Excitement for the first public holiday of the year is in the air as Thursday February 22, the official celebration of Saudi Founding Day, nears. And that means one thing, it’s time to start planning for the long weekend and we’ve gathered some brilliant things for you to do.
Marking the third celebration of the Saudi Founding Day public holiday, the Red Sea city is pulling out all the fun with heaps of events and activities, as well as some always popular attractions to enjoy. You have a day off, so you might as well make the most of celebrating the Saudi’s rich history.
Here are all the top ways you can celebrate Founding Day in Jeddah.
Saudi Founding Day cultural activities
Al Balad
Explore Al Balad and experience a variety of Founding Day activities that celebrate Saudi’s rich culture and heritage. What better way to celebrate Saudi culture than by visiting one of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, right? Also known as Historic Jeddah and the Historical District, it was founded in the 7th century, and was then known as the city centre. Here, you can find Bait Ziryab art café, which hosts weekly traditional music performances in one of the district’s stunning old structures. This could be your place to mark Founding Day in Jeddah — it’s also a great spot to snap a quick photo.
Thu Feb 22-Sat Feb 24, 4pm-11pm. Al Balad, jeddahalbalad.sa.
Shangri-La Jeddah
Celebrate fashion, art and culture at the 65-story Shangri-La tower which overlooks the F1 Jeddah Corniche Circuit. In celebration of Saudi Founding Day, Shangri-La has partnered with the Fashion Commission to reveal the limited edition ‘The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ fashion booklet. Guests can enjoy the display of the fashion collection in COPA. In the same spirit, an art booklet has been unveiled as well by the luxury property which guests can scan on QR code and see over 70 Saudi art by local artists.
Until Sun Mar 10. Ash Shati, shangri-la.com / @shangrila_jeddah.
Founding Village
Are you ready to take a journey back in time? Embark on an experience of reviving historical stories through several activities at the Founding Village as you celebrate Founding Day in Jeddah. Travel back as far as 300 years of cultural heritage through storytelling, innovative displays of traditional crafts and interactive activities at the Culture Square each commemorating the achievements of Saudi Founding Day. This diverse experience is suitable for all ages, with some cool stuff specifically for kids (think puzzles and games). Oh, did we mention it’s free, too?
Free. Thu Feb 22-Sat Feb 24, 4pm-midnight. Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah, saudievents.sa.
Saudi Founding Day restaurant and food offers
ROKA
In celebration of Saudi Founding Day, head out for some limited-edition dishes at ROKA. On the Founding Day menu, choose from a refreshing Ruby Woods mocktail or try to green mochi dessert (you could always have both). This specifically crafted offering is only available on Thursday February 22.
Thu Feb 22. 6pm-12.30am. Jeddah Walk, Tahlia Street, Al Khalidiyyah, rokarestaurant.com.
You might also like: All the Time Out Restaurant awards winners to try in Jeddah
Saudi Founding Day hotel offers
Rosewood Jeddah
Rosewood Jeddah invites guests to a variety of Saudi Founding Day offers and experiences in the luxury property located in the heart of the Corniche and north of the city. The offer includes:
- Buffet breakfast for two at Habsburg Restaurant
- Complimentary buffet dinner for two
- 20 percent discount on theme nights (Indian night on Tuesday, Italian night on Wednesday, seafood night on Thursday and Friday brunch)
- 50 percent discount on massage treatments (for men only)
Sun Feb 25-Sun March 3. Al Shatie District, rosewoodhotels.com / @rosewoodjeddah.
Coco Beach
It’s time for a stay-cay, on a budget. Coco Beach is being generous this milestone day by offering a number of stellar deals including special prices on guest villa bookings for two nights from Thursday February 22 to Friday February 23. There are a limited number of villa bookings, so it’s best to strike the iron while it’s hot. You can also get in on the annual membership package for 10% off available until Sunday February 25.
Thu Feb 22-Fri Feb 23. Coco Beach, Al Lulu, cocobeach.com.
More awesome stuff in Jeddah:
Brilliant ways to celebrate Ramadan
Souks, suhoor offers, iftars and more.
A half-marathon to be held in Al Balad
This event is racing into the Red Sea city.
New Candlelight Concerts announced
See the iconic concert series to Jeddah.
