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 winter arrives, Riyadh comes alive. January is packed with excitement as the new year rolls around, paired with a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts, cultural events and cafés. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in January.
Thursday 1 January
Start your year at The St. Regis Riyadh
To ring in the new year, The St. Regis Riyadh has unveiled an exclusive afternoon tea with Tom Ford. The collaboration creates a multi-sensory experience that curates a gallery of edible artistry. The menu reinterprets the brand’s most famed creations, from desserts sculpted in the shape of lipsticks and perfume bottles, to petits fours infused with the notes of Tom Ford’s best-selling fragrances.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Friday 2 January
Watch Wicked: The Musical
The brilliant and iconic story of friendship and destiny, Wicked is historically one of the industry’s most loved productions. With stunning visuals, catchy songs, and a heartfelt narrative, the show takes audiences on a journey through courage, tensions and the power of personal choice. Presented in Riyadh, this global theatrical phenomenon platforms Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for world-class, highly talented entertainment. Watch this back-to-back with the recently released Wicked: For Good in cinemas now, for the ultimate Wicked experience.
GO: Follow @wicked_musical on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 3 January
Attend the third edition of Common Ground
Common Ground gathers visitors to go beyond cultural boundaries and bring together Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China into one remarkable event. From 4pm to 11pm, the day will fuse together art, music, traditional cuisine, and live performances, all highlighting the richness of cultural diversity in the heart of Riyadh. Book your ticket now via the website.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 4 January
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.
GO: Visit https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com for more information.
Monday 5 January
Escape to the Edge of the World
Explore the majestic clifftop at Jabal Fihrayn and take in the land stretching seemingly forever before you. It is one of Riyadh’s most stunning day-trip adventures, located 120 kilometres from the capital. Grab a guide for a full tour of the rugged desert landscapes and dried riverbeds below. Take a stroll along the old camel caravan route, following historic trails once walked by Bedouin traders.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
Tuesday 6 January
Try the new menu at Chotto Matte
The FACT award-winning Chotto Matte Riyadh is rolling out a new menu that pushes Nikkei cuisine into bold, exciting territory. Expect dishes such as A7 Wagyu Katsu Sando, Crab Salad, Ebi no Yuwaka, Empanada de Wagyu en Queso, Hamachi Ceviche and Empanada de Pato, each prepared with premium ingredients and a contemporary twist. It is a fresh flavour journey where Japanese precision meets Peruvian flair, all brought together in one dynamic dining experience.
GO: Visit https://chotto-matte.com for more information.
Wednesday 7 January
Have a belly laugh at some stand-up at Comedy Pod
This well-loved stand-up show, hosted by a variety of local and Arab comedians, takes place at Comedy Pod every week. The comedians performing are announced on their Instagram stories a day before the show. Grab a drink, sit back and enjoy the entertainment! Entry is restricted to people aged 18 and over, and the show is entirely in Arabic.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thursday 8 January
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.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Saturday 10 January
Explore the world’s longest continuous bike path
Spend that glorious golden hour cycling on one of Riyadh’s many dedicated cycling paths, including the urban oasis The Promenade, or along the waterways in the lush, tree-lined Wadi Hanifah – both forming part of Sports Boulevard. Best enjoyed as the desert sun and temperatures fall, slow down and make the most of your evenings with the wind in your hair and the ground beneath your wheels.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 11 January
Have breakfast at a FACT award winner
If your mornings need a little more magic, HuQQa Riyadh is serving a Turkish-style breakfast worth waking up for. Expect generous spreads of rich cheeses, warm bread fresh to the table, and the unmistakable comfort of Turkish tea poured steaming hot. It’s a simple ritual done properly, designed for long conversations, lingering bites and sun-soaked catch-ups.
GO: Visit www.huqqa.com for more information.
Monday 12 January
Shop at Riyadh’s oldest market
Souk Al Zal is located in Riyadh’s historic district and is known as one of the city’s oldest traditional markets. Explore the market and shop for aromatic spices, handcrafted jewellery, intricately woven carpets and oud perfumes. The Souk’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the Kingdom’s traditions.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Tuesday 13 January
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands tall at a height of 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. 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.
