31 amazing things to do in Saudi Arabia in October
Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
October in Saudi Arabia can only mean one thing: Riyadh Season. The blockbuster event puts the capital in the spotlight. Expect world-class comedians, concerts and culture, from pop stars to tennis superstars. The Kingdom is filled with exciting events, too, including new movies, menus and more. Here are the best things to do in Saudi Arabia in October.
Tuesday 1 October
Dig into Il Baretto Riyadh’s new menu
Il Baretto Riyadh showcases brilliant flavours from Italy. Now, it has unveiled its autumn menu, and it celebrates different regions in the country. The new menu was created by the Group Head Chef Alex Simone. Dishes include Crème Brûlée al Foi Gras e Tartufo Nero, Risotto ai Funghi Porcini and Cargiofi e Caprino.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Wednesday 2 October
Dine out at the new secret restaurant Kimyona
FACT loves a secret restaurant. So, we were excited to uncover a new Pan Asian restaurant in Al Olaya Complex. Kimyona in Riyadh has one of the most unusual entrances we’ve ever seen and is accessible via a hidden door. Curious diners will be rewarded with a restaurant inspired by a photographer’s dark room and Asian cuisine
GO: Follow @kimyona.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 3 October
Experience Najdi culture in Riyadh
Najdi culture comes alive at Prince Sultan University. Running from 3 to 5 October, the event combines family-friendly fun with a winter atmosphere. Enjoy arts, culture, games and music. Plus, food and drinks are available at restaurants and cafes.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
Friday 4 October
Climb AlUla Stairway after dark
From 26 September to 5 October, visitors can enjoy AlUla Stairway at night as part of the AlUla Skies Festival. The sessions last one and a half hours and are available to visitors aged eight years or older, and at least 110 centimetres tall. See you up there.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
Saturday 5 October
Join the family-friendly workshop at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah
Join Explorers Workshop: Reading Session by The Rabyah, In Knowledge Light Can Be Found. Taking place on 5 October, the event is aimed at six- to nine-year-olds and takes place in Arabic. It’s a chance to learn about the Muslim scholar, Ibn Al Haytham. Learn about his work across mathematics and science.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Sunday 6 October
Grab a slice of 911 Pizza in Riyadh
Pizza fans, it’s time to grab a slice or three of 911 Pizza. Located in As Sulaimanyah, Riyadh, the casual contemporary spot specialises in Chicago-style pizzas. The team prides itself on the pizzas, which are reminiscent of Chicago’s pizzerias. The tavern-style, party-cut pizza boasts a circular shape and a thin, crispy crust. The toppings are spread right to the edge, and the pizza is cut into squares rather than triangles.
GO: Follow @911pizzasa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 7 October
Visit the Japanese BBQ restaurant Kintan
Meat eaters, we’ve got you. Kintan has brought the heat to Riyadh’s dining scene, as it prides itself on being the first yakiniku concept in the capital. So, diners can cook their steak to suit their needs. Located in Al Wadi, this is the brand’s first branch in the Middle East.
GO: Visit https://linktr.ee/kintansaudi for more information.
Tuesday 8 October
Visit the celebrity favourite Mr Chow
A-listers from Adele to Justin Bieber have been spotted at Mr Chow. With venues across America, from Beverly Hills to New York City, the restaurant opens in Riyadh on 5 October. Executive Chef Jia Hef is behind the fine dining menu, which includes Chicken Satay, Green Prawns, Peking Duck and handmade noodles.
GO: Visit www.mrchow.com for more information.
Wednesday 9 October
Dine among royal memorabilia in Faseelah in Jeddah
Faseelah offers breakfast with a regal twist. Umm Mohammed is behind the concept in Jeddah, which was born from her passion for the past. The décor includes a collection of royal items. The highlights include King Abdullah’s shoes and sunglasses, King Faisal’s portrait, King Naif’s taxidermy falcons, and King Salman’s travel bag.
