What to do in Riyadh

Joggers and early risers in Saudi Arabia have something new to add to their summer calendars. Summer Splash 2025 is arriving this July, offering fun run with a bit of splash across three cities — Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar. The event is organised by Race Arabia and is open to all levels, from first-timers to regular joggers. It kicks off in Jeddah on July 4, before heading to Riyadh on July 11 and Al Khobar on July 18.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Race Arabia (@racearabia) Summer Splash 2025 in Riyadh –...

Riyadh Season is kicking off with a bang as UFC Power Slap 17 returns to Mohammed Abdo Arena on October 31. If you haven’t seen Power Slap before, it’s exactly what it sounds like: two contestants going head-to-head with some serious slapping action. And this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The night will be headlined by the welterweight title clash between the undefeated Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn vs No. 4 contender Cole “Full Send” Young. Blackburn, who has held the belt since Power Slap 8, is known for his precision and calm under pressure. But Young, coming off a...

Riyadh’s Al Olaya district has welcomed a new café that’s giving waffles a design-forward spotlight. Novu Waffle, the latest evolution of a once-small takeaway concept, has opened its doors with a full café experience — and a bold visual identity to match. The 100-square-metre venue stands out not just for its food, but for its interior, designed by Spanish design studio Masquespacio. The space is minimalist and monochrome, with clean white walls, floors, and furnishings subtly interrupted by a warm yellow glow.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dezeen (@dezeen) The grid pattern of...

Riyadh is rapidly becoming a hotspot for coworking spaces, but not all of them have the spark to inspire creativity. That’s where Sudds comes in. Set to open soon in Via Riyadh, this new space is designed to be more than just a place to work — it's a blend of a social hub, dining destination, and coworking space. The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and stimulates fresh ideas. Unlike typical office spaces, Sudds draws inspiration from a boutique hotel. Think tiled marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and black marble desks. The plush leather chairs and open...

Qiddiya City is taking another big step toward becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment. In a newly announced global partnership with the Faldo Series, the city has revealed plans for an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. The course is expected to open in 2026 and is part of Qiddiya’s strategy to support sporting development in Saudi Arabia, particularly among youth. The partnership with the Faldo Series — a well-known international platform for young golf talent — reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in grassroots sports under Vision 2030. The upcoming course won’t...

WICKED The Musical is coming Riyadh this December, bringing the magical story of Oz to life for the very first time in the Middle East. Hosted at the King Fahad Cultural Center from December 3 to December 20, this highly anticipated production will give local audiences the chance to experience one of the world’s most beloved shows. WICKED The Musical: About the Production The show will transport you into a world of magic, wonder, and unforgettable music! WICKED tells the untold story of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, who start as friends but soon find themselves on different paths. Elphaba...

Are you a Squid Game fan? Now you can test your survival skills in Squid Game Virtuals, coming to Boulevard City, Riyadh! From 5 PM to 12 AM, dive into thrilling mini-games inspired by the hit Netflix show. Compete in three intense challenges and see if you have what it takes to be the last one standing!     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by بوليڤارد سيتي (@blvdruhcity) Red Light, Green Light: stop at the right moment, or face elimination! Glass Bridge: choose your steps wisely or risk falling. High Score Battle: compete with friends to...

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its game in the world of sports with an exciting new announcement. The Kingdom is set to build the grand King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, aiming to be one of the largest sports stadiums in the world. This move aligns perfectly with their goal of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and is a big part of Saudi Vision 2030. A Stunning Design Inspired by Nature The King Salman Stadium will be located next to the newly announced King Salman Park and will cover an impressive 660,000 square meters. The stadium’s design is inspired...

This August, Terhal is making its return to Diriyah. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the second edition of this immersive theatrical production will run from August 4 to 25, 2025 at Mayadeen, Diriyah, one of Riyadh’s most historic venues. The production blends theatrical storytelling with visuals, using lighting and special effects to bring Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and history to life. From mountains and deserts to bustling cities and quiet villages, Terhal paints a vivid portrait of the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by وزارة الثقافة MOC (@mocsaudi)...

Saudi Arabia is set to take the spotlight in the global music scene with the hosting of Intervision Song Contest 2026 in Riyadh. After a successful inaugural edition in Moscow, the competition will make its way to KSA, offering a unique platform for music and cultural exchange. What is Intervision Song Contest? Intervision is a fresh music competition that stands apart from traditional contests by merging art with cultural identity. This format encourages a celebration of diverse sounds and traditions, making it a unique addition to the global music competition scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...