What to do in Saudi Arabia

Film lovers, mark your calendars! Red Sea International Film Festival is back to Jeddah for its fifth edition, running from December 4 to 13, 2025. Every year, this event transforms Al-Balad into a hub for storytelling, creativity, and global talent, and this one looks just as promising. Dedicated to celebrating diversity and innovation, the festival brings together filmmakers from around the world alongside fresh Saudi voices shaping the country’s cinematic scene. Whether you love thought-provoking dramas or quick, punchy shorts, there’s plenty to discover across its packed schedule. Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Line-up of Films The festival will...

Madinah International Book Fair 2025 is underway and welcoming readers, families, and culture lovers from across the Kingdom. Now in its fourth edition, the fair runs until August 4 at the King Salman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entry is free, and the fair is open daily from 2 PM to midnight. Visitors will find an extensive range of titles across literature, science, Islamic studies, and more. There’s also a diverse cultural programme including: Seminars Dialogue sessions Poetry evenings Creative workshops Prominent authors and cultural figures will join these events, offering a deeper look into various topics and ideas. At...

A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application. While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify...

AlUla Skies Festival is returning from April 18 to 27, 2025, bringing a mix of adventure and breathtaking views. Whether you’re into thrilling experiences or peaceful moments under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top activities and things to do, sorted from the most affordable to the priciest: 1. Hot Air Balloon Glow Show – From SAR 30 Watch giant balloons light up the night sky over Hegra and Elephant Rock, accompanied by fire shows and DJ music. A stunning visual treat at a great price! Available only on 18, 19, 25, & 26 April....

Riyadh Film Music Festival is back for its second edition, taking place from July 30 to August 8, 2025. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, this year’s festival will be held at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The event will bring together 80 internationally renowned film music composers for a unique cultural celebration. Audiences can expect an immersive blend of iconic films and live orchestral performances, with a professional orchestra from Armenia providing the soundtrack for the screenings. Here’s the list of featured film concerts during Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025: Top Gun:...

The expected dates for Eid Al Adha public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2024 have been announced. The holiday celebrations are set to begin on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and will likely conclude on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, official confirmation for these dates across all sectors will be provided closer to the time as per the moon sighting. The Eid al Adha festivities are anticipated to commence either on Saturday, June 15, 2024, or Sunday, June 16, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon. Eid al Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of...

Riyadh is preparing to welcome a major cultural landmark — the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park. Developed by the King Salman Park Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, this complex is set to become a key destination for arts and culture in Saudi Arabia. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the Royal Arts Complex combines modern architecture with traditional Salmani design elements, reflecting the heritage of Saudi Arabia while embracing contemporary styles. The complex will offer green spaces and immersive artistic experiences, making it a vibrant place for visitors. What’s Inside the Royal Arts Complex?...

Apple is set to make history in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its first flagship retail store by 2026, bringing an exciting new shopping experience for the brand fans. Ahead of the physical store launch, an Apple Store online will be available as early as summer 2025, providing access to the tech giant's full product lineup and support in Arabic. This marks a significant step in Apple's commitment to serving Saudi customers more personally and effectively. CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s focus on fostering deeper connections with Saudi users, enhancing their access to innovative technologies while supporting their...

Counting down to a long weekend? Saudi Founding Day 2026 is almost here, and if you’re planning how to spend it, you’ve got options. From historic parades to sea-view strolls and theme park rides, there are all things to do across KSA for every kind of mood. Saudi Founding Day falls on February 22 each year, and since King Salman declared it a public holiday in 2021, it’s become one of the biggest dates on the calendar. You can learn more about this holiday here. And if you're ready to celebrate, here’s your guide to Saudi Founding Day plans. Saudi...

Saint Levant is coming to Kuwait, and this is the night his fans have been waiting for. On Friday, December 5, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC) will host a performance that promises to be unforgettable. The 24-year-old Palestinian-French-Algerian rapper and singer has built a reputation for delivering music that is powerful and emotional, moving between Arabic, English, and French verses with precision and heart. This show will bring together the passion of his viral hits such as 'From Gaza,' 'With Love,' 'Very Few Friends,' and the lyrical depth of his latest 'Love Letters' album. Every song of Saint...