Saudi Arabia Cultural Digest: April 2025

by Dara Morgan

Saudi Arabia Cultural Digest: April 2025

24 Mar 2025

April in Saudi Arabia is looking particularly exciting — so much so that you might struggle to find time for sleep (not that anyone is complaining). From electrifying music festivals to world-class art exhibitions, the calendar is stacked. And let us not forget Formula 1, where the roar of engines will be matched only by Jennifer Lopez telling us to get loud.

MDLBEAST Presents: KEINEMUSIK

When? April 4, 7 pm till 5 am

Where? AlUla

For one night only, Keinemusik will transform AlUla into a pulsing, desert-dwelling dancefloor. Berlin’s underground legends — Rampa, &ME, and Adam Port — are making their Saudi debut, proving that techno belongs not just in dark clubs but also under the stars. Expect hypnotic beats, a sea of moving silhouettes, and the kind of sonic experience that lingers long after sunrise.

Instagram: @mdlbeast

Rahaba Festival

When? Until April 10

Where? Madinah

As Ramadan graces the calendar, Madinah comes alive with the Rahaba Festival, where tradition and festivity intertwine. Think folk performances, cultural showcases, and, of course, an abundance of irresistible food. It is more than an event — it is an invitation to experience the essence of Ramadan through art, music, and community.

Photo: Sulthan Auliya

Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025

When? April 18–20

Where? Jeddah

Fast cars? Check. Global superstars? Absolutely. The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is bringing more than just high-speed thrills — Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Major Lazer Soundsystem are set to take over the stage for post-race entertainment. One minute, you will be watching Red Bull and Ferrari fight for dominance; the next, you will be belting out On The Floor with J.Lo herself. Truly, the range.

Instagram: @mdlbeast

A Thousand and One

When? April 24–25

Where? Riyadh

Once upon a time (read: this month), MDLBEAST decided that Arabian Nights deserved a 21st-century remix. Enter A Thousand and One — a festival where music, art, and immersive storytelling collide. Lose yourself in electronic beats, reimagined folklore, and enough visual spectacle to make Scheherazade proud.

Timings:

Open from 4 pm to 4 am
Last entry at 2 am
Strictly 18+ (because nothing says grown-up like dancing until sunrise)

Source: mdlbeast.com

Art of the Kingdom exhibition

When? Until May 24

Where? Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax, Riyadh

Cultural tradition is not something frozen in time — it evolves, breathes, and occasionally surprises you. Art of the Kingdom brings together 17 Saudi contemporary artists who reinterpret history through video, installations, and photography. Expect a fresh take on heritage, proving that the past is not just something to admire but something to build upon.

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Sunday: Closed

Ramadan timings:

Monday to Saturday: 9 pm – 2 am
Sunday: Closed

Source: saudievents.sa

Islamic Arts Biennale 2025

When? Until May 25

Where? Western Hajj Terminal, Jeddah

“And all that is in between” — a phrase that speaks to both divine creation and, as it happens, the theme of this year’s Islamic Arts Biennale. The second edition expands across five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, featuring over 500 historical and contemporary works. Expect treasures from the Louvre, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and sacred objects from Makkah and Madinah. From Tunis to Timbuktu, this is a global conversation on Islamic art that you do not want to miss.

Instagram: @biennale_sa

by Dara Morgan