Rihlat Travel News

Winter at Tantora
2025-12-18 00:00 - 2026-01-10 23:59 (Asia/Dubai)
As the temperature drops, the energy in AlUla rises with Winter at Tantora — a flagship festival that brings you closer to the very best of the region. From history and heritage to art, music, dining, and design, it’s a seasonal spectacle that captures AlUla’s spirit in full.

Stretching across several weeks, this cultural celebration was the first music and arts festival in the Kingdom, transforming every corner of AlUla into a vibrant stage of expression. Time Travelers immerse in the ancient rhythms of the land, Serenity Seekers find calm in refined settings, Space Wanderers explore vast landscapes dotted with artistic interventions, Beat Chasers come alive in star-lit concerts and modern culture, while Inner Voyagers uncover meaning in every thoughtfully crafted detail.

Named in honour of the traditional sundial in Old Town, around which communities gathered to mark the start of the planting season, Winter at Tantora offers an immersive showreel of the experiences that make AlUla truly unforgettable.

Sharjah World Championship Week
2025-12-19 00:00 - 2025-12-21 23:59
Sharjah proudly hosts the final stage of the F1H2O World Championship at the iconic Khalid Lagoon, the longest-running host venue in the history of the sport since 2000.

Witness world-class powerboat racing as the world’s top teams compete for the F1H2O World Championship title in a thrilling, high-speed finale.

World Sports Summit Dubai 2025
2025-12-29 00:00 - 2025-12-30 23:59
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has directed the launch of the World Sports Summit, taking place in Dubai from 29 to 30 December.Organised by the Dubai Sports Council at Madinat Jumeirah, the summit will bring together top athletes, experts, and global decision-makers for discussions on the future of sports across key areas including economy, policy, and society.Dubai continues to solidify its status as a global hub for major sporting events, supported by world-class infrastructure and strong organisational excellence.

World Table Tennis Series Doha
2026-01-07 00:00 - 2026-01-11 23:59
After the success of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha earlier this year, the sport returns to the Qatari capital with something new: the first-ever WTT Champions Doha, from 7–11 January.

This is the sport’s elite, distilled: 32 men’s singles and 32 women’s singles stars, all fighting for early-season authority. The action will unfold at the Infinity Arena, built into the spectacular Lusail Sports Arena, turning a world-class venue into a purpose-built battleground for the game’s very best.

The line-up looks is stacked and star-studded. Tomokazu Harimoto and Wang Manyu, the reigning WTT Finals champions, make their first appearance of the new season. Across the draw, it’s wall-to-wall star power: Lin Shidong, Hugo Calderano, Truls Moregard, Chen Xingtong, Kuai Man, Miwa Harimoto, Shin Yubin and more.

It’s styles clashing, generations colliding, and storylines picking up right where 2025 left off. Doha under the purple lights, big names chasing early momentum and rankings on the line. If you want to feel the new season start with a bang instead of a whisper, this is where you plant yourself in the stands.

Oman Desert Marathon
2026-01-10 00:00 - 2026-01-14 23:59
Experience the thrill of a lifetime by participating in the Oman Desert Marathon, a prestigious event that challenges runners to traverse the stunning landscapes of the Omani desert.

The carefully designed 165km route tells the story of Oman itself. Beginning in the crimson dunes of Bidiya Oasis, you’ll traverse the magnificent Al Wasil area following the same ancient caravan paths that connected civilizations for centuries, before reaching your triumphant finish at the Arabian Sea. Each stage—42km, 32km, 40km, 30km, and 21km—reveals a different face of this extraordinary landscape. More than physical endurance, ODM offers cultural immersion where legendary Omani hospitality transforms every challenge into connection, every mile into memory.

Participating in the Oman Desert Marathon is not just about the physical challenge; it’s an immersive cultural experience. The race route passes through areas inhabited by the Local Bedouins, offering insights into the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

AlUla Arts Festival
2026-01-15 00:00 - 2026-02-16 23:59
AlUla Arts Festival is a vibrant annual celebration of creativity, where heritage meets contemporary expression. From immersive exhibitions and striking installations to live performances and multidisciplinary activations, the festival affirms AlUla’s place on the global cultural stage. It’s where Beat Chasers thrive in the rhythm of modern culture, and Inner Voyagers find inspiration in deeper stories and artistic reflection. With artist residencies, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, the festival fosters meaningful cultural exchange and continues to push creative boundaries year after year.

