What to do in Saudi Arabia

Nestled in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a destination known for its rich history, cultural significance, and stunning natural beauty. This remarkable region, already home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is set to expand its appeal with the addition of the newly announced AlUla Manara Observatory. Designed to offer an unparalleled stargazing experience, this observatory is poised to become a hub for space research, education, and astro-tourism. A Gateway to the Stars AlUla Manara Observatory is the result of a visionary collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the SETI Institute. Their joint mission...

Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious journey to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, unveiling plans to construct 15 new stadiums across the Kingdom. Among these, the Neom Stadium stands out as a remarkable symbol of innovation and grandeur, set to be built in Neom, the nation's most ambitious megaproject. A Stadium Like No Other The Neom Stadium will be an architectural marvel, situated within The Line, a futuristic city development in Neom. What makes this stadium truly unique is its placement on levels four and five of The Line, soaring 350 meters above the ground. With a seating...

Big music acts are coming to Riyadh! LIV Golf Riyadh is bringing a lineup of concerts alongside the tournament, with the Backstreet Boys performing on February 7 at Riyadh Golf Club. Fans can expect to sing along to classics like 'I Want It That Way,' 'Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),' and 'As Long As You Love Me,' along with other songs that have defined pop music for decades. Fans of electronic music can enjoy DJ Snake and Cheb Khaled on February 6, and Salvatore Ganacci will keep the energy going on February 7. And there will be other surprises as more artists...

The Wonder Garden is making a splash this November as it returns to Riyadh Season, promising an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists. This vibrant amusement zone is set to open on November 7, 2024, and it has undergone a spectacular transformation, expanding its capacity to welcome 23,000 visitors across a sprawling 500,000 square meters of entertainment.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by موسم الرياض | Riyadh Season (@riyadhseason) What to Expect Get ready for a magical mix of fun with 14 entertainment zones, 11 global championships, 10 exhibitions, and numerous festivals. This...

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, and its plans are nothing short of spectacular. The Kingdom has announced five host cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, NEOM, Al Khobar, and Abha — and a total of 15 world-class stadiums. These venues promise to showcase cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and unparalleled fan experiences, solidifying Saudi Arabia's reputation as a global hub for sports and innovation. Host Cities of the FIFA World Cup 2034 and Their Stadiums The World Cup will take place across these five cities, with each contributing unique stadiums to the tournament: Riyadh (8 Stadiums)...

Welcome to Riyadh, a city where sleek skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old forts, and traditional souks hum with life just minutes from futuristic entertainment hubs. Whether you're a history lover, a culture seeker, or simply someone looking for new experiences, Riyadh’s unique blend of old and new offers something to surprise and inspire every traveler. Here’s your essential guide to some of the top attractions and activities in Riyadh that promise unforgettable moments. Murabba Historical Palace Dive into the royal past of Saudi Arabia at the beautifully preserved Murabba Palace. Once home to King Abdulaziz, this palace showcases traditional Najdi architecture...

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to launch a new, exciting destination, Global City Dammam. At the core of the project is a vision to create a vibrant, multicultural hub. With total area of over 800,000 square meters, it will offer everything from international pavilions to food markets and live performances. Located just an hour from Bahrain and 90 minutes from Dubai, it’s set to become a must-visit destination in the heart of the Kingdom's Eastern Province. The Global City project is being rolled out in three phases, with plans to open in November 2025.     View this post on...

As of April 19, Saudi Arabia has officially ended its temporary offer of a 50% discount on traffic fines. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the grace period has closed, meaning drivers who failed to pay their outstanding violations before April 18, 2024, will now need to pay the full amount. The discount program had been available since April 18, 2023, and applied to any traffic violations committed before April 18, 2024. During this time, drivers were allowed to pay fines either in full or through installment plans at half the original cost. Originally launched for six months, the program...

As Eid al Fitr 2025 approaches, it’s time to start planning for one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Knowing when public holidays fall helps ensure you can make the most of this joyous occasion. Following Founding Day on February 22, the next confirmed public holiday in Saudi Arabia is Eid al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Because Islamic holidays are tied to lunar cycles, the exact dates will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon by the official moon-sighting committee. When Is Ramadan 2025? Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025,...

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced an exciting step forward in the country's digital transformation: the launch of Google Pay in 2025. This development will bring a new level of convenience and accessibility to the payment landscape in Saudi Arabia. For Android users, this means seamless, contactless payments across stores, apps, and websites with just a tap. Google Wallet will allow users to securely add and manage their payment cards, offering a smoother and more secure shopping experience. While Apple Pay has been available since 2019, Google Pay's introduction will expand the digital payment options for residents, enhancing competition...