What to do in Saudi Arabia

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...

Get ready, Jeddah! The much-anticipated Balad Beast 2025 is bringing an electrifying two-day festival to the heart of the historic Al-Balad district from January 30-31, 2025. With more than 70 artists performing across four immersive stages, this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all genres.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by MDLBEAST (@mdlbeast) Hosted by MDLBeast, the event will transform UNESCO-listed Al-Balad with unique setups in spaces like Souq Square and Roshn Square. The festival lineup, yet to be revealed, traditionally features a blend of top global and regional talent....

Get ready to go on a delectable journey through the world of dates because from December 5th to 14th, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will be hosting the renowned World of Dates Expo – an event that promises to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of dates in Saudi Arabia. The exhibit will feature many exciting spaces, including a Global Cooking and Tasting Zone where six international kitchens join to create a delicious menu centered around the humble date. It's not just a tasting, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you across borders and showcase the...

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...

Buckle up, motorsport lovers, because Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia is gearing up to add a thrilling chapter to its racing legacy with the introduction of the Speed Park Track. As the Kingdom revs its engines for the upcoming Formula One race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 9, 2024, Speed Park Track could potentially become Formula One's next sought-after destination. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the Speed Park Track is not your average racetrack. Designed by the dynamic duo of Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and renowned German circuit designer Hermann Tilke,...

Food lovers, get ready! The Food Culture Festival is back, bringing delicious bites and exciting experiences to three cities across Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a fan of international flavors or eager to explore Saudi cuisine, this festival is a must-visit. Food Culture Festival 2025 Dates & Locations: Al Khobar: January 29 – February 2 Riyadh: February 5 – 9 Jeddah: February 12 – 16 Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Quality of Life Programme, the event goes beyond food — it’s a celebration of culinary arts, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences.     View this post...

Prepare to experience Riyadh like never before as Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, returns for its fourth edition. This stunning event, running from 28th November to 14th December, will transform the city into a radiant celebration of creativity and innovation. The 2024 theme, "Light Years Apart," will create a magical and otherworldly experience with over 60 artworks spread across the city. Expect to be amazed by the scale and diversity of the installations, from striking outdoor displays to captivating light projections, each bringing a unique artistic vision to life.     View this post on Instagram  ...

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...

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...

The Riyadh Public Transport Company has announced the launch of two additional stations on the Orange Line of the Riyadh Metro, continuing the steady expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship public transportation project. The newly opened Railway Station and Jarir District Station are now fully operational. The Orange Line — officially known as Line 3 — runs for 40.7 kilometres, connecting Medina Road in the west to Prince Saad bin Abdulrahman I Road in the east. With these new stops, the metro's reach extends deeper into densely populated neighborhoods, offering smoother transit flows and reducing travel times for thousands of residents....