Quick Summary
- Saudi Arabia's entertainment scene has expanded dramatically since Vision 2030
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday — Sunday is a working day
- Cinemas, concerts, sports events, restaurants, desert trips — all now available
- Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season bring world-class events throughout the year
- Outdoor activities are excellent in winter months (October to March)
- Summer heat limits outdoor activity — indoor entertainment and malls dominate June to September
The Saudi Weekend — Friday and Saturday
Saudi Arabia's official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Sunday is a normal working day. Friday holds religious significance — the Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) is attended by many and midday on Friday tends to be quiet. Friday afternoons and evenings and all of Saturday are when expats are most active socially.
Entertainment Options in Riyadh
Cinemas
Saudi Arabia lifted its cinema ban in 2018 and the sector has grown rapidly. Major chains include AMC, VOX Cinemas and Muvi. All major international releases are shown — sometimes day-and-date with global releases. IMAX and premium formats available. Tickets typically SAR 40–80.
Restaurants and Dining
Riyadh's restaurant scene is exceptional and growing fast. Every global cuisine is represented — Indian, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, American, Turkish, Filipino and more. Fine dining venues, casual restaurants and fast food chains all thrive. Riyadh Season and Vision 2030 have attracted global restaurant brands and homegrown concepts. Restaurant reservations are recommended for popular spots on weekend evenings.
Malls and Shopping
Riyadh has world-class malls including Kingdom Centre, Mall of Arabia, Riyadh Park, Panorama Mall and Nakheel Mall. Malls serve as major social hubs beyond just shopping — food courts, entertainment centres, cinemas, arcades and family areas make them genuine weekend destinations especially in summer.
Gyms and Fitness
Riyadh has an active fitness culture with gyms on almost every corner. Major chains include Fitness Time, GymNation, and various independent boutique studios. Running clubs, cycling groups, CrossFit communities and yoga studios are all well-established. The Diplomatic Quarter has excellent running tracks popular with expats.
Concerts and Live Events
Riyadh Season — typically running from October to March — brings major international artists, sporting events, comedy shows, esports tournaments and cultural festivals to Riyadh. Artists who have performed include major international names across pop, hip hop, Arabic music and more. Check the Riyadh Season and Platinumlist apps for upcoming events.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities
Between October and March the weather in Saudi Arabia is genuinely beautiful — warm days, cool evenings and clear skies. This is when outdoor life flourishes:
- Desert camping and off-roading — one of the most popular expat weekend activities. Riyadh's surrounding desert offers excellent camping spots. 4WD vehicles are ideal. Many expat communities organise group camping trips.
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) — a stunning natural escarpment about 90 minutes from Riyadh. Dramatic views over an endless desert plateau. A must-visit day trip for any expat in Riyadh.
- Diriyah — the historic birthplace of the Saudi state just outside Riyadh. Beautifully restored mud-brick architecture, restaurants and cultural events. Weekend afternoons here are a great way to experience Saudi history.
- Al Ula — a UNESCO heritage site with stunning rock formations, Nabataean tombs and a luxury resort experience. A weekend flight from Riyadh (under 2 hours). Book the Hegra archaeological site in advance.
- Abha and Asir Region — Saudi Arabia's cooler mountain region. Green landscapes, cool temperatures even in summer, traditional villages and excellent hiking. A 90-minute flight from Riyadh makes it a viable long weekend destination.
Day Trips from Riyadh
- Diriyah — 30 minutes, UNESCO heritage, great for families
- Edge of the World — 90 minutes, dramatic natural scenery
- Al Kharj date farms — 1 hour, unique Saudi agricultural experience
- Rawdat Khuraim — 100km northeast, seasonal wildflowers in spring
- Thumamah National Park — 60km north, desert landscape popular for picnics and off-roading
Social Life and Expat Communities
Expat social life in Saudi Arabia is active and community-based. Most nationalities have established communities that organise regular events:
- Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities — search for "[Your Nationality] in Riyadh" groups on Facebook. These are the most practical way to connect with your expat community, find events and get local recommendations.
- Compound social events — if you live in a residential compound, these typically organise regular social events, sports leagues and community activities.
- Sports leagues — football (soccer), cricket, tennis and padel leagues exist for most expat communities. Padel in particular has exploded in popularity across Saudi Arabia and courts are everywhere.
- Meetup.com and Internations — international expat platforms with regular organised social events in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there much to do in Saudi Arabia without alcohol?
Far more than most people expect before arriving. The dining scene is world-class, the entertainment calendar is packed especially during Riyadh Season, outdoor adventures are spectacular in winter and the expat community is active and social. Most long-term expats report that social life in Saudi Arabia is richer than expected — the absence of alcohol simply means social life centres around food, outdoor activities, sports and entertainment instead of bars.
What do expat families do with young children on weekends?
Saudi Arabia is very family-friendly. Malls have extensive family entertainment areas, indoor play centres and dedicated family sections at restaurants. Theme parks including Boulevard World in Riyadh, Al Hokair Land locations and various seasonal attractions cater specifically to families with children. Outdoor parks and recreational areas are busy on cooler weekend mornings.
What happens to entertainment during Ramadan?
Entertainment and restaurants adjust their hours during Ramadan — most venues open after Iftar (sunset) and stay open very late into the night. This creates a vibrant late-night social scene. Concerts and large events are typically paused during Ramadan out of respect. The atmosphere during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is unique and beautiful — many expats consider it one of the highlights of living in the Kingdom.
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