Hockey in Saudi Arabia has grown faster than almost any other country in the past three years. What used to be a handful of shopping-mall rinks in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam has become a national story: new NHL-sized arenas under construction, a domestic league in the works, and a national team program that just competed at the 2024 IIHF World Championship Division II.
If you're visiting Saudi Arabia, moving there, or just curious about where the hockey scene is heading, this guide covers every ice rink currently operating in the Kingdom — and the major projects that will reshape the map by 2027.
Where to play hockey in Saudi Arabia today
Saudi Arabia's ice rinks cluster in three cities. Most sit inside shopping malls and run as commercial entertainment venues, but a few have developed genuine hockey programming.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the home of Saudi hockey. The city has more sheets of ice than the rest of the country combined, and it is where the Saudi national team practices.
Othaim Mall Ice Skating Rink (Riyadh 12839) — One of the oldest operating rinks in the Kingdom. Public sessions, learn-to-skate, and a long-standing pickup hockey community that has produced several national-team players. Located in the Othaim Mall complex on the eastern side of Riyadh.
Front (Front of Riyadh) — multi-rink complex planned for 2026 opening. Announced in 2024 as part of the Roshn development, this will be Saudi Arabia's first true multi-sheet hockey facility when it opens. Capacity for 3,000 spectators at the main rink.
Riyadh Winter Wonderland (Seasonal, Nov-Feb) — Saudi Arabia's largest seasonal ice installation. Roughly 4,000 sq ft of real ice, open during the Riyadh Season festival from November through February each year. Public skating only — no hockey programming, but popular with families.
Al Hokair Land (Riyadh) — Smaller entertainment-center rink, primarily a tourist attraction. Public skating only.
Jeddah
Jeddah's hockey scene is younger than Riyadh's but growing. The city's first dedicated hockey program started in 2022.
Jeddah Ice Skating Rink (Mall of Arabia) — Public sessions and learn-to-skate. The pickup hockey community here meets at off-hours; the rink does not run structured hockey programming yet.
Jeddah Season Winter Village (Seasonal, Dec-Jan) — Like Riyadh's Winter Wonderland, this is a festival installation. Real ice but no hockey infrastructure.
Dammam / Eastern Province
Mall of Dhahran Ice Rink (Dhahran 34457) — The Eastern Province's only permanent ice rink. Located inside the Mall of Dhahran. Public skating, lessons, and birthday parties. Year-round. Eastern Province pickup hockey community has grown to roughly 80 regular players as of 2025.
Hockey leagues and teams in Saudi Arabia
As of 2026, there is no top-level professional hockey league in Saudi Arabia, but the infrastructure is being built:
Saudi Arabia men's national team — Competes in IIHF World Championship Division II. The team plays out of the Othaim Mall rink in Riyadh for home games and has competed in international tournaments since 2018.
Saudi Pro League (hockey) — launching 2027 — Announced in late 2024, the SPL hockey circuit is planned as a six-team league with home arenas in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and three other cities. Founding ownership groups include Saudi entertainment conglomerate MDLBEAST and several private investors. Whether the league launches on time depends on whether the Front complex in Riyadh opens in 2026 as planned.
Riyadh Capitals — The most established pickup-hockey organization. Runs three skill-division pickup leagues out of Othaim Mall, with 250+ registered players across the divisions. Hosts an annual Riyadh Capitals Classic tournament every November.
Eastern Province Hockey Group — The Dammam-based pickup organization. Smaller (80 players) but the most active outside Riyadh.
Jeddah Ice Hockey Club — Founded 2022. The first formally registered hockey club in the Western Province. Hosts learn-to-play clinics and weekly pickup games at the Mall of Arabia rink.
Cost and access
Public skating sessions in Saudi Arabia typically run SAR 50–80 ($13–$22) for adults and SAR 30–50 ($8–$13) for children. Skate rental is usually included.
Hockey-specific programming (pickup leagues, lessons) ranges from SAR 100–300 per session. The Riyadh Capitals pickup league runs a 10-week season for SAR 1,500 ($400), which is significantly cheaper than equivalent pickup leagues in North America.
Most rinks in Saudi Arabia are open to both men and women, and family-friendly sessions are standard. Women-only sessions are available at the larger facilities (Othaim Mall, Mall of Dhahran) on certain days.
What to expect in 2026-2027
The next 18 months will be the biggest transformation Saudi hockey has seen:
- Front Riyadh complex opening (target: late 2026)
- Saudi Pro League hockey launch (target: 2027)
- First women's national team program (announced 2025, debut at 2026 IIHF Women's Development Cup)
- Possible NHL preseason game in Riyadh as part of the NHL's expanded international schedule — not yet confirmed
Visitor tips
- Dress code: Saudi public skating sessions are family-friendly and modest-dress is fine. Rinks are air-conditioned to roughly 18-20°C, so bring a light layer.
- Skate rental: Available at every rink. Quality is generally good, and hockey skates are available at the Othaim Mall rink.
- Best time to visit: October through March (cooler weather, Riyadh Season festivals active).
- Language: Arabic is primary; English is widely spoken at rinks in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Where to follow Saudi hockey
- IIHF.com for national team results
- Riyadh Capitals social channels for pickup league schedules
- RinkStop's Saudi Arabia directory for the most current rink and event listings
Hockey in Saudi Arabia is at an inflection point. The next two years will determine whether the Kingdom becomes a real hockey country or remains a destination for visitors and expats. Either way, the ice is there — and there is more of it every year.