Saudi Arabia’s festival season is upon us, and November’s lineup of events promises to deliver and excite thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts, art aficionados, and history buffs alike. Experience Riyadh Seasons and partake in any number of activities across 15 zones. Visit Al-Ula and enjoy the Ancient Kingdoms Festival to learn about ancient civilizations. Enjoy art illuminations during Noor Riyadh or cheer on tennis superstar Daniil Medvedev as he takes on the competition during the Diriyah Seasons Tennis Cup.
Riyadh Seasons
October 21, 2022 – March 15, 2023
View of Riyadh Boulevard from above. Source: EatnStays
Saudi Arabia’s biggest and most anticipated event is finally back! This year’s edition of Riyadh Seasons encompasses 15 zones, with a wide range of attractions for each member of the family. Looking to try different culinary experiences from across the globe? Then visit the Boulevard World zone to try authentic Indian, Greek, Italian, Chinese, French, American, and other international cuisines. Other zones, such as Winter Wonderland and Riyadh Zoo, offer engaging and fun experiences for the entire family, such as ice skating, the world’s longest snowslide, and opportunities to play tug of war with lions! For soccer fans, Riyadh Seasons will also host a dedicated area for World Cup viewing on big outdoor screens.
To learn more about the different zones and Riyadh Seasons 2022, click here.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival
November 11 – November 27, 2022
Ancient rock-cut tombs at Al-Ula. Source: Al Arabiya
The first inaugural “Ancient Kingdoms Festival” is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and those seeking to take part in unique cultural experiences. Located in Al-Ula, the festival provides immersive experiences which shed light on the ancient Kingdoms of Al-Ula, Khaybar, and Tayma through after-dark light shows, carriage rides at dawn, hot-air balloon rides, and helicopter flights. Al-Ula is most popularly known for being the site of “Hegra,” an imposing UNESCO world heritage site containing more than 100 monumental tombs carved from rock formations. Meanwhile, the less known but similarly intriguing sites of Khaybar and Tayma are popular for their white and black volcanoes, prehistoric stone structures, ancient temples, and nature trails.
To learn more or purchase tickets, click here.
Noor Riyadh
November 3 – November 19, 2022
A light installation in Riyadh. Source: Arab News
The second edition of Noor Riyadh kicked off on November 3 with a stunning artistic display across five separate locations in the Kingdom. “Noor” translates to “light,” which is the underlying theme of all of this festival’s artist displays. Over 100 contemporary artists representing 40 countries will showcase original artistic expressions which combine illuminations with music, drones, and lasers. Visit Hub 1 in King Abdullah Park to witness lighting displays leading to the park’s magical fountains or visit Hub 2 in Salam Park for a family-friendly journey across the Midnight Jungle. Head over to Hub 3 at the Diplomatic Quarter where the local architecture will be used as the artists’ canvas.
To learn more about all five hubs or to purchase tickets, click here.
Diriyah Season
October 20, 2022 – February 22, 2023
A bird’s eye view of Diriyah lit up at night. Source: Timeout Riyadh
Diriyah Season is back for its second edition! Located in the north-western outskirts of Riyadh near the UNESCO heritage site of Turaif, the festival is scheduled to host exciting global sporting competitions until its conclusion on February 22, 2023. Up next for the festival is the FIBA 3×3 basketball world tour on November 11, with musical appearances by Middle Eastern hip hop artists Flipperachi and Daffy. Diriyah Seasons is also scheduled to host the Diriyah Tennis Cup on December 8, with budding stars such as second-ranked Daniil Medvedev and sixth-ranked Alexander Zverev confirming their participation. Another highly anticipated event is the ABB Fia Formula E Diriyah E Prix racing event, scheduled to take place on January 27, 2023. In 2021, Diriyah Seasons hosted Formula E’s first all-electric night race in a dazzling display, with appearances by global musical superstars Maluma, David Guetta, Jason Derulo, and the Black Eyed Peas.
To learn more or to purchase tickets, click here.
