What to do in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules for distributing iftar meals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has outlined clear procedures for organisations and individuals planning to serve meals during Ramadan. Key points of the new regulations: Applicants must be registered with the relevant authorities Distribution plans must comply with health and Shariah standards Only approved meals may be distributed Advertising or promotional activities are banned during meal distribution Meal service must take place within designated areas Public hygiene must be...

Mountains have always been a refuge for those looking to escape the noise of daily life, and ENVI Al Shafa promises the perfect environment for that retreat. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level, this new resort in Saudi Arabia offers privacy, serenity, and an immersive connection with nature. Created for those who seek peace and isolation, ENVI Al Shafa features 35 private villas. The interiors reflect the surrounding natural beauty: earthy materials, raw wood details, and subtle touches of greenery create a grounded atmosphere. The resort encourages slow living. You’ll find an open-air restaurant for relaxed meals, a cozy lounge,...

If you’re always on the lookout for new places to eat in Jeddah, this is one to keep in mind. Blu Pizzeriá is coming to the city, bringing its well-known wood-fired pizzas to the city with a new location at Penta on Prince Sultan Street. This will be the brand’s second Saudi branch, following its move into Riyadht. The concept started in Dubai, inspired by classic Neapolitan pizza but shaped to suit local tastes too. Blu Pizzeriá already has a strong following across the region, and this new spot is likely to draw plenty of attention once it’s open. View...

If you enjoy trying new beauty products and discovering brands before they turn into social media trends, Beautyworld Riyadh 2026 will you plenty to explore. On May 18-20, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre will turn into a full-on beauty expo, bringing together skincare, cosmetics, hair tools, fragrances, and everyday essentials. The event is rightfully called the biggest beauty expo in the country. This year, get ready to discover more than 400 exhibitors from over 40 countries. You’ll see well-known brands, but also smaller ones and new launches. It’s a good place to compare, try things out, and see...

There’s something satisfying about finding a place that works for breakfast plans, long lunches, and those “let’s just grab a drink” moments that turn into dinner. That’s exactly the lane NAC likes to stay in, and it has now officially opened in Jeddah. If the name rings a bell, you’re not imagining it. NAC, short for North Audley Cantine, has built a loyal following in Dubai and Riyadh. It’s often called a French bistro, but it doesn’t come with stiff rules or white-tablecloth formality. The menu at NAC Jeddah follows an all-day format, so timing doesn’t matter much. You can...

Kuwait is undergoing a significant change in its street naming system. The Kuwait Municipal Council recently approved a decision to replace 591 street names with numerical designations. This decision, made during a closed extraordinary session chaired by Abdullah Al Mahri, follows recommendations from the Committee for Naming Cities, Districts, and Streets. This committee was established under Ministerial Resolution No. 558 of 2023, which has led to the shift in how streets are named and numbered across the country. In addition to replacing most street names with numbers, the council voted to rename three streets after Arab capitals and cities. The...

Esports fans in Riyadh, there’s something exciting on the horizon! After the success of the Esports World Cup this year, the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is set to take center stage in Riyadh in November 2026. Unlike other similar events that feature club teams, ENC focuses on the competition between national teams. Popular game publishers like Electronic Arts, Tencent, Krafton, and Ubisoft will be involved, bringing well-known titles such as EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, PUBG, and Rainbow Six into the spotlight. This new competition will feature teams from nearly 100 countries, competing in more than 15 games. Here’s what...

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a major development near Great Mosque in Mecca that will provide around 900,000 new indoor and outdoor praying spaces. This project, named King Salman Gate, spans 12 million sqm (equivalent to nearly 1,700 football fields) and aims to improve access to Great Mosque for pilgrims and visitors. King Salman Gate is planned as a mixed-use project, combining residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural spaces. The goal is to enhance the services currently provided in the area, ensuring better quality and accessibility for those visiting Great Mosque. The development will be connected to...

If you're a foodie in Riyadh, there’s a new place you’ll definitely want to check out: Jareed Samhan. Located in Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, this restaurant brings traditional Saudi cuisine into the modern day. The menu takes you on a journey to the Nadj region, with classic dishes like muqalal, jareesh, matazeez, and kabsa, but with a modern twist. Chef Saleh Aljabali has taken these timeless recipes and reimagined them with fresh techniques, all while keeping those nostalgic Saudi flavors intact. The vibe at Jareed Samhan is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect place to connect...

If you haven’t heard about The Point yet, it’s about to become one of Abha’s must-visit spots. Located on King Fahd Road, right between Abha and Khamis Mushait, this project will bring shopping, dining, and entertainment together in one place. The layout is designed for convenience with multiple entrances, making it easy to access from all directions. Inside, there’s plenty to explore: a peaceful Green Area, Garden Courts, a hypermarket for daily errands, and shops area, where you’ll find retail stores, cafes, and restaurants. Check out the layout of the project with all the spots for shopping, dining, and entertainment....