What to do in Saudi Arabia

Get ready, boxing fans! The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is set to host a blockbuster event on December 23rd – The Day of Reckoning. Brace yourselves for an epic night of heavyweight showdowns featuring some of the biggest names in the boxing world: Anthony Joshua, Einar Wallin, Joseph Parker, and Deontay Wilder. The highlight of the evening will be the clash between two-time World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and the formidable WBA Continental heavyweight title holder, Einar Wallin. The anticipation is palpable as fans wonder whether Joshua can maintain his status as the heavyweight king or if Wallin will prove...

Riyadh Metro is introducing new pricing for 2026, effective from January 1. If you are planning to use the metro regularly or are a student, here is an overview of the updated fare structure: Annual Pass (Standard class): SAR 1,260 Annual Pass (First class): SAR 3,150 Semester Pass for students: SAR 260 (valid for one academic term) These new ticket options will be available in both digital and plastic formats. Regular ticket prices remain unchanged since the metro launch in December 2024. The 2-Hour Pass is priced at SAR 4 for standard class and SAR 10 for first class. Additional...

Saudi Arabia marked Flag Day on March 11 with celebrations across the country, highlighting the national flag flying high on Jeddah’s 172-meter flagpole — the tallest in the world. The Saudi flag, featuring the Islamic declaration of faith and a sword, symbolizes monotheism, justice, and strength. It stands as a powerful emblem of the nation’s history and achievements. The Jeddah flagpole, a striking landmark in the city’s center, serves as a reminder of Saudi heritage and progress. This massive structure is not just about height — it carries deep national significance. The flagpole’s base showcases the country’s official emblem: two...

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has released updated guidelines for foreign visitors and GCC residents regarding the use of international and foreign driving licences in the Kingdom. For visitors, the rules allow driving in Saudi Arabia using a valid foreign or international driving licence for up to one year from the date of entry — or until the licence expires, whichever comes first. However, the licence must be valid for the same category of vehicle being driven. To be accepted, all licences must be translated by an accredited body, ensuring all information is clearly understood by local...

Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has announced that Hajj will no longer fall during the summer months until the year 2050. According to a newly published 25-year Hajj calendar, starting in 2026, the Islamic pilgrimage will gradually move into spring, followed by winter and autumn seasons — offering milder weather for millions of pilgrims. The shift is due to the nature of the Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic dates to move earlier each year, resulting in Hajj aligning with different seasons over time. Here’s how the seasons will...

Looking for a perfect beach day? Jeddah Waves has it all! This exciting beach venue offers a variety of water sports and activities that promise both relaxation and adventure. Here’s a rundown of what you can enjoy at Jeddah Waves. Beach Entry Kick off your day with the entry ticket, which gives you full-day access to the beach. Bask in the sun, dive into the refreshing waters, or join in on dynamic beach sports. Whether you want to relax or get your adrenaline pumping, this ticket covers it all. Paddle Experience – First Pitch Love paddle tennis? The Paddle Experience...

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is set for a major shift starting July 1, 2025, when new food labelling regulations officially come into effect. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced that all restaurants, cafés, food establishments, and delivery platforms must begin displaying full nutritional information on their menus — both physical and digital. The updated rules are part of a nationwide push to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and increase public awareness of sodium and caffeine consumption. Under the new guidelines, menus must now include: Saltshaker icons to indicate high-sodium dishes Caffeine content disclosures for beverages An estimate of...

Art lovers of the Saudi capital, get ready! Art Week Riyadh is launching for the first time from April 6 to 13, with a variety of exhibitions and creative events at JAX District and various locations across the city. What to Expect at Art Week Riyadh 2025 Art Week Riyadh invites everyone interested in contemporary art and culture to explore bold and thought-provoking works from over 45 galleries, collections, and artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, you’ll find plenty to see and do.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الفنون...

The Saudi Film Festival is back for its 11th edition, bringing a week of cinema, creativity, and industry connections to Dhahran. Running from April 17 to 23, 2025, the festival will once again be hosted at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), organized by the Cinema Association. As the oldest film festival in Saudi Arabia, this event is a major platform for local and international filmmakers. This year’s theme, "Cinema of Identity," explores how films shape personal and cultural identity. Alongside screenings of Saudi and global films, audiences will get a closer look at Japanese cinema, creating an...

Shrek The Musical is now in Riyadh! The beloved fairy tale-turned-blockbuster hit is playing at The Arena from May 1st to May 13th, bringing all the magic and hilarity of the original film to the stage. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning production that follows the story of a grumpy ogre named Shrek, who embarks on a quest to rescue a princess named Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Along the way, he encounters a talkative donkey, a conniving lord, and a host of other fairy tale characters. The...