Desert, Sea & Heritage: Explore the Magic of ‘Saudi Winter’

From Riyadh and AlUla to the Red Sea, nine key destinations are driving Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom under Vision 2030.

The Saudi Winter events calendar invites visitors from around the globe to discover the diverse tourist attractions across the Kingdom, promising an exceptional winter experience that caters to travelers of all age groups.

‘Saudi Winter’ Unveiled

Driving the News: Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb launched the Saudi Winter events calendar for 2026 under the theme “Saudi Winter the Way You Like It,” according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Big Picture: The Saudi Winter calendar offers a diverse range of events, activities, and experiences throughout the winter season, blending entertainment, culture, adventure, and relaxation across nine key destinations:

• Riyadh
• AlUla
• Qassim
• Hail
• Jeddah
• Al-Khobar
• Al-Ahsa
• Madinah
• The Red Sea

The Winter’s Offerings

Between the Lines: Convening more than 100 partners from the public and private sectors, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) organized a workshop for this year’s Saudi Winter program, featuring more than 1,800 tourism products, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes through specialized events and activities.

The Program’s Offerings: The Winter program offers various options, including festivals, sporting events, live performances, cultural and heritage experiences, nature excursions, desert adventures, resort stays, and dining experiences.

Why Saudi Arabia: Owing to its unique geographical diversity, Saudi Arabia enjoys temperate, pleasant weather during the winter, in stark contrast to harsh winters in Western nations, making it a preferred destination for many tourists. Furthermore, the Kingdom is rich in historical sites, nature trails, and urban entertainment, increasing its appeal for domestic and international visitors.

Riyadh: The Bustling Hub

State of Play: Saudi Arabia’s metropolis, Riyadh, offers an extraordinary blend of modernity and heritage.

Riyadh Season

Kicking off on October 21, Riyadh Season offers dynamic entertainment events, global sports tournaments, theatrical performances, music concerts, and world-class experiences. As the world’s largest annual entertainment festival, Riyadh Season injects life into the Saudi capital, attracting millions of visitors.

Diriyah

The Kingdom’s historical capital immerses visitors in a fascinating journey through Saudi Arabia’s history. From the mud-brick Najdi architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif District and Wadi Hanifa to fine dining restaurants, visitors discover the transformation of Diriyah throughout the centuries.

AlUla & Madinah: The Living Heritage

From the sandstone canyons of Nabataean antiquities to the serene avenues of Islamic heritage, AlUla and Madinah showcase Saudi Arabia’s deepest cultural roots.

AlUla

Over 25,000 documented inscriptions and 18,800 rock art panels recount the story of AlUla throughout the Dadan, Lihyan, and Nabataean civilizations. Exploring the history of AlUla takes a different shape through the Winter at Tantora festival. From December 17, 2026 to January 9, 2027, the festival highlights the heritage of AlUla with live music performances, cultural celebrations, traditional markets, open-air activities, and star-gazing sessions.

Catch Up Quick: AlUla is Saudi Arabia’s first designated Dark Sky location. It is also home to a diverse range of eco-resorts and sustainable stays which promote environmental and cultural preservation, including Our Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla, Dar Tantora (The House Hotel), The Chedi Hegra, Caravan AlUla (by Our Habitas), and Shaden Resort.

Madinah

The temperate winter weather encourages tourists to visit Madinah’s Islamic and heritage sites, such as the Prophet’s Mosque, the historic Quba Avenue, and Mount Uhud.

Qassim & Hail: The Green and Gold Corridors

The central provinces of Qassim and Hail invite visitors to experience world-famous date harvests, ancient rock art, and traditional desert camping.

Qassim

Boasting a robust agricultural and culinary heritage, Qassim is known as Saudi Arabia’s “food basket.” It is a major producer of premium dates, wheat, barley, potatoes, and citrus fruits. Its official traditional dish, Kleija, blends the original flavors and heritage of the Kingdom.

Hail

Hail is a symbol of Saudi hospitality and generosity. It is famous for its UNESCO-listed rock art at Jubbah and Shuwaymis, dating back 10,000 years. Given its vast desert landscapes, Hail is an ideal spot for outdoor adventures such as camping and star-gazing, as well as desert rallies, including the annual Hail International Rally.

Al-Khobar & Al-Ahsa: The Eastern Escape

The Eastern Province has a unique identity blending modern coastal urbanism with deep oasis heritage.

Al-Khobar

With its modern waterfront promenades, coastal experiences, vibrant cafe culture, art districts, and family leisure along the Arabian Gulf, Al-Khobar offers a distinct destination for all age groups.

Al-Ahsa

Registered as the world’s largest oasis with over 2.5 million date palms, Al-Ahsa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al-Ahsa has a wide range of attractions, including Al-Qarah Mountain, Asfar Lake, Al-Qaisariya Souq, and Ibrahim Palace.

Jeddah & the Red Sea: The Coastal Luxury

Along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline, Jeddah and the Red Sea Destination are offering ultra-luxury tourism experiences.

Jeddah

Known as the “Bride of the Red Sea,” Jeddah blends coastal urban energy with deep-rooted cultural heritage. A walk through the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) unveils the region’s impressive cultural legacy. Visitors can also enjoy open-air dining along the Jeddah Corniche, marine activities, and cultural festivals that highlight the city’s historic identity as a gateway to the region.

The Red Sea

Cementing its status as a pioneer in regenerative luxury tourism, the Red Sea Destination offers ultra-luxury island escapes set against pristine coral reefs and untouched marine ecosystems. The destination provides a sanctuary for year-round diving, kayaking, and eco-adventures. Away from the busy and crowded city life, eco-friendly resorts, such as Desert Rock and Nujuma, allow visitors to explore the vast, unpolluted night skies of Arabia.

Tourism Boom Under Vision 2030

The Strategy: Saudi Arabia has positioned tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification under Vision 2030, targeting 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. According to recent data from the Saudi Tourism Ministry, the tourism sector showed a strong performance and rapid growth in 2025.

By the Numbers:

• 123 million: Total inbound and domestic tourists welcomed by the Kingdom, a 6% increase compared to 2024.
• SAR 304 billion ($81.07 billion): Historic high reached in total spending, up 7% year-over-year.
• SAR 176.6 billion ($47.09 billion): Revenue generated by international visitors, outstripping the SAR 127.1 billion ($33.89 billion) spent by 3 million domestic travelers.
• 9%: Direct contribution of the tourism sector to national GDP, with its total economic footprint expanding 14% over the previous year.

The Bottom Line: The “Saudi Winter” events calendar gives a major boost to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism objectives. By unifying modern urban entertainment, rich historical heritage, and pristine coastal luxury into a seamless traveler journey, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a premier global winter destination.

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