadi Hanifah
Wadi Hanifah is Riyadh’s great green escape, stretching like a ribbon of calm through the city’s northwest. Come in the late afternoon when the light softens and the temperature drops, then follow the walking and cycling paths that weave past palms, picnic spots and still water. It’s the sort of place that makes Riyadh feel unexpectedly outdoorsy: families spreading blankets, runners clocking laps, friends lingering over takeaway coffee. Pack a few snacks, wear comfortable shoes and keep your camera handy, because golden hour here hits differently.
Where: Wadi Hanifah, Western Riyadh
Contact: www.visitsaudi.com
Thursday 23 July
Shop until you drop at Solitaire
Make like Cardi B did during her recent visit to Riyadh and head to Solitaire. The new lifestyle destination offers a diverse range of experiences, including shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section features fine dining, fast food, and a rooftop food hall, including Jon & Vinny’s and the ever-popular Somewhere.
Where: Solitaire, Al Imam Saud Ibn Faysal Road, As Sahafah, Riyadh, 13315
Contact: https://solitaireksa.com
Friday 24 July
Visit Murabba Palace
Built in the 1930s by King Abdulaziz, Murabba Historical Palace is one of Riyadh’s most important heritage sites. Its name means “square”, reflecting the traditional Najdi layout, with mudbrick walls, wooden ceilings and spacious courtyards. The wider complex includes multiple buildings, gardens, and historical artefacts associated with the Kingdom’s early unification era.
Where: Murabba Palace, 2722 King Saud Road, Al Murabba, Riyadh, 12631
Contact: www.rcrc.gov.sa
Saturday 25 July
Escape the Ordinary at Bab Samhan in Diriyah
Bab Samhan is introducing a curated collection of seasonal stays for moments of reflection, connection, and indulgence. The Staycation Offer – begins with breakfast at Medheef and includes two complimentary tickets per stay to either Six Flags or Aquarabia, plus 20% off spa treatments and a 15% discount on food and beverage. Valid until 29 August 2026.
Where: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Riyadh
Contact: www.marriott.com
Sunday 26 July
Dine like a Londoner at Apple Butter
Apple Butter has brought a taste of London to Riyadh, opening in KAFD as an all-day café-restaurant built for brunches, working lunches and late-afternoon sweet fixes. The menu leans into crowd-pleasing comfort with Truffle Scrambled Eggs served all day, plus mains like Butter Chicken, Prawn Marinara Pasta and a Wagyu Beef Burger. Save room for dessert, where Pistachio Umm Ali and Saffron Milk Cake steal the spotlight. Coffee, tea and mocktails round out the offering. Inside, cosy interiors centre on an Instagrammable apple tree that anchors the room.
Where: Apple Butter, KAFD, Riyadh, 13519
When: Open daily from 8am to midnight
Contact: @applebutter.ksa
Monday 27 July
Dive into a Red Sand Dunes Safari
For a traditional Arabian desert experience, join Keshta for an energetic day of dune bashing at the legendary red sand dunes near Riyadh. Try out exhilarating activities such as quadbiking and sandboarding across the gorgeous sands. Afterwards, enjoy a cosy bonfire surrounded by Arabian rugs and a relaxing atmosphere. Bring cards and board games with you, swap spooky stories and gaze at the camels, desert foxes and gazelles. Venture outside the cityscapes into the serenity of the desert, relax on seating adorned with Sadu prints, and indulge in the smoky flavours of a home-cooked BBQ or traditional food prepared over an open fire. This Keshta celebrates the tradition of Arab heritage rooted in a sense of community.
Where: Red Sand Dunes Safari, Shayiqa, Riyadh
Price: SAR 1,600
Contact: https://webook.com
Tuesday 28 July
Explore the Thadiq Heritage Festival
Thadiq Heritage Festival is a cultural festival that brings past traditions and lifestyles into the present day through authentic crafts, traditional foods, live performances, and family-friendly activities. The festival provides a fun way to experience classic Saudi heritage, reviving local customs through an immersive, educational, and social experience. Visitors can explore handcrafted goods, try traditional Saudi dishes, and watch live cultural performances, all showcasing the richness of the Kingdom’s heritage.
Where: Thadiq, Riyadh
Contact: www.visitsaudi.com
Wednesday 29 July
Marvel at Al Masmak Palace Museum
A defining symbol of Saudi heritage, Al Masmak is a mudbrick fortress in the Ad-Dirah district that showcases traditional Najdi architecture. Inside, expect thick walls, watchtowers and a central courtyard, alongside galleries displaying photographs, weapons, documents and audio-visual exhibits that trace the Kingdom’s founding. Converted into a museum in 1995, the palace now houses photographs, weapons, documents, audio-visual exhibits, and artefacts that narrate the Kingdom’s founding.
Where: Al Masmak Palace Museum, 6937 Al Thumairi Street, Riyadh, 12634
When: Open daily from 8am to 9pm
Contact: https://heritage.moc.gov.sa
Thursday 30 July
Try out the Japanese restaurant Kantami
Kantami draws inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold. The atmosphere is cinematic, with a modern izakaya feel that is casual and social, equally suited to a quick bite or a long, unhurried meal with friends. On the menu, classic Japanese techniques sit alongside playful, evolving twists. Highlights begin with appetisers like Roripoppu Prawn Lollipops, wrapped in a crisp shell and served with a punchy house sauce. For mains, Azabu Salmon Donburi pairs miso-butter-glazed grilled salmon with seasoned rice and dashi-simmered onions, served with a small bowl of miso soup.
Where: Kantami, 3634 Anas Ibn Malik Road, Al Malqa, Riyadh, 13524
Contact: @kantami.sa
Friday 31 July
Enjoy a stay at Mansard Riyadh
In the centre of the city, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, offers a staycation inspired by elegance and ease. Parisian design meets the city’s contemporary vibe at this luxury hotel. The offering includes an overnight stay in a Collection Room, with breakfast at Sadelle’s, and an early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability. Wellbeing is effortlessly integrated into the staycation, with one-hour access to the L’Occitane Spa thermal zone and 15% savings on all spa treatments. Dining-wise, guests enjoy 20% savings at Sadelle’s and Carbone, with a complimentary mocktail.
Where: Mansard Riyadh, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh
Contact: www.radissonhotels.com