What are the Saudi Festival Seasons?

There is so much to see and do in Saudi Arabia, for residents and visitors alike. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has opened up to the international community, promoting its diverse culture, rich history, and forward-looking vision. Saudi Arabia hosts many international sports and entertainment events and has gained a reputation for knowing how to put on a show.?

The Saudi Seasons, a series of festivals held at different locations in the Kingdom throughout the year, attracts visitors from all over the world to explore this dynamic country and experience the best of both Saudi and international arts, culture, sports and entertainment. ?

What are the Saudi Seasons?

Launched in 2019 by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the Saudi Seasons demonstrate the Kingdom’s transformation into a global cultural exchange and celebration hub. The Seasons are a full calendar year of events, highlighting the country’s rich cultural and tourist landscape through a series of unique, region-specific festivities. Events include international shows, concerts, sports competitions, exhibitions, and more. Each Season showcases the best time to visit each region, highlighting the region or city’s unique heritage, culture and landscape. Visitors can experience a diverse mix of immersive entertainment, arts and culture.

The major festival seasons are:?

Riyadh Season (October to March)

Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest entertainment events, taking place throughout the capital city of Riyadh during the winter months. Riyadh Season is an extravaganza of activities and experiences which regularly break Guinness World Records. There are both ticketed and free events for all ages. Each year is different and bigger than the previous one, but previous Riyadh Seasons have included:

• Sports and music stars from around the globe
• Performances by internationally renowned music artists
• Arabic and Western music concerts
• Hundreds of theatre shows, Arabic and International plays.
• The world’s largest rave music event, with 400,000 revellers attending over several days.?
• International exhibitions
• Carnival and themed attractions
• Hundreds of immersive experiences

Jeddah Season (April to June)

Jeddah Season takes place in late Spring or early Summer. The dates vary, as it usually starts around Eid al Fitr, after the holy month of Ramadan. This two-month-long festival is the epitome of Saudi opulence and Arabian culture, with over 2,800 exciting events ranging from entertainment to sports to culture and food. Jeddah Season also makes the most of the city’s location on the Red Sea coast, with a range of exciting water activities including sailing and diving. Concerts, plays and exhibitions, staged on the historic streets of this port city, showcase Jeddah's unique seaside charm. Last year, there were nine distinct entertainment zones, each sporting a unique theme. These included a carnival arena with a dancing fountain show, an international circus, and a massive theme park around Jeddah Pier. Jeddah season also hosts an array of arts, music, fashion and food experiences.?

Sharqiyah Season (Spring)

The Sharqiyah region, or Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia, is known for its beautiful coastline and low humidity. Sharqiyah Season is generally held for two weeks in Spring and includes? water sports, concerts, multimedia exhibitions. The season includes a car rally from Al-Ahsa to Dammam, a camel race in Hofuf (the capital of Al-Ahsa), an international kite festival in Jubail, and much more.?

Aseer Season and Taif Season (July to August)

During the summer months, you can head to the cooler, higher elevations of the scenic mountainous southwestern regions for the Aseer and Taif Seasons.?

The Aseer Region is situated on a high plateau that receives more rainfall than the rest of the country and contains the country's highest peaks. Aseer Season brings together adventure activities, live entertainment, dining events and plenty of fun for all the family.

Taif is a city in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia. Located at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,165 ft) in the slopes of the Hijaz Mountains. The month-long Taif Season showcases the city’s beauty and rich cultural heritage, including performances from famous Arab musicians. Taif Season zones include Souk Okaz (a cultural festival at the site of the largest and best-known souk in pre-Islamic times), Crown Prince Camel Festival, Al Ward Heritage Village and the Al-Baid Masters (mountain hiking activities).?

Al Ula Season (November to January)

Also known as Winter at Tantora, Al Ula Season takes place in an ancient city in the northwest of the Kingdom. During the winter months, the climate is pleasant and perfect for outdoor art shows and activities. AlUla Season pays homage to the surrounding breathtaking natural landscape, offering activities such as hot-air balloon rides for panoramic desert views. The festival also showcases the country’s finest art, music, fashion, culinary and shopping experiences. AlUla Moments also offers special events at other times of the year.

Diriyah Season (December to March)

Diriyah, a historical district located on the edge of Riyadh city, is known as the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Diriyah Season takes place during the cooler months and celebrates the cultural heritage of Diriyah through live performances, immersive art installations, culinary experiences and outdoor activities. Diriyah Season features sporting competitions such as equestrian events, car racing, boxing championships and more.?

Apart from these main Festival Seasons, Saudi Arabia hosts many other cultural events and celebrations throughout the year.?

Whatever the season, a warm welcome and unique experiences await you in Saudi Arabia.?

References:?

Everything you need to know about the Saudi Seasons ?

https://www.timeoutriyadh.com/culture/saudi-seasons-guide#:~:text=Jeddah%20Season%20corresponds%20to%20the,known%20for%20its%20water%20activities?

Riyadh Season

https://riyadhseason.com/en-US?

Saudi’s Jeddah Season is the Biggest Event of the Year | Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/sponsored/story/saudis-jeddah-season-is-the-biggest-event-of-the-year?

Everything You Need To Know About Aseer Season 2023

https://platinumlist.net/guide/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aseer-season-2023/?

Taif Season - Destination KSA

https://destinationksa.com/taif-season/?

Diriyah Season?

https://www.diriyah.sa/season?

AlUla Season - Visit Saudi Official Website

https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/calendar/calendar-events/alUla-season?