So you’re looking for cool ways to spend the next 31 days? Time Out’s got your back. Be it last chances at cool art exhibitions or the return of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah we’ve got you. Here are the amazing events in Saudi Arabia that are worth a spot in your diary.
Attend the first and only Women’s motorsport Jameel Rally
Vroom, vroom, ladies. Rally Jameel is speeding into town. The event begins on Wednesday March 16 and is one of the first all-women driving rallies in Saudi Arabia. In line with International Women’s Day n March 8, this rally has come at the absolute perfect time. If you’re successful in your application, you will receive a weekend training course and three days of competition, as well as accommodation in five-star hotels, a secure camp, food and beverages, a finishing ceremony, and even tickets to a gala dinner.
Wed Mar 16-Sat Mar 19. instagram.com/rallyjameel.
Enjoy the region’s first Wasla Music Festival
Missing the concert vibes here in Riyadh? We have amazing news for you. The Wasla Music Festival was originally hosted in Dubai and is being held in Riyadh in a bid to promote and support the incredible local talent in the music scene here in Saudi Arabia. There’s the chance to support local Saudi talent as underground stars like Al Farabi, Hajaj, Fulana, and Statues of Sinking Men take the stage at the Wasla Music Festival. More than 15 bands will be performing on each of the two days. The talented line-up is from all over the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and Algeria, to name a few. A total of 32 acts will be performing.
Fri Mar 4-Sat Mar 5. waslafestival.com.
Last chance to visit the Diriyah Biennial for Contemporary Art
The Diriyah Biennial for Contemporary Art is Saudi’s first first-ever contemporary art biennale, and it has been popular since it launched on December 11 in JAX Diriyah. Running until the end of March, the theme for this inaugural art exhibition is “feeling the stones.” It’s drawn from a Chinese phrase that China’s revolutionary leader Deng Xiaoping popularised: “cross the river by feeling the stones”. These visions are primarily the work of local artists. Of the nearly 70 artists taking part, more than a third are from Saudi Arabia.
Until Fri Mar 11, JAX District, Al Diriyah, biennialfoundation.org.
Race into Saudi’s first full marathon
You don’t have to be a gym-goer to join Riyadh’s very first full marathon. Announced by the Sports for All Federation and supported by the Ministry of Sport along with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, the landmark event is open to anyone who’d like to run the 42-kilometre route. You can run to your heart’s content across the city. The route starts at King Saud University, then winds its way through the capital’s attractions. The marathon boasts races for all ages in addition to the full marathon.
Sat Mar 5, riyadhmarathon.org.
The Saudi Games
The very first Saudi Games are starting, and it’s been a long time coming. The games were originally supposed to be held in March 2020, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament will see a large group of athletes competing to win prizes. Need a little motivation to register? The winner of the gold medal at the Saudi Games receive a cash prize of SAR1 million, the winners of the silver medal receive a cash prize of SAR300,000, and the bronze medal winners receive SAR100,000. Saudi Games will be hosting nearly 6000 female and male athletes competing in 45 different sports.
Thu Mar 10 to 20. olympic.sa.
The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix returns
If you’ve been missing the Formula 1 action that happened in Jeddah last December, we’re happy to tell you it will be returning. Happening at the end of March, Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be speeding into the Kingdom once again. Fun fact: The speed around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is set to be 252 kilometres per hour, which makes it quicker than Silverstone and the fastest street circuit in the world. The track has been built especially for F1, and the best spot to watch is at turn 13 corner.
Fri Mar 25- Sun Mar 26. formula1.com.
