Saudi Arabia is hosting 17,000 events in what tourism authorities are calling “the world’s most happening winter”.
Highlights include major international events in fashion, sports and entertainment, many of which have already begun.
Earlier this week, Saudi Tourism Authority said visitors to the kingdom in the first three quarters of last year spent more than SR100 billion, a 72 percent increase from the same period in 2022.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
The polo tournament will return for its third iteration from January 16 to 20 as part of the Winter at Tantora festival. Held at the Equestrian Village in AlUla, the event runs in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation.
Spanish Super Cup 2024
The popular four-team tournament returns to Riyadh for the fourth time from Wednesday to Thursday. The KSU Stadium will feature matches between Barcelona and Osasuna as well as Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid.
Balad Al Fan festival
Running until March 9, Balad Al Fan will be held under the theme Past Forward in Al Balad, Jeddah. The festival will feature four art exhibitions, music programmes, theatrical performances, local culinary experiences and interactive events for schoolchildren.
Translating as The Town, Al Balad is the historical centre of Jeddah and dates back to the seventh century. Designed as an ancient trading port and gateway for pilgrims visiting Makkah, it is renowned for its labyrinth of streets and alleyways as well as traditional buildings constructed from coral stones.