Since the “Vision 2030” initiative was implemented in 2016, Saudi Arabia has gradually become a cultural and entertainment hotspot that draws tourists from around the world. 

With its rich cultural legacy, progressive dynamism, and desire to diversify its economy, the Kingdom has hosted an array of events. We’ve previously covered all there is to know about Riyadh Season, and in this article, we explore more of the best events in Saudi Arabia. These shows represent the nation's growing events and entertainment landscape.

Soundstorm Festival: The Middle East’s Loudest Music Festival

The Soundstorm Festival, organized by the Saudi music and entertainment powerhouse MDLBEAST, has rapidly become one of the most prominent music festivals in the Middle East, and is considered one of the best events in Saudi Arabia.

Taking place in Riyadh's scenic Banban desert, this three-day event has redefined the music landscape in the MENA region. The festival is renowned for its diverse lineup, which includes both international EDM legends and pop stars, as well as local rising stars. 

MDLBEAST’s commitment to nurturing the local musical landscape and empowering creatives in the industry is apparent through Soundstorm’s growing legacy as a cultural hub. The festival brings together music, art, and technology in an immersive experience where people from all over the world can gather to connect and share joy within the vast desert.

As a result, MDLBEAST and Soundstorm have propelled Riyadh onto the international stage as a thriving centerpoint for music, art, and culture in the region.

FOWG Riyadh: Experiencing Nightlife in Riyadh

Riyadh has witnessed a transformation when it comes to nightlife in recent years. Other than larger-than-life festivals like Soundstorm, the nightlife scene is bustling with events and experiences that bring together live music and dynamic lighting/visuals, set in various gorgeous venues around the city. 

One example is MDLBEAST’s FOWG, an immersive rooftop experience hosted in collaboration with the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), which was launched in October. This lively event offers a rooftop rave with a breathtaking panoramic view of Riyadh’s cityscape. A carefully curated lineup of DJs have been chosen to create an unforgettable musical experience, with projections and lights adding to the immersive quality of the event.

Formula 1 Saudi Arabia: Racing Thrills

The Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix has established the Kingdom as a global motorsport powerhouse. The first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix kicked off in Jeddah in December 2021 and was a milestone for the region. 

The picturesque Red Sea backdrop, as well as its high-speed straights and challenging corners, made the Jeddah Corniche Circuit a unique one, drawing in motorsport fans, multinational teams, and global media coverage alike.

The second Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2022 fascinated fans with high-speed racing and stellar performances, continuing the Kingdom's Formula 1 commitment. The addition of night racing provided a distinctive aesthetic element, as the illuminated course created a brilliant contrast against the nighttime sky. 

As well as being one of the best events in Saudi Arabia, the Formula 1 races have become a global sporting attraction, as well as a symbol of the country's desire to broaden its entertainment offerings, attracting tourists from around the world and creating a spirited environment of celebration and competition.

Formula E: Electrifying Urban Racing

Saudi Arabia also hosts Formula E, the electric car equivalent of Formula 1. The Diriyah E-Prix, held in the historic city of Diriyah, involves electric racecars on a challenging urban circuit. First held in 2018, this marked the first Formula E race in the MENA region.

Racing zero-emission automobiles through Diriyah's old streets (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) demonstrates motorsports' future. The sustainable nature of the event coincides with Saudi Arabia's greener future vision, demonstrating the Kingdom's forward-thinking approach.

Gamers Paradise: Gamers8 eSport Festival

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), the Gamers8 Festival is an epic event that’s aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

This year’s event, which took place over eight weeks this past summer, included 15 gaming tournaments for various popular games, including Fortnite, Tekken 7 Nations Cup, and PUBG Mobile World Invitational, and a staggering $45 million prize pool. It also included 

global concerts every Friday, alongside various entertainment zones and activations.

Gamers8 Festival represents an important step towards Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a global hub for gaming and esports, touching on key pillars like esports, game development, and talent attraction. 

Cultural and Heritage Events to Explore 

While we’ve focused primarily on the best events in Saudi Arabia that promote a more contemporary landscape, Saudi Arabia is also home to an array of cultural and heritage events deeply rooted in preserving the kingdom’s rich traditions.

One example is the Saudi Feast Food Festival - an annual celebration organized by the Culinary Arts Commission - as a tribute to the country's culinary heritage. The event offers an educational and sensory journey through the region’s locally celebrated ingredients and dishes, while also fostering a community for culinary enthusiasts.

The diverse activities/events include: 

• Regional sections offer tastes from each area

• Immersive experiences focused on date and palm products

• Children's interactive cooking areas

• Educational workshops

• A professional zone for industry networking

• A marketplace for local food products and cookbooks 

• A restaurant zone with over 200 eateries showcasing culinary legacies

• A feast zone with Michelin-star chefs, as well as a Feast Stage, that broadcasts live matches.

Another example is the renowned Al-Jenadriyah Festival. This annual event showcases a diverse array of deeply rooted cultural and artistic expressions, from poetry recitations and traditional music and dance performances, to camel and horse races. Organized by the National Guard and premiered in 1985, Al-Jenadriyah represents the heart of Saudi Arabia's cultural identity, reflecting the nation's depth, diversity, and history.

Charging the Region with the Best Events in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become a vital host for a wide array of events that celebrate both its rich heritage and its ambitious future. With a commitment to culture, entertainment, and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is on a path to becoming a global hub for diverse and innovative events.