First month of the year is all about starting the year on a high, and if you are hunting for cool things to do in Riyadh in January 2026, you are in the right place.
With the weather at its best, it is the perfect time to get outdoors, gather your friends and family, and dive into the action. From must visit amusement parks and desert camping under the stars to cheering on the city’s biggest marathon, Riyadh is packed with feel good moments to kick off the year.
Things to do in Riyadh in January 2026
Go soaring over the Kingdom with Riyadh Season’s Flying over Saudi experience
Get ready to take flight with Flying Over Saudi, the Kingdom’s first-ever 5D entertainment adventure! In minutes, this immersive ride takes you on a breathtaking journey over Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks, bringing sights, sounds, and thrills to life like never before. It’s a must-try experience that will wake up all your senses and leave you feeling like you’ve truly flown across the country. When it comes to things to do in Riyadh in January 2026, this is a must-visit.
Open daily 4.20pm-11.20pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, wecook.com.
Tuck into French food at La Ba
La Ba is where dinner turns into a full-blown show. Inspired by the French words for “where” and “there,” this theatrical hotspot is all about live entertainment, with a central stage, dramatic red curtains, flashing lights, and musicians filling the room with energy. Expect live performances featuring everything from piano and guitar to saxophone and vocals in both English and Arabic. The vibe is elegant yet playful, with crisp white tablecloths, cozy tables, and eye-catching art, while the menu is made for sharing and the cocktails are crafted by award-winning mixologist Atilla Iskif. Add in the energizing Miracle Juice Concept, and you have one of the most exciting things to do in Riyadh in January 2026.
Mid Town Square, Tahliya street, @la.ba.ksa.
Explore the newly opened Six Flags Qiddiya City
The moment thrill seekers have been waiting for is finally here. Six Flags Qiddiya City has officially opened, bringing next-level excitement to Riyadh with jaw-dropping rides and nonstop adrenaline. From the record-breaking Falcon’s Flight to heart-racing favorites like Iron Rattler and Gyrospin, this mega amusement park delivers fun for every age. If you are planning your list of things to do in Riyadh in January 2026, this high-energy playground deserves a top spot.
From SAR325. Qiddiya City, Tuwaiq Mountains, sixflagsqiddiyacity.com.
Enjoy the weather at the Solitaire Roof Garden
Solitaire Roof Garden at Solitaire Mall is officially open and it is the perfect spot to soak up Riyadh’s gorgeous winter weather. With stylish outdoor seating and a handpicked mix of restaurants and cafés to match every mood and craving, it is an easy win for laid-back lunches, sunset coffees, or cosy evening catch-ups. If you are ticking off the best things to do in Riyadh in January 2026, add this rooftop hangout to your list and head to the second floor of Solitaire Mall.
Solitaire Mall, As Sahafah, @solitaire.ksa.
Go running at Sports Boulevard’s new section The Groves
Time to strap on those smartwatches because Sports Boulevard The Groves is taking “new year, new me” to a whole new level. Stretching an epic 135 kilometres and often called Saudi’s answer to Central Park, this massive destination blends sports, culture, and green spaces into one energetic playground. With more than 50 sports facilities, lush open areas, and iconic spots like Wadi Hanifah already open, the newly inaugurated phase makes it even more exciting to explore. If you are planning your list of things to do in Riyadh in January 2026, Sports Boulevard deserves a top spot.
Now open. Hittin, @sportsblvdsa.
Marvel at the installations at Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium
Add a creative twist to your list of things to do in Riyadh in January 2026 with a visit to Tuwaiq Sculpture. This striking open air exhibition brings together leading sculptors from around the world, turning stone into powerful stories and bold ideas. Wander among incredible artworks, soak up global creativity, and join talks, guided tours, and interactive activities that make the experience even more memorable. It is art, imagination, and inspiration all rolled into one.
Free. Sat Jan 10-Sat Feb 7. 8am-10pm. Across Riyadh, riyadhart.com.
Explore DAF’s upcoming art exhibition
Add a thought-provoking stop to your list of things to do in Riyadh in January 2026 with Of the Earth: Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies. This bold exhibition brings together striking artworks that explore where technology, living systems, and nature intersect. Spread across four themed sections, it invites you to rethink how machines shape our relationship with the natural world and the environmental impact that comes with it. Smart, eye opening, and surprisingly fun, it is a must for curious minds.
Wed Jan 14-Sat May 16. Diriyah Art Futures, Al Bujairi, Diriyah, daf.moc.gov.sa.
