Top Events and Festivals in Saudi Arabia in May

May brings a unique energy to Saudi Arabia. As spring fades into early summer, the Kingdom hosts a mix of cultural festivals, industry expos, music gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. From fragrant rose harvests in the mountains to lively coastal festivals and global entertainment events, May offers travellers a chance to experience Saudi Arabia beyond the usual. For couples, families, solo travellers, photographers, and culture lovers alike, these events reveal Saudi traditions, creativity, and the country’s evolving tourism scene.

Taif Rose Festival

• March – early May (dates vary each year depending on harvest)

• Entry: Free – farm tours and workshops starting from SAR 20–50

Taif takes its title as the “City of Roses” seriously, especially during this season. High in the cool mountains near Taif, the Taif Rose Festival celebrates one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous natural treasures: the Taif rose. Usually running from March through April, the events can extend into May if the peak blooming occurs earlier.

Every spring, thousands of delicate Damask roses bloom across the region’s farms. The festival, often continuing into May, marks the harvest season when roses are collected and distilled into perfumes and rose water.

Visitors can walk through fragrant rose gardens, watch traditional distillation demonstrations, and explore markets selling perfumes, oils, and handmade products. The scent of fresh roses fills the air, making it one of the most sensory travel experiences in the Kingdom. For photographers, the pink fields set against mountain landscapes offer stunning imagery.

What else to explore in Taif

• Drive along the scenic Al Hada mountain road

• Visit Shubra Palace

• Explore Al Rudaf Park

• Take the Taif cable car across mountain valleys

Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo

• 20–22 May 2025 (similar timing expected annually in May)

• Ticket: Free for registered visitors; conference passes from SAR 400+

The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo is one of the region’s leading entertainment industry exhibitions, also held in Riyadh during May. Unlike traditional festivals, this expo focuses on the future of entertainment, showcasing new technologies, amusement rides, gaming innovations, and immersive experiences.

Visitors can see cutting-edge attractions, interactive displays, and creative entertainment concepts from companies around the world. For technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and curious travellers, the event provides a glimpse into how Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing its entertainment sector.

What else to explore in Riyadh

• Visit Kingdom Centre Tower Sky Bridge

• Explore Al Masmak Fortress

• Discover Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state

• Experience the lively cafés and restaurants of Riyadh Boulevard

Al Qunfudhah Mango Festival

• Early May (usually 5–7 days)

• Entry: Free

In the coastal region of Al Qunfudhah, the Al Qunfudhah Mango Festival celebrates the area’s rich mango harvest. The event showcases dozens of mango varieties grown locally, many of which are prized for their sweetness and flavour. It also highlights the region’s 45,000-ton annual production and promotes high-quality local varieties such as Tommy Atkins, Sensation, and Langra. The festival features more than 3,000 farmers, along with agricultural guidance and marketing opportunities.

Farmers display colourful stacks of fresh fruit, while visitors enjoy mango-based desserts, juices, and traditional dishes. Beyond the fruit itself, the festival includes cultural performances, community activities, and local markets. It offers travellers an authentic look at agricultural traditions and the vibrant food culture of Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions.

What else to explore in Al Qunfudhah

• Relax at Red Sea beaches

• Explore coastal fishing villages

• Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants

• Take boat trips along the coastline

The Incense Road Experience

• Seasonal cultural experiences throughout spring (including May)

• Guided tours: From SAR 95–200

History comes alive through The Incense Road Experience, a cultural event inspired by the ancient trade route that once connected southern Arabia to the Mediterranean world. Parts of this experience take place in heritage locations such as AlUla, where visitors can follow the historic path used by traders transporting frankincense, spices, and precious goods thousands of years ago. Through storytelling, exhibitions, and guided cultural activities, the event recreates the atmosphere of the historic incense trade. It offers travellers a deeper understanding of how ancient commerce shaped the Arabian Peninsula’s cultural landscape.

What else to explore in AlUla

• Explore Hegra

• Visit the famous Elephant Rock

• Take desert safari tours

• Enjoy stargazing in the desert

Red Sea Events

The Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia becomes especially lively during May. Coastal destinations host various water sports events, beach activities, and cultural gatherings. With its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, the Red Sea attracts divers, snorkellers, and adventure travellers. Festival-style events along the coast combine outdoor recreation with music, food, and entertainment, creating a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

• Sandbox Festival (May 7–9, 2026)

The Sandbox Festival is a three-day electronic music event held from May 7 to 9 in El Gouna along the Red Sea. Although technically located in Egypt, it attracts visitors from across the region, including travellers exploring the Red Sea coast near Saudi Arabia. Set against beaches and desert landscapes, the festival features international DJs, immersive stage designs, and sunset music sessions. For music lovers and nightlife enthusiasts, it creates an unforgettable coastal party atmosphere.

