What to do in Saudi Arabia

SEVEN is bringing a whole new world of entertainment to Riyadh in 2026, and it’s going to be huge. Imagine a place in Al Hamra packed with all sorts of fun stuff, from futuristic bowling rides to indoor surfing, all across a space as big as 12 football fields. Yes, you read that right; it’s going to be massive! In total, there will be 10 zones. In the heart of it all is the world’s first-ever Transformers Experience, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an action-packed movie. If you’re looking for thrills, you'll find a lot of options under...

A new station has opened on the Orange Line of Riyadh Metro, and even if your usual route doesn’t pass through the area, it's definitely worth checking out. Western Station is located between Ad Douh and Aishah bint Abi Bakr Street stations. It's currently the largest stop of the network and features cafés, a garden, and even a mosque. Western Station is located in Dhahrat Al-Badiah in southwest Riyadh. It covers 112,000 sqm and can handle more than 60,000 passengers per hour. Here's what you find at Western Station on the Orange Line of Riyadh Metro: Commercial spaces Cafés Retail...

Saudi Arabia is launching a new project that offers a rare opportunity for those looking to connect deeply with one of the most significant events in Islamic history. It offers a chance to trace the Hijrah route, the same path of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, spanning 470 km. If you decide to go on this journey, here’s what you can expect: 305 km on foot Passing through 41 historic landmarks Visiting 59 historical and enrichment stations Exploring 5 key event locations from the Hijrah The project aims to bring history to life with augmented reality, workshops, and...

If you've spent extra time in Riyadh traffic lately, that might change soon. Saudi Arabia has launched a new traffic relief initiative in six busiest business districts of the city. It introduces flexible working hours at more than 50 government entities, giving employees a wider window to start their working day. Employees will be able to choose their arrival time within the following periods: Civil Service Law: 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM Labour Law: 7 AM to 11 AM Workers in healthcare, education, and other essential public services are not part of the new arrangement. The following Riyadh districts are...

If switching between apps for different services gets annoying, there’s a new one coming to Kuwait that puts everything in one place. Qatari app Snoonu is launching in Kuwait, and its local Instagram account is already live. In case you’re not familiar with Snoonu, here’s what it offers: Food delivery Grocery shopping Laundry and cleaning services Car services Gym bookings Movie tickets View this post on Instagram A post shared by سنونو 🇰🇼— Snoonu 🇰🇼 (@snoonu.kw) Before you get too excited, not all services from the list will be available right away. Snoonu in Kuwait will start with food delivery,...

Step into Diriyah’s past with Souq Al Mawsim, a month-long pop-up market now open in the historic Al Tawalie district. This place brings together fresh, seasonal offerings: from delicious local food and drinks to unique handcrafted clothing and scents. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in traditional culture while enjoying the energy of a bustling market. This year’s edition celebrates Saudi-Japanese ties, with Japan as the guest of honor. Expect to discover a fusion of Diriyah’s rich heritage and Kyoto’s artistic flair, from traditional crafts and performances to authentic experiences that bring the two cultures together. View this post...

Planning a trip between Saudi Arabia and Russia just got simpler. From May 11, citizens of both countries can travel without a visa, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new rule allows stays of up to 90 days, either in one trip or across several visits within the same calendar year. The visa-free entry covers: tourism business visits trips to see relatives or friends If your travel falls into one of these categories, you can enter without applying in advance. Work, study, long-term residence, and travel for Hajj are not included. For those purposes, a visa is...

Planning Umrah for the upcoming season? Saudi Arabia has now confirmed the official timeline for Umrah visas, entry dates, and final deadlines for pilgrims for 1448 AH arriving from outside the Kingdom. Here are the main dates confirmed for the 1448 AH Umrah season: May 31, 2026: start of Umrah visa issuance (14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH) June 1, 2026: pilgrims with Umrah visas can enter Mecca and receive permits March 9, 2027: final deadline for issuing Umrah visas March 23, 2027: last date for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia April 7, 2027: deadline for pilgrim departures Last year, Saudi...

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are preparing to introduce a new passenger sea route, connecting the two Gulf nations and enhancing regional maritime links. This initiative was recently announced by Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, during the Second Maritime Industries Sustainability Conference in Jeddah. The new sea route will link Bahrain’s Khalifa bin Salman Port with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, providing a much-needed boost to both passenger and cargo transportation between the two countries. This development is part of broader efforts to strengthen the maritime and logistical ties that bind...

Planning to visit Mecca this week? You’ll need a valid permit to enter. Starting Monday, April 13, residents and expatriates without official permits are not allowed to enter Mecca. Saudi authorities confirmed that only people with proper documentation can pass through checkpoints. Entry is limited to: Individuals with a valid Hajj permit Residents with a Mecca-issued residency ID Workers holding permits for the Holy Sites Without the permit, entry is not possible. Eligible individuals can obtain permits through the Absher Individuals platform: Premium Residency holders investors GCC citizens non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens non-Saudi family members domestic workers Mecca is...