Saudi Arabia – Leisure and Entertainment

What are the major cultural attractions and entertainment venues in Saudi Arabia?

Since 2018, Saudi Arabia’s cultural and entertainment offer has grown at a pace that would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago, underpinned by substantial government funding and the goals of Vision 2030. Entertainment now ranks among the country’s fastest-expanding industries: Riyadh Season drew in excess of 15 million attendees in 2024 alone, encompassing concerts, sports competitions, live performances, and international exhibitions. This sprawling seasonal festival is one of several such events — including Jeddah Season and the more recently launched Aseer Season — that now serve as cornerstone fixtures of the annual cultural calendar.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia stands as one of the country’s most distinguished cultural institutions, housing artefacts that chart the full sweep of the Arabian Peninsula’s history. Entry fees apply at most major museums and heritage destinations; visitors should consult the official website of each site or the Saudi Tourism Authority (visitsaudi.com) for current admission prices and opening hours before making a trip.

For those drawn to heritage, Diriyah — situated on the western edge of Riyadh — is an absolute must. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority is overseeing extensive restoration work throughout the area, including Al Turaif District, the mud-brick city that holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Plans have also been announced for a Royal Diriyah Opera House, which would be the first of its kind in the Kingdom. The wider Diriyah precinct already hosts heritage-themed evening experiences, with illuminated alleyways, live storytelling, and traditional cultural performances allowing visitors to wander through Najdi architecture while enjoying outdoor cafés and curated cultural showcases.

The cinema industry, meanwhile, has been built from the ground up following the historic repeal of the cinema ban in 2018. That decision threw open the doors to international operators eager to enter one of the region’s most promising new markets. By 2024, approximately 66 cinemas were operating across the Kingdom — a significant rise from roughly 53 in 2021. Major international and regional operators including AMC, VOX Cinemas, Muvi, and IMAX now have screens running in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond. In July 2024, IMAX formalised its inaugural partnership with Saudi exhibitor Muvi Cinemas, committing to four new IMAX auditoriums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Hofuf, and Dhahran, all slated for delivery by the end of 2024. Current ticket prices differ by operator and format — check cinema websites or apps directly for the latest figures.

Live music has grown into a genuinely prominent feature of Saudi social life. MDLBEAST Soundstorm is one of the Kingdom’s flagship large-scale music events, bringing together globally recognised DJs and regional artists across high-energy stages with elaborate production — a festival atmosphere that draws comparisons with major international events while remaining culturally compliant. Cultural music evenings spotlighting the oud, Arabic jazz, and contemporary fusion are also a meaningful and growing strand of the entertainment landscape, with intimate seated venues offering carefully crafted acoustic experiences.

On the horizon, the New Murabba development in Riyadh will eventually encompass a museum, a technology and design university, a multipurpose immersive theatre, and upwards of 80 cultural and entertainment venues. Six Flags Qiddiya City, conceived as the world’s largest Six Flags Park with 28 rides, was on course for a late-2025 public opening as part of the SAR 30 billion Qiddiya giga-project. Given that development timelines are subject to change, always confirm opening dates and entry fees via official project websites before visiting.

How do people typically socialise in Saudi Arabia, and what should expats expect from local social culture?

The social landscape in Saudi Arabia has shifted considerably, with eased social restrictions, the normalisation of mixed-gender public spaces, and a far broader menu of entertainment choices — changes attributable in large part to Vision 2030 and the establishment of the General Entertainment Authority. Even so, the social environment remains meaningfully different from what most expats will have experienced in Western Europe, Latin America, or East Asia.

The single most important thing for any newcomer to grasp is that alcohol is entirely prohibited by law across Saudi Arabia. There are no traditional bars or clubs of the kind that anchor social life in many Northern European or Australian cities. Instead, socialising here revolves around restaurants, cafés, shopping destinations, and open-air spaces. After-dark activity is built around dining out in the extensive array of eateries spread across major cities, catching up over mocktails or richly brewed Arabic coffee, and browsing the bustling commercial streets that remain animated well into the night.

When temperatures ease in the evenings, cities take on a different energy: families stroll outdoor promenades, young people congregate over specialty coffees and inventive mocktails, and festivals and seasonal shows animate public squares and desert venues alike. This vitality peaks during Ramadan, when the nights become genuinely communal — following iftar, cafés stay open into the small hours, cultural districts stage special activations, and promenades fill with friends and families enjoying the festive atmosphere together.

In Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, the evening economy continues long after midnight, fuelled by cafés, live music venues, comedy clubs, seasonal festivals, book fairs, and performance stages. Boulevard Riyadh City and Jeddah Season have emerged as pillars of this after-dark scene, drawing in families, young professionals, and visitors in large numbers. In many ways, the social rhythm here echoes Mediterranean cultures — gatherings tend to start late, run long, and centre on food, conversation, and company rather than alcohol.

Scenes that would once have seemed inconceivable — women at the wheel en route to late-night entertainment, families lingering at hubs until dawn, young people assembling for major music events — are now entirely ordinary for Saudis and expats alike. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Saudi culture; hosts are renowned for their generosity, and entertaining at home is widespread. Expats who develop genuine friendships with Saudi nationals often find themselves invited warmly into family occasions. It is worth noting that daily prayer times do affect venue operating hours, with some establishments pausing briefly before reopening — adjusting to this rhythm quickly becomes instinctive.

What leisure activities and hobbies are popular in Saudi Arabia?

The remarkable geographical variety of Saudi Arabia opens up an unusually broad spectrum of outdoor activities for residents. Whether it is the dramatic highlands of Asir, the pristine waters of the Red Sea, or the vast sweep of the desert interior, expats have access to hiking, scuba diving, desert safaris, and adrenaline-charged extreme sports. The key to making the most of outdoor pursuits is timing — summers across most of the country are intensely hot, so the window from October through to April is when the majority of outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

The Kingdom’s varied terrain supports outstanding hiking and trekking, with trails at the Edge of the World on Riyadh’s outskirts, through the Asir Mountains, and across the Al Shafa area near Taif delivering spectacular panoramas, rich biodiversity, and encounters with ancient villages and distinctive rock formations. For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the extreme sports scene extends to hot air balloon flights above AlUla, paragliding from the heights of Abha, and rock climbing among the Tuwaiq Mountains.

The Red Sea coastline is a world-class diving destination, and as recreational diving gains traction among younger Saudis, the supporting infrastructure has advanced rapidly. Dive operators offering open-water trips, instruction, and equipment hire are increasingly plentiful, with services available in Jeddah, Obhur, Khobar, Dammam, and Yanbu. The reefs are alive with clownfish, rays, moray eels, hammerhead sharks, and the iconic whale shark. Along the coast, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing also draw enthusiastic participants.

The desert itself offers its own brand of excitement. Dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and camel trekking are popular around destinations such as the Red Sand Dunes near Riyadh and the vast Empty Quarter, often combined with desert safari experiences that include traditional Bedouin camp hospitality and outstanding stargazing. The Saudi winter is widely referred to as “kashtah” — camping season — when overnight trips into the desert under clear skies become a beloved pastime for residents and locals alike.

Indoors, arts and crafts classes, cookery workshops, and cultural pursuits are growing steadily in popularity. Organisations such as InterNations run events designed to connect expats, while volunteering with local charities offers a dual benefit of contributing to the community and meeting people outside the usual expat circuit. Photography, Arabic calligraphy, and traditional craft workshops are offered through community groups and arts studios in all major cities.

Which sports are popular in Saudi Arabia, and how can expats get involved?

Football is unquestionably the dominant sport in Saudi Arabia, both for spectators and for those who want to play. The Saudi Pro League has secured a series of high-profile international signings in recent years and consistently draws large, vocal crowds. Investment in stadium development and sports infrastructure is expected to accelerate further as the country pursues its ambition of hosting world-class sporting championships. Match tickets can be purchased online through official club websites; pricing varies by fixture and seating tier — consult official club pages for the most current information.

Expats with a taste for outdoor activity will find desert camping, hiking, and organised sports leagues — covering football, tennis, and golf among others — to be popular and well-supported pursuits. Golf venues such as the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club offer first-rate facilities set against striking scenery. Green fees and membership rates differ between courses; contact individual venues directly for current pricing, and as always, verify figures via the official website at the time of your move in 2025.

The Sports Boulevard in Riyadh is one of the most ambitious fitness infrastructure projects in the region, stretching 135 kilometres and incorporating green pedestrian pathways, dedicated cycling lanes, equestrian tracks, arts centres, museums, sports studios, and indoor facilities. For expats based in the capital, it represents one of the most accessible and varied options for day-to-day physical activity. Cycling clubs and running groups are well established in most major cities and are easily discovered through social media channels and expat forums.

