Saudi New Year’s Eve is a mix of modern celebrations and rich traditions when it comes to festivals. With experiences like a night sky full of fireworks in the city and festivals in the desert, the Kingdom is getting ready to welcome 2026. Be it family parties, concerts, or fine dining, the perfect event in Saudi Arabia awaits you. To take in the best it has to offer, you’ll need to know where the celebrations are and be mindful of key travel tips for Saudi Arabia.
Celebrating New Year 2026 in Saudi Arabia and What You Can Expect
Saudi Arabia is on the track to become one of the must-visit travel destinations, and New Year’s Eve is when it’s all going to start. Tourists arriving with a Saudi Arabia tourist visa can enjoy fireworks, music concerts, and entertainment zones around the Kingdom.
Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar will host spectacular firework displays, which will compel citizens and international visitors alike to gather for the exhibits. AlUla will have desert parties mingled with heritage and art, while Red Sea resorts are about luxury experiences and private parties. All the cities have something special to offer to those who visit.
Although New Year’s Eve is not an Islamic holiday, it has become a time for socialising, celebrating, and revelry. If you are new to this part of the world, just follow our travel tips for Saudi Arabia to help you stay on the right side of the law while celebrating.
Is New Year’s Eve a Holiday in Saudi Arabia or Just Another Night
New Year’s Eve is not an official public holiday in Saudi Arabia, as the country uses the Islamic calendar to determine religious feast days. But the booming entertainment industry has increased the profile of New Year’s celebrations over the years.
Schools and offices still operate, and entertainment zones, malls, and Corniche areas in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah celebrate with fireworks, live music, and family gatherings.
Fireworks and Public Events in Saudi Arabia 2026 That Light Up the Sky
Saudi Arabia’s New Year 2025-2026 celebration is a sweet mix of fireworks and togetherness. At the stroke of midnight, cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah transform into shining beams as families and friends come together to celebrate the music, the food, and the laughter. Beyond the spectacle is the warmth of togetherness, bustling winter wonderlands, quiet beach parties, and cultural festivals like Winter at Tantora (December 18, 2025, to January 10, 2026) that really define the night.
People not only experience the actual fireworks but also the hopeful spirit of the new year, making this a celebration both meaningful and memorable.
Best Cities to Experience the New Year in Saudi Arabia with Style and Energy
☸ Riyadh Celebrations That Fill the Capital with Energy
Riyadh is the center stage of New Year’s Eve in Saudi Arabia. Fireworks illuminate the city, and the Boulevard City and Winter Wonderland transform into buzzing entertainment areas. From concerts to themed dining, the capital serves a lively vibe that draws in visitors from around the world.
☸ Jeddah Festivities That Light Up the Corniche
Coastal celebrations will be the centre of attraction for Jeddah’s Corniche, where the Red Sea can be seen aglow from fireworks reflecting off the water. Restaurants, cafes, and cultural spaces are lined along the port, which is packed with families and tourists. Jeddah is the ideal place with its relaxed beach vibes and vibrant city nightlife.
☸ AlUla Magic That Transforms the Desert Landscape
AlUla promises a one-of-a-kind desert celebration. Concerts, immersive art installations, and fireworks take place against the backdrop of sandstone cliffs and heritage-listed sites. It’s not a scene that many other destinations can boast. Here, travelers experience New Year’s Eve that’s somehow both cultural, natural, and entertaining, all at once.
☸ Dammam Vibes Along the Arabian Gulf Coastline
Dammam also marks the day on its Gulf coast, with music, fireworks, and a cultural show. Families and tourists can walk across beautiful views of the sea to lively entertainment areas. There’s a nice mix of seaside charm and modern energy to the place, which makes for a pleasant spot to welcome the new year.
☸ Abha Charm Surrounded by Mountain Scenery
Cooler and more scenic Abha in the Asir Mountains is one of the best places to be on New Year’s Eve. Cultural festivals, local food, and smaller town celebrations also attract travelers to a more casual experience. It’s an alternative to the excessive crowd scene, yet it’s still festival-like.
Top Things to Do in Saudi Arabia on New Year’s Eve for Every Traveler
↠ Half Moon Bay Trip: Another family-friendly destination, Half Moon Bay has breathtaking views and is known for its tranquility and beach activities.
↠ Attend Concerts Featuring Regional and Global Artists: Concert and music enthusiasts can partake in shows where local and international artists take centre stage for New Year’s Eve performances.
↠ Go Desert Camping for a Traditional Experience: Overnight desert camps provide travelers a night under the stars with traditional cuisine, live music, and endless stars.
↠ Scenic drive across King Fahd Causeway: If you prefer a more adrenaline-filled celebratory feel, then top it off by driving on the King Fahd Causeway, enjoying the view of the Gulf, and enjoying the celebratory vibe.
