Jeddah Season: From concerts by Amir Diab and Nancy Ajram to Nobu and Zuma pop-ups the festival Season is heating up

With one month to go, check out what’s on offer at this Saudi entertainment festival

Amr Diab performed as part of the Jeddah Season earlier this month. Picture courtesy FLASH Entertainment

When it comes to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning entertainment scene, all eyes are now on Jeddah.

The coastal city is presently in the throes of Jeddah Season, a cultural festival comprised of concerts, stand-up comedy gigs and restaurant offers.

Organised by the kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, the event is held in various venues across the city and will run until July 18. The best part is everyone can partake in the fun; if you are traveling to the festival from outside the kingdom, an electronic visa will be granted within minutes of your purchase.

This is all part of the kingdom’s drive to open up the country’s entertainment scene, which already saw large scale concerts by the likes of pop-stars Mariah Carey, David Guetta and Enrique Iglesias over the last 12 months.

For those considering making the relatively short flight to Jeddah (just under three hours) for the festival, here are the key events left in store.

The concerts

The festival's concert calendar has begun in earnest with sold out shows by Arab music heavyweights Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram and Mohammed Hamaki. The next big event on the cards is mammoth series of concerts featuring the cream of Pakistani music talent. Held at The Track from June 20 to 22, the Happy Eid Asia will be headlined include Abrar Ul Haq, Mohamed Aslam, Fareed Ali Khan and Sikander Ali.

More concerts are set to be announced soon and hot tip is the EDM DJ, Marshmello. The festival's Instagram account hinted at his arrival by posting a picture of him in the run to the launch of the festival.

Lots of laughs

Regional laughs are on offer at Jeddah Season. June 17 will is an Kuwaiti affair with funny men Abdulkhaliq Bin Raf'a, Khalid Omer, Abdul Jaleel Shakir and Ismaeil Al Hosn all teaming up for night of comedy and music.

Families are set to enjoy Wish, a pan-Arab comedy theatre production running until June 18 at X Jeddah. Meanwhile, the Pakistani comedy duo Deccan Drollz will also perform as part of the Happy Eid Asia event at the Track from June 20 to 22.

For the foodies

A range of internationally renowned eateries are hosting pop up restaurants in coastal locations in the city. UAE favourites Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Zuma, Nobu, Coya and Catch will make an appearance.

Meanwhile, international outlets making their way to Jeddah include Le Monde by Michelin starred French chef Joel Robouchon and the popular London based Italian restaurant Signor Sassi.

Watch this space

While no dates have been confirmed yet, it has been reported that a boxing great Mike Tyson will travel to Jeddah to run a series of fitness sessions for youth.

For details on the full festival line up go to www.jeddah.sa

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