The Biggest Events to Catch in Saudi Arabia Before the End of 2026
From Soundstorm and XP Music Futures to WWE Crown Jewel and Esports Nations Cup, these are the biggest Saudi events to add to your calendar before 2026 wraps up.
The year's biggest moments aren't behind us yet. Between September and December, Saudi Arabia's calendar is packed with everything from music festivals and major sporting spectacles to film, art and cultural celebrations.
We've rounded up some of the biggest events still to come across the Kingdom before the end of 2026..
Desert Sound: Mind Against
📍Riyadh Golf Club
📅Friday, September 4th
The audiovisual music festival, Desert Sound, returns to Riyadh with Berlin-based DJ duo Mind Against headlining an electrifying night of electronic music until 3:30 AM. Doors open at 8 PM, with tickets available through Platinumlist.
IN ACT - ACT IX
📍Abadi Aljohar Arena, Jeddah
📅Friday, September 11th
The latest edition of the monthly electronic music party series promises its signature high-energy rhythms, immersive visuals and late-night atmosphere. The lineup will be announced soon, with tickets available through the No FOMO app and their official website.
Fontana Circus
📍Circus Tent at Al Nakhell Mall, Riyadh
📅September 16th - October 3rd
The Middle East's first travelling water circus brings its acclaimed spectacle to Riyadh, combining a world-class dancing fountain with international circus performances. Tickets are available through Platinumlist.
AZIMUTH Festival
📍Alula
📅Late September
AlUla's flagship music festival returns with internationally renowned artists, impressive art installations and performances set against the desert's dramatic landscape. Dates and lineup will be announced soon.
AlUla Wellness Festival
📍Alula
📅October 23rd - 31st
From endurance challenges and fitness experiences to wellness retreats, music and nourishing culinary experiences, the week-long festival celebrates wellbeing amidst AlUla's natural landscapes.
A Thousand and One
📍Banban, Riyadh
📅October 29th - 30th
Inspired by ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, the two-day festival brings together more than 100 artists across multiple themed stages alongside immersive experiences and a curated selection of local and international food vendors. Tickets are available through the No FOMO app and official website.
Jewels of the World Exhibition
📍 Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh
📅October 9th - 13th
📍 Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
📅October 11th - 15th
📍 Hilton, Riyadh
📅October 19th - 22nd
The annual luxury exhibition showcases 297 regional and international jewellery houses, presenting everything from heritage collections to contemporary designs across three Riyadh venues.
WWE Crown Jewel
📍Riyadh
📅October 31st
WWE returns to Riyadh with Crown Jewel, bringing together some of the biggest names in professional wrestling for a night of championship matches, blockbuster rivalries and larger-than-life entertainment.
Boxing: Canelo Álvarez vs. Christian Mbilli
📍Riyadh
📅October 31st
Boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez returns to Riyadh to defend his undisputed super middleweight titles against unbeaten challenger Christian Mbilli in one of the year's most anticipated championship bouts.
Esports Nations Cup
📍Boulevard City, Riyadh
📅November 3rd - November 29th
Making its debut in Riyadh, the international country-based esports tournament brings together national teams competing across titles including League of Legends, VALORANT and PUBG.
Paperback Art Book Fair
📍Jax District, Riyadh
📅November 5th - 7th
Returning to JAX District, the Paperback Art Book Fair brings together publishers, artists and readers for three days celebrating independent publishing, artist books and printed works.
World Firefighters Games
📍Al Khobar
📅November 5th - 13th
Firefighters from around the world gather in Al Khobar to compete in athletic and firefighting challenges that test physical endurance, technical expertise and teamwork at the Saudi debut of World Firefighters Games.
AlUla Skies Festival
📍AlUla
📅November 6th -15th
Set within the Gulf's first Certified Dark Sky Reserve, the festival celebrates the wonders of the night sky with hot air balloon rides, stargazing experiences, astronomy activities and outdoor entertainment.
Saudi Pet & Veterinary Expo
📍Riyadh int. convention & exhibition centre
📅November 9th - 11th
Saudi Arabia's first and only dedicated pet expo returns for its fourth edition, featuring pet products, veterinary services, a cat beauty pageant and a dedicated village for dogs.
XP Music Futures
📍Riyadh
📅November 26th - 28th
Returning for its sixth edition, XP Music Futures brings together artists, industry leaders and music professionals for three days of performances, talks, workshops and networking.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival
📍AlUla
📅November 26th - December 12th
Journey through AlUla's ancient civilizations during this annual festival, where archaeological sites, rock inscriptions, cultural performances and immersive experiences bring thousands of years of history to life.
MDLBEAST Soundstorm
📍Banban, Riyadh
📅December 3rd – 4th
The Middle East's biggest music festival returns to Banban with world-renowned artists, massive stage productions and immersive experiences, bringing together thousands of music fans for two days of non-stop performances.
Red Sea International Film Festival
📍Jeddah
📅December 3rd – 12th
Returning for its sixth edition, the Red Sea International Film Festival transforms Jeddah's historic Al Balad into a global hub for cinema, bringing together acclaimed filmmakers, rising talent and film lovers for 10 days of screenings, premieres, industry talks and cultural experiences.
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