What to do in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Season is returning with a bang, with new events being announced every day. An exciting addition is the UFC Power Slap, which will be making its debut in Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2025. What is Power Slap? If you’re unfamiliar with Power Slap, the name says it all. This sport is all about power and precision, where two competitors go head-to-head in a series of slaps—yes, slaps. The goal is simple: deliver the hardest, most accurate slap to knock down your opponent. But there’s more to it than just brute strength. Each match is structured and follows specific...

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

Get ready to witness one of the biggest music events in the world as MDLBEAST's Soundstorm Festival returns to Riyadh this year. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience on December 14, 15, and 16 as the city comes alive with pulsating beats, electrifying performances, and an atmosphere filled with pure musical euphoria. This extraordinary festival, which debuted in 2019, has consistently pushed boundaries and created a true haven for music lovers in the Middle East. Looking back at the previous years' events, Soundstorm has boasted an impressive lineup that has left attendees in awe. From chart-topping international acts to...

Riyadh’s food scene continues to evolve, and now it’s making room for one of London’s standout burger joints. Supernova, the minimalist concept known for doing classic cheeseburgers right, is getting ready to open in Al Nakheel — and for fans of straightforward, flavour-focused dining, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Supernova built its name in London by keeping things simple. The interiors are crisp and unfussy, and the menu stays focused on what matters: classic and house cheeseburgers (depending on the choice of sauce) hand-cut fries sundaes with caramel or chocolate topping for dessert          ...

Get ready for SEA Expo Riyadh 2025 — the biggest entertainment and amusement event in Saudi Arabia! From May 20 to 22, the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center will host top global and local brands, industry experts, and thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest in entertainment technology and attractions. This year’s SEA Expo is bigger than ever, promising its attendees: 20,000+ industry professionals shaping the future of entertainment 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest amusement and leisure innovations A buzzing arena experience worth $215,000 in PR value Co-location with SLS Expo, making it the ultimate industry gathering Expect...

A new law in Saudi Arabia will soon allow foreign individuals and companies to own property in the Kingdom, starting from January 2026. This marks a major policy shift aimed at supporting Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to grow the economy beyond oil and attract more international investment. Under the new rules, expats living in the Gulf and foreign investors abroad will be able to purchase real estate in approved areas, even without Saudi citizenship. The law covers both individuals and companies, making this open to a broad range of buyers. At the moment, a list of approved zones...

AlUla Wellness Festival is back for its fourth edition, happening from October 24 to November 1, 2025. This year, the event is all about growth, movement, and holistic wellbeing. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself physically, find some mental clarity, or reconnect with nature, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a full schedule of events and activities planned in AlUla this October. AlUla Duathlon – October 24 AlUla Duathlon combines running and cycling, taking participants through AlUla’s spectacular desert terrain. The event kicks off at the Winter Park race village, where competitors and spectators come together in a hub full of...

Step aboard the legendary Amerigo Vespucci as it docks in Jeddah from January 26 to 30, offering a rare glimpse into Italian heritage and maritime history. Hosted by the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in the scenic Ash Shati district, this free event promises to immerse visitors in the art, craftsmanship, and culinary treasures of Italy. The Amerigo Vespucci, often called a "floating ambassador of Italy," has traveled the globe, visiting over 30 ports including Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Now, it brings a touch of Italian elegance to Jeddah's waterfront. This unique event is perfect for families and...

Saudi Arabia is stepping into the world of luxury rail travel with its first-ever five-star train, the Dream of the Desert. Designed in collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality experts Arsenale, this train promises to redefine opulent travel in the region. Blending modern elegance with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, the Dream of the Desert takes inspiration from the vast, golden landscapes and traditional Saudi architecture. From earthy tones and rich textiles to intricate patterns that nod to landmarks like Madain Saleh and Hail, every detail of the train has been thoughtfully designed.     View this...

The weather’s cooling down in Saudi Arabia, and that means one thing: Jeddah’s entertainment scene is heating up! If you're a fan of spine-tingling thrills, Horror Con Jeddah 2025 is the event you won’t want to miss. Returning this year from October 15 to November 5, it promises more scares and screams than ever before. This year, they’ve turned up the fear factor with eight themed zones that will have you on the edge of your seat. Here’s a sneak peek at the eight spooky zones you can explore: Clown Town: Dive into a psychological journey where you explore the...