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In the past, Saudi Arabia was known as a conservative land. The reforms introduced by Vision 2030 changed the country’s image in front of the world. Today, it is open for arts and music, attracting millions of global tourists. During December, Saudi Arabia comes alive with an array of vibrant events, showcasing its rich culture, modernity, and unmatched hospitality. Being a cooler month, December is also one of the best times for pilgrims to fulfill their sacred Umrah dream. Umrah Packages December not only offer convenience for Muslims but also allow them to attend the country’s fun events without overlooking their religious duties. Here is a list of 4 famous Saudi events that one must attend.
1- Winter at Tantora
Named after the sundial located in the old town of Al Ula, this annual festival was first held on 21st December 2018. Its 2nd edition took place on 19 December 2019. This year, it will start from 21st December 2024 to 21st January 2025 in the historic city of Al Ula.
Tourists can expect an array of artistic events, like poetry, music, and cultural dances there. Local and global singers will perform at the festival. Stage dramas, based on the real lives of the people of Al Ula, will be the main attraction of the event. Winter at Tantora will display interactive stalls, featuring creative handicrafts.
Visitors can participate in guided tours of Al Ula’s ancient sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. These tours will offer an in-depth look at the historical value of the region. Desert polo will be the highlight of this festival. This 5-week event will celebrate Arabic poetry as well. During this festival, tourists will get the opportunity to enjoy gourmet Saudi food and international cuisine.
Special tables will be arranged under the sky for memorable dining. The world’s top-rated chefs will get a chance to delight people with their delicious dishes. The Fursan Endurance Horse race will be a major attraction for worldwide riders. Indeed, winter at Al Ula will put Saudi Arabia into the limelight. December Umrah pilgrims are highly recommended to attend this festival.
2- Diriyah Season 2024
Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Riyadh, is going to be the venue for the annual Dirriyah season from 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025. This event will showcase the Saudi Arabia’s rich culture. Many fun activities will be organized at the Bujairi Terrace and Al Turaif. Visitors will enjoy music, dance, and poetry shows at this event.
The Diriyah E Prix will be the major highlight of the season. The electric cars will race as a part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Many top-class Arabian horses will take part in the riding shows. In Diriyah Season 2024, tourists can also attend various food festivals. They will have a great chance to enjoy the local food at Buraiji Terrace. Moreover, the historic Diriyah farms will host family-friendly fun activities, such as camping and dune bashing. Pilgrims performing Umrah in December must attend this famous event after fulfilling their spiritual duties.
3- Saudi National Camel Festival
The al-Dahna Desert near Riyadh is going to host the famous Saudi National Camel Festival this December. The event will run throughout the month. It will be all about camels, the country’s national animal. The camel beauty contest will be the lure of the show. The giant creations will be judged on their physical traits, such as the shape of their heads, necks, and humps. Thrilling races will be organized to witness the strength and speed of these animals.
Local Saudi Bedouin tents and crafts, exhibited in the event will attract global tourists. These antique items will offer a timeless trip to the visitors. The festival will also host camel auctions, where locals will have a chance to fetch millions of Saudi Riyals.
Food stalls, adorned with local and global dishes, will delight several people. Camel meat and milk will be the limelight of the show. During this event, tourists will get a chance to attend cultural workshops on camel-related crafts, like wool weaving. These shops will be hosted by experts and will highlight the modern methods for boosting the camel’s milk production.
Local and global artists will perform live. Cultural shows will depict the Saudi rich heritage. Many learning programs will spread awareness about the economic role of camels in the country. The local market will be adorned with stalls, showcasing souvenirs and other camel-related items. All in all, the event will be memorable and fun for the tourists.
4- King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival
Saudi Arabia will profoundly celebrate the falconry from 10 to 31st December 2024. Falconry is the country’s cherished tradition, where birds are trained to prey. The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival annually takes place in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Al-Mazayen will be the featured contest of this event. In this competition, falcons will be judged for their beauty and physical traits. The winner will get a huge prize as well. Tourists will enjoy the live thrilling flights of birds in the Al-Milwah contest. This event will showcase the agility and speed of beautiful flying creatures.
The festival will also host workshops where tourists can explore the history and value of falconry in Saudi culture. The local attire and equipment for this special tradition will also be displayed on stalls to attract people. The event will be incomplete without cultural shows and art exhibitions. Local artists will amuse the tourists with their classic music and dance. Indeed, it will be a must-visit for tourists, eager to explore the rich cultural heritage of the country.
How Pilgrims Can Attend these Festivals?
First, they need to check the dates of the event they want to attend. Then they have to plan their trip accordingly. If they plan to perform Umrah in early December then they can attend the festivals later in the month. December Umrah packages can help them a lot in designing their itinerary. From lodgings to transport, these deals will provide an all-in-one solution to the pilgrims. These packages will provide private or public vehicles for movement between different cities. Moreover, pilgrims are advised to get the tickets in advance. This will help them to avoid last-minute hassles.
They are also suggested to choose reliable travel agencies for booking their Umrah Packages from UK. Muslims Holy Travel is one of the leading names in this aspect. They offer a variety of December Umrah packages at cheap prices. Browse through their website and contact them today to get the most out of your sacred trip.
