What to do in Riyadh

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...

Looking for an enjoyable way to start the new year near Riyadh? The Al-Hariq Citrus Festival returns from January 1 to January 10, 2025, offering a unique blend of local flavors, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities — all with free entry. Located in the picturesque Al-Hariq Governorate, just a short drive from Riyadh, this annual festival celebrates the region's renowned citrus harvest. Expect to find an abundance of freshly picked oranges, lemons, tangerines, and citrons, along with other locally sourced goods such as dates, honey, strawberries, and traditional oud. The journey itself is part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy...

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...

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...

Riyadh’s culinary scene just got to a whole new level with the opening of Che Figata, the latest Italian restaurant already welcoming guests at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel. Under the leadership of Chef Rino Serra, the restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors, blending tradition with innovation.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laura - لَورا | Expat family | Riyadh | Daily Stories (@laura_in_saudiarabia) Che Figata, meaning “how cool” in Italian, is inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Piedmont, Tuscany, Calabria, and Sicily, the menu offers a journey through Italy’s culinary heritage. Expect to indulge in...

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...

Via Riyadh Summer Pop-Up is returning this season — and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Running from August 7 to 30, the pop-up brings together top luxury lifestyle brands, fashion labels, and restaurant experiences, all in one place. If you’re into shopping, food or both, this limited-time event is worth adding to your agenda. The pop-up will feature more than 25 brands, including some of the world’s best-known names like: Dolce & Gabbana Elie Saab Tom Ford These global icons will be joined by leading Saudi brands, offering a blend of international flair and local creativity.  ...

Step into the enchanting Harry Potter Experience during Riyadh Season and immerse yourself in the wizarding world. From sipping Butterbeer to flying on a broomstick, here’s what you can look forward to. Savor the Famous Butterbeer For 29 SAR, treat yourself to the iconic Butterbeer, a creamy and frothy delight straight from the streets of Hogsmeade. Collect Wizarding Candy and Cards Remember the collectible wizard cards from the films? Now’s your chance to grab magical candy that includes these keepsakes. A delicious snack with a touch of nostalgia!     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Get ready for SEA Expo Riyadh 2025 — the biggest entertainment and amusement event in Saudi Arabia! From May 20 to 22, the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center will host top global and local brands, industry experts, and thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest in entertainment technology and attractions. This year’s SEA Expo is bigger than ever, promising its attendees: 20,000+ industry professionals shaping the future of entertainment 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest amusement and leisure innovations A buzzing arena experience worth $215,000 in PR value Co-location with SLS Expo, making it the ultimate industry gathering Expect...

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to grow, and the arrival of Abou el Sid adds a rich cultural note to the mix. Known for serving authentic Egyptian cuisine for over two decades, this beloved Cairo-born restaurant has officially opened in The Esplanade, following its debut in Jeddah. With interiors inspired by a traditional Egyptian household, the new Riyadh branch balances nostalgia and comfort. The space features patterned tiled floors, minimalist wooden furniture, and soft turquoise couches. Walls adorned with retro photos and soft lighting create a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, enhanced by Tanoura dance performances during select evenings.     View...