GO: Follow @faseelah_breakfast on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 10 October
Buy the new Al Nassr and adidas football jersey
Saudi Arabian football team Al Nassr has partnered with adidas, and dropped a new home jersey for the 24/25 season. The jersey celebrates the football legacy of the club, and features the club’s iconic yellow base with blue details. Plus, it includes the slogan: “Nassr runs in my blood”.
GO: Visit www.adidas.sa for more information.
Friday 11 October
Delight in a night of classical music by candelight
The Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace is hosting a night of marvellous music. Enjoy classical music by candlelight from Beethoven and Hans Zimmer on 11th October. The popular songs come from The Lion King, Inception, and Interstellar.
GO: Visit www.ihg.com for more information.
Saturday 12 October
Celebrate the start of Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season is back. The blockbuster festival kicks off on 12 October and continues into early 2025. This year’s edition will bring the best arts, culture and entertainment to the capital. The season includes 14 entertainment zones, 11 global championships, 10 festivals and numerous exhibitions.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Sunday 13 October
Head to the bustling zone, Blvd City in Riyadh
BlvdCity will treat visitors to dancing fountains, lush gardens, and a line-up of immersive experiences. From Bluey Dream Land and PUBG Mobile to Five Nights at Freddy’s, this zone has it all. It will also house the Mike Tyson Boxing Club, OluLou – which features a dinosaur skeleton and much more.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Monday 14 October
Check out the new snooker academy
Riyadh will soon be home to the first-ever snooker academy in Saudi Arabia by the one and only Ronnie O’Sullivan. Here, you’ll get a chance to be trained and mentored by top-notch instructors, setting the stage for future champions from Saudi Arabia.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Tuesday 15 October
Try House of Grill’s Business Lunch
House of Grill in Fairmont Hotel Riyadh takes you back to the Roaring Twenties. The fine dining steakhouse showcases fresh meat, prime cuts, and a chef’s table experience. From Sunday to Thursday, it offers a Business Lunch deal, which starts from SAR 225 for a two-course lunch and SAR 275 for a three-course lunch.
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Wednesday 16 October
Binge on burgers at the newly opened BeKaBo
The taste of Southwestern America has landed in Saudi Arabia. BeKaBo has opened in Al Wadi, Riyadh, and prides itself on offering an authentic American experience. Burgers include the Ambassador Burger with crispy fried chicken, kimchi pickles, and coleslaw; Shaheen Burger with Black Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes; and Wagyu Burger with Wagyu brisket, caramelised onions, and rocket leaves.
GO: Follow @bekaboeats on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 17 October
Catch tennis legends at The 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh
Here’s an event that will cause a racket. The 6 Kings Slam takes place between 17 and 19 October at The Venue in Riyadh. It brings together six of the biggest names in tennis, including Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Jannik Sinner.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Friday 18 October
Have a laugh with comedian Martin Lawrence
Get ready for a night of giggles, as the comedy legend Martin Lawrence brings his wit and charm to Blvd City in Riyadh. Known for his iconic roles and stand-up routines, he is sure to deliver an unforgettable night of entertainment at Baker Al Sheddi Theatre.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Saturday 19 October
Check into The St. Regis Riyadh
Riyadh is welcoming world-class hotels, and the latest to join the list is The St. Regis Riyadh. Opening on 1 October, it is home to 83 rooms and suites that range from the Deluxe Double Room to The Royal Suite. The rooms boast city views, and there’s the hotel’s signature service: The St. Regis Butler. The décor is inspired by the Kingdom, as the building has been cast from Tuwaiq mountain stone and includes Salmani architecture.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Sunday 20 October
Admire the designers at Riyadh Fashion Week
Hosted by the Saudi Fashion Commission, Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 runs from 17 to 21 October. The venue is still under wraps, along with the list of exhibitors, but judging by the inaugural edition last year, fashion enthusiasts are in for a treat. RFW will take guests into the soul of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning fashion scene, promising a fashion event that’s set to create history.
GO: Visit www.riyadhfashionweek.com for more information.
Monday 21 October
Party the night away at Attaché by MDLBeast
Saudi Arabia, get ready to turn up the volume. The team behind MDLBeast Soundstorm have transformed a former equestrian club into a music venue. Located in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Attaché by MDLBeast is now open. The venue is located between rows of embassies in the Diplomatic Quarter. The creative hub brings together local and regional artists.
GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for more information.
Tuesday 22 October
Luxuriate at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort was the first island resort to open in the development and is a high-end property with 90 villas, two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a spa and a kid’s club. With five diverse restaurants to choose from, guests can dive into Middle Eastern cuisine at Nesma or indulge in Japanese flavours at Gishiki 45. Located on the Ummahat Islands archipelago, the resort is accessible via seaplane or speedboat.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Wednesday 23 October
Eat at the newly opened SUSHISAMBA
The internationally acclaimed SUSHISAMBA has made its debut in Riyadh. Located in King Abdullah Financial District, it blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cultures and cuisines. The menu will showcase SUSHISAMBA’s signature dishes, including Brazilian churrasco, Japanese tempura, Peruvian anticuchos, and a colourful selection of sushi and seviches.
GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for reservations and more information.
Thursday 24 October
Visit Riyadh’s first art house cinema
Cinemas were forbidden in Saudi Arabia not that long ago. In 2018, a 35-year ban was lifted. Now, the first art house cinema, Cinehouse, has opened in Riyadh, and it prides itself on offering an art-house experience. Saudi Arabian film producer Faisal Baltyuor is behind the concept, and he aims to create a hub for local and international filmmakers.
GO: Follow @cinehousecinema on Instagram for more information.
Friday 25 October
Have brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah
Start your weekend with an exciting evening brunch at Reyhana, The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah’s spectacular day-to-night dining destination. Savour international delights, explore interactive live cooking stations and enjoy live entertainment as you spend a memorable Friday evening with friends and family. Available on Fridays from 7pm to midnight. SAR 315 per person, with a 50% discount for children under 12.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Saturday 26 October
Catch a special exhibition on the Red Sea
Salt-Kissed: Of Vessels That Have Sailed The Red Sea showcases stories from the Red Sea. Running until 26 October at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, it has been curated by Ahmed Al-Aqra and Abed Alrahman Shabaneh. Learn about eight ships that once sailed the Red Sea and the history of trade routes, coastal communities and colonial legacies.
GO: Visit https://hayyjameel.org for more information.
Sunday 27 October
Eat out at MANKO Jeddah’s new restaurant
The original MANKO can be found in Paris, France. The restaurant is located at Avenue Montaigne and is a sultry spot. The Jeddah venue is a sophisticated spot. The food menu showcases Peruvian cuisine with Asian influences. The menu covers antichuchos, ceviche, ensalada, manko rolls, nigiri, para picar, sashimi, tiraditors and more.
GO: Follow @manko.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Monday 28 October
Christian Dior, The Designer of Dreams Exhibition opens in Riyadh
Fashion, food and fun come together this Riyadh Season. Christian Dior, The Designer of Dreams Exhibition opens at Al Murabaa National Museum. The exhibition launches on 28 October, and it will be home to a pop-up Dior café and a stunning souvenir shop. The exhibition includes 500 couture dresses. It will allow visitors to learn about the brand’s history and marvel at its collections throughout the years. The dresses will be taken from Christian Dior’s archive and offers Insta-worthy opportunities.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Tuesday 29 October
Experience global attractions at Suwaidi Park
Suwaidi Park opens on 29 October, and takes you around nine countries through traditional music, dances, and food. Here, you can immerse yourself in the history and heritage of these cultures, featuring Indonesia, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sudan and Sri Lanka.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Wednesday 30 October
Head down the beautiful The Groves in Riyadh
Riyadh Season is filled with fun things to do. The Groves opens on 28 October, and returns with fantastic dining options. Expect innovative experiences, which combine entertainment with culinary delights and a range of dining options.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Thursday 31 October
Last chance to see Fontana Circus in Riyadh
Cirque Du Liban’s Fontana made a splash in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is hoping to do the same in Riyadh. The troupe is coming to the capital to showcase their spectacular stunts and amazing aerialists. The show runs from 27 September to 31 October, and takes place at Nakheel Mall.
GO: Visit https://riyadh.platinumlist.net for more information.
