Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, is set to facilitate increased travel from Pakistan for a comprehensive calendar of major cultural, sporting, and entertainment events scheduled throughout 2026, as the Kingdom advances its position as a global tourism destination.
According to a statement issued on Monday, operating through its primary hubs in Jeddah and Riyadh, the carrier provides direct connectivity for Pakistani travellers aiming to attend the year-long series of attractions. The 2026 schedule includes a diverse range of large-scale festivals and international gatherings, designed to appeal to a global audience as part of a broader national movement toward diversified economic growth.
Key attractions include the Diriyah Season (November 2025 – March 2026), which offers cultural and heritage-driven programmes centred around the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif.
The Kingdom’s flagship entertainment festival, Riyadh Season (October 2025 – March 2026), will feature global concerts and sporting fixtures such as the WWE Royal Rumble. A notable feature is the BLVD Flowers zone, a 214,000-square-metre botanical exhibit incorporating 200 million flowers and three retired Saudia Boeing 777 aircraft.
The arts calendar includes the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (January – May 2026) in the JAX District, showcasing works from over 70 international artists. The Noor Riyadh light art festival will also return, transforming the capital into an open-air gallery, with specific 2026 dates to be announced.
Other significant events on the national calendar include MDLBEAST, the Historic Jeddah Festival, Winter Wonderland, Formula E, the Esports World Cup, and The Saudi Cup, an internationally recognised thoroughbred horse race.
This focus on event-based tourism and the facilitation of international access is part of Saudi Arabia”s wider strategy for sustainable development, with the airline positioned as a key enabler in achieving these national tourism ambitions.