What to do in Riyadh

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...

Riyadh’s food scene is expanding again — and this time, it’s all about street food. Burns Road Express has opened its doors in Gernata Square, right across from Al Shuhada Park, introducing the bold flavours of Karachi’s iconic Burns Road to the Saudi capital. The concept is inspired by one of Pakistan’s most famous food streets, where meals are served late into the night and diners gather for comforting favourites. The original Burns Road in Karachi dates back to the 1940s and is named after Scottish physician James Burnes. Riyadh now has its own version of that energy and tradition,...

Exciting news for aspiring chefs in Saudi Arabia – Gordon Ramsay Academy is coming to Riyadh! Scheduled to open by the end of 2025, this marks the first time Gordon Ramsay’s culinary school will be setting up shop in the Kingdom, and it’s creating quite a buzz. Located in the upcoming Narjis View Mall, it’ll offer a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most famous chefs in the world. With an international culinary icon like Gordon Ramsay backing the academy, you know you’re in good hands. Whether you dream of mastering gourmet dishes or pursuing a career in...

Ready to add some glow to your beauty routine? Moonglaze is now available at Sephora in Saudi Arabia! If you’ve been eyeing those signature highlighters and blush sticks, now’s the perfect time to try this makeup brand from Saudi entrepreneur and influencer Yara Alnamlah out and bring those beauties home. You can now shop Moonglaze’s glow-boosting highlighters and blush sticks at three Sephora locations in KSA: Nakheel Mall in Riyadh Jeddah Mall Dhahran Mall in Khobar This is a big moment for the region because it’s the first time a Saudi brand has launched at the beauty giant. View this...

Riyadh is set to host the Japan Festival from October 31 to November 1, 2025, marking an exciting cultural event for both locals and visitors. Held in the Diplomatic Quarter, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture right here in Saudi Arabia. The Japan Festival in Riyadh will feature a variety of family-friendly activities that showcase the rich traditions of Japan. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese culture or a first-time visitor, there's plenty to explore.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Embassy of Japan in KSA 在サウジアラビア日本大使館 (@japanembassy_ksa) This...

Coffee lovers in Riyadh have something new to look forward to — Pret A Manger is opening in Olaya Towers! This popular UK-based café chain is known for its fresh coffee, quick service, and healthy meals, making it a great choice for busy professionals and anyone who enjoys good food on the go. Founded in London in 1984, Pret has built a reputation for serving organic coffee and freshly made meals without artificial preservatives. Their menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and pastries, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. If you need a quick but nutritious bite,...

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 –...

SEVEN is bringing a whole new world of entertainment to Riyadh in 2026, and it’s going to be huge. Imagine a place in Al Hamra packed with all sorts of fun stuff, from futuristic bowling rides to indoor surfing, all across a space as big as 12 football fields. Yes, you read that right; it’s going to be massive! In total, there will be 10 zones. In the heart of it all is the world’s first-ever Transformers Experience, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an action-packed movie. If you’re looking for thrills, you'll find a lot of options under...

If you’re planning Umrah, you know how important it is to be prepared. The rituals are deeply meaningful, but the logistics can feel overwhelming, especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. To make things easier for foreign pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has issued the official Umrah guide in 16 international languages. The guide follows takes you through entire journey: from the moment you prepare at home to the completion of your pilgrimage. It starts with pre-travel requirements like visas and permits, then walks you through the rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. No matter where you’re coming from or...

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has just launched the first-ever AFC Fashion Fund, aimed at supporting Arab talent in the global fashion industry. The biennial program is designed to help one ready-to-wear (RTW) designer scale their brand internationally, with a total value of USD 500,000 over a two-year period. To be eligible, applicants must be RTW designers holding citizenship from any Arab League country. The chosen designer will also benefit from guidance by an advisory board made up of editors, investors, and fashion industry leaders. The winner will be announced later in 2025.     View this post on Instagram...