What to do in Jeddah - Latest News

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...

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM keeps turning heads with projects that look like they belong in the future. Its latest one is called Magna. Built along the Gulf of Aqaba, it will feature 12 destinations connected by a 120-kilometre stretch of stunning coastline. Magna will have hotels, residences and leisure spaces for both visitors and locals. Around 14,000 people are expected to live there, while more than 300,000 visitors will explore it each year. The idea is simple: to create places where modern design and the natural world exist side by side. Aquellum A world hidden inside the cliffs. The entrance begins...

There’s a new reason to look toward Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast: Rixos Murjana. Opening soon in King Abdullah Economic City, this all-inclusive resort blends modern comfort with a coastal rhythm that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. Guests can choose from 488 rooms and suites or check into one of the overwater villas at Club Privé, where your terrace opens straight to the sea. A private 600-metre beach anchors the resort. For guests who like to keep moving, Exclusive Sports Club and daily fitness classes bring plenty of options. Evenings are about music, live...

Big news for Kuwait’s luxury scene: Nobu is coming to town. The global hospitality brand has just announced plans to open Nobu Residences and Restaurant at Hessah Plaza, inside the Hessah District project. This will be the first project by Nobu in Kuwait, featuring 90 upscale serviced homes and a signature Nobu dining experience with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Nobu is a lifestyle label known around the world for its blend of modern luxury and Japanese elegance. Founded in 1994 by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper, the brand has expanded from Beverly...

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...

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence will conduct a siren test in several regions to help strengthen the country’s emergency preparedness. The test is part of a broader effort to improve public awareness of national alert systems and ensure swift responses during potential crises. Check out the full list of locations and test timings below. Siren test in Riyadh Region: Diriyah Al Kharj Al Dilam Siren test in Mecca Region: Jeddah Thuwal Siren test in Tabuk Region: entire governorate Authorities are urging the public not to panic, as this is simply a test aimed...

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a major development near Grand Mosque in Mecca that will provide around 900,000 new indoor and outdoor praying spaces. This project, named King Salman Gate, spans 12 million sqm (equivalent to nearly 1,700 football fields) and aims to improve access to Grand Mosque for pilgrims and visitors. King Salman Gate is planned as a mixed-use project, combining residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural spaces. The goal is to enhance the services currently provided in the area, ensuring better quality and accessibility for those visiting Grand Mosque. The development will be connected to...

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...

Spanish Super Cup 2026 is coming back to Jeddah! In January 2026, football fans will gather at King Abdullah Sports City to witness top-tier Spanish football action. This will be the second time that the city will host the prestigious event, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to venue for Spanish football. All three games will be held at Alinma Stadium (also known as Al Jawhara, which means "The Shining Jewel"): First semi-final: Barcelona vs Athletic Club on January 7, 2026 Second semi-final: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid on January 8, 2026 Final game of Spanish Super Cup between the winners...

Jeddah is set to welcome Trump Plaza, a USD 1 billion luxury development that promises to redefine the city’s downtown vibe. Sitting at the heart of Dar Al Arkan’s massive ‘Manhattan’ project, this new hub brings premium living, work, and leisure spaces together in one spot. The development is on a record-breaking land plot — the most expensive ever sold in the city. This will be Dar Global’s second project with The Trump Organization, following the launch of Trump Tower Jeddah in 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Trump Organization (@trump) The goal is to...