Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb officially launched the Saudi Winter 2025 program in Riyadh under the theme “Winter is Alive,” unveiling a lineup of festivals, sports, culture, and entertainment across the Kingdom. Whether you love art, music, adventure, or just getting outside, your calendar from late 2025 through 1Q 2026 is about to get full.

The laughs start early at the Riyadh Comedy Festival on Boulevard City from 26 September to 9 October, featuring over 50 standup legends — including Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Pete Davidson — promising two weeks of side-splitting performances, improv, and sketch shows to suit every sense of humor. Tickets range from SAR 100 to SAR 1.2k and are available on webook.

The ANB Arena will roar to life from 15 to 18 October as the Six Kings Slam brings together tennis heavyweights, including Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Jack Draper for a three-day clash of speed, power, and precision. Expect big names, high stakes, and plenty of fireworks on court. Tickets range from SAR 770 up to SAR 38.5k and are available here.

Women’s tennis reaches its pinnacle at the King Saud University indoor arena from 1 to 8 November with the WTA Finals Riyadh, where the top eight singles players and doubles teams compete for the ultimate trophies — the Billie Jean King Trophy for singles and the Martina Navratilova Trophy for doubles. Tickets start from SAR 17.5 and are available on webook.

Riyadh to ride high with the first-ever 2025 UCI BMX Freestyle World Championships from 4–8 November, part of the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships. Athletes will show off their skills in Park and Flatland disciplines, plus trials, pushing the limits of speed, style, and gravity, with the Kingdom also set to host the 2026 edition.

The Longines Global Champions Tour finals return to Riyadh from 30 October to 1 November, bringing together some of the world’s top riders and horses for one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions on the calendar. The family-friendly event will showcase elite showjumping near the King Abdullah Financial District, drawing sports fans and equestrian enthusiasts alike. Tickets will be available soon, and visitors can find details here.

Riyadh is set to pack a punch on 22 November as The Ring IV hits the ANB Arena. Undefeated stars Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. headline the WBO welterweight clash, with David Benavidez defending his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde. Fans will also see Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the WBO lightweight belt and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez in a super flyweight showdown.

Riyadh lights up for Islamic Games: Riyadh will come alive with sporting action from 7 to 21 November as the Islamic Solidarity Games bring together over 3k athletes across Boulevard Complex, Green Hall, Al Janadriyah, and Malaz. Sports fans can look forward to thrilling competitions and a vibrant atmosphere, with international cuisine and halal-friendly meals on offer. Tickets aren’t available yet, and visitors should check the Saudi e-visa portal and book hotels near Olaya, King Fahd Road, or Al Murabba. Getting around is easy via Riyadh Metro, shuttles, or rideshares.

The capital will glow as Noor Riyadh will light up the city from 20 November to 6 December, featuring over 60 dazzling light installations across historic and modern spaces, along with immersive exhibitions, performances, and educational workshops. The festival — themed In the Blink of An Eye — has broken Guinness World Records for the largest LED structure and longest laser light show. Entry is free, and visitors can explore the festival details here.

The bass is about to be dropped as MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025 electrifies Banban Desert from 11 to 13 December with non-stop music and mega performances. Known as the City of the Sound, this three-day spectacle draws hundreds of thousands to dance under the stars to global headliners like Post Malone, Calvin Harris, and Benson Boone, alongside a massive roster of regional and local artists. Tickets for Soundstorm’s early bird release start at SAR 119 for single-day access to SAR 269 for a full three-day Storm pass, while Storm+ begins at SAR 249 for single-day access to SAR 559 for the three-day experience. Tickets are available here.

Winter at Tanora festival returns to AlUla from 18 December to 10 January, blending culture, music, food, and heritage under the stars. Enjoy open-air concerts at ancient sites, heritage markets, culinary pop-ups, art walks, and family-friendly activities. Tickets are available at ExperienceAlUla.

  • Old Town Nights: Enjoy an enchanting evening of heritage performances and gourmet dining amid AlUla’s historic amphitheatre and ancient fort from 18 December to 10 January — tickets start at SAR 90;
  • Midday at Tantora: Explore AlUla’s rich culture with daytime workshops, cultural walks, and hands-on experiences from 18 to 31 December 2025 — entry is free;
  • Old Town Culinary Voyage: Interactive dining experiences and tasting tours through AlUla’s Old Town. Available 18–20, 24–27, 31 December and 1–3, 7–10 January, with tickets starting at SAR 395;
  • Shorfat Tantora Concerts: Celebrate the sounds of AlUla as live music fills the streets of Al Jadidah Arts District and Al Manshiyah Plaza on 25-26 December and 1-2 January — entry is free;
  • AlManshiyah Carnival: Enjoy vintage games, live concerts, heritage parades, and nostalgic photo ops from 19 December 2025 to 10 January 2026 — free entry with some experiences payable on site.

From glowing art trails and heritage nights under the stars to world-class sports and bass-thumping beats, Saudi Arabia’s winter season is packed with magic at every turn. Bundle up, book your tickets, and get ready to experience a Kingdom that knows how to make winter sparkle.

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