What to do in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh’s food scene just got a little more flavorful with the arrival of Maman, a new restaurant that brings soulful Persian cuisine to the city. Located in the heart of the Hittin District on Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, Maman invites you to experience the warmth and comfort of Iranian home cooking in a space that feels like you’ve stepped into a cozy family home. Drawing inspiration from the classic Iranian family table, the menu offers a contemporary twist on traditional Persian dishes. Expect hearty, slow-cooked stews, succulent grilled meats, fragrant rice, and freshly baked breads that come...

Kuwait is undergoing a significant change in its street naming system. The Kuwait Municipal Council recently approved a decision to replace 591 street names with numerical designations. This decision, made during a closed extraordinary session chaired by Abdullah Al Mahri, follows recommendations from the Committee for Naming Cities, Districts, and Streets. This committee was established under Ministerial Resolution No. 558 of 2023, which has led to the shift in how streets are named and numbered across the country. In addition to replacing most street names with numbers, the council voted to rename three streets after Arab capitals and cities. The...

Saudi Arabia continues to attract global names, and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars to make the Kingdom his home. Since joining Al Nassr Football Club in 2022, the football legend has expanded his footprint in the region, and his latest venture is a wellness and hair care clinic Insparya in Riyadh. Located at Kingdom Hospital, Insparya specializes in advanced hair transplant technology, medical consultations, diagnostics, and other innovative treatments. It combines expert medical talent with cutting-edge technology to offer high-quality care to clients seeking top-notch results. Ronaldo was present at the opening event of the new branch...

Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram is set to headline the Esports World Cup 2024. This exciting event will take place at Boulevard City in Riyadh, with Ajram performing on Thursday, 15 August, at the iconic Abu Bakr Salem Theater. Nancy Ajram, whose illustrious career spans nearly three decades, will light up the stage with her captivating voice and electrifying presence. Known for hits like "Akhasmak Ah," "Ah W Noss," "Ya Tabtab," and "Badna Nwalee El Jaw," Ajram promises an evening filled with musical brilliance. To add to that, the talented Saudi singer Ayed will also perform on the same night, making...

Café Boulud — the French fine dining spot at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre — continues to evolve. This time, the restaurant led by French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud has launched a cheese and non-alcoholic wine library, a first-of-its-kind concept in the Saudi capital. The offering is curated by Philippe Caillouet, Riyadh's first French cheesemonger and a respected name in the cheese world, who also personally guides guests through pairings, explaining textures, flavour profiles, and the best beverage matches.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Café Boulud Riyadh (@cafebouludriy) Saudi's first...

W Hotels, known for its stylish atmosphere, is making its debut in Saudi Arabia with W Riyadh KAFD. Guests will be able to experience its signature offerings as early as 2026. The hotel will feature 210 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, and shops. As part of the brand’s classic offerings, W Riyadh will include Living Room, a social space that’s perfect for meeting up, along with the WET Deck pool area and spa for ultimate relaxation. For those looking to stay active, the fitness centre will have everything you need to stay in shape. This will be the first W...

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Nusuk Umrah service, a new platform designed to simplify the Umrah visa application and pilgrimage booking process for Muslims outside the Kingdom. This online service, available at umrah.nusuk.sa, removes the need for intermediaries, allowing users to manage everything directly. The platform is available in seven languages, ensuring it’s accessible to a global audience. Plus, it's fully integrated with government systems, providing a seamless and secure experience. The platform offers a variety of options for pilgrims, including: Umrah visa applications Accommodation bookings Transportation arrangements Cultural tours Additional support services Users can...

Riyadh’s restaurant scene just got a little more exciting with the opening of Pantera Riyadh. This modern Mediterranean spot, located in As Sulimaniyah on Tahlia Street, is the new place to check out for fresh food and a relaxed, stylish vibe. Taking over the spot that was once Isabel Mayfair, Pantera has brought a cool twist to the local dining scene. The restaurant has a sleek Art Deco feel, with a unique layout that includes Dining Room, a beautiful Conservatory with a glass roof, and a hidden speakeasy bar. Whether you’re out for a low-key dinner or a night of...

SEVEN Legends is introducing a new concept of luxury resorts, and the Aseer region in Saudi Arabia has been chosen for one of the brand's exclusive destinations. There will be only seven properties worldwide, each one located in a unique environment: forest, mountain, lake, jungle, desert, beach, or city. Aseer will be the next home for the mountain resort, with plans to open in 2029. SEVEN Legends Aseer Resort in the Soudah Mountains will feature 82 rooms and 30 branded residences. Guests will enjoy an immersive experience that blends nature with luxury. The design will focus on connecting with the...

If you’re looking for something fun to do in Riyadh this week, Pravasi Parichay cultural festival is the place to be! Hosted by the Embassy of India in DQ, this week-long celebration of India’s rich culture is running until November 3, 2025, and it’s packed with activities, performances, and food from all over India. Each day offers a new region to explore, with everything from classical dance performances to delicious regional dishes. The festival will also feature the Viksit Bharat Art Exhibition, showcasing paintings by talented women artists from the Indian diaspora. View this post on Instagram A post shared...