What to do in Riyadh

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Big changes are coming to Riyadh, and they’re bringing more greenery and activity to the city’s life! Two massive public parks are planned for the eastern and southern parts of the city. While the exact opening dates aren’t confirmed yet, here’s a first look at what’s coming. These parks will feature everything from golf courses and sports fields to jogging tracks and family-friendly areas. Whether you’re into fitness, sports, or just looking to relax with the family, there’ll be plenty of space to enjoy. Parents can expect cool playgrounds for their little ones. Sports lovers can hit the fields or...

Several countries are stepping up to protect young players from harmful content in online games, taking measures to make digital spaces safer and more responsible. In line with this trend, Roblox has blocked over 300,000 games in Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Media Regulation. The move targets games that could encourage inappropriate behaviour and aims to safeguard children while keeping the platform aligned with local culture. Roblox has temporarily paused the “Social Gathering Games” category in Saudi Arabia and turned off text and voice chat while it develops new moderation tools in Arabic....

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 discover a side of the Saudi art story most people haven’t seen yet? Step inside Bedayat exhibition at the National Museum in Riyadh and you’ll find the early chapters of the Saudi art movement laid out in front of you. It is open to visitors until April 11. Inside, you’ll find more than 250 artworks created by 73 artists, along with archival documents that show how art education and early exhibitions developed across the Kingdom. The exhibition looks at the period when Saudi artists began studying formally, organising shows, and shaping what would become the country’s modern art...

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...

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,...

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...

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 –...