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 August.
Saturday 1 August
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
Sunday 2 August
Catch the new Spider-Man movie in theatres
Kick off your weekend early by experiencing the highly anticipated premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as it hits screens across Dubai. Pair the high-octane action with gourmet cinema bites, artisanal popcorn, and plush reclining loungers for an immersive cinematic night out. It provides the ultimate entertainment-packed start to your weekend with friends, family, or film enthusiasts alike, also making it one of the things to do in the UAE.
Where: Cinemas across Riyadh
Contact: https://ksa.voxcinemas.com
Monday 3 August
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
Tuesday 4 August
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
Wednesday 5 August
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 6 August
Watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey attempts to transform one of the oldest stories in Western literature into a modern cinematic experience about war, survival, identity, and the search for home. FACT watched the film, and admired its star-studded cast and technical excellence. The film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic about a warrior attempting to return home after the Trojan War while facing monsters, temptation, and the consequences of his actions.
Contact: www.odysseymovie.com
Friday 7 August
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
Saturday 8 August
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
Sunday 9 August
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
Monday 10 August
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.
Contact: www.kapsarc.org
Tuesday 11 August
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 12 August
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
Thursday 13 August
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
Friday 14 August
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
Saturday 15 August
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 16 August
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
Monday 17 August
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
Tuesday 18 August
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
Wednesday 19 August
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
Thursday 20 August
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
Friday 21 August
Partner Listing: Watch This Is Michael live
This Is Michael is coming to the UAE with a live production celebrating the music of Michael Jackson. Led by performer Lenny Jay, the show features dancers, singers and live musicians performing more than 20 songs. With live vocals, choreography, costumes and a full-scale stage production, the two-hour show aims to recreate the energy of Michael Jackson’s legendary concerts.
Where: Abadi Al Johar Arena, Jeddah
When: 21 August 2026
Contact: https://www.livenation.me/
Saturday 22 August
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
Sunday 23 August
Visit the Al-Munikh Observatory
Al-Munikh centre provides guests with a window into the history of Al Majma’ah, showcasing its cultural and architectural highlights and the history of the Munaykh Watchtower. Museum displays and interactive media allow visitors to enjoy an educational journey about the identity of the site. The top of Munaykh Watchtower provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding farms highlighting the natural beauty and landscape. Today, Munaykh Watchtower is a key touristic hotspot, attracting visitors who wish to delve into Najdi architecture and enjoy stunning views of Al Majma’ah from the mountaintop.
Where: Al-Munikh Visitor Centre.
When: Open daily 10am to 6pm.
Contact: www.visitsaudi.com
Monday 24 August
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
Tuesday 25 August
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 26 August
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 27 August
Partner Listing: Dine at Em Sherif Café
Experience the essence of Lebanese dining at the FACT award-winning Em Sherif Café. The menu offers a fresh take on Middle Eastern cuisine and masterfully blends local, seasonal, fresh, and organic ingredients. Among the signature dishes, you’ll discover vibrant mezze, perfectly grilled meats, and specialities that celebrate the richness of Lebanese cuisine. Em Sherif Café has become a culinary sensation across Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, enchanting diners with its exquisite Lebanese fare and warm hospitality. Set within an elegant yet welcoming space, it is an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family over traditional flavours.
Where: Em Sherif Café, Laysen Valley, Riyadh
Contact: https://linktr.ee/emsherifcafesa
Friday 28 August
Enjoy a Stacked Summer Programme at SAMoCA
SAMoCA at JAX has announced the schedule for SAIF 2026, a full programme of workshops, curated film screenings and hands-on creative activities and experiences, running this summer. Running from 12 July to 29 August, the programme offers high-quality training led by cultural professionals, alongside experiences all designed to support learning, creativity and artistic discovery. SAIF offers opportunities to unleash one’s creativity through a series of classes such as ceramics workshops, fashion and tailoring sessions, papermaking, photography, writing and voiceover experiences.
Where: JAX District, Diriyah.
When: 12 July to 29 August 2026
Contact: @samocamoc
Saturday 29 August
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
Sunday 30 August
Partner Listing: Dine at ZIBA
ZIBA brings the warmth and elegance of Persian dining to Saudi Arabia, combining thoughtful hospitality with a strong sense of connection. Following its success in the Eastern Province, the restaurant has expanded to Riyadh with branches in Sulaymaniyah and Al Malqa. Each location carries the same commitment to quality, consistency and guest experience, creating a setting where diners can gather over generous dishes and timeless flavours. As Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene continues to grow under Vision 2030, ZIBA adds to the Kingdom’s evolving dining landscape with refined experiences rooted in culture, comfort and the simple pleasure of sharing food around the table.
Where: Ziba, Al Malqa & Al Sulimaniyah, Riyadh
When: Open daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: https://widget.servmeco.com
Monday 31 August
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