What to do in Riyadh

Indoor skiing enthusiasts, rejoice! Infinite Ski, Dubai’s renowned indoor ski facility, is branching out to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah. With its innovative approach to skiing and snowboarding, Infinite Ski is set to bring this thrilling experience to new audiences across the Middle East. Located in Dubai’s Al Quoz district, Infinite Ski is a go-to destination for beginners and seasoned skiers. Its Maxxtracks slopes, developed in the Netherlands, mimic the sensation of snow but don’t require bulky winter gear. Instead, you can ski in complete comfort while the adjustable speed and incline cater to your skill level — whether you’re...

Boutique brand Earth Hotels is preparing to make a splash in the Middle East hospitality scene. With a strong focus on design, sustainability, and lifestyle experiences, the brand is set to open four new properties across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by 2027. Each location brings a unique concept — from mangrove retreats to party-ready beach resorts. Here’s what’s coming up. Earth Mangroves in Umm Al Quwain, UAE Opening in 2025, this eco-conscious resort is nestled within Umm Al Quwain’s lush mangroves. The property will feature: 41 free-standing bungalows, including waterfront units Nature-based activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, and...

If you’re booked on a flydubai flight between UAE and KSA, take note of this before you head to the airport. From February 25, all Dubai-Riyadh flights arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) will operate from Terminal 5. The airport itself hasn’t changed. Only the terminal has, and that small detail can make a big difference on travel day. The Dubai-Riyadh air route is one of the busiest in the world. In 2025, it ranked seventh globally, with 4.465 million seats recorded across the year. That level of traffic reflects how strong the link is between...

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...

If you regularly drive into Saudi Arabia with a vehicle registered in another GCC country, this update is for you. The Kingdom has issued new rules that restrict the stay of vehicles registered in Gulf countries to 90 days within any 365-day period. These days can be consecutive or spread out across the year, meaning you could stay for 90 days in one trip or break it up into several shorter visits. The count begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through any customs port. The rule applies to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, residents, and expatriates, as...

Qatar has announced an important update for GCC residents who plan to visit the country. The visit visa period has been extended from one month to two months. Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry permit. These changes were introduced on November 30 and are available through the Haya platform, according to Qatar Tourism. The aim of this update is to make travel more convenient for GCC visitors. Qatar continues to host many cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022. A longer stay and the option to enter the country multiple times...

London’s iconic restaurants The Wolseley and Colbert are stepping into the hospitality world in a new way. Minor Hotels, in partnership with the Wolseley Hospitality Group, has announced plans to launch four hotel brands inspired by the well-known dining spots. At the core of this expansion is a focus on food-driven travel. The Colbert Collection is set to open in the Middle East, although the exact city and launch date are still under wraps. The brand aims to appeal to guests who seek authentic, neighbourhood-style experiences, with the restaurant itself forming the heart of the hotel.        ...

UK-based barefoot footwear brand Vivobarefoot has officially launched its regional e-commerce platform, vivobarefoot.me, making its products directly available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Operated by Andy Enterprises LLC, the brand’s authorised distributor in the region, the launch offers a tailored shopping experience for customers in the Gulf. Known for promoting natural foot movement and functional design, Vivobarefoot shoes are a minimal alternative to traditional footwear. The signature features — wide toe boxes, thin soles, and zero-drop construction — are designed to improve posture, strengthen feet, and allow the body to move as naturally as possible....