What to do in Riyadh

If you're looking for a new place to try in the Saudi capital, you'll want to check out WADI Riyadh, the latest addition to Laysen Valley. This new restaurant specializes in Saudi fusion cuisine, offering a modern twist on traditional flavors. Wadi, which takes its name from the Arabic word for "river", combines high-quality ingredients with a luxurious dining experience to create something truly special. Located in a bustling area near Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter — this place offers not only great food but a full range of dining, retail, and office spaces, making it a prime spot to visit. View...

Riyadh food lovers, prepare your taste buds! The celebrated Persian eatery Berenjak is heading from the streets of London to the vibrant dining scene of Saudi Arabia this February. Nestled in the upscale Via Riyadh, this pop-up marks an exciting addition to the Middle East’s growing culinary landscape. Berenjak, whose name is inspired by the cheerful snack of toasted rice often enjoyed at Persian funfairs, brings a fresh take on Tehran’s traditional eateries. The restaurant transforms the concept of a humble Iranian "hole-in-the-wall" into a dynamic dining experience that captures the richness of Persian culture and cuisine. The Berenjak story...

Looking for a winter escape in Riyadh? Head to BLVD World where the snow fun starts on November 15. Riyadh Season 2025 brings back the crowd-favorite Courchevel Zone, delivering the magic of the French Alps right to Saudi Arabia. Snowflakes fall from the ceiling, mountain backdrops set the scene, and a ski lift model adds to the atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll find snowmen, Christmas trees, and statues of winter animals like polar bears and reindeer. There’s even a cozy fire inside an igloo, perfect for warming up and taking a photo. If you’re ready to ski, Courchevel Zone has...

Qiddiya City is quickly becoming the place to be in Saudi Arabia, and soon, it’ll be home to a brand-new hotel. Aquarabia Park Hotel, opening in January 2026, will be a great option for families, adventure seekers, or anyone looking to stay close to all the fun while still being able to relax. The 12-floor hotel is being built right inside Aquarabia Water Park, so guests will have direct access to the water park, so it’s easy to head straight into the fun. Aquarabia Park Hotel will have 550 rooms, combining comfort with fun water-themed touches. The rooms will have...

The JAX District in Riyadh is bringing back its much-loved Ramadan Market, running from March 6 to 15, 2025. Known for its shift from an industrial area to a buzzing creative space, JAX has become a go-to spot for cultural events — and its Ramadan Market is no exception. Last year’s edition was part of the Layali Biennale initiative, offering a lively atmosphere filled with delicious local food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors explored pop-up eateries serving traditional hot and cold dishes made from local ingredients, enjoyed live music performances, and found fun activities for kids. Beyond the market,...

As the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, visitors to SEF Arena can look forward to more than just high-stakes gaming. Running alongside the global competition is the Street Food Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission. The event will take place from July 10 to 19, at Boulevard City, from 6 PM to 1 AM daily. This culinary activation is designed to showcase the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture to both local and international guests. With esports players and fans gathering from all over the world, the festival offers a fitting opportunity to promote Saudi cuisine...

If you’re planning to stream Squid Game 3, you can now match your snack game to the series. Maestro Pizza has launched a special menu in partnership with Netflix, offering themed items based on the hit show — and it’s available for a limited time in Riyadh. The highlight is 456 Pizza, inspired by the show’s lead character and visual motifs. Topped with chicken, green peppers, and finished with a ranch swirl, the pizza channels the colours and mood of Squid Game. It comes in medium or large sizes, with a choice of dough, plus the option to customise further...

Mutah Beale, formerly known as "Napoleon" from the legendary Outlawz crew created by Tupac Shakur, has expanded his restaurant portfolio in Saudi Arabia with the opening of Bakers Field Café in Riyadh’s Hittin district. Following his successful ventures OKLA and the award-winning Smokey Beards Q, Beale’s new café brings a unique fusion of global flavors and quality ingredients to Riyadh's culinary scene.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mutah Napoleon Beale مطاع بيل (@mutahbeale) Bakers Field’s interior offers a sleek industrial-chic vibe, complete with high ceilings, earthy tones, and expansive windows. The two-story setup...

A major contemporary art event is coming to Riyadh! From February 24 to April 24, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX District will host Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations, an exhibition that brings together some of the most exciting Saudi artists working today. This is the first traveling group exhibition dedicated to contemporary Saudi art. Featuring 17 talented artists, the display includes paintings, installations, and video works that explore the country’s cultural heritage, personal memories, and evolving identity. Visitors can expect thought-provoking pieces that reflect on Saudi Arabia’s past and present through a modern artistic lens....

Riyadh Public Transport has introduced a set of fines to maintain order and encourage respectful behavior among passengers of Riyadh Metro. Below is an overview of 10 fines to help you stay informed and avoid any penalties while using the metro. Eating or drinking inside the metro will cost you SAR 100. If you’re thinking about munching on a snack or sipping your latte while riding, best to save those cravings for before or after your ride Smoking or vaping inside the metro is even more expensive: SAR 200 Bringing food or objects with unpleasant odours will cost you SAR...