Doha Marathon
2026-01-16 00:00 - 23:59
The 14th edition of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, scheduled for 16 January 2026, is set to be the largest ever. With over 20,000 participants expected, this year’s event promises a vibrant atmosphere and exciting activities for families.

Starting and finishing at Hotel Park, the marathon route along Doha’s picturesque corniche ensures a scenic and safe experience for both runners and spectators.

AlUla Trail Race 2026
2026-01-22 00:00 - 2026-01-23 23:59
Every January, AlUla bursts into action with the AlUla Trail Race – a dynamic celebration of endurance and unity set against its breathtaking ancient landscape. Whether you’re tackling the ultra-marathon or cheering on the Kids Run, each course challenges the spirit while weaving through awe-inspiring heritage sites and sandstone wonders. This multi-day event invites runners and supporters alike to come together, creating memories that blend athletic grit with cultural discovery. Expect vibrant energy, international camaraderie, and a festival-like atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.

Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF)
2026-01-27 00:00 - 2026-01-28 23:59
Returning to the heart of Saudi Arabia, MESIF Riyadh 2026 brings together top-tier sports stakeholders from around the world for a high-impact forum focused on investment opportunities, long-term growth and transformation in the region’s sports, entertainment and tourism sectors.

Held in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia, the event will explore how the region is building a thriving and inclusive sports ecosystem. We will hear from giga projects, governments, sports clubs and federations on their latest investment and regional development strategies. Our discussions will focus on the future of sports technology, infrastructure and major events in the Middle East.​

This in-region meeting is the perfect hub for international businesses to connect with local partners and develop meaningful commercial relationships.

Riyadh Marathon
2026-01-31 00:00 - 23:59
Get ready for the fifth edition of the Riyadh Marathon is taking over on January 31st, 2026! Hosted by the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) with the support of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation, this isn’t just a marathon — it’s a festival.

The Kingdom’s official full marathon is back and gearing up for its fifth World Athletics Elite Road Race certification — and we welcome you to the most Fun, Good energy, and an event for all!

This year, it’s all about the festive event. From the start line to the finish line, expect non-stop entertainment, energy stations, and festival moments that’ll keep your adrenaline high and your smile wide.

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (Tennis)
2026-01-31 00:00 - 2026-02-07 23:59
The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, takes place from 31 January to 7 February at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.

This WTA 500 tournament is part of the Hologic WTA Tour and showcases the best female players in the world competing across eight days.

Delivering some of the greatest tennis moments on an iconic stage, the fourth edition will feature 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams taking part in an unmissable event.

Enjoy non-stop tennis action and village entertainment as one of the finest women’s tournaments returns to the Capital.

Dubai Marathon 2026
2026-02-01 00:00 - 23:59
The Dubai Marathon is an annual marathon held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organized with the sanction of the Dubai Sports Council and is one of the most popular marathons in the world. The marathon course is a flat, fast one, making it attractive to both elite runners and recreational runners looking to set personal best times. The race typically takes place in January and attracts runners from all over the world.

In addition to the marathon, the event also includes a 10K race, and a 4K fun run. There are also several satellite events held in conjunction with the marathon at the event village as well as a race for families on the day.

The Dubai Marathon is a major event in the city and attracts a large number of runners and spectators each year. It is a great opportunity for runners to experience the culture and beauty of Dubai, and to challenge themselves in a world-class race.

Qatar International Rally 2026
2026-02-04 00:00 - 2026-02-07 23:59
Part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, testing drivers across demanding desert stages.

Abu Dhabi Masters Games
2026-02-06 00:00 - 2026-02-15 23:59
Join over 25,000 athletes from around the world—celebrating lifelong passion for sport across 33 disciplines over 10 unforgettable days. Beyond the competition, experience the vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and world-class attractions of Abu Dhabi, where sport meets celebration in a city like no other.

PFL MMA Event Dubai
2026-02-07 20:00 - 23:59
The Professional Fighters League returns to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday, 7 February 2026, BIGGER and BETTER than ever before!

The third installment of the Road to Dubai series will once again be headlined by unbeaten Team Khabib superstar Usman Nurmagomedov who faces a new challenger in England’s own Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis, with more fights due to be announced.

