Country : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
Population : 7,231,000 (2021 estimate) 
Area : 1,973 square km 
Currency : Saudi Riyal (SR) (SAR) 
Land : 100 % 
Elevation : 599 M 
Water : 0 % 
Time Zone : UTC+03:00 (AST) 
Map Referred : Riyadh
Driving : Right Home / Destinations / Riyadh Guide / Events & Festivals in Riyadh
Janadriyah is a location that lies around 30 miles from the city of Riyadh. But comes alive in the month of February every year with the Al Janadriyah festival. The festival is one of Saudi's largest folk and cultural festivals that take place over a period of two weeks. It is also one of Saudi's largest non-religious gatherings to happen annually. Events like the horse and camel races are some of the major highlights of the festival. The festival also provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and make some sales during the event. You may also witness several Arab poets coming on stage and reciting a piece of their work to entice the local crowd towards the books that they have written.
Location : Riyadh
Date : February or March
The next festival to take place in the city of Riyadh is its famous Riyadh Spring Festival. The Festival takes place at the arrival of Spring. However, for many ex-pats, the day temperature in Riyadh during this time could be a little high for their liking. But, the three-month-long festival makes a visit to one of the locations worth it. The event celebrates nature and the spring season with more than 100 different events spread across the city at twelve different locations hosting seven different themes.
Location : Riyadh
Date : April
Saudi has its own version of the shopping festival that sees one of the biggest flash sales in the region. Unlike the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) that happens in January, this event happens in the month of July. The festival allows locals and tourists to shop for their favourite brands of electronics, garments, traditional jewellery and many other goods at prices that are the lowest in the region. The festival lasts for a month from July to August.
Location : Riyadh
Date : July to August
Just like the rest of its Gulf neighbours, Saudi's mark the final day of Ramadan with this auspicious three-day festival. Eid ul-Fitr starts with a small morning meal and quiet prayers that transcends into a great feast towards the end of the day and a lively celebration with family and friends. The young ones receive gifts and money from the elders or parents often referred to as 'Eidi'. Shopkeepers are seen adding small benefits to any purchase made by customers. And men are seen leaving big bags of food on the doorsteps of strangers during this festival.
Location : Riyadh
Date : Annually
Another annual festival that takes place in Saudi similar to the other GCC countries is the festival of Eid Al-Adha. The festival marks the occasion when Ibrahim was told by Allah to give up his only son Ismael as a sacrifice. Adhering to Allah's command, Ibrahim tied his son and laid him on an altar. But just as he was about to land the blow, an angel appeared and stopped Ibrahim from killing his own son. And instead, told Ibrahim to slaughter a goat for the sacrifice instead. Keeping true to their traditions even to this day a whole goat is prepared in the backyards of many households. For a grand celebration and feast with family and friends. The festival of Eid Al-Adha lasts for four days.
Location : Riyadh
Date : July
This festival is again a common affair with all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The festival is to mark the auspicious occasion of Prophet Mohammad's birthday that falls every year according to the Islamic calendar in the month of October. The festival sees children recite poems honouring the great prophet. While elders talk of the tales of achievements that the Prophet achieved in his lifetime. Family get-togethers followed with a massive feast are some of the basic activities that follow the event.
Location : Riyadh
Date : According to the Islamic calendar (generally falls in October)
This particular festival celebrates the special day of 23rd September every year since 1932 as the day when all the different provinces came together to become one into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The older generation prefers spending time with family and friends at their homes. However, the younger generation has become more expressive about their national pride. And often take to the streets and partake in festive actions like singing, dancing, honking car horns and waving the Saudi flag.
Location : Riyadh
Date : 23rd September
