What to do in Saudi Arabia

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...

Jeddah’s favorite bubble tea haven, The Boba Bar, has officially landed in Riyadh. Nestled in Shorofat, An Nada, this pastel-perfect café is already making waves with its dreamy décor and unique drinks. For a limited time, early visitors get a sweet bonus: a free mini bouquet with any coffee order (water and soft serve excluded). You’ll need to be signed up for the loyalty card program, and the offer runs until August 16, so it’s worth a stop sooner rather than later.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Boba Bar (@thebobabar.sa) Step inside...

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...

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...

AlUla, known for its rich cultural heritage, is hosting Al Khatt Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration of Arabic calligraphy. Until 22 February, visitors can explore stunning artworks, interactive exhibits, and live demonstrations that bring this ancient art form to life. The festival highlights both traditional and modern styles of Arabic calligraphy, displayed across various materials such as fabric, furniture, jewelry, and paper. Whether indoors or outdoors, each piece tells a unique story of artistic expression. At Tantora Square, don't miss the large-scale calligraphy installation by Her Highness Sheikha Khawla Bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi. Six additional pieces on display explore the...

Ramadan Nights are in full swing at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, bringing together culture, creativity, and community. Running until March 22, this free event offers visitors a chance to explore local markets, enjoy live entertainment, take part in interactive workshops, and experience a lively atmosphere perfect for families and friends. Whether you’re interested in art, storytelling, food, or film, there’s something for everyone at Hayy Jameel. What’s Happening at Ramadan Nights 2025? Shop Local at Hayy Markets Discover handmade crafts, unique designs, and artisanal goods at Hayy Markets: Crafts Edition. This special marketplace highlights Jeddah’s creative talents and offers one-of-a-kind...

Saudi Arabia has introduced HUMAIN Chat, a groundbreaking Arabic-first conversational AI platform. Developed by HUMAIN, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), it is the most advanced language model ever created in the Arab world. HUMAIN Chat can operate in both Arabic and English, allowing users to switch between the two languages during a conversation. It also understands a wide range of Arabic dialects, making it highly versatile and accessible to millions across the region. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HUMAIN (@thehumainai) Currently, HUMAIN Chat is available across web, iOS, and Android platforms...

You know how it usually goes: you open social media for a quick check, blink once, and suddenly it’s been 40 minutes. No memory of what you even watched. Just lost time. Now imagine a giant orange cat jumping in and shutting it all down. Meet Cat Gatekeeper, a browser extension that doesn’t ask politely. It blocks your screen the second you’ve scrolled long enough. Created by a Japanese developer, Cat Gatekeeper tracks how much time you spend on specific websites like social media. You decide the limit, and the extension does the rest. Once time is up, a massive...

Dammam, get ready for a tasty new addition to your food scene! Wendy’s, the iconic American fast food chain, is opening its first branch in the city soon, bringing its beloved flavors to the local crowd. Known for its premium burgers, crispy fries, and variety of sides, Wendy’s already gained a strong popularity in the world. Wendy’s menu doesn’t disappoint, offering a range of options for every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a beef or chicken burger, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal made with Australian beef or fresh chicken. Don’t forget to pair it with their...

Riyadh continues to establish itself as a culinary destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming internationally acclaimed dining concepts from around the world. One of the newest additions is Isabel Mayfair, which has made its Middle East debut in the bustling As Sulimaniyah district. Designed by the acclaimed David T’kint of DTK Studio, Isabel Mayfair combines the sophistication of an art-deco mansion with the glamour of the Gatsby era. The venue is divided into three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, a light-filled conservatory, and a speakeasy bar tucked discreetly behind a hidden door.     View this post on Instagram  ...