What to do in Jeddah - Latest News

Planning Umrah for the upcoming season? Saudi Arabia has now confirmed the official timeline for Umrah visas, entry dates, and final deadlines for pilgrims for 1448 AH arriving from outside the Kingdom. Here are the main dates confirmed for the 1448 AH Umrah season: May 31, 2026: start of Umrah visa issuance (14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH) June 1, 2026: pilgrims with Umrah visas can enter Mecca and receive permits March 9, 2027: final deadline for issuing Umrah visas March 23, 2027: last date for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia April 7, 2027: deadline for pilgrim departures Last year, Saudi...

Residents in Saudi Arabia can now start planning for Eid Al Adha 2026. The holiday’s start date has been confirmed after the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening. Here are all the dates for the upcoming holiday period: Dhul Hijjah begins on Monday, May 18 Day of Arafah: Tuesday, May 26 Eid Al Adha 2026 in Saudi Arabia: Wednesday, May 27 The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. With the Eid Al Adha 2026 start date now confirmed in Saudi Arabia, holiday plans and family gatherings...

Even if you prepare well for your pilgrimage trip, plenty of questions can still come up once you arrive. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has expanded direct support for pilgrims with a hotline number that's available all day and night. Pilgrims can now get information, assistance, and service-related reports using number 1966. The hotline is available 24/7 Free support for pilgrims Assistance in 11 languages, including Arabic, English, French, Turkish, Urdu, Indonesian, Bengali, Hausa, Amharic, and Hindi The ministry says trained staff handle calls through an integrated system connected with relevant authorities. The process helps pilgrims receive assistance...

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...

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...

If you use WhatsApp and want better visuals and a few extra features, you might get that soon. It looks like a premium version called WhatsApp Plus is now in testing. The feature has been spotted in the Android beta version of the app, where a limited number of users can already try it. Right now, it's only available to a small group of Android beta users. There’s no iOS version yet, and no confirmed date for a wider release. Here’s what’s currently included in this version: Premium stickers Custom themes Custom app icons More pinned chats Premium ringtones Extra...

If you like the idea of film screenings, red carpets, and spotting global names in one place, save the dates now. The Red Sea International Film Festival returns to Al-Balad from December 3 to 12, 2026. As usual, the program includes screenings of local and international films, talks, red carpet moments, and celebrity guests. Last year, Adrien Brody (The Pianist), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man), and Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four) all came to Jeddah Historic District for the festival, with talks and special sessions for local fans. The 2026 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned. The top...

If you’ve been waiting for a good excuse to head to the Corniche, this might be it. Kilo Kitchen opens on April 5 at OIA Downtown in Jeddah. The Bali-born concept brings its Latin American and Asian flavours to the waterfront, with clear views of the Red Sea. The setting is simple and relaxed, letting the sea and the light do most of the work. It’s the kind of place that suits a long lunch or an unhurried dinner by the water. On the menu, there are light bites, salads, seafood, and mains. View this post on Instagram A post...

If you’re looking for something memorable to do with family or friends, Yanbu is in full bloom right now, which means the return of Yanbu Flower Festival. Until April 23, you get the chance to admire its large floral displays and hands-on activities. There's a small train that moves visitors across the site and its multiple areas: Bird Garden, Flower Hills, Flower Village, and Flower Volcano. One section, called “Around the World,” draws inspiration from international flower gardens and includes cultural elements such as live performances, theatre, and shows scheduled throughout the day. Plan to stay until the evening to...

Jeddah, get ready! The city is welcoming its first waterpark, bringing a fresh option for anyone looking for things to do with kids in Jeddah or planning an easy day out. Cyan WaterPark Jeddah is the kind of place you don’t need to overthink. You can show up, move between rides, pools, and quieter spots, and let the day unfold at your own pace. Whether you’re going with family or friends, it’s built to suit different moods, a bit of energy when you want it, and space to slow down when you don’t. What You’ll Find Inside The park is...