What to do in Saudi Arabia

There's good news for everyone flying in or out of Riyadh. Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has officially opened after a major redevelopment, bringing the long-running upgrade of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to a close. The expanded terminal offers more space for faster check-in, security control, and boarding areas, which helps reduce crowding during busy travel periods. With the additional capacity, the airport can also handle more flights at the same time. The reopening comes alongside other recent changes at the airport. Hafawa Lounge is planned to be built between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, offering...

There's an unmissable week-long event happening at Messilah Beach that promises to be a blast for the whole family. Get ready to dive into a world of circus acts, jaw-dropping performances, and outdoor movie nights. Until Saturday, January 17, Big Bounce Arabia is bringing a pop-up event to the beach with a packed schedule. The lineup is full of vibrant activities such as stilt walkers, acrobats, juggling, LED dance, and plenty of high-energy performances. Event timings (daily): 4 PM - 6 PM: DJ, hand balance, juggling, acrobats, CYR Wheel 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: LED Dance, stilt walker, Hoola Hoop, Diablo...

The Metropolitan Opera is heading to Saudi Arabia with a brand-new winter residency in Riyadh. Thanks to a collaboration between the Saudi Music Commission, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the Met Opera itself, the partnership is set to bring world-class productions to the Kingdom every year. For five years, the Met will make The Royal Diriyah Opera House its winter stage. Each season, the company will present a full-scale opera alongside a lineup of concerts, all spread over three weeks. Beyond the performances, the project is designed to highlight local talent and nurture careers, from singers and musicians to...

CINEHOUSE, located at One Square on King Abdulaziz Road, offers a new kind of night out in Riyadh. Since opening in 2020, it has become the city’s first arthouse cinema with a restaurant, offering a curated selection of films alongside a full dining experience. Inside, you’ll find three small screening rooms, each with a more personal, relaxed atmosphere than the usual multiplex setup. The cinema’s weekly lineup mixes arthouse favourites, cult films, and new commercial releases — all selected to appeal to a range of filmgoers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CINEHOUSE بيت...

Café Boulud — the French fine dining spot at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre — continues to evolve. This time, the restaurant led by French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud has launched a cheese and non-alcoholic wine library, a first-of-its-kind concept in the Saudi capital. The offering is curated by Philippe Caillouet, Riyadh's first French cheesemonger and a respected name in the cheese world, who also personally guides guests through pairings, explaining textures, flavour profiles, and the best beverage matches.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Café Boulud Riyadh (@cafebouludriy) Saudi's first...

Jeddah’s dining scene continues to evolve, and Flame, located at The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, is a new addition that’s definitely worth checking out. Whether you're a Jeddah resident or just visiting, this restaurant offers a great atmosphere and some tasty options for anyone looking to enjoy a nice meal. Flame offers a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. The design blends warm lighting, golden accents, and deep reds and browns, giving the space a stylish and comfortable feel. It’s an ideal spot for everything from date nights to gatherings with friends.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

As Saudi Arabia gears up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Jeddah is making room for a new wave of hospitality with two hotels set to open in 2028 at King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) — Kimpton Jeddah KASC and EVEN Hotels Jeddah KASC. Both are part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family and promise distinct experiences for travellers heading to the Red Sea city. Kimpton Jeddah KASC: A Stylish Social Hub With 330 rooms, Kimpton Jeddah KASC is designed as a modern, vibrant space that brings together contemporary style and local character. Guests can expect: An expansive...

If you’ve been curious about satellite internet, there’s now a chance to try it locally. Starlink, the satellite internet service created by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is now available in Kuwait. Instead of relying on traditional cables or mobile towers, Starlink connects users through a network of satellites. That setup can help provide internet access in areas where regular connections are less reliable. To get started in Kuwait, you’ll need to purchase a Starlink device. There are two options: Mini kit = KWD92. A smaller portable device that can be installed at home or taken with you when needed Standard...

Big news for travellers and pilgrims: Sofitel is going grand in Mecca. The brand is set to open its most ambitious project yet, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, in 2026. The hotel will be just a short walk from Masjid Al Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca), offering guests luxury and convenience right at the city’s heart. The property will include two towers with 1,141 rooms and suites, many facing the Great Mosque. The interiors will blend Parisian elegance with Saudi craftsmanship, creating a peaceful space that feels both sophisticated and rooted in its surroundings. It will be the biggest Sofitel...

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...