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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Double-vaxxing to become mandatory for events across Saudi

Public must be double dosed to attend events and visit tourist destinations from Sunday October 10

We all know about the ever-changing travel rules due to COVID-19, but now new rules will come into effect across Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. So, get ready for some extra checks before you start cafe-hopping or watching a movie, as vaccination rules in Saudi Arabia have been extended to cover the upcoming raft of events set to take place all over the country.

From 6am on Sunday October 10, anyone participating in cultural, social or recreational events (we’re looking at you, Time Out readers) will need to have received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

According to vaccination rules in Saudi Arabia, approved vaccines include Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

If you haven’t been double jabbed, you won’t be able to participate in cultural, recreational, sports or tourism activities. While government establishments and public transport will also be off-limits. 

In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory to download the Tawakkalna application, which highlights your vaccination status. If you are exempt from taking the COVID-19 vaccine, don’t worry: your exempt status will be shown on the Tawakkalna application and you will not be affected by the rules.

Upcoming events across Saudi include MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm, for which almost 60 acts have already been announced, including Armin Van Buuren and Steve Aoki. Taking place this December, the festival is expected to host up to 200 domestic and international acts. Read all about it right here.

Elsewhere in the Kingdom, an impressive four festivals have been announced for AlUla, kicking off with the return of Winter in Tantora and running throughout the winter season, wrapping up at the end of March 2022. Whether you’re in fitness, aero-exploration or discovering a slice of the nation’s history, there is something for everyone. Check out the full agenda right here.

Stay close to Time Out for more updates on event rules, and brilliant events you won’t want to miss.