What to do in Saudi Arabia

With Eid Al Adha around the corner, Riyadh’s transport authority has rolled out an adjusted schedule for metro and bus services, aiming to accommodate shifting travel habits during the holiday period. The changes will be in place from June 5 to June 14, before regular operations resume on June 15. Metro Operating Hours during Eid Al Adha in Riyadh Metro services across all lines will end daily at midnight during the holiday. However, start times will vary by date and line. Orange Line: Daily: 10 AM to midnight Back to regular schedule (6 AM start) on June 15 Other Metro...

Get ready for a thrilling sports extravaganza as the Neom Beach Games returns for its third edition from November 3rd to 23rd, 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of Saudi Arabia's futuristic megaproject, Neom, the games will bring together more than 1,000 athletes, coaches, and team officials from over 25 countries. What to Expect at Neom Beach Games 2024 This year’s Neom Beach Games promises a lineup of six action-packed sporting events, each designed to showcase the incredible natural beauty and innovative spirit of Neom. Athletes will compete in a wide range of sports, including beach soccer, 3×3 basketball, mountain...

As the iconic Egyptian pop sensation, Amr Diab gears up for his highly anticipated tour featuring his latest album, "Makanak," fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. The tour promises to be a musical extravaganza, with the first stop scheduled at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on March 2nd, followed by a mesmerizing performance at the Al Dana Amphitheater in Bahrain on April 26th. To make sure you're well-prepared for this musical journey, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of Amr Diab's most unforgettable live performances. London (2006) One of Diab's standout performances was at the...

Eid in Saudi Arabia isn’t complete without a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the night sky! If you're excited to catch the dazzling display without spending a riyal, we’ve got you covered. The fireworks will go off on the first day of Eid at 9 PM, and here are the best places across the country to enjoy them. 1. Boulevard World in Riyadh The Kingdom's capital is pulling out all the stops this Eid! Boulevard World will be the city’s prime fireworks spot, buzzing with energy, music, and a lively crowd. Grab your friends and family, find a good spot,...

Get ready for a transportation revolution in Saudi Arabia! The much-anticipated Riyadh Metro is set to begin operations with its first phase rolling out on November 27. This milestone marks the debut of what is hailed as the longest driverless metro system in the world. The initial launch will see three lines opening, as confirmed by Riyadh Metro on X (formerly Twitter). With a total of six lines, the entire metro network will span an impressive 176 kilometers and include 84 stations. The second phase, which will complete the remaining three routes, is expected to be operational by mid-December. At...

Saudi Arabia has unveiled new rules aimed at simplifying ID and visa processes for expatriates and their dependents. The General Directorate of Passports has announced two key updates that impact residents currently outside the Kingdom. Under the new regulations, dependents of expatriates and domestic workers who are abroad can now renew their resident IDs remotely. This change eliminates the need for physical presence in the Kingdom for this essential process. Additionally, expatriates outside Saudi Arabia can extend exit and re-entry visas — whether single or multiple — through streamlined digital platforms. These services are accessible via the Ministry of Interior's...

Saudi Arabia will host the first Riyadh Comedy Festival this autumn as part of its growing calendar of entertainment events. Running from September 26 to October 9, 2025, the festival will take place in Boulevard City and is set to feature over 50 comedians from around the world. The event was officially announced by Turki Al Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), through his X (formerly Twitter) account. It will be part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment initiative that supports Vision 2030 goals for tourism and economic diversification. First Headliners of Riyadh Comedy...

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...

Riyadh is set to welcome a remarkable guest this January — Sir Anthony Hopkins, the legendary Oscar-winning actor. But this time, he’s not here to act. Instead, he’s bringing a different kind of artistry to the stage: his music. Hopkins, known worldwide for his iconic roles in film, is also a passionate composer. For Riyadh Season, he has crafted original musical compositions that will be performed in a special concert titled “Life is a Dream.” The prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Matthew Freeman, will bring these compositions to life.     View this post on Instagram   A...

If you're planning a trip to Makkah around Hajj time, there are some important updates you need to be aware of. Saudi Arabia has announced a strict new rule: only people with a valid Hajj permit or official permission to live or work in Makkah can stay in the city's hotels during the pilgrimage season. This decision kicks in from April 29, 2025 (Dhul-Qi'dah 1, 1446 AH) and lasts until Hajj ends. The aim of the temporary ban is to make sure pilgrims have a safe, organized experience without overcrowding. Who Can’t Enter Makkah During Hajj 2025? Saudi Arabia’s Ministry...