What to do in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo is cleared to play in the 2026 World Cup after FIFA issued a partially suspended ban for his recent red card. The football star was originally given a three-match suspension following his elbowing incident against Ireland, but two of those matches have been suspended under a one-year probation period. The third match was already served during Portugal’s qualification-clinching win over Armenia. With this decision, Ronaldo will be available to play in Portugal's opening World Cup match. The 2026 tournament will be his last chance to compete for the trophy, as the legendary player has confirmed it will be...

Coffee lovers in Riyadh have something new to look forward to — Pret A Manger is opening in Olaya Towers! This popular UK-based café chain is known for its fresh coffee, quick service, and healthy meals, making it a great choice for busy professionals and anyone who enjoys good food on the go. Founded in London in 1984, Pret has built a reputation for serving organic coffee and freshly made meals without artificial preservatives. Their menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and pastries, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. If you need a quick but nutritious bite,...

Riyadh is about to make history as the first city outside North America to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027. The announcement came from HE Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, alongside WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, better known to fans as Triple H. The week-long wrestling festival promises non-stop action for fans, featuring Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, NXT experiences, and appearances from some of the biggest international wrestling stars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WWE (@wwe) Known for its record-breaking shows, WrestleMania has also been home to epic events like Crown...

This August, Terhal is making its return to Diriyah. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the second edition of this immersive theatrical production will run from August 4 to 25, 2025 at Mayadeen, Diriyah, one of Riyadh’s most historic venues. The production blends theatrical storytelling with visuals, using lighting and special effects to bring Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and history to life. From mountains and deserts to bustling cities and quiet villages, Terhal paints a vivid portrait of the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by وزارة الثقافة MOC (@mocsaudi)...

Sindalah Island, part of Saudi Arabia’s visionary Neom project, is about to gain a new gastronomic gem. Carosello, a restaurant from the renowned Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco, promises to become a standout in the Red Sea region, attracting food lovers from near and far. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its culinary landscape, new dining spots are popping up across cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, but Sindalah Island is setting the stage for a true foodie paradise. Carosello will bring a touch of Italy’s rich culinary traditions to this exclusive island destination.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Sneaker Con is heading back to Riyadh in 2026. The global event that brings together collectors, traders, and fans, will land at BLVD City from February 26 to 28. Part of Riyadh Season, it’s shaping up to be three days where sneakers take over the city. What started in 2008 as a small meetup between sneaker fans has turned into a worldwide movement. Sneaker Con now travels through more than 30 cities every year, connecting people who see sneakers as more than just shoes. More than 150 vendors from the US, the Middle East, and beyond will line up their...

PUMA Middle East has officially launched the 2025/26 home and away kits for Al Hilal FC, under the banner "Rooted in Glory." With this new drop, the brand pays tribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape and the club’s longstanding success as the most decorated football team in both Saudi and Asian history. Both kits are layered with symbolism drawn from Saudi Arabia’s heritage and Al Hilal’s identity.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PUMA Middle East (@pumame) The home kit takes inspiration from the Najd region’s mud-brick architecture — a reference to the team’s...

Saudi Arabia is set to welcome dusitD2 Al Ahsa, a brand-new luxury resort from Thailand’s firm Dusit International. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2027 and will be located in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ahsa Oasis — a region famous for its picturesque landscapes and cultural significance. The resort will be situated just 30 minutes from Al Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam. Designed by El Ghoneimi Architects from Cairo, the hotel takes inspiration from the desert landscape and the natural beauty of the surrounding oasis, which is home to over two and...

Looking for something new to check out during Riyadh Season 2025? Here’s a beloved family-friendly free zone that’s now open and ready for you: Riyadh Zoo! From giraffes reaching for the sky to flamingos strutting their stuff, it brings you up close to wildlife in a way that’s both fun and informative. The zoo is split into several zones, each with something unique to offer: Almalaz Bay: start your visit with Owl House, Farm Experience, and Kangaroo Yard Ape Escape where you can meet chimpanzees, orangutans, lemurs, and other primates Enchanted Forest: this African-themed area lets you feed giraffes, meet...

LaBocca, a new Italian restaurant in Riyadh, is now open on Anas Ibn Malik Road in Al Malqa. The name translates to “mouth,” a nod to its food-first approach. It serves a menu built around Italian staples like pizza, pasta, sharing plates, and desserts. The tiramisu is served tableside from a trolley, and there’s a mocktail list for those looking for something refreshing.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by LABOCCA Restaurant | لابوكـا (@labocca.sa) The interiors lean into rich tones and bold shapes. Guests enter through red arches and step into a dining room...