What to do in Jeddah

2027 might feel far away, but this is the kind of event you plan for early. The Islamic Arts Biennale is coming back to Jeddah, and the dates have been announced: November 1, 2027 to March 1, 2028. The event will once again take over the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. The Islamic Arts Biennale was established by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and remains the first biennale in the world dedicated entirely to the arts of Islamic civilisations, past and present. The upcoming edition will feature pieces from Makkah and Madinah, alongside loans from the Louvre and...

If you like the idea of film screenings, red carpets, and spotting global names in one place, save the dates now. The Red Sea International Film Festival returns to Al-Balad from December 3 to 12, 2026. As usual, the program includes screenings of local and international films, talks, red carpet moments, and celebrity guests. Last year, Adrien Brody (The Pianist), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man), and Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four) all came to Jeddah Historic District for the festival, with talks and special sessions for local fans. The 2026 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned. The top...

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most anticipated holidays marking the end of Ramadan, and naturally, people in both public and private sectors are looking forward to a much-needed break. Saudi Arabia has confirmed the dates for the 2026 Eid Al Fitr holiday, and here’s what you can expect: Government and private sector employees will enjoy a four-day holiday starting Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan The holiday will last until Sunday, March 22, when regular work hours will resume These dates are subject to confirmation after the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, so there...

If you’re looking for something memorable to do with family or friends, Yanbu is in full bloom right now, which means the return of Yanbu Flower Festival. Until April 23, you get the chance to admire its large floral displays and hands-on activities. There's a small train that moves visitors across the site and its multiple areas: Bird Garden, Flower Hills, Flower Village, and Flower Volcano. One section, called “Around the World,” draws inspiration from international flower gardens and includes cultural elements such as live performances, theatre, and shows scheduled throughout the day. Plan to stay until the evening to...

If you're into streetwear, don't plan anything serious for this February because SneakerCon is coming to Jeddah for the first time ever! From February 1 to 3, Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be buzzing with all things street culture. Whether you’re hunting for a rare pair of kicks or just want to soak in the vibe, this is the event to mark on your calendar. SneakerCon is an international hangout event for collectors, sneakerheads, and influencers. It's where you can buy, sell, and trade sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. You can score rare drops, exclusive items, and those hidden gems you won’t...

Planning your evening outings this holy month in Jeddah? Ramadan Nights at Hayy Jameel is where you’ll want to be! This family-friendly event offers engaging activities, local culture, and creative experiences that are perfect for making lasting memories with loved ones. Here’s what you can look forward to during Ramadan Nights in Jeddah: until March 19: Longchamp pop-up event February 20-22: Jebna El Eid Ramadan Bazaar February 25 to March 1: Week 1 of Hakawati Hayy with puppetry and storytelling March 5-7: Week 2 of Hakawati Hayy with storytelling sessions, workshops, talks, board games, and the Bakers Market A standout...

If you're looking to experience the true heart of Jeddah, Al Balad Winter Season is the place to be. It offers you a full-on dive into the past and present of the city's iconic neighborhood, all wrapped up in a winter experience you won't forget. If you’re into local art and craftsmanship, you’ll love the interactive experiences where you can watch artisans create beautiful traditional pieces. Tariq Abdulhakim Museum offers a unique look into Saudi Arabia’s musical history. Zawya 97 and Craftsmen’s Alley are perfect spots to see history and culture come together in a creative explosion. Shopping here is...

As Saudi Arabia gears up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Jeddah is making room for a new wave of hospitality with two hotels set to open in 2028 at King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) — Kimpton Jeddah KASC and EVEN Hotels Jeddah KASC. Both are part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family and promise distinct experiences for travellers heading to the Red Sea city. Kimpton Jeddah KASC: A Stylish Social Hub With 330 rooms, Kimpton Jeddah KASC is designed as a modern, vibrant space that brings together contemporary style and local character. Guests can expect: An expansive...

As the final days of Ramadan approach, many pilgrims are preparing for Umrah at the Great Mosque in Mecca. However, with a large number of worshippers expected, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to be mindful of peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. If you're planning your trip during this time, here are the best (and the busiest) hours to visit. Recent data shows that the busiest times at the Great Mosque are: 4 PM to 10 PM 5 AM to 8 AM For those looking for a quieter experience, moderate crowds are usually...

There’s something satisfying about finding a place that works for breakfast plans, long lunches, and those “let’s just grab a drink” moments that turn into dinner. That’s exactly the lane NAC likes to stay in, and it has now officially opened in Jeddah. If the name rings a bell, you’re not imagining it. NAC, short for North Audley Cantine, has built a loyal following in Dubai and Riyadh. It’s often called a French bistro, but it doesn’t come with stiff rules or white-tablecloth formality. The menu at NAC Jeddah follows an all-day format, so timing doesn’t matter much. You can...