What to do in Saudi Arabia

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...

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,...

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...

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...

Riyadh’s metro system will now start operations at 5:30 AM daily, the city’s public transport authority announced on Friday, September 5. The earlier schedule aims to better accommodate students, employees, and other commuters who travel in the early hours. The change comes after a noticeable rise in passenger demand and aligns with the capital’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and make daily travel across Riyadh more convenient. Passenger numbers have been climbing steadily, and the authorities see this schedule change as a step toward encouraging residents to rely less on private cars and navigate...

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’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has confirmed that Tuesday, September 23 will be a public holiday for the Kingdom’s 95th National Day. The day off applies to employees in both the government and private sectors, with schools, banks, and official offices also pausing operations so everyone can join the celebrations. National Day marks the historic unification of the country in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. It has been observed since 1965 during the reign of King Faisal, and was officially made a permanent holiday in 2005 by King Abdullah. Every year it brings people together...

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is set for a major shift starting July 1, 2025, when new food labelling regulations officially come into effect. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced that all restaurants, cafés, food establishments, and delivery platforms must begin displaying full nutritional information on their menus — both physical and digital. The updated rules are part of a nationwide push to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and increase public awareness of sodium and caffeine consumption. Under the new guidelines, menus must now include: Saltshaker icons to indicate high-sodium dishes Caffeine content disclosures for beverages An estimate of...

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...

Suwaidi Park is back as part of Riyadh Season 2025, and it’s bringing the world to one place. This year, the free-entry zone celebrates 13 cultures from across the globe. It’s open every day until December 20, filling the air with music, dance, food, and colour. The park takes visitors on a journey through food stalls serving authentic dishes, vibrant folk performances, and markets filled with handcrafted treasures. Each week, a new culture takes the spotlight, creating a different experience every time you visit. Families can explore pavilions, enjoy open-air concerts, and soak in a carnival-like atmosphere. View this post...