Witness the epic Littler v Humphries rivalry at Saudi Arabia Darts Masters 2026
Get ready for some serious aim and adrenaline as the world’s top darts stars take the stage at The Saudi Arabian Darts Masters in Riyadh. Watch precision, skill, and fierce competition unfold as players go head-to-head on the oche for glory and bragging rights in this thrilling showcase.
From SAR40. Global Theatre, Boulevard City, webook.com.
Go to Saudi Arabia National Museum’s new exhibition
Add a culture fix to your list of things to do in Riyadh in January 2026 with Bedayat, an unmissable exhibition that dives into the early days of Saudi Arabia’s art scene. The show traces how local artists shaped a modern visual language as the Kingdom evolved socially and culturally, spotlighting pioneers like Mohammed Al Saleem, Safeya Binzagr, Mounirah Mosly, and Abdulhalim Radwi. Broken into easy to explore sections, it blends powerful artworks with stories of creativity, community, and bold new ideas, plus talks, workshops, and a documentary that bring the journey to life.
Tue Jan 27- Sat Apr 11, 2026. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Al Murabba, moc.gov.sa.
Witness the epic highs and lows of the first-ever WWE Royal Rumble in Saudi
Wrestling fans, get ready because the WWE Royal Rumble is landing in the Kingdom for the very first time, and it is shaping up to be one of the biggest things to do in Riyadh in January 2026. The iconic premium live event is making history as it heads outside North America for the first time, taking over KAFD on Saturday, January 31. Expect high drama, huge entrances, and both men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, with tickets now on sale starting from SAR80. Grab your seats, bring the energy, and get ready for a night of cheers, boos, and body slams in the heart of Riyadh.
From SAR80. Sat Jan 31, 2026. KAFD, Al Aqiq, webook.com.
Stretch your muscles out at the Riyadh Marathon 2026
Get ready to hit the ground running because the Riyadh Marathon is back in 2026, making it one of the top things to do in Riyadh in January 2026. This year’s fifth edition takes place from WEdnesday January 28 to Saturday, January 31 at the scenic Mayadeen in Diriyah and offers distances for everyone, from a 5K fun run for kids and adults to a full 42K marathon for seasoned runners. Registration is open online with options to suit every pace, and the Marathon Village promises a lively, carnival-like vibe with music, food, and fun activities. Lace up, soak in the atmosphere, and be part of Saudi Arabia’s premier running event.
Wed Jan 28-Sat Jan 31, 2026. Mayadeen, Diriyah, sportsforall.com.sa / register.riyadhmarathon.com.
Hear the clip-clop of horses at Minzal
Step back in time and dive into Saudi heritage at Minzal, returning for the 2025-2026 Diriyah Season. This winter wonder brings breathtaking views, traditional Najdi cuisine, and hands-on experiences like horseback riding and falconry. Spread across four vibrant zones, the event blends authentic culture with modern flair, making it one of the top things to do in Riyadh in January 2026. Don’t miss the chance to make unforgettable memories while exploring the heart of Diriyah.
SAR100. Until Sat Feb 14. Wadi Safar, Wadi Hanifah, Diriyah, webook.com.
Reconnect with Saudi culture at Diriyah Season’s Al Huwayett
Looking for family fun with a cultural twist? Diriyah Season’s newest zone, Al Huwayett in Adhuwaihrah, is the perfect spot. Kids can explore Family Alley, play builder in Al-Mawten, get hands-on with farming in Al-Faydah, experience bustling markets in Al-Nahdah, and tackle an interactive maze at Al-Hisn. Packed with stories, games, and immersive sights and sounds, it’s a playful way to dive into Saudi heritage. Al Huwayett is one of the top things to do in Riyadh in January 2026 for families and little explorers alike.
From SAR25. Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 1pm-10pm. Adhuwaihrah, Al Mudhiba, Al Bujairi, webook.com.
Layer up and go to Aldirah Winter
Get ready to dive into winter fun at Aldirah Winter, now in full swing with cozy vibes and a lineup of fresh weekend events. Enjoy traditional Samri performances, laugh out loud at comedy shows, wander through the bustling Falcon Market, or explore Aldirah Park. With activities for family and friends alike, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the season. Running until 31 March 2026, Aldirah Winter is a top pick for things to do in Riyadh in January 2026.
Until Tue Mar 31. Ad Dirah, @dirahdestination.
