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Festivals in Saudi Arabia offer a colourful blend of tradition, religion, and modern entertainment. These lively events reflect the Kingdom’s rich heritage and evolving culture. From centuries-old customs to contemporary celebrations, festivals in Saudi Arabia take place throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, film festivals, and national holidays that highlight the nation’s deep-rooted identity. With something for everyone, these festivals create lasting memories for both locals and tourists exploring this fascinating and dynamic country.
Top 10 Saudi Festivals To Witness
Explore Saudi Arabia’s ancient customs, rich past, and celebrations of the future with family and friends! Stay in the loop about the top 10 festivals in Saudi Arabia.
1. Riyadh Season
Photo: Humanized / Wikimedia Commons
Riyadh Season is Saudi Arabia’s biggest and most exciting entertainment festival, held each year in the capital. It transforms Riyadh into a vibrant city full of theme parks, concerts, art shows, fashion events, and fireworks. There’s something for everyone, families, adventure lovers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts. Attracting millions from around the world, it reflects the Kingdom’s fresh spirit and creativity. Riyadh Season also supports Vision 2030 by promoting tourism, local talent, and cultural exchange on a global scale.
Location: Riyadh
2. Jeddah Season
Photo: yasser zareaa / Wikimedia Commons
Jeddah Season is a lively annual festival that captures the spirit of this coastal city on the Red Sea. With thrilling water sports, live music, theatre shows, and cultural exhibitions, it offers something for everyone. The event blends modern entertainment with deep-rooted Hijazi traditions, reflecting Jeddah’s role as a historic trade and pilgrimage hub. Whether you’re a family, culture lover, or thrill-seeker, Jeddah Season is a brilliant way to experience Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural scene in a fresh and engaging way.
Location: Jeddah
3. Eid Al Fitr
Photo: Kurmanbek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most joyful celebrations in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of Ramadan. It’s a time of gratitude, togetherness, and faith. The day begins with special prayers held in mosques and open spaces, bringing large groups together. Families gather to share meals, exchange greetings, and give children Eidiya, money given with love. People wear traditional clothes, decorate their homes, and enjoy dishes like sambusas, dates, and maamoul. The festival reflects warmth, generosity, and true Saudi hospitality.
Location: Across the country
4. Eid Al Adha
Photo: Milad Rafat / Wikimedia Commons
Eid Al Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important religious festivals in Saudi Arabia. It honours Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah and is closely linked with the Hajj pilgrimage. The day starts with Eid prayers, followed by Qurbani, the sacrifice, with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need. Homes are filled with traditional dishes, and people come together for meals and gatherings. It’s a time of faith, reflection, generosity, and unity.
Location: Across the country
5. Saudi National Day
Photo: Alan Hunter / Wikimedia Commons
Saudi National Day, celebrated on 23rd September, marks the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz in 1932. It’s a proud day for Saudi citizens, honouring their shared heritage, unity, and culture. Streets, homes, and buildings are decorated in green and white, the colours of the national flag. People celebrate with fireworks, traditional dances, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. It’s a time when communities come together to reflect on the country’s rich past and look ahead to a brighter future.
Location: Nationwide
6. Janadriyah Festival
Photo: Qrmoo3 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Janadriyah National Heritage and Culture Festival is one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular cultural events, held every year near Riyadh. It brings together artists, dancers, poets, musicians, and craftsmen from across the country to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich traditions. Visitors can enjoy folk music, traditional cuisine, camel racing, sword dancing, and hands-on craft workshops. Each province has its own pavilion, giving a real feel of the country’s diversity. It’s a great way to experience and learn about Saudi culture.
Location: Best nearest to Riyadh
7. Al Ula Moments
Photo: Pteropus conspicillatus / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
AlUla Moments is a unique series of events in the historic desert town of AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s treasured UNESCO site. With festivals like Winter at Tantora, Azimuth, and the AlUla Wellness Festival, it blends music, art, culture, and nature beautifully. Explore ancient tombs, striking rock formations, open-air concerts, and peaceful wellness retreats. Enjoy fine dining under the stars, interactive art, and storytelling. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and deep history, AlUla Moments offers an unforgettable and truly special experience.
Location: AlUla
8. Camel Festival / King Abdulaziz Camel Festival
Photo: Sammy Six / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is the world’s largest camel event, held every year in Saudi Arabia. It celebrates the desert heritage and the important role camels have played in Bedouin life. Visitors can enjoy camel races, beauty contests, traditional food, folk music, and Bedouin-style hospitality. The festival offers a true taste of Arab culture and attracts people from across the Gulf and beyond. It’s a unique mix of old traditions and modern pride, making it a must-see experience.
Location: Diriyah
9. Diriyah Season
Photo: Şevval Pirinççi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Diriyah Season is a vibrant festival held in Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the First Saudi State and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It blends Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage with world-class entertainment, offering something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy Formula E racing, boxing events, traditional souqs, cultural displays, and live performances. The event reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to honour its past while embracing the future. As part of Vision 2030, Diriyah Season highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global culture and entertainment.
Location: Diriyah, Riyadh
10. Founding Day
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Saudi Founding Day is celebrated every year on 22nd February, marking the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. It honours the Kingdom’s deep-rooted history before its unification in 1932. Families, schools, and communities across Saudi Arabia come together in traditional clothing to celebrate with cultural events, performances, and heritage displays. It’s a day of pride that highlights the nation’s history, unity, and values, reminding people of their shared identity and the strength of their roots.
Location: Saudi Arabia
Experience the vibrant festivals of Saudi Arabia, offering a glimpse into its rich culture and modern spirit. From Eid celebrations to the excitement of Riyadh Season, these events highlight the Kingdom’s evolving traditions and warm hospitality. Enjoy memorable performances, delicious food, and welcoming interactions. Book your trip with TripXL and discover Saudi Arabia’s cultural wonders like never before.
Cover Photo: HOÀNG VŨ / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
