The Saudi Festival Seasons are a series of region-specific festivals held at different locations across the Kingdom throughout the year, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the best of both Saudi and international arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. There is so much to see and do in Saudi Arabia for residents and visitors alike. In recent years, the country has opened up to the international community, promoting its diverse culture, rich history, and forward-looking vision. It has gained a reputation for putting on a show, as this overview of the Saudi Seasons sets out.
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 offerings 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 scenery. Visitors can experience a diverse mix of immersive entertainment, arts, and culture.
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. It is an extravaganza of activities and experiences which regularly break Guinness World Records, with 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 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 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 with 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, and multimedia exhibitions. The season also features 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), the Crown Prince Camel Festival, Al Ward Heritage Village, and the Al-Baid Masters (mountain hiking activities).
AlUla Season (November to January)
Also known as Winter at Tantora, AlUla 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 natural scenery, 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.
How Allocation Assist Supports Doctors Moving to Saudi Arabia
For doctors considering a move to the Kingdom, the Saudi Seasons are part of what makes life there appealing beyond work. As a medical recruitment and healthcare jobs consultancy in Dubai, our team has spent over 11 years placing Western-trained doctors across 95+ hospitals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Key Areas of Support
- Hospital matching, based on your specialty, career stage, and family priorities.
- SCFHS and Saudi licensing, fully managed from start to finish.
- Contract review and negotiation, including salary, package, and benefits.
- Relocation and family logistics, including schooling, housing, and post-arrival support.
- Ongoing peer community, connecting you with doctors who have made the same move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Saudi Seasons?
The Saudi Seasons are a series of region-specific festivals held at different locations across the Kingdom throughout the year. Launched in 2019 by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, they include international shows, concerts, sports competitions, and exhibitions, showcasing the best of Saudi and international arts, culture, sports, and entertainment.
When is Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season runs from October to March, during the winter months. It is one of the world’s largest entertainment events and regularly breaks Guinness World Records, with both ticketed and free events for all ages.
When is Jeddah Season and what makes it unique?
Jeddah Season takes place from April to June, usually starting around Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan. The two-month festival features over 2,800 events and makes the most of the city’s Red Sea coast location, with water activities such as sailing and diving alongside concerts, plays, and exhibitions.
What is Sharqiyah Season?
Sharqiyah Season takes place in the Eastern Province for about two weeks in spring. It includes water sports, concerts, and multimedia exhibitions, plus a car rally from Al-Ahsa to Dammam, a camel race in Hofuf, and an international kite festival in Jubail.
Which Saudi Seasons happen in summer?
The Aseer and Taif Seasons run from July to August in the cooler, higher elevations of the mountainous southwest. Aseer Season offers adventure activities and family entertainment, while the month-long Taif Season includes Souk Okaz, the Crown Prince Camel Festival, and mountain hiking activities.
What is AlUla Season (Winter at Tantora)?
AlUla Season, also known as Winter at Tantora, runs from November to January in the ancient city of AlUla in the northwest. It offers outdoor art shows, hot-air balloon rides over the desert, and the country’s finest art, music, fashion, and culinary experiences.
What is Diriyah Season?
Diriyah Season runs from December to March in Diriyah, the historical district on the edge of Riyadh known as the birthplace of the first Saudi state. It celebrates Diriyah’s cultural heritage through live performances, art installations, culinary experiences, and sporting competitions including equestrian events, car racing, and boxing.
Is Saudi Arabia welcoming to international visitors and residents?
Yes. In recent years Saudi Arabia has opened up to the international community, promoting its culture, history, and vision. The Saudi Seasons attract visitors from all over the world, and the Kingdom has built a reputation for hosting major international sports and entertainment events.
How can Allocation Assist help me relocate to Saudi Arabia as a doctor?
Allocation Assist has spent over 11 years placing Western-trained doctors across 95+ hospitals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The team handles hospital matching, SCFHS and Saudi licensing, contract negotiation, and relocation logistics, supporting doctors and their families through the whole move.