↠ Enjoy Upscale Celebrations at Luxury Hotels: If luxury and comfort are a part of your weekend plans, you should celebrate the New Year at luxury hotels that offer themed parties, gig dinners, and private entertainment.
Tips for Tourists Spending New Year in Saudi Arabia the Right Way
- Observe the dress code rules in public by wearing conservative wear that covers the shoulders and knees, as it is a sign of respect for local traditions and keeps you comfortable as you make your way around cities, shopping malls, and family-friendly areas during New Year festivities.
- Next, apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa well in advance, particularly the single-entry visa, for the festive season. Staying on top of this keeps your trip hassle-free.
- Book your flights and hotel a few weeks ahead, as demand around the New Year can drive up prices, especially in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the travel hub of AlUla.
- Public displays of affection can get you a lot of unwanted attention in Saudi Arabia, which is why it’s best to skip things like making out in public entirely. Holding hands might mean nothing, but if you’re kissing or hugging in a restaurant, people might be awkward, and you may be asked to leave.
- Consult local listings for New Year concerts, fireworks, and festivals before you travel, as schedules sometimes change.
- Ride-hail through apps like Uber or Careem for straightforward transportation since they come with accessible pricing, reputable drivers, and secure pick-up locations, making navigating the streets of foreign cities easier than approaching taxi drivers on the side of the road.
- When exploring souks and small shops, carry small amounts of cash in the local currency: many traditional markets still don’t take cards, and cash allows you to make genuine purchases of spices, textiles, and handmade objects.
- Time your sightseeing, shopping, and meals around prayer time, during which many shops and restaurants close for a short period. This minimises time wasted and allows you to use this downtime to rest or to experience the city during quieter times.
- Learn a few simple Arabic phrases as sharing a word or two like “As-salamu alaykum” or “shukran,” goes a long way in breaking the ice with locals; it is a sign of respect.
Dining and Entertainment Options For a Very Special Night
↠ Global Fine Dining Experiences for Food Lovers
Restaurants and cafes in Riyadh and Jeddah offer special menus during the week, live music, and a celebratory ambiance.
↠ Taste Authentic Saudi Cuisine With Local Flavors
Classic kabsa and mutabbaq are available at eateries for tourists in search of an authentic culinary experience.
↠ Gala Nights at Luxury Hotels Across the Kingdom
Hotels prepare entertainment nights with all-you-can-eat buffets, shows, and family-friendly parties in chic surroundings.
↠ Gather at Trendy Cafes for a Relaxed Evening
Cafes are transformed into socializing spaces overflowing with coffee, cake, and chatter, before fireworks illuminate the skies.
↠ Private Resort Dining by the Red Sea Coastline
Red Sea resorts set up beachside dining, music, and fireworks for visitors seeking an intimate and elegant holiday.
Cultural Insights on How Saudis View New Year Celebrations 2026 Today
New Year’s Eve wasn’t typically celebrated in Saudi Arabia, though modern events and an increase in international influence have made it more common in city centers. It is more viewed as an entertainment occasion rather than a holiday.
Families typically come together at restaurants and entertainment zones to enjoy fireworks displays, while some families celebrate at home. Celebrations are well within the local rules and regulations and are fun and festive.
FAQ’s About New Year in Saudi Arabia
1. Are there fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Saudi Arabia?
2. What kind of activities can I do for New Year’s Eve in Saudi Arabia?
- Attending live concerts and public events in major cities.
- Watching fireworks displays.
- Dining at top restaurants offering New Year’s Eve special menus.
- Experiencing a desert safari with a traditional Arabian night under the stars.
3. Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia for New Year celebrations?
4. What is the weather like in Saudi Arabia during New Year’s Eve?
5. Is New Year’s Eve a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
6. What unique traditional foods are enjoyed during New Year celebrations in Saudi Arabia?
7. How has Saudi Arabia’s New Year celebration evolved recently under Vision 2030?
8. Are there special hotel packages available for New Year’s Eve in Riyadh?
9. Can families enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations in Saudi Arabia?
10. Is alcohol served during New Year’s celebrations in Saudi Arabia?
Conclusion
Well, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Saudi Arabia is a combination of fireworks, live concerts, and nice dinners. Whether you desire city celebrations in Riyadh, coastal parties in Jeddah, or the desert glitz of AlUla, the Kingdom offers indelible ways to ring in 2026. A bit of planning and a commitment to the rituals can help make the New Year a time of remembrance and meaning.
A travel influencer, adventurer and blogger on a mision to dicover the hidden gems of this beautiful planet. For me traveling isn’t a hobby, but a way of living.
