British Airways has significantly boosted connectivity between London and Saudi Arabia, increasing flights on both the Riyadh and Jeddah routes. The Heathrow to Riyadh service will increase to 12 flights per week for Winter 2026, with plans for this to rise to 14 per week in Summer 2025. Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Jeddah, which is currently served four times weekly, will also rise to five flights per week from summer 2026.
The timing could not be better: as temperatures cool across Europe, Riyadh’s maintains temperatures in the mid-twenties throughout the Winter, and the capital’s cultural calendar is heating up too. With world-class events, dazzling new attractions, and an ever-evolving culinary and cultural scene, the Saudi capital promises unmissable experiences year-round and Winter 2025 promises to be no exception. From tennis champions battling it out at the WTA Finals or the Six Kings Slam, to performances from world-famous artists and DJs at MDL BEAST Soundstorm, to equestrian excitement at the Longines Global Champions Tour Final , the variety is vast.
Game, Set, Match: Six Kings Slam & WTA Finals
This autumn, Riyadh takes center stage in the global tennis calendar. October (15th-16th) sees the debut of the Six Kings Slam, a spectacular exhibition uniting six of the sport’s greatest male players- Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz - at the Kingdom Arena.
Just weeks later, the city will host the prestigious WTA Finals (1st – 8th November), welcoming the world’s top eight female players for one of tennis’s most coveted titles and a share of multi-million-dollar prize money. As of now, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek have secured their spots, with more qualifiers to be confirmed as the season unfolds
Together, these two landmark events showcase Riyadh’s bold entry into elite tennis, giving fans the chance to witness history on both the men’s and women’s courts.
Longines Global Champions Tour Final
The grand finale of the elite showjumping circuit, the Longines Global Champions Tour Final brings together the world’s top ranked riders competing in high-stakes CSI 5* Grand Prix classes. Set against Riyadh’s modern backdrop from 30th October – 1st November, the competition promises high-stakes and thrilling equestrian drama as finalists compete to win a record-breaking prize pot of over $13.5 million.
MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025
This December, Riyadh pulses to the sound of MDL Beast Soundstorm, the region’s most anticipated music festival. Known for bringing together superstar artists and DJs, cutting-edge stage design and immersive audiovisual experiences, MDL Beast is more than a concert. A line-up of international heavyweights – last year’s headliners included Eminem, Linkin Park, A$AP Rocky, Calvin Harris and MUSE- make this a must-attend for music lovers seeking high-energy nights in the desert.
A host of new restaurants
Alongside these headline events, Riyadh offers a wealth of restaurants to suit every palate. New openings this year include L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, where diners can indulge in Michelin starred French fare, and a new outpost of glamorous London institution, Isabel Mayfair, which serves modern takes on Mediterranean Cuisine.
From eSports arenas to concert stages and cultural festivals, mountaintop trails to coral-rich coasts, Saudi is redefining how the world experiences sports, entertainment, and heritage. You’ll find a country ready to surprise, inspire, and welcome you, and one that will keep you coming back for more.
