What to do in Jeddah

Your local park may soon offer more than green space. A coffee, an ice cream stop, or even a fitness session could become part of your regular visit. Saudi Arabia is considering new rules that would allow a range of businesses and community services inside public parks. The size of the park would determine what can open there: Parks of 1,200 sqm: cafés, ice cream shops, fresh juice outlets, and flower retailers Parks of 1,500 sqm: shops selling fresh and preserved fruit and vegetables Parks of 5,000 sqm: fitness centres, entertainment venues, childcare facilities, non-residential senior citizen centres, and day-care...

Jeddah’s dining scene is growing fast, and the latest addition is bringing both character and creativity to the table. Dear Duck, a new concept by local chef and restaurateur Nihal Felemban, has officially opened its doors in La Paz Plaza, As Salamah. Felemban’s latest concept is turning heads with its distinct theme, playful design, and curated duck-inspired dining. Dear Duck draws design cues from California and Paris, blending laid-back cool with chic French style. The venue is hard to miss, with its bright yellow façade standing out along the street. Inside, there’s a cosy and lively atmosphere, from booth seating...

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of Saudi Arabia’s future plans. The Kingdom has announced that 2026 will be the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening its role in data and AI development. The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). SDAIA also revealed the official logo for the Year of Artificial Intelligence. It combines several elements that reflect both Saudi identity and the country’s growing focus on technology: The palm...

Want to see Madina from a completely different angle? A giant observation wheel called Hijaz Eye is planned for the holy city. Hijaz Eye will be built on a 33,700-sqm site, roughly the size of five football pitches. Officials have not yet confirmed how tall the observation wheel will be, but plans describe it as a place for a bird's-eye view of the city. For now, only a handful of aerial photos offer a glimpse of Madina from above. Once Hijaz Eye opens, everyone will have the chance to admire the city's skyline. View this post on Instagram A post...

Saudi Arabia is setting new standards for regional travel with AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Arabian cruise line. Starting this September, AROYA will be returning to the Red Sea with an updated itinerary. The cruise will offer a blend of new shore excursions and enhanced onboard amenities, giving travelers a perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Jeddah will remain the homeport for AROYA, placing guests right at the heart of the Red Sea. The journey includes a stop at the private island of Jabal Al Sabaya for some beach time, followed by stops in Egypt at Safaga and Sharm El Sheikh....

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing some of the most luxurious jewellery collections in the world up close, 2026 is your year. Jewels of the World is making its return to Saudi Arabia, bringing the finest jewellery from global brands to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Here’s when and where you can catch the event in 2026: Riyadh: June 15 to 19 at the Four Seasons Hotel Al Khobar: June 23 to 26 at Dhahran Expo Riyadh: October 11 to 15 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Jeddah: October 19 to 22 at Jeddah Hilton The event will feature 100 jewellery...

Jeddah has a new spot for film lovers to explore – Cinema Al Balad, a venue dedicated to showcasing local, regional, and international cinema. The newly opened art house cinema is breathing new life into the city’s historic relationship with film, offering an experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s first open-air theatre, Al-Jumjum Cinema, Cinema Al Balad pays tribute to the early days of cinema in Jeddah. Back then, moviegoers would gather in the historic district for open-air screenings. Fast forward to today, and Cinema Al Balad is continuing that legacy in a modern, curated...

Breakfast lovers in Jeddah, you’re in for something new. The Breakfast Club, a popular café from Kuwait, is officially making its way to the city, with a new location set to open in Stars Avenue Mall. This marks the brand’s first Jeddah branch, expanding on its presence in Al Khobar and Riyadh. While the full menu for the Jeddah outlet hasn’t been revealed yet, The Breakfast Club’s existing branches offer a solid clue of what to expect — and it’s more than just breakfast.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Breakfast Club -...

Good news for runners in the Gulf who use Garmin to track workouts and health metrics. The ECG App is now available in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on compatible Garmin smartwatches. The app can record a 30-second ECG and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common type of irregular heartbeat. Before using the feature, make sure your smartwatch software and Garmin Connect app are updated to the latest version. The ECG App is available on compatible Garmin smartwatches, including: fēnix 8 Venu 4 Forerunner 970 Keep Moving This Summer in the UAE If you're looking for more...

Fast food menus rarely come with surprises, but Burger King in Saudi Arabia has recently launched something extraordinary. It’s not an exotic sauce or an unusual combo of flavors. Meet the Hashi Burger, made with 100% Saudi camel meat, cooked over an open flame. It comes with lettuce, pickles, black pepper mayo, and Maabouj sauce for a spicy kick. Camel meat isn’t something you usually see at a fast-food chain, so if you're curious what it tastes like, it’s available across Burger King restaurants in the Kingdom and through delivery options. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...