Saudi Arabia in December 2025: Visas, Tickets, Festivals, and the Forum

In December 2025, Saudi Arabia will become a global hub for entrepreneurs, engineers, musicians, and film enthusiasts. The country, until recently closed to mass tourism, is now rapidly opening its doors: digital technologies coexist with cultural projects, and visa rules are becoming more and more lenient.

Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025: The Future of Industry is Here

From December 1-3, 2025, the Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025 forum will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. As a premier industrial and technology event, it will focus on automation, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0.

Key topics will include:

- robotics and factory automation;

- the implementation of smart factories;

- the shift to green energy sources — hydrogen, batteries, and smart grids;

- digital solutions: IoT, 5G, and cybersecurity.

Who Can Participate

Participation is open to professionals from industrial and innovative sectors: engineers, production managers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and representatives of tech companies.

You can register for the event for free by obtaining a visitor pass on the official website. The registration process only takes a few minutes and requires basic information — your name, job title, company, and contact details. Once confirmed, you will receive an e-badge that grants access to all exhibition halls and open sessions.

Pricing and Other Options

Access to the forum’s exhibition area is free for all attendees and guests with prior registration. 

For companies looking to showcase their products or present as speakers, paid exhibitor and sponsor packages are available. These packages include options such as individual exhibition booths, dedicated branding zones, sponsored speaking sessions, and curated B2B meetings. Participation in these programs provides direct access to key market players, investors, and representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Investment.

The forum will serve as a platform for business meetings, presentations, and partnership opportunities. It is a prime destination for those combining travel and work. 

MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025: The Beat That Makes the Desert Tremble

From December 11 to 13, 2025, the desert outside Riyadh will once again transform into the epicenter of the global electronic music scene. MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025 will take place in the Banban area, proving itself as the Middle East’s largest music festival and one of the biggest in the world.

​​The organizer is MDLBEAST, a company that has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. The festival takes place on a massive open-air site, featuring multiple stages, light installations, audiovisual performances, and art zones. This is more than a concert; it’s a multimedia spectacle where technology, architecture, and human energy create the effect of a “desert coming to life”.

The festival’s program brings together several music genres — including Electronic Dance Music (EDM), pop, house, hip-hop, and trance. The stages feature a mix of global superstars and Middle Eastern artists, creating a unique blend of Western and Arab sounds. For 2025, the performer roster is impressive enough to satisfy even the most discerning listeners.

Confirmed acts include Post Malone, Ava Max, Benson Boone, Calvin Harris, Halsey, Kaytranada, and Black Coffee. Among the invited artists, audiences can also look forward to potential performances by Cardi B, The Kid Laroi, and Tyla. Each artist will perform on their own stage with a unique visual concept tailored to their musical style and genre. The full list of participants and the day-by-day schedule are available on the festival’s official website.

The event will feature more than ten stages hosting over one hundred performances over three days. Attendees can experience spectacular laser and drone shows, immersive art installations, relaxing lounge areas, and international food markets. Saudi Arabia is transforming this festival into a true celebration of sound, light, and technology, reflecting the nation’s commitment to cultural renewal.

Tickets and Registration

A three-day pass starts at approximately 239 Saudi Riyals for the early bird release, with premium categories beginning at 1,599 Riyals. Tickets can be purchased on the official MDLBEAST website or through festival partners like Platinumlist and TimeOut Riyadh.

Several ticket categories are available for guests:

– STORM: Standard access to all stages and areas.

– STORM+: Enhanced amenities with separate entrances and lounge spaces.

– VIB: A premium tier featuring panoramic viewing platforms, personal transfer service, and access to exclusive relaxation areas.

Accommodation and Logistics

The festival takes place in the Banban area, approximately a 30-40 minute drive from central Riyadh. A variety of accommodation options are available for attendees.

– For those prioritizing comfort: hotels in the capital with daily shuttle service to the venue (Uber, Careem, taxis).
– For those seeking a fully immersive experience: festival packages with nearby accommodation. For example, the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Package includes a 4-night stay (December 10–14), two VIP passes, transfers, and bonus credits for food and merch.

For current offers and available packages, please visit the Accommodation & Packages section.

Soundstorm’s most distinctive feature is its location. The venue in Banban is surrounded by desert hills that become part of the scenery: at night, they are illuminated with neon lines, and by dawn, they reflect the sun’s first rays. Tens of thousands of people from around the world gather here — not just for the music, but for the atmosphere of freedom, openness, and the energy of the new East.

Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Cinema, Fashion, and the Magic of the Red Sea

From December 4 to 13, 2025, Jeddah will host the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025, a prestigious event that brings together cinema, fashion, and cultural exchange. The 2025 edition will mark its fifth anniversary, building on the success of the 2024 festival which attracted over 40,000 visitors and nearly 7,000 accredited guests.

Previous festivals have already featured stars such as Emily Blunt, Viola Davis, Aamir Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor. In 2025, the participation of Eva Longoria and other renowned actors and directors is anticipated. The program will include world premieres, documentary films, and retrospectives.

One of the key screenings will be a restored version of the Indian classic Umrao Jaan (1981), directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring the legendary Rekha — presented in 4K for the first time outside of India. The festival will also include open-air screenings on the Red Sea waterfront, audience Q&As with creators, and industry initiatives supporting emerging directors

The festival’s main venues are located in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the duration of the event, the area transforms into an open-air cultural hub offering screening venues, art exhibitions, fashion shows, and live concerts.

The cost depends on the type of access. Options range from single-film tickets and all-access festival passes to premium packages that include VIP lounge entry and exclusive receptions. For full details on available packages and pricing, please visit the festival’s official website.

The festival is open to both film industry professionals and the general public. Anyone can purchase tickets for open screenings, the red carpet, gala events, and public sessions. Meanwhile, a separate accreditation system with professional badges is available for industry representatives, press, and film critics.

The Red Sea Festival is more than just cinema; it's a chance to experience the new energy of a region where tradition and modernity exist side by side.

Good to Know Before You Go

Climate and Weather

December is one of the most pleasant months to visit Saudi Arabia. In Riyadh, daytime temperatures hover around 73–81°F (23–27°C), dropping to about 54°F (12°C) at night. In Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, it's warmer — around 82°F (28°C) during the day and 68°F (20°C) in the evening. Rainfall is scarce and humidity is moderate, making travel and outdoor movement between events thoroughly enjoyable.

Attire and Dress Code

While the country has undergone significant social liberalization, Saudi society is still guided by traditional customs.

It is recommended that:

 – Women wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. While an abaya is no longer mandatory and a hijab is not required for female tourists, it is recommended to carry a light scarf for visits to religious or more conservative areas.

 –  Men avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts.

While European-style clothing is tolerated at beaches and festivals, a more neutral and conservative appearance is preferred in general public places. 

Transportation

In Riyadh and Jeddah, the most convenient way to get around is by taxi or using ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber. Public transportation is limited, though the Riyadh Metro network is actively expanding, with several lines already in operation. For longer distances, you can use domestic flights or the high-speed SAPTCO bus service.

Behavior and Safety

Saudi Arabia is considered one of the safest countries in the region. Surveillance cameras and security personnel are present in almost all public areas. However, please note the following:

 – avoid taking photos of people without their permission;

 – avoid discussing sensitive religious or political topics;

 – alcohol is strictly prohibited, including in hotels;

 – smoking is permitted only in designated areas, violations are subject to fines;

 – during prayer times (azan), shops and cafes may close temporarily.

Money and Connectivity

​​The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs are widely available, and international credit/debit cards are accepted without issue. Internet service is fast and reliable; SIM cards can be purchased directly at the airport from providers like STC, Zain, and Mobily.

How to Attend the December Events in Saudi Arabia

Travelers from many countries can obtain a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia either through a convenient e-visa, applied for online in advance, or a visa on arrival, available at major airports like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

You will need the following documents for your visa application:

 – a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining);

 – a digital photo and a completed visa application form;

 – confirmation of hotel booking or event tickets;

 – medical insurance valid for the entire duration of the trip.

It is highly recommended to arrange your visa in advance, especially if you plan to attend Soundstorm or the Red Sea Festival, as demand for tickets and accommodation is consistently high in December.

In December 2025, Saudi Arabia will bring together three worlds: industrial innovation, musical energy, and cinematic artistry. The Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia forum, the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival, and the Red Sea International Film Festival are a showcase of the nation’s new era, where the future meets tradition.

A trip to Saudi Arabia this winter is your chance to witness the rise of the Middle East’s new cultural and technological hub. If you want to be a part of this transformation, start with a simple first step: obtain your visa on the Terrana website and embark on a journey to experience the events that are shaping the future of the region.