Saudi’s holidays, festivals and more

Al Jouf is known as the land of olives. Located in the far north of Saudi, Al Jouf is one of the oldest areas of human settlement in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back to the Stone Age. Thanks to its cooler climate, fertile soil and abundant groundwater, olive trees thrive in Al Jouf. In addition to visiting ancient castles and ruins, plan to indulge in delicious dishes that include local olives and olive oil. January traditionally sees the area’s annual two-week Olive Festival, which features cultural, social, recreational and educational events, including art contests and seminars about olive cultivation. 

You can dive year-round along Saudi’s Red Sea coast — the sea is always warm. But given that the heaviest rainfall in this region happens between November and January, and that the surface of the water can get very hot in the summer, March is an ideal month for diving. As one expat in Saudi explains, “We like the water when it warms up just enough.” The regions around the cities of Yanbu, Jazan and Jeddah have a number of coastal resorts and established dive clubs. With hundreds of kilometers of water to explore between these cities, most of the reefs and coastline are quite untouched. And because there is little large-scale commercial fishing in Saudi, even the reefs near the cities remain pristine. 

The morning after Ramadan ends (this date varies each year; in 2022, it's in early May), Muslims attend prayers, then visit family and friends to congratulate them for fasting all month. What follows may not surprise you: a big feast! (It’s more officially known as Eid Al Fitr) At the feast, children often receive new clothes, gifts and money, meant as encouragement for observing Ramadan. “Eid signifies happiness in every way: We eat and drink — and we pray that God accepts our deeds,” says Saad Al Dawood, a hospitality student in Riyadh. While you can enjoy many traditional Saudi foods in private homes and restaurants during Eid, be sure to try Vimto, a nonalcoholic fruit drink, which is ubiquitous during this month.

Saudi Arabia’s first national park when it opened in 1980, Asir National Park, in the Asir Region, encompasses 4,500 square kilometers stretching all the way to the Red Sea coast. The area around Jabal Soudah, which is the highest mountain in Saudi and is located in the park, offers hiking trails traversing misty, sweeping valleys dotted with little villages and stepped fields, along with lots of campsites, picnic spots and lookouts. Look up for glimpses of eagles and griffon vultures or to spot the migratory birds that regularly pass through the area. Another plus: The park remains cool and refreshing even during the high heat of summer.

Saudi National Day, on Sept. 23, celebrates the unification of Najd and Hijaz. In 1932, the merged nations became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, named after the family of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, of the House of Saud. Al Yom Al Watany, as Saudi National Day is known in Arabic, is marked by fireworks, parades packed with floats showcasing regional music and traditional outfits. Special cultural events are held across the country, and national pride is in the air (do not be surprised to see cars, homes and other buildings lit up in green, the color of Saudi’s flag, for the day). 

As fall fades into winter, kashta season begins. Roughly translated as desert camping, kashta involves camping trips that are integral to Saudi life and culture. These journeys, which can be short (deep into the night) or last three or more days, are marked by cars packed with essential cooking tools and ingredients, along with a tent, mats and, depending on the length of the trip, firewood. With everything from sandy deserts to rugged mountains, green meadows and beautiful beachsides, Saudi’s many terrains present ideal camping destinations, no matter your choice of landscape.