What to do in Saudi Arabia

Travelers passing through Saudi Arabia will soon have a new shopping experience! The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Al Waha Duty-Free, the country’s first locally owned duty-free retail operator. This move aims to expand travel shopping options while contributing to the national economy. Al Waha Duty-Free will open stores in major airports and is also planning to extend its presence to land borders, seaports, and even inflight shopping. Passengers can expect a mix of high-end international brands and premium Saudi products, making their travel experience more convenient and exciting. This launch is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger vision to...

AlUla is adding another architectural and hospitality milestone to its growing list of developments. The AlUla Development Company (UDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled the concept for NUMAJ, a 250-room luxury hotel developed in partnership with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. The property is set to open in 2027. Inspired by both astronomy and cultural heritage, the name NUMAJ takes reference from Nu Ursae Majoris, a star system used by ancient travellers in the region. It also nods to the Arabic phrase Al Kafzah al Ula, or "the first leap," highlighting the spirit of discovery...

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new voluntary pension and savings programme that will extend to both Saudi nationals and foreign workers. This initiative, called Public Pension and Savings Programme, aims to encourage local savings and reduce the outflow of remittances. As of the first quarter of 2025, 77% of the country’s social insurance system subscribers were expatriates. Last year, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia sent home SAR 144.2 billion in remittances, which is 14% more than in 2023. Over the last decade, total remittances have reached SAR 1.43 trillion. The new programme is designed to allow foreign workers...

Riyadh’s food scene just got more flavourful. Blu Pizzeriá, the Dubai-born concept inspired by Naples, Italy, has officially landed in An Nakheel, Riyadh. After building a fan base in both Abu Dhabi (opened in October 2024) and Dubai, the much-loved pizzeria is now in its soft opening phase in the Saudi capital. Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh offers a cosy yet elevated dining experience, featuring dark wood interiors, plush seating, and lush decorative greenery. The design is as carefully considered as the menu, creating a welcoming space for pizza lovers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

A major contemporary art event is coming to Riyadh! From February 24 to April 24, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX District will host Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations, an exhibition that brings together some of the most exciting Saudi artists working today. This is the first traveling group exhibition dedicated to contemporary Saudi art. Featuring 17 talented artists, the display includes paintings, installations, and video works that explore the country’s cultural heritage, personal memories, and evolving identity. Visitors can expect thought-provoking pieces that reflect on Saudi Arabia’s past and present through a modern artistic lens....

Wondering what’s making Riyadh buzz this December? It’s Riyadh Music Week 2025 (RMW25), running from December 4 to 13. This weeklong event is bringing music, creativity, and innovation together in a way that’s never been seen before in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re into big concerts or intimate music sessions, RMW25 has it all. Riyadh Music Week will have a strong focus on uncovering the next generation of artists. With small, more personal events taking place in warehouses, cafés, studios, and open-air spaces, you'll get no shortage of entertainment. XP Music Futures 2025 (December 4-6) This year, the event will feature...

The region of AlUla is introducing a new public transport project that aims to improve visitor access to some of Saudi Arabia’s most important heritage sites. The AlUla tramway, expected to launch operational services in the second half of 2027, will become the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway. The tramway will cover 22.4 kilometres and include 17 stations, each featuring a distinct architectural design. The route follows the historic path of the former Hijaz railway. It will connect five of AlUla’s most important heritage sites: AlUla Old Town Dadan Jabal Ikmah Nabataean Horizon Hegra Historical City (a UNESCO World Heritage...

If you’re on the hunt for a truly authentic Saudi dining experience with a modern twist, NOMAS in Riyadh should be on your radar. With a cozy setting that seats just 35 guests, this fine dining restaurant at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter offers more than just a meal – it offers a cultural journey complete with signature Saudi hospitality and live oud performances that add a special touch to the evening. This summer, Saudi Arabia introduced 12 new rules for fine dining restaurants, ensuring that dining venues adhere to the highest standards of service and quality. As soon as...

Get ready, pet lovers and festival-goers! The Riyadh Dog Festival 2024 is making a grand return as part of this year’s Riyadh Season — and it’s bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for December 2–7 and head to the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham for an unforgettable experience. Building on the incredible success of its 2023 debut, this global festival has grown in size and scope. What began as a groundbreaking event featuring 250 dog breeds is now hosting over 350 adorable pups from around the world.     View this post on Instagram   A...

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....