Don’t miss this night of world-class MMA, the biggest card in Dubai to date!

PIF Saudi Ladies International (Golf)
2026-02-11 00:00 - 2026-02-14 23:59
The PIF Global Series begins in February at Riyadh Golf Club with the PIF Saudi Ladies International and includes five individual 72-hole stroke-play events across the United Kingdom, Korea, China, and the United States. Highlighting the enhanced series is the debut of the Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas, a new co-sanctioned event between the LPGA and LET that brings women’s golf to one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

The 2026 PIF Global Series events are:

PIF Saudi Ladies International – Riyadh Golf Club, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (February 11–14, 2026; $5 million)

Aramco Championship – Shadow Creek Golf Club, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. (April 2–5, 2026; $4 million)

PIF London Championship – Centurion Club, London, United Kingdom (August 6–9, 2026; $2 million)

Aramco Korea Championship – New Korea Country Club, Seoul, South Korea (October 8–11, 2026; $2 million)

Aramco China Championship – Mission Hills China, Shenzhen, China (November 5–8, 2026; $2 million)

The series continues to underscore PIF’s growing global influence in advancing women’s sport and its ongoing partnership with Golf Saudi to provide more opportunities and exposure for female athletes worldwide.

RAK Half Marathon
2026-02-14 00:00 - 23:59
Ras Al Khaimah is blessed with some of the fastest, flattest, and most modern road surfaces in the world – ideal for distance running. For over 16 years, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has continued to grow its stature as the number one Half Marathon in the Middle East. Legendary athletes such as Sammy Wanjiru, Hellen Obiri, Peres Jepchirchir, and Benard Koech have all made headlines on its course.

Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is a firm favourite, attracting both community runners and international elites. Staged on the scenic Al Marjan Island, the event features the signature 21.1km half marathon race, along with 10km, 5km, and 2km races for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
2026-02-15 00:00 - 2026-02-28 23:59
Top tennis players from across the globe jet into the city to mark the start of the tennis season with the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The annual contest, taking place from 15-28 February, is set to feature superstar names such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff and defending champion Mirra Andreeva.

Follow every spin, slice and smash during the intense matches, while off-the-court, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and fun activities for the entire family. The award-winning tournament takes place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

UAE Tour (Cycling)
2026-02-16 00:00 - 2026-02-22 23:59
The UAE Tour is the Middle East’s premier multi-stage professional cycling race, part of the UCI WorldTour, formed by merging the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Tours, featuring flat sprint stages and iconic mountain finishes like Jebel Hafeet, attracting top riders like Pogačar for early-season glory, and now includes a Women’s WorldTour event. It’s known for its desert landscapes, challenging summit finishes, and crucial early-season battleground for sprinters and GC contenders.

ISSF Shooting World Cup
2026-03-25 00:00 - 2026-04-03 23:59
Elite shooters from around the world compete for ranking points and Olympic qualification in this major ISSF event.

Dubai World Cup (Horse Racing)
2026-03-28 00:00 - 23:59
A total of US$ 30.5 million in prize money across six Group 1 and three Group 2 races, a multiple Guinness World Record setting closing ceremony, exceptional dining, avant-garde fashion and mesmerising entertainment, have made Dubai World Cup day the sporting and social highlight of the city. Celebrate the landmark 30th anniversary of the world’s most spectacular race day with us on 28 March, 2026

GITEX GLOBAL Dubai 2026
2026-12-07 00:00 - 2026-12-11 23:59
The biggest and most global tech event: 2026 marks a new chapter for GITEX GLOBAL — as the world’s largest tech and startup show moves to its new home at Expo City Dubai. After a record-breaking legacy at Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX now expands into a city built for the future — where innovation, sustainability, and scale converge to define the next era of technology.

The Ocean Race 2027
2027-01-01 00:00 - 23:59
15 January 2023, Start of The Ocean Race, Leg 1 IMOCA Fleet

The Ocean Race 2027 will start from its home port of Alicante, Spain in January 2027 and take the foiling, flying, high-tech IMOCA fleet out of the Mediterranean Sea, down the Atlantic and into the Southern Ocean before rounding Cape Horn and returning to Europe via the Americas.

Between the start in Alicante and the race finish in AMAALA, additional stopovers will be added to complete the race course. Dates for all stopovers and the race finish will be confirmed when the full race route is finalised.
