Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
April is a time for celebrations. After the Holy Month of Ramadan, it’s a time to come together for Eid al-Fitr. During April, there are exciting events that cover film, food, and, of course, Formula One. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh in April.
Tuesday 1 April
Catch Mai Farouk and Nawaf Al Jabarti
As part of the Kingdom’s Eid al-Fitr festivities, Mai Farouk and Nawaf Al Jabarti will be performing live in Abu Bakr Salem Theatre in Riyadh. The family-friendly concert gives you the chance to enjoy Arabic music. Tickets are available now.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Wednesday 2 April
Sing your heart out at Syrup Lounge
Let out your inner Kelly Clarkson. At Syrup Lounge in Riyadh, guests can join the karaoke night. Taking place every Thursday from 9pm to 1am, it brings together Arabic and English singers. Don’t be shy – newcomers are welcome.
GO: Follow @syrupllc on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 3 April
Check into Shebara Resort in the Red Sea
If you’re looking for Eid al-Fitr inspiration, then visit the Red Sea’s Al Wajh Lagoon. Shebara Resort is now welcoming guests, and it comes FACT recommended. This beachfront property features beautiful pod-shaped and dazzling dining options. The restaurants include Ariamare, Iki, Roe, Lunara, Saria and Solera.
GO: Visit https://shebara.sa for more information.
Friday 4 April
Visit the new Desert Rock
If you’re looking for Eid inspiration, then check into the Desert Rock Resort. The unique hotel features 48 stunning villas and 12 well-appointed rooms, offering discerning travellers an exclusive and secluded retreat. Designed with modern luxury in mind, the recently released videos showcase rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the desert landscape.
GO: Visit www.redseaglobal.com for more information.
Saturday 5 April
Laugh the night away at Comedy Pod
Each Saturday, comedians come together for the Improv Night at the Comedy Pod in Riyadh. The jokes are made on the spur of the moment, and the night is filled with surprises. The line-up is announced the day before, and the show runs from 8pm to 10pm.
GO: Visit https://webook.com for more information.
Sunday 6 April
Visit Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations
Visit Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art. Running from 24 February to 24 April, it is located in JAX District and is filled with art exhibitions that celebrate homegrown as well as international artists.
GO: Follow @samocamoc on Instagram for more information.
Monday 7 April
Step into Layali Diriyah
Layali Diriyah is back for its fourth edition. This winter event transforms Diriyah into a magical wonderland of lights, culture, food and entertainment. As part of Diriyah Season, the event will run until 11 April and welcomes you into a world where history meets modern luxury amidst Diriyah’s palm groves. The experience includes six cafes and nine restaurants.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Tuesday 8 April
Visit the new restaurant Hōchō
Located in Via Riyadh, Hōchō is a contemporary Japanese restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road, it fuses together flavours. The menu includes authentic Kobe beef and more.
GO: Follow @hocho.sa on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 9 April
Visit the new café, Malfa Terrace
Located within Aseel Resort, Malfa Terrace is an open-air restaurant that blends history, elegance, and culinary excellence all in one place. Designed to embrace the rich history of Diriyah, it offers a fusion of traditional charm and modern luxury, making it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings and grand occasions.
GO: Follow @malfaterrace on Instagram for more information.
Thursday 10 April
Shop at Maison Assouline in Bujairi Terrace
The iconic French luxury publisher and lifestyle brand Assouline has opened its flagship store in Riyadh: Maison Assouline Riyadh. Located in Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace, this cool cultural sanctuary is spread over two stories and celebrates the art of living, featuring Assouline’s products and vintage collections.
GO: Visit www.assouline.com for more information.
Friday 11 April
Spend the day at Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale
Art lovers, get ready to paint the town. Jeddah has bought back the Islamic Arts Biennale. Running from 25 January to 25 May, the venue is located at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. More than 30 major global institutions from countries such as Turkey, France, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, and Spain will participate.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Saturday 12 April
Watch Weekly Cinema Nights in Jeddah
Lights, camera, Jeddah. Weekly Cinema Nights have returned to the cultural city as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. Running from 6 February to 22 May, it has been curated with the Red Sea Film Foundation and in partnership with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.
Sunday 13 April
Visit the new lifestyle destination, Solitaire
Riyadh has a new lifestyle destination: Solitaire. The destination includes shopping, food, drink, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section includes fine dining, fast food and a food hall on the rooftop. The brands already open for business include Bateel, Lavazza, Paul Le Café and The Butcher Shop. Plus, it will be home to Arcade Food Hall, which will open on the rooftop.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Monday 14 April
Join Future World Expo Riyadh
Be inspired and head to Future World Expo Riyadh. Running from 14 to 15 April at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event shows the latest innovations in technology and trends that have the potential to shape the future.
GO: Visit https://ricec.com.sa for more information.
Tuesday 15 April
Enjoy the Insta-worthy views at Fiamma
Fiamma has opened on the rooftop of Centria Mall in Riyadh and boasts Insta-worthy views of the capital. The new Italian restaurant prides itself on its homemade pastas and classic pizzas. The restaurant boasts a casual and contemporary atmosphere. Guests can take their pick from the long blue banquettes, bright red seats, and indoor and outdoor tables. Plus, there is a terrace that overlooks the city.
GO: Visit https://fiamma.sa for more information.
