This is your essential guide to 1001 Festival in Riyadh. A first of its kind in Saudi Arabia—it promises a dreamworld of sound carved from sand, lights, and centuries of imagination. Held in the vast desert expanse of Banban, Riyadh, this music festival blends ancient Arabian storytelling with imaginative stage design and a lineup of electronic legends. Whether you’re traveling for the first time to Saudi or you live in Riyadh, this guide is everything you need to know before you go to 1001 Festival.
Where is 1001 Festival located in Riyadh?
1001 Festival takes place in Banban, the same desert location used by MDLBEAST Soundstorm. It’s a massive site equipped for high-volume music events. The venue features underground stages, wide access roads, and clear signage for every ticket tier. Use this Google Maps link to find exact directions to the gates. Organizers have separated entrances by ticket level to avoid congestion and confusion on arrival.
What time does the festival start and who can attend?
DJ sets start at 8:00 PM and end at 4:00 AM. Only guests aged 18 and above may enter the festival. You must bring a physical or digital copy of your ID for entry verification. No ID, no entry—no exceptions. Dress stylishly, but respect local customs. Security can deny entry to guests in inappropriate attire, so choose wisely.
What are the stages at 1001 Festival?
There are four immersive stages at the festival, each with a distinct story and vibe. Qafilah is a traveling caravan that sails across golden dunes, its rhythms shifting with the sands. Qasr reimagines a grand ballroom into a royal rave filled with elegance and thunderous basslines. Bustan is a surreal garden where birds sing, trees sway, and melodies bloom with every beat. Sahaab floats above reality like a cloud of light and sound, suspended in motion between fantasy and atmosphere.
How do you get to 1001 Festival and where do you park?
You can drive your own car and access complimentary parking, sorted by ticket tier for smooth arrival. If using Uber, Careem, or a taxi, drop-offs are coordinated by entrance tier. Festival organizers encourage carpooling with friends to enhance the ride and simplify entry. Make sure everyone in your group has the same ticket tier so you can park and enter together.
What should you bring to 1001 festival?
The event is completely cashless. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Mada, and Apple Pay.
There will be no locker storage, so bring only what you need for the night. Professional recording equipment and cameras are not allowed inside. You can use your phone for photos and videos, but always be courteous and respect others’ privacy. This helps keep the vibe positive and the focus on the music.
Are there free tickets or premium passes available?
Yes, 1001 offers multiple ways to access the festival. Ladies can register for free General Admission tickets by signing up for NOFOMO and Saudi Rewards. These tickets are valid only for women, and men using them will be turned away at the gate. General admission tickets start from $48 USD (SAR 179) for one day. VIB tickets with enhanced viewing decks, premium parking, and more start at $149 USD (SAR 559). For the ultimate upgrade, VVIB tickets from $933 (SAR 3,499) include backstage access behind the DJ, elevated access, premium parking, and more. Explore all the ticket options here.
What are the best hotels near the festival site?
If you’re staying for the weekend, here are the best nearby hotel options. These hotels offer comfort, convenience, and easy rideshare access to and from the venue:
- InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh – 10 mins away – $547 USD (SAR 2,050)
- Fairmont Ramla Residences – 20–25 mins – $480 USD (SAR 1,800)
- Radisson Residences – 20–25 mins – $160 USD (SAR 600)
- Novotel Riyadh Sahafa – 20–25 mins – $154 USD (SAR 580)
- Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences – 30–35 mins – $437 USD (SAR 1,640)
What should you do before heading to the festival?
Charge your phone and pack your digital wallet with an accepted payment method. Screenshot your entry gate location and artist set times. Double-check that your ID is ready and your outfit meets the guidelines. Coordinate with friends so everyone knows which entrance to use. Keep this guide handy whether you’re dancing in Bustan, floating through Sahaab, or watching from behind the decks with VVIB, 1001 Festival Riyadh is your passage into a world built on rhythm and wonder. Tickets are available here.
