Saudi Arabia is known for an unforgettable mix of tradition, entertainment and innovation. From centuries-old cultural celebrations rooted in heritage and hospitality to world-class music, art and food festivals drawing global attention, the Kingdom is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting festival destinations in the world. Whether you’re eager to experience authentic Saudi customs, explore vibrant city events or plan your travel around once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, these festivals in Saudi Arabia you can’t miss in 2026 promise memorable moments, rich stories, and a deeper connection to the country’s dynamic spirit.
7 Major Festivals in Saudi Arabia That Every Traveler Should Attend
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has all the potential to surprise travelers with its various festivals. Here is a list of some of the top festivals to experience in Saudi Arabia this year:
1. AlUla Arts Festival 2026
The AlUla Arts Festival 2026 is an annual art and culture event held in AlUla. It takes place across multiple venues in AlUla Oasis, AlUla Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District amid ancient desert landscapes and historic sites. Started in 2022 as a part of AlUla Moments, the festival has grown into a major arts celebration with modern and traditional art exhibitions, large outdoor installations, live performances, workshops, talks and design showcases. Desert X AlUla 2026 is a major highlight of the festival, showcasing visionary contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists.
Date: 16 January to 14 February 2026
Location: AlUla Oasis, AlUla Old Town, AlJadidah Arts District
2. Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr is a major festival in Islam celebrated around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Literally meaning ‘break the fast’, Eid Al-Fitr is the last day of Ramadan and marks the end of a month of fasting for Muslims. Families dress, attend special prayers at the mosque and enjoy a feast with close relatives and friends. People visit each other’s homes and share food and joy. The festival stands for gratitude, unity, and togetherness as people come together to celebrate.
Date: 19 or 20 March 2026
Suggested Read: Tourist Attractions In The Middle East For A Cultural Holiday Experience
3. Janadriyah National Festival
Launched in 1985 (1405 AH), Janadriyah National Festival is the prestigious annual 'National Heritage and Cultural Festival' of Saudi Arabia. Taking place for about two to three weeks, it is one of the longest-running festivals in Saudi Arabia. Hosted in the village of Janadriyah, about 42 km from Riyadh city centre, the festival honours the country's heritage and culture through folklore art shows, cultural events and traditional activities. The site features over 80 regional pavilions, camel racing tracks, traditional markets and restaurants. Camel racing, a popular sport in the Arab world, is the major attraction at the festival.
Date: 23 January 2026 (Opening Date)
Location: Janadriyah Village
Suggested Read: Top Festivals In Qatar You Can't Afford To Miss
4. Eid Al-Adha
Another festival In Saudi Arabia that isn't specific to the country but does play a major role today, the Eid Al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims around the world and lasts for a duration of four days. This is a festival that marks the moment when Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son for Allah. This is the time when Muslim families around the world meet their close relatives and celebrate together. In fact, food in Saudi Arabia is a major part of Eid Al-Adha and one of the major highlights for travellers coming to the country during this time. What is pivotal to note here is that a lamb is usually slaughtered during the festival and its meat is distributed to the community.
Date: 27 May 2026
Suggested Read: Best Beaches In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia To Relax Your Soul
5. Riyadh Spring Festival
The Riyadh Spring Festival is one of the most vibrant festivals in Saudi Arabia, which generally takes place in the months of March and April. The festival transforms the desert landscape of Riyadh into a refreshing spectacle with mass displays of more than 1.4 million flowers and ornamental plants. Organized by the Riyadh Municipality, this 10-day festival hosts more than 100 different events in multiple locations around the city to celebrate the arrival of spring season. Even the themes of the locations are different from one another.
Date: March/April
Suggested Read: Upcoming Events in Qatar: Top Cultural and Entertainment Scene to Watch Out For
6. Saudi National Day (Al-Yaom al-Watani)
Observed on 23 September every year, Saudi National Day (Al-Yaom al-Watani) honors the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1932. The Unification of The Kingdom Day is one of the most important days in the history of Saudi Arabia and the only public secular holiday in the country. most families prefer to celebrate the day in privacy. Cities are decorated with green flags and lights. Main highlights include fireworks, air shows, concerts and cultural events. People take part in public celebrations, family gatherings, and shopping offers across the country.
Date: 23 September
Suggested Read: Shopping In Saudi Arabia: Top Souvenirs And Gifts Worth Buying In The Country
7. Milad Al-Nabi
Milad Al-Nabi is one of the most significant festivals in Islam, commemorating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad. It is celebrated on the 12th day of the Rabi' al-Awwal month on the Islamic calendar. During this time, homes and mosques across the country are decorated and children recite poems praising the Prophet. Older generations share stories about the life and achievements of Prophet Mohammad and large feasts are prepared for family and community gatherings.
Date: 26 August 2026 (Varies from year to year due to its accordance with the Islamic (lunar) calendar)
Suggested Read: Top Restaurants In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia To Relish Rich & Authentic Flavors
A country that has emerged as one of the most fascinating holiday destinations over the years, festivals in Saudi Arabia are an absolute treat for visitors and natives in the country. From cultural events that last for days to some of the most traditional festivals that carry immense importance, this is a country that has it all. If you are visiting Saudi Arabia, be sure not to miss out on these vibrant festivities. Book one of our expertly crafted Saudi Arabia tour packages for a hassle-free experience and get ready to dive deeper into the soul of this Arabian gem!
FAQs - Festivals in Saudi Arabia
A festival that started with the sole purpose of attracting more tourists to Jeddah, the Hala Jeddah Festival was first founded in the year 2000 and has grown since to become one of the most popular festivals in the region.
A spectacle that attracts more than 150,000 visitors to the city, the biggest attraction of the Spring festival in Riyadh is the plantation of more than 1.4 million flowers and ornamental plants that together form a massive decoration.
Saudi Arabia is a country that houses some lavish hotels all around the country. Here are some of the hotels one needs to know about.
- Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya
- Pullman Zamzam Madina
- Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
- Novotel Jeddah Tahlia
- Makkah Hotel
- Rosewood Jeddah
- Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel
Eid Al-Fitr is a festival that is widely popular all around the world and carries huge importance for every Muslim. This is a festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when families dress and prepare for a feast with close relatives and friends.
The Janadriyah National Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in Saudi Arabia, taking place for over two weeks in Janadriyah Village, just outside of Riyadh.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries to visit in the world with low crime rate and police always on alert to ensure there are no compromises on safety.
Eid Al-Fitr festivities in Saudi Arabia begin with praying in the mosque and attending a short sermon. Friends and families visit each other's houses and make merry. During this time, rich delicacies are prepared in just about every home celebrating Eid.
Yes, Saudi National Day (also known as the Unification of the Kingdom Day) is the only public secular holiday in the country. It is celebrated on the 23rd September to mark the foundation of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
.jpg)
