What to do in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh’s metro system will now start operations at 5:30 AM daily, the city’s public transport authority announced on Friday, September 5. The earlier schedule aims to better accommodate students, employees, and other commuters who travel in the early hours. The change comes after a noticeable rise in passenger demand and aligns with the capital’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and make daily travel across Riyadh more convenient. Passenger numbers have been climbing steadily, and the authorities see this schedule change as a step toward encouraging residents to rely less on private cars and navigate...

Suwaidi Park is back as part of Riyadh Season 2025, and it’s bringing the world to one place. This year, the free-entry zone celebrates 13 cultures from across the globe. It’s open every day until December 20, filling the air with music, dance, food, and colour. The park takes visitors on a journey through food stalls serving authentic dishes, vibrant folk performances, and markets filled with handcrafted treasures. Each week, a new culture takes the spotlight, creating a different experience every time you visit. Families can explore pavilions, enjoy open-air concerts, and soak in a carnival-like atmosphere. View this post...

Riyadh is set to welcome a remarkable guest this January — Sir Anthony Hopkins, the legendary Oscar-winning actor. But this time, he’s not here to act. Instead, he’s bringing a different kind of artistry to the stage: his music. Hopkins, known worldwide for his iconic roles in film, is also a passionate composer. For Riyadh Season, he has crafted original musical compositions that will be performed in a special concert titled “Life is a Dream.” The prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Matthew Freeman, will bring these compositions to life.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Get ready to go on a delectable journey through the world of dates because from December 5th to 14th, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will be hosting the renowned World of Dates Expo – an event that promises to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of dates in Saudi Arabia. The exhibit will feature many exciting spaces, including a Global Cooking and Tasting Zone where six international kitchens join to create a delicious menu centered around the humble date. It's not just a tasting, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you across borders and showcase the...

Camel racing, a centuries-old tradition, comes alive in modern grandeur at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival. Held at Janadriyah Camel Race Track in Riyadh, this festival represents a cultural and sporting event with roots deeply in Saudi heritage. From January 27 to February 5, the festival offers an exciting 10-day experience featuring 224 races across five categories. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this event is your gateway to a rich tradition where speed and skill collide on the track. Last year’s inaugural edition showcased 6,869 camels from 13 countries, including Saudi Arabia,...

Food lovers, get ready! The Food Culture Festival is back, bringing delicious bites and exciting experiences to three cities across Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a fan of international flavors or eager to explore Saudi cuisine, this festival is a must-visit. Food Culture Festival 2025 Dates & Locations: Al Khobar: January 29 – February 2 Riyadh: February 5 – 9 Jeddah: February 12 – 16 Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Quality of Life Programme, the event goes beyond food — it’s a celebration of culinary arts, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences.     View this post...

Buckle up, motorsport lovers, because Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia is gearing up to add a thrilling chapter to its racing legacy with the introduction of the Speed Park Track. As the Kingdom revs its engines for the upcoming Formula One race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 9, 2024, Speed Park Track could potentially become Formula One's next sought-after destination. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the Speed Park Track is not your average racetrack. Designed by the dynamic duo of Austrian former Formula One driver Alex Wurz and renowned German circuit designer Hermann Tilke,...

Prepare to experience Riyadh like never before as Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, returns for its fourth edition. This stunning event, running from 28th November to 14th December, will transform the city into a radiant celebration of creativity and innovation. The 2024 theme, "Light Years Apart," will create a magical and otherworldly experience with over 60 artworks spread across the city. Expect to be amazed by the scale and diversity of the installations, from striking outdoor displays to captivating light projections, each bringing a unique artistic vision to life.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Lace up your running shoes — the Riyadh Marathon is back for another thrilling edition! Scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, this premier running event invites participants of all skill levels to take on one of four exhilarating race courses. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or a casual jogger, there’s a challenge just for you. Race Categories for Riyadh Marathon 2025 The Riyadh Marathon is an annual highlight organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and the Ministry of Sport. Designed to be inclusive, the event welcomes participants of all fitness levels, encouraging a vibrant community spirit. This...

The Riyadh Public Transport Company has announced the launch of two additional stations on the Orange Line of the Riyadh Metro, continuing the steady expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship public transportation project. The newly opened Railway Station and Jarir District Station are now fully operational. The Orange Line — officially known as Line 3 — runs for 40.7 kilometres, connecting Medina Road in the west to Prince Saad bin Abdulrahman I Road in the east. With these new stops, the metro's reach extends deeper into densely populated neighborhoods, offering smoother transit flows and reducing travel times for thousands of residents....