What to do in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is taking rail travel to the next level with the launch of Land Bridge, a massive high-speed rail project that will connect the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. Spanning about 1,500 kilometres, it will link Jeddah on the west coast to Dammam on the east, passing through Riyadh in between. Once complete, Land Bridge will turn long road trips into quick, comfortable journeys. Imagine that the travel time between Jeddah and Riyadh will take less than four hours by train (instead of 12 hours by car). Often called a “desert miracle,” Land Bridge is one of the...

A major new name in global shopping is about to land in Saudi Arabia. Westfield, the internationally recognised retail brand behind some of the world’s most visited malls, will soon be making its mark in the Kingdom — starting with Westfield Riyadh. This development follows a 10-year exclusive franchise partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Cenomi Centers and Westfield. Under the agreement, Cenomi Centers will rebrand up to eight of its existing malls across the country, bringing the Westfield experience to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Among the first to carry the Westfield name are the upcoming projects: Jawharat Riyadh Jawharat Jeddah Nakheel...

This June, Riyadh is hosting an exciting event that combines fun and a good cause. The "For Tomorrow" musical play will take place from June 20th to 22nd at Princess Nourah University's Blue Hall. It's a family-friendly event designed to entertain people of all ages while promoting important social values. The special part about this show is that all the money raised from the play will be donated to the Sanad Association, which supports children with cancer. This means that by attending, you will not only enjoy a great show but also help children in need.     View this...

Riyadh's culinary scene is about to get a major upgrade this October with the arrival of the world-renowned Japanese restaurant, Zuma. Known for its exquisite dining experiences and celebrity fans, Zuma is setting up shop in the prestigious King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Zuma’s journey began in 2002 when Reiner Becker opened the first restaurant in London followed by its sister restaurant, ROKA, in 2004. These London-based eateries quickly gained international acclaim, paving the way for Zuma locations in cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Cannes, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and more.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Saudi Arabia has rolled out a set of regulations that redefine what fine dining means across the Kingdom. The move aims to improve guest experiences, raise industry standards, and make the country’s high-end dining scene more appealing to both local and international visitors. The new rules were issued by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. In total, twelve requirements have been introduced, focusing on service quality, operations, and brand positioning. Key Details on the New Regulations for Fine Dining Restaurants in Saudi Arabia Service expectations at fine dining restaurants are now much more structured. Every guest must be...

Looking for an exciting outdoor event in Riyadh? The Sand Dunes Festival is happening on March 14-15, 2025, at Sand Sports Park on Sports Boulevard, and it's completely free to attend! Whether you're into cycling, running, or just looking for a great family day out, this festival has something for everyone. The festival takes place at the newly opened Sand Sports Park, a 20-square-kilometer outdoor space located southeast of King Khalid International Airport, and a part of large-scale linear park in Riyadh. Night Cycling on Friday, March 14 Kick off the festival with a thrilling night ride! The cycling event...

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Ramadan Season 2025, a traditional festival that brings communities together through culture, food, and festivities. Returning for its third edition, the event will take place in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, filling the cities with the spirit of the Holy Month. This year’s theme, “Our Nights Have Returned,” promises vibrant celebrations across key locations. In Riyadh, expect Olaya Street and The Ghadeer Walkway to glow with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by موسم رمضان (@ramadanseasonsa) Over in Jeddah, the Corniche will be...

The Moroccan-born coffee brand Bacha Coffee is expanding to Riyadh. While the official opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet, the upcoming branch will be located in Solitaire Mall, one of the city’s newest high-end destinations. Bacha Coffee was founded in 1910 in Marrakesh, and quickly became more than just a café. It was a cultural and political meeting place for visitors from around the world — including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, who enjoyed Arabic coffee during their time in Morocco. After a long period of closure, the brand was revived in 2017 as a museum and in 2019...

The historic Red Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is getting a new lease on life. Built in 1943 by King Abdulaziz, the founding father of Saudi Arabia, this iconic palace is being transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel by the Boutique Group, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This transformation will preserve the palace's rich history while giving it a modern twist. Originally a gift to King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the Red Palace has seen decades of historic events. It was the first building in Saudi Arabia made with reinforced concrete and served as the headquarters for the...

Saudi Arabia has proudly welcomed its eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Faw. Nestled in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, between the Empty Quarter and the Tuwaiq mountain range, Al-Faw's designation as a UNESCO site highlights its significant historical and cultural value. Al-Faw was a key point on ancient trade routes, bustling with activity for thousands of years. Archaeologists have unearthed approximately 12,000 remains at the site, revealing tools from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras, intricate rock carvings, and an advanced ancient water management system. This area was a thriving settlement until it was abandoned around the fifth century CE. Throughout its long history,...