What to do in Saudi Arabia

AlUla Moments returns for its fourth edition, offering a captivating array of experiences that highlight the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Spanning until April 2025, this festival showcases AlUla’s stunning landscapes through a diverse lineup of flagship festivals, artistic showcases, sporting challenges, and live music events. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit. AlUla Trail Race (January 23–24, 2025) Trail runners, prepare for an epic adventure. This ultra-marathon offers a 100-kilometer route through iconic landmarks like Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the Maraya Concert Hall, with an elevation gain of over 1,770 meters. For less...

Thinking of visiting Saudi Arabia? Good news! The visa process has gotten easier than ever with the introduction of instant visa. Available from June 12, this e-visa can be obtained by UK, US, and Schengen visa holders, as well as permanent residents of these countries and any EU member state. The visa application can be submitted through the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requiring a valid passport and proof of residency or a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa. The new Saudi instant visa opens doors for tourists to attend events, exhibitions, and conferences and perform Umrah throughout the...

This year’s Riyadh Season is set to dazzle with a mix of art, culture, and high fashion, and one of the highlights is the much-anticipated Christian Dior, The Designer of Dreams Exhibition. Opening on October 28th at the Al Murabaa National Museum, this exhibition offers an exclusive glimpse into the world of couture, paired with an elegant pop-up Dior Cafe and a stylish souvenir shop. A Dreamy Dior Experience The DesExhibition is nothing short of a fashion lover’s paradise. With over 500 couture dresses from Dior’s archives, visitors can explore the brand’s rich history and iconic designs. The exhibition takes you on a...

The wait is over—Ramadan 2025 is officially set to begin on March 1st, as announced by Saudi authorities following the sighting of the crescent moon. The holy month, observed by millions of Muslims around the world, marks a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The sighting of the Ramadan crescent was confirmed by the official Haramin moon sighting association, aligning with Islamic traditions that determine the start of the lunar month. With this announcement, Muslims will begin their first fast at dawn on Saturday, March 1st.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by haramain __info (@haramain__info)...

Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 95th National Day on September 23, 2025, and this year’s theme has just been revealed: “Pride in Our Nature.” The announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and the Saudi Boxing Federation, via his official X account. The theme honours the Kingdom’s heritage and highlights the strength and resilience that continue to shape its future. The 2025 National Day identity is made up of six visual symbols, each representing a distinct Saudi value. These elements are inspired by culture and history, combining traditional references with modern design. Generosity and hospitality represented...

Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 is officially coming back on October 2-11, hosted at King Saud University. This annual event draws huge interest from across the country and abroad — and for good reason. In 2024, over a million visitors came through the doors, and this year’s edition promises a wide selection of books, authors, and cultural experiences once again. Visitors can expect a massive collection of books from publishers around the world. Whether you're into fiction or nonfiction, academic titles or art books, there’s something for every interest and reading level. Genres range from contemporary novels and memoirs to...

The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is back in Jeddah just next weekend — and it’s not just about fast cars. The post-race concerts are a big draw, and this year’s line-up is looking solid. One of the latest names added? Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR, who’s set to hit the stage on Saturday, April 19.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Saudi Arabian GP (@saudiarabiangp) Known for his moody R&B sound and close ties with Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR (real name Jahron Brathwaite) first gained attention with his debut mixtape in 2013. Songs like “Break from...

Diriyah Season is in full swing until March 2025, promising a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and art in Ad-Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. This annual event offers a wide range of activities for visitors to explore, from historical exhibits and interactive workshops to fine dining and outdoor experiences. The 2024-25 theme, “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” invites attendees to connect with Diriyah’s rich 600-year heritage and enjoy a diverse program that blends tradition with modernity. Here’s a detailed look at what’s planned so far: Imam Turki bin Abdullah Exhibition Running until January 11, 2025, this exhibition highlights the life...

Saudi Arabia is no stranger to bold construction projects, and its latest plan is set to break records. The North Pole project, recently announced by Saudi Arabia Holding Co., will feature a 2-kilometer-tall skyscraper — the tallest structure ever built. The Rise Tower, as it’s called, will be located in northern Riyadh, forming the centerpiece of a new central business district. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has started the bidding process for the tower, with costs estimated at around USD 5 billion, though the final price will depend on the design. To put things in perspective, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa stands...

In a groundbreaking announcement, the International Olympic Committee revealed that Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025 and will continue to host the event for the next 12 years. This decision marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom, propelling it further into the global sports spotlight. The announcement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and elevate the country's international profile. This announcement couldn't have come at a better time, as Saudi Arabia is currently hosting the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. This event, which...