Culture and Heritage

December 2024’s Most Notable Saudi Arabian Events

Published

6 days ago

6th December 2024

Huda

December will be an exciting and surprising month as Saudi Arabia's heartbeat quickens with incredible rhythms of events at the end of 2024.

December will be an exciting and surprising month as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s heartbeat quickens with incredible rhythms of events as the end of 2024 draws near.

The most notable Saudi Arabian events of December 2024 will be discussed in this article.

December’s Activities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been captivating us with amazing international events that surpass our wildest expectations since the end of November, or more precisely since mid-October when the Riyadh Season 2024 began.

On November 28, the season’s magical Harry Potter experience began, transporting guests to the world of magic through a vast park in Boulevard City that boasts unique landmarks that promise a one-of-a-kind experience.

With ten fantastic locations that will enchant its guests until December 10, the Wonderland region in the Red Sea City has returned to inject some fun into Jeddah’s celebrations. It offers a range of unusual activities for both adults and kids.

Souq Alamash, which is open till December 7 in Jeddah, is a great place for families and friends to celebrate diversity and enjoyment. It offers a variety of local and foreign cuisine, live entertainment, and shopping.

After years of anticipation, the Riyadh Metro experience was partially opened on November 27 when construction on three main lines started. Tickets are affordable for anyone, making it easier to navigate the city.

Interestingly, the Kingdom is getting ready to hold the first professional men’s golf competition, the PIF Saudi International, which will take place from December 4–7 at the Riyadh Golf Club.

Following five years at the Royal Greens, this tournament elevates the competition to a new level, attracts a top-tier group of golfers, and serves as a thrilling capstone to some athletic events that honour the Kingdom’s love of the game.

In addition to providing guests with an attractive environment for a culinary competition, the Saudi Food Feast Festival in Jeddah takes place from November 27 to December 6 and is a celebration of cooking and tasting.

Highlights of the Festivals in Jeddah and Riyadh

With a broad program that includes a number of feature and short films, the Red Sea International Film Festival is back in Jeddah from December 5–14, bringing with it a wealth of cinematic experiences that illustrate the incredible growth in the Saudi film industry.

The Next Gen ATP Finals will return to King Abdullah Sports City from December 18 to 22, showcasing the top up-and-coming tennis players on indoor hard courts. Fans of tennis will take pleasure in a distinctive setting, engaging activities, and chances to connect with the players.

A new version of the XP Music Futures Conference, a comprehensive three-day event, will also begin on December 5, 2024, in Saudi Arabia. Attendees will be encouraged to socialise and share ideas during the day, and in the evening, more than 100 musicians will perform to win over hearts in a musical celebration.

Everyone is anticipating the opening of the Dunes of Arabia area, a recent addition to the Riyadh Season. It will welcome guests beginning on December 15 and offer an immersive experience in the Tuwaiq area, where you can take in the stunning views of the desert and engage in a range of thrilling activities.

Over 350 canines will compete in events including the Dog Beauty Contest and the Saluki race, as well as numerous performances, during the World Dog Festival, which will be held as part of the Riyadh Season festivities and run until December 7.

A Spectacle of Art and Literature

The largest light arts festival in the world, the Riyadh Light Festival 2024, is returning and will run through December 14. The Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in the Jax neighbourhood will host the Contemporary Chinese Art Exhibition, which will showcase contemporary Chinese art for the first time in the Kingdom. More than 30 contemporary Chinese artists will participate, and their works will reflect the significant changes in society.

The Ministry of Culture hosts the Jeddah International Book Fair, which honours the Kingdom’s rich literary heritage, from December 12 to 21. Visitors may discover local and international literary works and take part in cultural lectures and conversations as the event brings together a wide variety of current publications.

As MDLBeast elevates Soundstorm to new heights, everyone in another region is anticipating the year’s largest party on the same day. With performers from all around the world participating, this event promises to be an amazing blend of stars and fresh voices. The Winter at Tantora Festival, which honours history, culture, art, music, and cuisine, will resume in AlUla on December 19.

With concerts, tours, cultural events, and gastronomic experiences created especially for this unique occasion, AlUla will come to life over the course of three weeks.

Saudi Arabia’s New Dining Experiences

During the Winter at Tantora Festival, the renowned Ducasse restaurant will be making a triumphant return to AlUla on December 4, offering a sumptuous dining experience that will arouse the senses. This means that eating in Saudi Arabia in December 2024 will be rich.

Many people in the capital, Riyadh, are anticipating the opening of the famous Japanese restaurant Zuma in the King Abdullah Financial District, which will serve a variety of unique dishes like black cod and tuna steaks. Meanwhile, the SASS AlUla restaurant, which is next to the Shaden Resort, is getting ready to reopen, offering a taste of the genius of the renowned Monaco restaurant.

Under the direction of Chef Massimiliano Blasone, who specialises in Italian cuisine with Japanese elements, the Michelin-starred restaurant L̜ARIA is temporarily launching in Riyadh and will provide a remarkable dining experience.

A unique venue in Via Riyadh, Mano Cigar Restaurant offers a unique experience that mixes delectable food with exquisite woodwork furnishings that lend a sense of elegance.

It stands out for having a unique cigar cabinet with the biggest selection in the Kingdom, where visitors can savour everything from delectable appetisers to excellent coffee and sweets.

Ultimately, the year flew by in a flash, and even though a lot happened, we didn’t notice the passing of time. The Kingdom fascinated us with fun domestic and foreign events and adventures right up until the very end, and the events in Saudi Arabia in December 2024 will mark the end of this productive year.