• Somabay Endurance Festival (May 7–9, 2026)

Another major Red Sea event is the Somabay Endurance Festival, held between May 7 and 9 in Somabay. The festival combines sport, adventure, and scenic landscapes. Participants compete in endurance races that include swimming, cycling, and running along the coastline. Athletes and spectators gather from around the world, creating a vibrant community atmosphere centred on fitness and outdoor activity.

• Kite-Surfing Festivals on the Red Sea (Until May 2, 2026)

The Red Sea is also famous for its wind conditions, which make it a prime destination for kite-surfing. Seasonal kite-surfing festivals and kite-safari events typically run until early May. These gatherings attract professional kite-surfers and beginners alike. Colourful kites fill the sky as riders glide across the turquoise water, creating a dramatic visual spectacle along the coast. For travellers watching from the shore, the mix of wind, waves, and vibrant kites offers a thrilling seaside experience.

Boulevard World

• Part of Riyadh Season (October – May)

• Entry: From SAR 30–60

At the centre of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment scene is Boulevard World, one of the largest attractions of Riyadh Season in Riyadh. This massive entertainment zone recreates cultures and landmarks from around the world through themed districts, restaurants, performances, and immersive experiences.

Visitors can stroll through zones inspired by countries such as Spain, Egypt, Turkey, and France, while enjoying global cuisine, live shows, and thrilling rides. The park also features a giant artificial lagoon, cultural markets, and more than 300 restaurants and cafés, making it a lively evening destination for both locals and tourists.

For travellers, Boulevard World feels like taking a journey across different continents without leaving Riyadh.

What else to explore in Boulevard World

• Explore themed areas representing different countries

• Enjoy more than 300 restaurants and cafés

• Watch cultural performances

• Shop at international markets

BLVD Dolphinarium

• Shows held throughout Riyadh Season (until May)

• Tickets: from SAR 100

A favourite among families visiting Boulevard World is the BLVD Dolphinarium, where visitors can watch trained dolphins perform playful routines and interactive shows. The attraction offers live dolphin performances, photo opportunities, and even special experiences where visitors can interact closely with these intelligent marine animals. For children and families, the dolphin shows bring excitement and laughter, while photographers can capture memorable moments during the performances.

Blvd World: Superfly

• Available during Riyadh Season

• Tickets: from SAR 90–150Adventure seekers visiting Boulevard World can try the gravity-defying Superfly Experience. This thrilling activity allows participants to experience the sensation of flying in a controlled environment. Participants are suspended several metres above the ground, creating a free-fall style experience that mimics the feeling of soaring through the air like a superhero. For travellers looking for a rush of adrenaline or a unique photo opportunity, Superfly offers one of the most exciting attractions during Riyadh’s entertainment season.

Experience Courchevel

• During Riyadh Season (until May)

• Tickets: from SAR 120

One of the most unusual attractions in Boulevard World is Experience Courchevel, a themed zone inspired by the famous French ski destination Courchevel. Inside this alpine-inspired area, visitors can enjoy winter-style activities, snowy scenery, ski slopes, and cosy mountain cafés — all recreated in the heart of Riyadh. The contrast between desert surroundings and a snowy mountain environment makes this experience particularly fascinating for travellers.

Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026

• January – May 2026

• Tickets: Starting from SAR 25–50

Art lovers visiting Saudi Arabia in May can explore the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026, an important cultural exhibition hosted in the historic district of Diriyah near Riyadh. The biennale brings together contemporary artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world, presenting installations, sculptures, digital art, and experimental works across several galleries and historic buildings. For photographers, art enthusiasts, and cultural travellers, the event provides a deeper look into Saudi Arabia’s growing creative scene while showcasing the country’s historic architecture.

What else to explore in Diriyah

• Walk through At-Turaif District (UNESCO site)

• Visit traditional Najdi restaurants

• Explore museums and cultural centres

May highlights the diversity of experiences available in and around Saudi Arabia. From fragrant rose harvests in Taif to the mango orchards of Al Qunfudhah, and from global expos in Riyadh to energetic Red Sea festivals, the month brings together culture, nature, entertainment, and adventure. For travellers seeking unique seasonal experiences, May reveals a side of Saudi Arabia that is colourful, lively, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.