What to do in Saudi Arabia

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...

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has launched its first-ever exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, open to the public until 15 February 2025. This milestone marks the debut of the first New Media Art hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a project spearheaded by the Museums Commission under Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. DAF aims to equip the next generation of artists, technologists, and scholars with the tools to tackle emerging creative challenges and reshape the artistic landscape.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @dafmoc...

If you're still figuring out your weekend plans in Kuwait, you're in luck! There are some amazing events that will spice up your schedule on January 30-31. Check them out if you need ideas for a family day or a hangout with friends. But even if you're solo, there's no reason to miss the best the city has to offer! Kuwait Marine Show at Khairan Marina It’s the biggest boat and yacht expo in the country with over 90 yachts and luxury boats gathered in one place. You’ll get a sneak peek at the best of Gulf Craft’s line-up, everything...

Riyadh is rapidly becoming a hotspot for coworking spaces, but not all of them have the spark to inspire creativity. That’s where Sudds comes in. Set to open soon in Via Riyadh, this new space is designed to be more than just a place to work — it's a blend of a social hub, dining destination, and coworking space. The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and stimulates fresh ideas. Unlike typical office spaces, Sudds draws inspiration from a boutique hotel. Think tiled marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and black marble desks. The plush leather chairs and open...

A day at the zoo is back on the list. Riyadh Zoo has reopened after maintenance, and you can once again explore its animal zones and get close to wildlife. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about 2026 timings, zones, and the animals you can see there. Opening hours of Riyadh Zoo in 2026 Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM until sunset Friday: 1 PM until sunset Sunday: Closed Gates close at 4:30 PM What's Inside Riyadh Zoo You’ll move through different themed areas, each with its own animals and experiences: Go to Almalaz Bay where...

If you're into Japanese food, there's a new spot in Riyadh you should check out. Haru has just opened on Al Takhassousi Street. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite or a satisfying meal, you'll find all the classics here. With seating right by the open kitchen, you can watch the chefs prepare your food. The menu is full of favorites. You can enjoy shrimp tempura, miso soup, or beef gyoza. If you’re craving sushi, you can stick with classic salmon or seabass nigiri, or try rolls like spicy salmon and California rolls. For something heartier, there are...

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...

As the final days of Ramadan approach, many pilgrims are preparing for Umrah at the Great Mosque in Mecca. However, with a large number of worshippers expected, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to be mindful of peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. If you're planning your trip during this time, here are the best (and the busiest) hours to visit. Recent data shows that the busiest times at the Great Mosque are: 4 PM to 10 PM 5 AM to 8 AM For those looking for a quieter experience, moderate crowds are usually...

Looking for a new way to explore Kuwait? Extreme Bike Rentals has launched its first location along the Gulf Road, just outside Green Island. You can rent bikes and tricycles for adults and kids at KWD 3 per hour. Normally, the rental is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. But there are special working hours during Ramadan: from 3 PM until 3 AM, so if you feel like enjoying a late-night ride or want to explore the city after Iftar, you'll have plenty of time to do so. In the coming days, you’ll find more rental stations opening up...

Need a reason to leave the city and head to the desert this month? In the heart of Ashar Valley, Maraya is hosting Ramadan nights, serving iftar and suhoor inside its iconic mirrored venue. Maraya is the massive building that reflects the desert and rock formations you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s officially the world’s largest mirrored structure and one of AlUla’s most recognisable landmarks. Usually home to concerts and events, it has opened its doors for long Ramadan evenings during this holy month. You can book in for iftar at SAR 350/person or suhoor at SAR 250/person. The...