What to do in Jeddah

Starting a new job in Saudi Arabia will soon come with a new requirement: a mandatory health screening. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced new occupational fitness and non-communicable disease screening regulations that will gradually apply to workers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The programme will be introduced in three phases: Phase 1 (first 6 months): mandatory occupational fitness examinations for all new hires Phase 2 (next 12 months): screening expands to existing employees, with priority given to workers in high-risk workplaces Phase 3 (full implementation): regulations apply to all workers, including permanent employees,...

A new law in Saudi Arabia will soon allow foreign individuals and companies to own property in the Kingdom, starting from January 2026. This marks a major policy shift aimed at supporting Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to grow the economy beyond oil and attract more international investment. Under the new rules, expats living in the Gulf and foreign investors abroad will be able to purchase real estate in approved areas, even without Saudi citizenship. The law covers both individuals and companies, making this open to a broad range of buyers. At the moment, a list of approved zones...

Step aboard the legendary Amerigo Vespucci as it docks in Jeddah from January 26 to 30, offering a rare glimpse into Italian heritage and maritime history. Hosted by the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in the scenic Ash Shati district, this free event promises to immerse visitors in the art, craftsmanship, and culinary treasures of Italy. The Amerigo Vespucci, often called a "floating ambassador of Italy," has traveled the globe, visiting over 30 ports including Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Now, it brings a touch of Italian elegance to Jeddah's waterfront. This unique event is perfect for families and...

The weather’s cooling down in Saudi Arabia, and that means one thing: Jeddah’s entertainment scene is heating up! If you're a fan of spine-tingling thrills, Horror Con Jeddah 2025 is the event you won’t want to miss. Returning this year from October 15 to November 5, it promises more scares and screams than ever before. This year, they’ve turned up the fear factor with eight themed zones that will have you on the edge of your seat. Here’s a sneak peek at the eight spooky zones you can explore: Clown Town: Dive into a psychological journey where you explore the...

Egyptian singer and songwriter Bayou is making his way to Saudi Arabia this July, bringing his unique bilingual sound to live audiences in two major cities. The artist will perform in Jeddah on 17 July at Onyx Arena, followed by a show in Riyadh on 18 July as part of the MDLBeast Festival. This marks a special return for Bayou, born Adham Bayoumi, who spent part of his early life in Jeddah before moving to Dubai. His music blends Arabic and English, shaped by influences from both the Middle East and the UK, where he also lived. Bayou first gained...

If there’s one thing many travellers never leave home without, it’s a power bank. However, you can no longer charge your precious device onboard Saudi flights. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has issued new instructions to airlines operating at national airports regarding portable chargers. Here’s what passengers need to know: Charging power banks during flights is now banned Power banks must stay in hand luggage Each passenger can carry a maximum of two power banks Saudi authorities said the rules follow international aviation safety requirements linked to lithium battery, which can overheat or catch fire onboard aircraft. Several...

The weekend of Jeddah E-Prix 2026 is approaching, and it’s time to reveal who’ll be part of the off-track entertainment! The first artist to be announced is none other than Grammy-winning rapper Future! The American artist will headline the Friday night show on February 13. Fans of both high-speed racing and live music are in for an unforgettable experience as Future brings his hits to Jeddah Corniche Circuit. What to Expect at Jeddah E-Prix 2026 Formula E is all about fast, high-energy racing, where top drivers push electric cars to their limits. The weekend also includes live entertainment. In addition...

Beauty lovers, this is your moment. Bella Hadid is officially coming to Kuwait, and it’s happening very soon. The global model and founder of the fragrance brand Ôrəbella will visit The Avenues on November 7 to mark the grand launch of Ulta Beauty in Kuwait. It’s not every day you get to see a global icon up close, and for anyone obsessed with fragrance and makeup, this is a moment to remember. As confirmed by Ulta Beauty Middle East on Instagram, the Grand Opening will take place on Friday, November 7 at 3:30 PM. Head to the Avenues Mall for...

Welcome to Jeddah, the gem of the Red Sea, where tradition meets modernity, and history intertwines with contemporary flair.  As Saudi Arabia's bustling port city, Jeddah is not only a gateway to Makkah but also a vibrant destination that captivates visitors with its rich cultural tapestry. Let's embark on a detailed journey to explore what to see in Jeddah and the best places that make it a must-visit destination.  Best Tourist Places to Visit in Jeddah Al-Balad (The Historic District) Step back in time with a stroll through Al-Balad, Jeddah's UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places...

Boutique brand Earth Hotels is preparing to make a splash in the Middle East hospitality scene. With a strong focus on design, sustainability, and lifestyle experiences, the brand is set to open four new properties across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by 2027. Each location brings a unique concept — from mangrove retreats to party-ready beach resorts. Here’s what’s coming up. Earth Mangroves in Umm Al Quwain, UAE Opening in 2025, this eco-conscious resort is nestled within Umm Al Quwain’s lush mangroves. The property will feature: 41 free-standing bungalows, including waterfront units Nature-based activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, and...