What to do in Saudi Arabia

Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia’s Neom region is on the verge of becoming a premier culinary destination. At the forefront of this transformation is AILYN, an exciting new restaurant that will offer an authentic taste of Saudi cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern presentations. Run by acclaimed Saudi chef Rakan Aloraifi, AILYN is set to redefine local dining experiences, appealing to both locals and international visitors eager to explore Saudi flavors.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chef | Rakan Aloraifi راكان العريفي (@raloraifi) Located on the pristine Sindalah Island, AILYN will invite guests...

Riyadh is quickly becoming the go-to spot for entertainment, and the city has no plans to slow down anytime soon. The latest addition is The Pool Club, opening this November in the Diplomatic Quarter at Al Safarat. This new venue comes from the same team behind MDLBeast, in partnership with attaché. As expected, The Pool Club promises to be more than just a poolside hangout. This exclusive, members-only venue blends wellness, design, and culture, creating a space that’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. Expect a curated experience that includes cabana lounges, poolside dining, and a...

Food lovers in Riyadh have a new destination to explore: La Bourgeoise, the French bistro bar that has recently opened its doors at Drop Avenue Plaza in An Nakheel. This inviting spot offers a delightful mix of classic French pastries, creative mocktails, and an ambiance that makes every visit memorable. La Bourgeoise has redefined tea time with its selection of freshly brewed teas paired with exquisite pastries. Each pastry is crafted with precision and artistry, making them almost too beautiful to eat. The experience is ideal for an indulgent break or a relaxed gathering with friends. If you're a fan...

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows individuals with expired visit visas to extend their stay for final departure — a move aimed at regulating residency and simplifying the exit process for those who have overstayed their visas. The new initiative came into effect on 1 Muharram 1447 AH (June 26, 2025). It grants a 30-day grace period to all types of visit visa holders whose visas have expired. The extension is strictly for the purpose of final departure and does not permit any further stay or employment in the Kingdom. To make...

If you're a food lover, you don't want to miss Ithra Food Festival! Get ready for a culinary adventure featuring some of the best treats, savory snacks, and sweet delights around. This highly anticipated event is taking place until January 3. Must-Try Offerings at Food Festival: Mamma Nini’s will be serving up its signature treats, including rich and indulgent chocolate-themed creations Soflly and Krispy will also be on hand, serving their signature crispy delights For fans of pastries, there are crispy croissants with their perfect balance of buttery and flaky goodness View this post on Instagram A post shared by...

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM keeps turning heads with projects that look like they belong in the future. Its latest one is called Magna. Built along the Gulf of Aqaba, it will feature 12 destinations connected by a 120-kilometre stretch of stunning coastline. Magna will have hotels, residences and leisure spaces for both visitors and locals. Around 14,000 people are expected to live there, while more than 300,000 visitors will explore it each year. The idea is simple: to create places where modern design and the natural world exist side by side. Aquellum A world hidden inside the cliffs. The entrance begins...

When talking about luxury projects shaping the Red Sea’s future, it’s impossible to miss Grand Hyatt Red Sea. It's one of the headline openings of 2026 and a key part of the region’s new wave of high-end stays. The hotel will be located on Shura Island, just a short distance from Red Sea International Airport. The property's architecture is based on a coral-inspired concept that blends naturally with the island’s surroundings, while the interiors follow a clean, modern Grand Hyatt approach focused on comfort and simplicity. The hotel will offer 430 rooms, suites and villas, and each layout is planned...

Art lovers in Saudi Arabia, get ready for one of the most exciting events in the global art scene. Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 is coming back to the capital. This marks the third edition of the Biennale, which will unfold across various artists' studios and exhibition venues in JAX District, an area already home to many notable art spaces. The event will take place from January 30 to April 23, 2026. The event promises to offer a diverse range of exhibitions and installations that highlight the creativity of both local and international artists. The 2026 edition will be led...

Currently, it takes over six hours to travel between Riyadh and Doha by road, but that will soon change! Saudi Arabia and Qatar have just signed an agreement for a high-speed rail project that will cut the journey time between their capitals to just two hours. The project could be completed in as little as six years, and both countries have ambitious plans for this development. Here are the first details about the rail network between Riyadh and Doha: The rail link will reduce the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just 2 hours Trains will travel at speeds...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...