Go: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Wednesday 14 January
Delight in a traditional meal at Al Najd Village
For a true taste of Saudi hospitality, visit Al Najd Village. Classic dishes like jareesh (a cracked wheat porridge slow-cooked with meat and spices) and margoog (a hearty stew of vegetables and thin flatbread pieces simmered together) are served in a warm and welcoming setting, all designed to feel like a traditional Saudi home.
GO: Visit https://najdvillage.com for more information.
Thursday 15 January
Tuck into the winter menu at NOMAS
Experience NOMAS’ new winter menu, celebrating Saudi flavours fused with seasonal elegance. This feast features a variety of eclectic dishes, lovingly curated by Head Chef Ahad Alghamdi. Highlights include an Amuse-Bouche of Jareesh Gold Bites, followed by a Silky Pumpkin & Ginger Velouté. For mains, guests can choose between two signature creations: Seabass with Madoos or Slow-Cooked Boneless Lamb with Saleeg. The menu ends with the Saudi Coffee Molten Fondant, served alongside halwa ice cream that is familiar yet surprising.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Friday 16 January
Embark on an architectural tour of KAFD
The Architectural Wonders of KAFD tour is an immersive two-hour guided architectural tour of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, where luxury meets innovation in design. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the structures and modern architectural designs that make KAFD the global hub that it is. Expert local guides will share personal insights about the significance of its architecture, explaining how KAFD fuses work and leisure in such a unique destination.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Saturday 17 January
Embark on a food tour with Two Boots and a Farwa
Saudi-born sisters and food bloggers Sarah and Aljohara, Two Boots and a Farwa, run educational food tours around Riyadh’s old town, where you can try local delicacies there and then for an authentic taste of local culture. This experience is perfect for those who like their meals with a side of history and an immersive experience.
GO: Visit www.hihome.sa for more information.
Sunday 18 January
Indulge in some retail therapy at Urbn Lot
For a curated shopping experience, hit Urbn Lot. Coming in hot as a newer spot in Riyadh, this shop has quickly become a go-to destination for high-end, designer vintage pieces. Open every day from 12pm to midnight, Urbn Lot is the place to visit to upgrade your wardrobe with individual pieces. Find special times and accessories that are truly one-of-a-kind, all at fantastic prices.
GO: Visit www.urbnlot.com for more information.
Monday 19 January
Check out The Saudi Arabian Darts Masters
Riyadh welcomes the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters to Riyadh Season, bringing the sport’s biggest stars to the oche for two explosive nights. Expect roaring 180s, precision finishing and walk-on theatrics as global contenders battle through high-stakes sessions toward a showpiece final. Premium hospitality and excellent sightlines make every checkout count, while music and MCs keep the energy high between legs.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Tuesday 20 January
Walk around the new BLVD Flowers
Opening on 18 November, BLVD Flowers is a new addition to Riyadh Season. The new zone spans 215,000 square meters and features over 200 million flowers, 200 floral sculptures, three Boeing 777 aircraft, 40 restaurants and cafés and more. The experience spans an impressive 214,000 square metres, positioning it among the largest garden-style attractions in Saudi Arabia. Guests can expect immersive pathways lined with over 180 million flowers, and themed installations ranging from floral palaces and hanging baskets to pyramids and arched walkways.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Wednesday 21 January
Dine at the Flamingo Room by tashas
Flamingo Room by tashas is welcoming in the winter season with its full menu, new cocktail creations and a beautiful terrace. In the heart of Bujairi Terrace, Flamingo Room by tashas invites you to taste its signature dishes and new drinks, in the setting of its relaxing outdoor dining. The return of the full menu will bring back the most popular dishes – from the Calamari Mozambique and Seafood Platter to the Wagyu Striploin and signature Steak Diane. Additionally, a new cocktail menu has arrived, with four vibrant creations to indulge in: The Tangerine Queen, Around the Bush, The Berry Mojito and the Tropical Mojito.