Wednesday 16 April
Visit the recently opened Café Boulud Riyadh
Helmed by celebrated restaurateur Daniel Boulud, Café Boulud Riyadh is situated within the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. The concept brings a taste of fancy French dining to Saudi Arabia. Dishes include Australian Wagyu Tenderloin, Salmon and Sumac and more.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Thursday 17 April
Join the Saudi Film Festival
Lights, camera, Saudi. The Saudi Film Festival has unveiled exciting details about its upcoming 11th edition, which will take place from 17 to 24 April. The event has been organised by the Cinema Association and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran and looks set to be a showstopper. The line-up includes 68 screenings with 36 feature films, shorts, and documentaries from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, all presented under this year’s theme, Cinema of Identity.
GO: Visit www.ithra.com for more information.
Friday 18 April
Watch Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Saudi, start your engines. The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is returning to Jeddah from 18 to 20 April 2025. We are buzzing, as this is the motorsport’s fifth visit to the world’s fastest and longest street circuit, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, tickets for which are live now.
GO: Visit www.saudiarabiangp.com for more information.
Saturday 19 April
Catch the icon Jennifer Lopez in Jeddah
Let’s get loud, because the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 is racing into town. One of the highlights is the after-race concerts, which include a star-studded line-up. Jennifer Lopez will be playing her hits, so get on the floor.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudiarabiangp.com for more information.
Sunday 20 April
Catch R&B legend Usher in Jeddah
Jeddah, start your engines because the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 is racing into town. One of the highlights is the after-race concerts, which include a star-studded line-up. Brace yourselves because you can see Usher in Saudi Arabia as the R&B superstar headlining the after-race concerts on 20 April.
GO: Visit https://tickets.saudiarabiangp.com for more information.
Monday 21 April
Join the Saudi Food Expo in Riyadh
Running from 21 to 24 April, Saudi Food Expo takes place in Riyadh. The event brings together a range of local and international exhibitors, and shines a spotlight on all things food. The event gives visitors the chance to network, and learn about the Kingdom’s food scene as well as suppliers.
GO: Visit https://www.saudifoodexpo.com for more information.
Tuesday 22 April
Pop into the new Kayzo restaurant
Kayzo has expanded from Diplomatic Quarter to As Sulimaniyah. The concept showcases Japanese flavours. The dishes are superb for sharing, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
GO: Follow @kayzo.saudi on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 23 April
Visit Dolce&Gabbana’s first café in Saudi Arabia
“Can you please spell Gabbana?” Fashion fans, we have some stylish news. Diriyah is home to many things, from fine-dining restaurants to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, it is collaborating with a legendary Italian fashion house. Dolce & Gabbana has opened its largest store in Saudi Arabia and its first café in the region at Bujairi Terrace.
GO: Visit https://bujairi.sa for more information.
Thurday 24 April
Check out the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Friday 25 April
Party the night away at 1001 Arabian Nights
MDLBeast has been turning up the volume in Saudi Arabia. Now, it is bringing a 1001 Arabian Nights Music Festival to Riyadh, and it will run from 24 to 25 April. The one-of-a-kind music festival in the heart of the desert. Drawing inspiration from the Middle Eastern folktale One Thousand and One Nights, the event aims to bring together music and stories. The tagline states: “Lose yourself in the fantasy, find yourself in the music”.
GO: Visit https://mdlbeast.com for more information.
Saturday 26 April
Visit the newly opened Twisted Lab in Riyadh
On your marks, get set, play. Riyadh has welcomed a new entertainment destination, Twisted Labs. Located in the Studio Zone in Boulevard City, it offers an exciting experience for gaming enthusiasts. The Twisted Hall includes the Champion Test area for interactive experiences, and the Twisted Shop includes exclusive products for gaming lovers. The areas also include the Gaming Centre, Twisted Track racing course, and Watch Party space for watching events and shows.
GO: Visit https://riyadhseason.com for more information.
Sunday 27 April
Dine at the newly opened Akira Back Riyadh
Akira Back Riyadh is located in the 1364 Shopping Center within the Diplomatic Quarter. The menu fuses together modern Japanese cuisine with Korean influences. Dishes include AB Wagyu Tacos, California Maki Roll and Creamy Spinach Salad.
GO: Visit https://akirabackriyadh.com for more information.
Monday 28 April
Book dinner at Zuma Riyadh
FACT was one of the first media outlets to visit Zuma Riyadh. The restaurant sets a new benchmark for contemporary Japanese cuisine in Riyadh. Located in KAFD district, it balances glamour, innovation, and quality. The menu is nothing short of theatrical. And, the signature style of izakaya dining is designed to be shared.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 29 April
Check out Ovun Bistro for dinner
Located in As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh, Ovun Bistro showcases Lebanese cuisine. The new restaurant serves hot and cold starters, and barbeque and grilled dishes. Plus, a range of desserts – pavlova, anyone?
GO: Follow @ovunbistro on Instagram for more information.
Wednesday 30 April
Visit the funky fusion restaurant Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte Riyadh exudes an edgy and entertaining vibe. Take your pick from indoor or outdoor seats. Look out for the open kitchen, and foodie fun, which ranges from sushi rolling to fire flames. The menu offers authentic Nikkei cuisine. Make sure to order the Chuleta De Cordero Ahumada and Wagyu Beef Spring Rolls.
GO: Visit https://chotto-matte.com for more information.
