What to do in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah has a new spot for film lovers to explore – Cinema Al Balad, a venue dedicated to showcasing local, regional, and international cinema. The newly opened art house cinema is breathing new life into the city’s historic relationship with film, offering an experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s first open-air theatre, Al-Jumjum Cinema, Cinema Al Balad pays tribute to the early days of cinema in Jeddah. Back then, moviegoers would gather in the historic district for open-air screenings. Fast forward to today, and Cinema Al Balad is continuing that legacy in a modern, curated...

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has just launched the first-ever AFC Fashion Fund, aimed at supporting Arab talent in the global fashion industry. The biennial program is designed to help one ready-to-wear (RTW) designer scale their brand internationally, with a total value of USD 500,000 over a two-year period. To be eligible, applicants must be RTW designers holding citizenship from any Arab League country. The chosen designer will also benefit from guidance by an advisory board made up of editors, investors, and fashion industry leaders. The winner will be announced later in 2025.     View this post on Instagram...

CINEHOUSE, located at One Square on King Abdulaziz Road, offers a new kind of night out in Riyadh. Since opening in 2020, it has become the city’s first arthouse cinema with a restaurant, offering a curated selection of films alongside a full dining experience. Inside, you’ll find three small screening rooms, each with a more personal, relaxed atmosphere than the usual multiplex setup. The cinema’s weekly lineup mixes arthouse favourites, cult films, and new commercial releases — all selected to appeal to a range of filmgoers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CINEHOUSE بيت...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new work visa classification system for foreign workers, changing how job roles are evaluated and assigned across the country. Starting August 3, 2025, all new work visa applicants will be placed into one of three skill levels — high-skilled, skilled, or basic. Until now, work permits were mostly issued based on job titles, without clear links to a person’s actual qualifications or experience. The new system has already taken effect for current foreign workers as of July 5, 2025. Skill Level Categories for Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia High-skilled Includes roles like engineers, doctors, and...

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its game in the world of motorsports and entertainment with a brand-new attraction for car lovers. Qiddiya, the country’s upcoming mega entertainment hub, has revealed plans for the Mercedes-AMG World of Performance — a massive, high-tech space where visitors can experience the thrill of speed, racing, and cutting-edge automotive innovation. Spanning 45,000 square meters, this new venue will bring the history and excitement of Mercedes-AMG motorsports to life. You’ll get to experience the brand’s racing heritage firsthand, from its early days to its dominance in modern motorsports. This isn’t just another car museum. The Mercedes-AMG...

Next week, Riyadh will host one of the world’s most iconic operas. Carmen will make its debut in the city on September 4-6, 2025. This classic piece by French composer Georges Bizet will be staged at King Fahad Cultural Centre, marking an exciting addition to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. First performed in 1875, the opera tells the story of a passionate and intense love triangle. The plot follows Carmen, a free-spirited factory worker, and Don José, a soldier whose life she disrupts with her charm. As their relationship spirals into jealousy and betrayal, the drama builds to a powerful...

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made an important announcement for those planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Holders of any type of visa are now eligible to perform Umrah in the Kingdom. With this update, travelers from a broader range of backgrounds now have the opportunity to embark on this significant spiritual journey. Whether traveling for work, family visits, or just passing through Saudi Arabia, anyone holding a valid visa can now easily access the Umrah experience. This includes: personal and family visit visas electronic tourist visas transit visas work visas In August 2025, the Ministry also...

Riyadh’s food scene is expanding again — and this time, it’s all about street food. Burns Road Express has opened its doors in Gernata Square, right across from Al Shuhada Park, introducing the bold flavours of Karachi’s iconic Burns Road to the Saudi capital. The concept is inspired by one of Pakistan’s most famous food streets, where meals are served late into the night and diners gather for comforting favourites. The original Burns Road in Karachi dates back to the 1940s and is named after Scottish physician James Burnes. Riyadh now has its own version of that energy and tradition,...

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new impressive project: Trojena Golf Course. Located in the mountainous region of Jebel al-Lawz, it promises to offer a unique golfing experience. Here are 3 reasons why Trojena Golf Course is unique: Location Trojena is situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres, offering players breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The moderate climate at this height provides perfect golfing conditions year-round. Scenic Backdrop The 18-hole course is set amidst alpine landscapes, offering a golfing experience that blends nature with sport. High-Altitude Challenge The course is designed to challenge golfers with elevation changes and challenging terrain,...

If you're a fan of Abercrombie & Fitch, there's some exciting news coming your way! Majid Al Futtaim has expanded its long-standing partnership with the iconic U.S. retailer, bringing Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister’s first-ever local e-commerce platforms to the Middle East. Now, you can shop for all your favorite styles directly from their online stores at www.abercrombie.sa and www.hollisterco.sa without leaving the comfort of your home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abercrombie & Fitch (@abercrombie) As part of the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and A&F Co., 20 new stores have already opened this...