Gyms and fitness centres have multiplied considerably, with international chains sitting alongside independent studios offering everything from yoga and pilates to CrossFit and martial arts. Monthly membership costs span a wide range — broadly from SAR 150 to SAR 500 or beyond depending on the facility, its location, and the services included. Confirm current rates directly with each venue before signing up.

Saudi Arabia has also positioned itself as a host of global sporting spectacles, with Formula 1 racing, professional boxing, and major golf tournaments all finding a home in the Kingdom. The Saudi International Golf tournament and the Diriyah ePrix (Formula E) are among the events that have attracted international attention and offered resident expats the opportunity to experience world-class live sport on their doorstep.

What is the expat social scene like in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is home to one of the largest expatriate communities anywhere in the world, with foreign nationals comprising a substantial share of the overall population — most visibly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province cities of Dammam and Al Khobar. Riyadh, as the nation’s capital and economic engine, draws expats from virtually every corner of the globe and blends traditional values with contemporary influences. The Eastern Province has long served as a hub for expatriate workers in the oil and gas industry, while Jeddah carries the more cosmopolitan, outward-looking character of a historic port city with deep roots in international trade.

By market share, Riyadh accounts for over 52% of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and leisure activity, making it the unrivalled centre of expat social life in the Kingdom. That said, Jeddah is frequently described by its residents as more relaxed and internationally mixed in character, while the Eastern Province offers a distinct sense of community forged over decades around well-established expat compounds and professional networks.

The expat social scene is diverse and genuinely rewarding for those willing to invest in building connections. Organisations like InterNations run regular gatherings specifically designed to help newcomers meet people and find their footing in a new city. Meetup groups, Facebook communities (searching for “[City] Expats” is a reliable starting point), and the InterNations platform are all useful resources to explore even before arrival. Professional associations such as the American Business Group of Riyadh and the British Business Group function as social hubs in addition to their professional roles.

Compound living continues to be the preferred arrangement for many expats, particularly those employed in the oil and gas sector in the Eastern Province. Residential compounds generally provide their own gyms, swimming pools, sports courts, and social clubs, offering an instant community and a ready-made recreational environment. Outside compound walls, the expat social scene is growing steadily more integrated with the wider social life of Saudi cities as the entertainment offer continues its rapid expansion.

Are there any language or cultural barriers that might affect expats’ social and leisure lives?

Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom, but the practical reality in Saudi Arabia’s major cities is that English is widely understood and used. In Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar in particular, English serves as a common language in restaurants, retail outlets, hotels, entertainment venues, and professional environments. Signage throughout these cities is generally presented in both Arabic and English.

At the cinema, international films are typically screened in their original language with Arabic subtitles rather than dubbed — a format that will feel immediately familiar to expats from countries such as the Netherlands or Scandinavia, where original-language screenings are standard practice. Saudi-produced films screened locally may require a working knowledge of Arabic to be fully appreciated. Streaming services including Netflix and Shahid — the dominant regional platform — are widely available and carry a broad mix of Arabic-language, international, and subtitled content.

For expats who arrive without any Arabic, the language can present an initial hurdle in certain cultural settings and social interactions. However, the major seasonal festivals — Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, and headline concerts and performances — are conceived with international visitors and residents firmly in mind, with communications, signage, and programming frequently available across multiple languages. In most everyday social situations, cultural awareness ultimately matters more than linguistic fluency. Showing genuine respect for local customs, dressing modestly when the context calls for it, and being mindful of Islamic practices such as prayer times will make a far greater impression than polished Arabic grammar.

For those who wish to go further, Arabic language courses tailored to expats are available through institutions including the Saudi Academy. Even reaching a basic conversational level is widely appreciated by Saudi locals and demonstrably enriches day-to-day life in the Kingdom.

What official or reputable sources should expats consult for up-to-date leisure and entertainment information?

The most authoritative starting point for leisure and tourism information is the Saudi Tourism Authority’s official website (visitsaudi.com), which provides comprehensive coverage of attractions, upcoming events, and destinations the length and breadth of the Kingdom. The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) is the government body charged with licensing and organising entertainment activity throughout Saudi Arabia and publishes event listings and updates via its official website and social media channels.

For heritage sites and UNESCO-designated destinations, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (dgda.gov.sa) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (rcu.gov.sa) are the definitive sources for their respective areas, including current admission fees and opening hours. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh maintains its own official web presence — check it directly for up-to-date admission costs and guided tour availability.

