What to do in Jeddah

Jeddah is gearing up for an action-packed weekend as the Jeddah E-Prix 2025 returns on 14-15 February. This year’s event isn’t just about the high-speed Formula E races — it’s also bringing big names to the stage. One of the biggest highlights? R&B icon Akon will be performing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday, 14 February. Akon, known for hits like "Smack That," "Lonely," and "Right Now (Na Na Na)," has made a mark in the music industry with his mix of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. He has collaborated with stars like Eminem, Lady Gaga, and David Guetta and...

Balad Beast is coming back for its fourth edition, and if you’ve been waiting for this massive party in Jeddah to return, save the dates. On January 29-30, the festival will take over Al Balad, bringing spots like Souq Square, Roshn Square, and the city’s hidden courtyards to life with music. With four stages, there’ll be no shortage of beats to match your vibe, whether you're into hip-hop, electronic, or something else entirely. The lineup for Balad Beast 2026 has been announced, and you're in for a treat! More than 70 artists will perform live for you on these two...

Art and culture enthusiasts, mark your calendars — Jeddah welcomes the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, running from January 25 to May 25, 2025. The biennale will take place at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, offering a thought-provoking exploration of faith, heritage, and artistic expression. Following its debut in 2023, the first edition’s theme, Awwal Bait (First House), highlighted the Holy Ka’bah in Mecca as a central focus. This year’s theme, And All That Is In-Between, delves into the diverse ways faith is experienced and expressed, bridging the sacred and the artistic. The 2025...

Saudi Arabia continues to enhance accessibility for visitors and pilgrims, with the latest addition being a new cable car in Makkah. This exciting development will make the journey to the sacred Cave Hira much easier, offering a modern solution to what was once a challenging climb.   قريباً يبدأ العد التنازلي في #حي_حراء_الثقافي بمكة المكرمة لبدء تنفيذ مشروع #تلفريك_حراء والذي سيمكن الراغبين في زيارة #غار_حراء من الوصول إليه عبر التلفريك بكل يسر وأمان - إن شاء الله - . pic.twitter.com/HSO6okXiJN — حيّ حراء الثّقافي| Hira Cultural District (@JabalHera) August 17, 2024 The cable car will travel through a four-kilometer stretch,...

Film lovers, mark your calendars! Red Sea International Film Festival is back to Jeddah for its fifth edition, running from December 4 to 13, 2025. Every year, this event transforms Al-Balad into a hub for storytelling, creativity, and global talent, and this one looks just as promising. Dedicated to celebrating diversity and innovation, the festival brings together filmmakers from around the world alongside fresh Saudi voices shaping the country’s cinematic scene. Whether you love thought-provoking dramas or quick, punchy shorts, there’s plenty to discover across its packed schedule. Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Line-up of Films The festival will...

The expected dates for Eid Al Adha public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2024 have been announced. The holiday celebrations are set to begin on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and will likely conclude on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, official confirmation for these dates across all sectors will be provided closer to the time as per the moon sighting. The Eid al Adha festivities are anticipated to commence either on Saturday, June 15, 2024, or Sunday, June 16, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon. Eid al Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of...

Jeddah has introduced a new summer spot for women looking to relax by the sea — Bambi Beach, a women-only beach pop-up open now along Al Amwaj Front. As part of this year’s Jeddah Season, the pop-up will stay open until October 23, offering a private and welcoming space for women aged 16 and above. The entire beach is styled in pink-themed décor, including loungers, umbrellas, and inflatables. Guests can swim freely with access to a floating pontoon, or unwind on inflatables under the sun. On-site food options include casual bites from Xbite and refreshments from Sunset Cafe. As for...

Indoor skiing enthusiasts, rejoice! Infinite Ski, Dubai’s renowned indoor ski facility, is branching out to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah. With its innovative approach to skiing and snowboarding, Infinite Ski is set to bring this thrilling experience to new audiences across the Middle East. Located in Dubai’s Al Quoz district, Infinite Ski is a go-to destination for beginners and seasoned skiers. Its Maxxtracks slopes, developed in the Netherlands, mimic the sensation of snow but don’t require bulky winter gear. Instead, you can ski in complete comfort while the adjustable speed and incline cater to your skill level — whether you’re...

Jeddah’s food scene keeps growing, and the latest addition is The Good Butcher, a restaurant by Saudi chef and food entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji. Located on the Jeddah Corniche, where Nobu used to be, this new spot is all about high-quality meat — whether you love a juicy steak or a perfectly cooked burger. What’s on the Menu of the Good Butcher? While meat takes center stage, there’s something for everyone, including salads, sides, and vegetarian options. Here’s a taste of what to expect:     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Good Butcher (@thegoodbutcher.sa) Starters:...

Saudi Arabia has proudly welcomed its eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Faw. Nestled in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, between the Empty Quarter and the Tuwaiq mountain range, Al-Faw's designation as a UNESCO site highlights its significant historical and cultural value. Al-Faw was a key point on ancient trade routes, bustling with activity for thousands of years. Archaeologists have unearthed approximately 12,000 remains at the site, revealing tools from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras, intricate rock carvings, and an advanced ancient water management system. This area was a thriving settlement until it was abandoned around the fifth century CE. Throughout its long history,...