For anyone planning a trip or looking to invest in the Middle East, 2026 is a landmark year. The Kingdom is not only expanding its signature “Seasons” but also introducing several high-stakes international summits and sporting championships.
1. The “Mega” Seasons: Culture & Entertainment
The Saudi Seasons program has redefined regional tourism. In 2026, these festivals will be larger, featuring permanent installations and world-class artist residencies.
- Riyadh Season (Q1 2026): Continuing into the early months of 2026, Riyadh Season will feature the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and the WWE Royal Rumble (scheduled for January 31, 2026).
- AlUla Moments: 2026 marks the peak of AlUla’s maturation. Desert X AlUla returns, bringing site-specific contemporary art to the ancient sandstone canyons, alongside the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo.
- Jeddah Season: Centered around the historic Al-Balad district and the Red Sea coastline, the 2026 edition focuses on “Marine Entertainment,” with international yachting shows and water-sports championships.
2. Sports: The Global Stage
Saudi Arabia is now a core fixture on the international sporting calendar.
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (F1): Confirmed for April 17–19, 2026, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host the world’s fastest night race under the stars.
- The Saudi Cup: Known as the “World’s Richest Horse Race,” it will return on February 13–14, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
- Spanish Super Cup: In January 2026, Jeddah will once again host European football giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona in a high-octane tournament.
3. Tech & Business: The Future of Innovation
For the professional world, 2026 in Saudi Arabia is about digital sovereignty and infrastructure.
- LEAP 2026: Taking place April 13–16, 2026, LEAP remains the “Digital Davos.” It will host over 2,000 tech brands and 1,000+ global speakers focusing on Agentic AI and SpaceTech.
- World Defense Show: Set for February 8–12, 2026, this massive exhibition showcases the future of defense technology and security cooperation.
- UN World Data Forum: Riyadh will host this prestigious UN event in November 2026, highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership in data and digital statistics.
The 2026 Travel & Event Calendar
| Month | Event / Festival | Location | Vibe |
| January | Spanish Super Cup / WWE Royal Rumble | Jeddah / Riyadh | Elite Sports |
| February | World Defense Show / Saudi Cup | Riyadh | Global Industry / Luxury |
| March | Eid al-Fitr Celebrations | Nationwide | Culture & Heritage |
| April | LEAP 2026 / Saudi F1 Grand Prix | Riyadh / Jeddah | Tech & Speed |
| May | Hajj Season 2026 | Makkah / Madinah | Religious / Spiritual |
| November | UN World Data Forum / Cityscape Global | Riyadh | Policy & Real Estate |
4. Spiritual & Seasonal Alignment
In 2026, the Islamic calendar brings significant dates into the cooler months:
- Ramadan 2026: Expected to begin around February 18, 2026, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the “Ramadan Nights” culture in a mild climate.
- Hajj 2026: Commencing in late May, the Kingdom will deploy its most advanced AI-driven crowd management systems to date to ensure the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims.
Conclusion: Why 2026?
By 2026, the “Giga-projects” like The Red Sea and NEOM will have their first phases fully operational, allowing travelers to attend a global tech summit in Riyadh and be on a private island in the Red Sea via the new Red Sea International Airport within hours.