For expat community listings and social events, InterNations Saudi Arabia is among the most active platforms, organising regular social gatherings in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. City-specific Facebook groups for expats are extremely lively and frequently offer the most current local recommendations. The Expat.com Saudi Arabia forum is another worthwhile community resource for on-the-ground perspectives.

Bear in mind that entry fees, event timetables, ticket prices, and club listings are subject to frequent change and should always be confirmed directly with the venue or event organiser before you plan a visit. Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape is moving quickly — information that was accurate even a few months ago may no longer reflect reality.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to make local friends in Saudi Arabia?

It is entirely achievable, though it tends to require patience and genuine cultural sensitivity. Saudi society is characterised by warmth and a deep tradition of hospitality, and expats who demonstrate sincere curiosity about local culture, pick up a few Arabic phrases, and engage with community life frequently find themselves welcomed into social circles with considerable generosity. The normalisation of mixed-gender socialising in public since 2018 has created social opportunities for cross-cultural connection that were considerably harder to access in earlier years.

Are there English-language cultural events in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — most notably in Riyadh and Jeddah. Major events such as Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, and MDLBEAST Soundstorm are designed with an international audience in mind, featuring multilingual communications and performances that require no Arabic to enjoy. International touring acts, English-language comedy shows, and theatrical productions are appearing with increasing regularity. The General Entertainment Authority website (gea.gov.sa) and event-specific social media pages are reliable sources for current schedules and listings.

What sports clubs can expats join in Saudi Arabia?

Expats have access to clubs and groups across a wide range of disciplines, including football, tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, running, CrossFit, yoga, and more. Venues such as the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club operate to full international standards. Expat compounds frequently have their own sports facilities built in. In major cities, running clubs, cycling groups, and team sports leagues can be located through InterNations, Meetup, and local Facebook communities. Membership fees and joining arrangements vary — reach out to clubs directly for current details as of 2025.

How expensive is eating out and entertainment in Saudi Arabia?

The cost of dining out covers an extremely broad spectrum. Street food stalls and everyday casual restaurants are often very affordable, whereas the fine-dining scene in Riyadh and Jeddah — including outlets tied to international brands — can be costly by regional standards. Cinema ticket prices differ by operator and format; check local cinema apps directly for current figures as of 2025. Theme park admission costs also vary — as a point of reference, entry to Al Shallal Theme Park was reported at approximately USD 9 in recent years, with rides and additional activities priced separately. Always confirm current pricing at the official venue or ticketing platform before you go.

Is alcohol available anywhere in Saudi Arabia?

No. Alcohol is banned throughout Saudi Arabia under law, applying equally to residents and visitors. There are no bars, pubs, or licensed venues of any kind. Social life and entertainment are built entirely around other activities — cafés, restaurants, live events, festivals, outdoor pursuits, and home entertaining. This represents one of the more significant lifestyle adjustments for expats from cultures where alcohol plays a central social role, though most find that the range and quality of the alternative social scene more than fills the gap.

Does the expat experience differ between cities in Saudi Arabia?

Considerably. Riyadh, as the capital, offers the most extensive entertainment infrastructure and the most packed expat event calendar in the country. Jeddah is broadly regarded as more relaxed and internationally flavoured, shaped by its Red Sea coastline and its centuries-long history as a trading hub. The Eastern Province — covering Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran — is home to a large and long-established expat population rooted historically in the oil industry, with a pronounced compound culture and well-organised social clubs. Smaller cities and towns offer a quieter pace but can still provide a genuinely fulfilling expat experience.

What should expats know about Ramadan and its effect on leisure activities?

Ramadan brings a marked shift in the daily rhythm of life — venues open later, daytime food and beverage service at cafés and restaurants is often reduced or suspended entirely, and the hours following iftar become the most energetic and socially active part of the day. Many entertainment venues and festivals introduce dedicated Ramadan programming during this period. Expats are expected to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours as a matter of respect for those who are fasting, irrespective of their own beliefs. For all its adjustments, Ramadan also delivers some of the most vibrant and culturally immersive experiences the Kingdom has to offer throughout the year.

Where can I find an up-to-date list of expat clubs and societies in Saudi Arabia?

InterNations (internations.org) maintains active community groups in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, with a regular programme of social events and a searchable directory of clubs and interest groups. Facebook groups focused on expats in specific cities are extremely active and often more current than any formal directory. National and professional associations such as the British Business Group and the American Business Group of Riyadh also perform an important social function alongside their professional activities, and details can be found through a simple web search or via your employer’s HR department, which will often have pre-existing connections with these organisations.