Ramadan is best avoided as it can be difficult getting a meal during the daytime and business hours are restricted. The Hajj is another time when travel can be tricky as many businesses close down. January Festivals
Eid al Adha: is a three-day festival celebrated by Muslims to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. Everyone dresses in their finest clothes and visit a mosque to perform the Eid prayer. February Festivals
Ashura: is a Shi'ite festival that is held in commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who gave his life at the Battle of Karbala. Men get together in public for ceremonial chest-beating to display their devotion to Husayn and in remembrance of his suffering. March Festivals
Janadriyah Festival: Janadriyah is located 30 miles from Riyadh and plays host to Saudi Arabia’s first National Heritage and Folk Culture Festival. The two-week celebrations include traditional activities such as camel racing as well as arts and crafts exhibits, folk dancing and poetry readings. June Festivals
Jeddah Festival: lasts for several weeks and is held in the country's second biggest city. The festival has been held since 2000 and consists of more than 200 events including fireworks displays, musical shows, theatre, sports events and numerous other cultural events. Local handicrafts and traditional dishes are also on offer. September Festivals
Book Fair: also held in the city of Jeddah, the fair attracts writers, publishers and agents to the International Exhibition and Convention Centre to listen and take part in discussions on Arabic works. December Festivals
Riyadh Motor Show: is the oldest and most important motor show in the region, attracting all of the top names in the auto industry from around the world. No Fixed Date
Islamic New Year: the beginning of the New Year has few rituals or celebrations, unlike other festivals. Otherwise known as Muharram, many Muslims use this occasion to remember the day in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622. Many will gather in mosques for special prayers and readings and regard the day as a time for reflection on the Hijira and on the year to come. Eid al Fitr: marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by all Muslims. Fitr means ‘to break the fast’ and a normal family will wake early to eat a small quantity of food. They will then attend a mosque for special prayers and a sermon. Festivities usually begin after the prayers and people will visit their friends and relatives. | 
