The Middle East is rich in history, culture, and tradition from Saudi Arabia to the UAE, offering a diverse palette of artistic expressions. The region hosts various cultural events that bring together local and international artists, paying homage to its deep-rooted heritage and arts. These events provide emerging artists with significant opportunities while serving as knowledge hubs for art enthusiasts, allowing them to immerse themselves in the region’s creative spirit.
Essence of Middle East | Source: curlytales
Must-Attend Cultural Events in the Middle East
2024 | Upcoming Events this year
Bahrain International Music Festival: (October 1st-24th)
Bahrain International Music Festival Stage Set | Source: gulfinsider
The 33rd edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival, taking place from October 1-24, will spotlight a diverse array of music genres from Bahrain and beyond. Attendees can enjoy a rich blend of local, Gulf, Arab, and international performances. The festival will kick off with a performance by Grammy Award-winning soprano Fatma Said, followed by renowned artists like Luca Velotti with Silvia Manco,and the Matti Klein Soul Tri This eclectic lineup ensures a dynamic musical journey, showcasing a variety of styles that reflect Bahrain’s cultural diversity.
Ajyal Film Festival, Qatar (November 16th-23th)
Ajyal Film Festival, Qatar Stage Set 2020 | Source: timesoutdoha
The festival’s 12th edition focuses on providing a family-friendly cinematic experience, targeting audiences aged 8-25. It aims to engage attendees through workshops and discussions tailored for younger audiences. Featuring a diverse lineup of films including animation, documentaries, and live-action shorts. Ajyal seeks to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and film enthusiasts while fostering a love for cinema in the community.
Red Sea International Film Festival, Saudi Arabia: (December 5th-14th)
Red Sea International Film Festival | Source: timesoutdoha
One of the region’s most prestigious cinematic events, the Red Sea International Film Festival, will take place in the extravagant Al Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This festival showcases a diverse selection of films from Arab and international filmmakers, focusing on the growth of the Arab film industry. Emerging artists from Africa, Asia, and the Arab world eagerly anticipate the highly anticipated 4th edition of the event, which features competitions like the 48-Hour Short Film Challenge.
2025 | Upcoming Events following year
Spring of Culture, Bahrain: (January to March)
Spring of Culture, Bahrain Scheherazade Ballet | Source: bahrainthisweek
The festival runs annually and is a vibrant celebration of literature, music, art, and theater at prominent venues such as the Al Dana Amphitheatre and Al Riwaq Art Space. While details for the upcoming 19th edition are still pending, the previous year’s festival included standout performances from Lauryn Hill, as well as comedy acts and ballet productions like “A Thousand Tales.” This blend of entertainment showcased the festival’s commitment to diverse artistic expressions. This event showcases both local and international talent, enriching Bahrain’s cultural landscape.
Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah (February 20th-26th)
Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Riots of Colours | Source: khaleejjtimes
The festival features a spectacular light show utilizing large-scale projection mapping to illuminate Sharjah’s iconic buildings and cultural landmarks. The projections include stunning images, motion graphics, and animations that transform the architecture into captivating visual art. Attracting international tourists and photography enthusiasts, the event also collaborates with the Xposure International Photography Festival, enhancing its appeal through a series of related activities and exhibitions.
Islamic Arts Biennale, Jeddah (January 25th to May 25th)
Islamic Arts Biennale, Jeddah Amongst Men | Source: arabnews
The Biennale is set to return for its 2nd edition at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This biennale will feature a comprehensive exhibition that highlights the rich tapestry of Islamic arts, combining historical artifacts and contemporary works. Curated by an esteemed team, including Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, the event aims to explore architecture’s role in Islamic culture with the introduction of the AlMusalla Prize, a global competition for designing a sustainable prayer space
Light show highlighting the accomplishments of Intellect of the emirate | Source: englishalarabiya
The Middle East’s cultural landscape is thriving, with various events that will showcase its artistic diversity. Cultural enthusiasts should seek out these events to experience the region’s rich heritage and engage with local and international artists, making each visit truly unforgettable.
References
https://www.visitsharjah.com/events/sharjah-light-festival/
https://calendar.bh/en/spring-of-culture-festival
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1057876/amp
https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival
https://redseafilmfest.com/en/
https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2062280
https://www.wtravelmagazine.com/8-experiences-events-immerse-saudi-arabia-culture/
https://www.admiddleeast.com/story/cultural-events-in-the-middle-east-you-cant-miss
https://en.vogue.me/culture/islamic-arts-biennale-2025-jeddah-details/