GO: Visit www.flamingoroombytashas.com for more information.
Thursday 22 January
Visit the new culinary destination: The Groves
Opening on 5 November, The Groves stands as one of the most exclusive leisure destinations of the year, bringing together seven fine-dining, world-class restaurants and sixteen high-end stores under one roof, offering guests a luxury shopping and dining experience.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Friday 23 January
Dine at FACT’s Restaurant of the Year
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes like Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, Salt Grilled Seabass, and for dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake. The striking design combines stone, wood, copper, and a dramatic spiral staircase that links the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and a DJ booth. Zuma Riyadh was recently named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh 2025.
GO: Visit www.zumarestaurant.com for more information.
Saturday 24 January
Dance the night away at Unstable
Dance your worries away at Unstable, for a night to remember. A former stable now turned into a dancefloor, this hub is the ideal spot for a guaranteed fun night out with friends. Hosting a variety of artists and DJs every week – you won’t want to miss out on their exciting lineups. Don’t forget to apply for your Unstable VISA for smooth entry to the venue.
GO: Follow @unstable.dq on Instagram for more information.
Sunday 25 January
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.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Monday 26 January
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
Located in the heart of Al Olaya, the FACT Award-winning La Petite Maison is renowned for its French-Mediterranean fare. The new business lunch menu includes Bar Poêlé et Petits Pois, Filet de Rouget, Risotto aux Asperges and Salade de Chou Frisé. Guests can choose either the Le Petit Menu (180 SAR) or the Le Grand Menu (230 SAR), both of which include starters, mains, side dishes, and a delicious dessert. Available on weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Tuesday 27 January
Visit Courchevel in Riyadh
Riyadh Season 2025 has been creating extraordinary experiences in the heart of the capital. Now, it is snowing in Saudi Arabia, thanks to Courchevel in Riyadh. The attraction draws inspiration from the French Alps and its chic ski resorts. Located in BLVD World, it aims to replicate the snowy sights. Look out for the (fake) snow falling from the ceiling, painted mountain backdrops, and models of ski lifts. The festive touches include trees, snowmen, and more. The venue includes plenty of picture-worthy moments – a fire in an igloo, anyone? Guests can dress up in ski outfits and will be kitted out with all of the gear. Plus, there are statues of winter animals, from polar bears to reindeer.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Wednesday 28 January
Tuck into the tasting menu at Julien
Julien brings polished Parisian poise to the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. The restaurant is a 10-seat, ultra-intimate chef’s table experience offering an immersive, fine-dining meal. Tucked away behind Café Boulud, guests enter via a discreet passageway flanked by a curated bakery and cellar before arriving at the sophisticated dining enclave, centred on an open kitchen and a striking marble-topped bar. At the helm of Julien’s kitchen is Chef Thierry Motsch, who executes a refined multi-course tasting menu, offering a truly bespoke meal unlike anything else in the capital.
GO: Visit fourseasons.com for more information.
Thursday 29 January
Have an Italian feast at Il Baretto
Taking the crown of ‘Best Italian Restaurant in Riyadh’ at the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh for the third consecutive year, Il Baretto delivers polished Italian glamour in the heart of KAFD. The room hums from lunch into late night with a smart crowd grazing on classics done with confidence. Start with beef carpaccio scattered with Parmesan and rocket, or a silken Vitello Tonnato. Service is suave, the playlist smooth, and zero-proof spritzes come sharp and citrus. Effortless, stylish, reliably delicious.
GO: Visit www.ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Friday 30 January
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 FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 31 January
Check out the WWE Royal Rumble
The 39th annual Royal Rumble will take place at KAFD in Riyadh on Saturday, 31 January 2026. This landmark edition marks the first time the Royal Rumble will be held outside North America. Featuring the biggest WWE Superstars, Royal Rumble will showcase two 30-person over-the-top-rope matches, with the winners of the men’s and women’s matches each earning a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. For those unversed, the WWE Royal Rumble is one of the biggest matches in the WWE calendar.
GO: Visit www.webook.com for more information.
