What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

If you enjoy exploring outdoor spots around Riyadh, here’s one to keep in mind. Wadi Umm Qasr Walkway is now open on Aishah Bint Abi Bakr Road in Al Uraija Al Wusta, so if you feel like going for a family walk in the evening or a bike ride, you now know the location. The area is open to everyone, and entry is free, so you can simply stop by whenever you’re in the mood for some air. Some people come for a relaxed stroll, others pick up the pace, and kids often bring their bikes or scooters along. The...

As the end of Ramadan approaches, many people in Saudi Arabia are already preparing for the holiday. Several Riyadh malls have adjusted their working hours before Eid Al Fitr, opening right after dawn to give visitors a calm window for early shopping. Saudi Arabia has recently confirmed the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates for both public and private sector employees. It means the festive break, along with the usual rush for gifts, outfits, and family preparations, is just around the corner. With some of the city’s busiest shopping destinations opening as early as 5 AM, there’s now a chance...

As the final days of Ramadan approach, many pilgrims are preparing for Umrah at the Great Mosque in Mecca. However, with a large number of worshippers expected, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to be mindful of peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. If you're planning your trip during this time, here are the best (and the busiest) hours to visit. Recent data shows that the busiest times at the Great Mosque are: 4 PM to 10 PM 5 AM to 8 AM For those looking for a quieter experience, moderate crowds are usually...

Eid Al Fitr 2026 is right around the corner, and many are eagerly awaiting the official announcement about when the holidays will begin. Kuwait has provided two possible scenarios for the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays for employees in ministries and government entities. If Ramadan ends on March 19, the public sector will enjoy a five-day break from Thursday through Monday If Ramadan ends a day earlier, on March 18, the holiday would be a four-day weekend, running from Thursday to Sunday Keep an eye out for the official announcement, as the moon sighting will determine which scenario comes into...

If you spend time in KSA in early March, you may notice more green flags appearing across streets, buildings, and public spaces. That’s because Saudi Flag Day is celebrated every year on March 11, a national occasion dedicated to the Kingdom’s flag and the story behind it. Saudi Flag Day is a relatively recent national observance. It was officially introduced in 2023 to highlight the history and meaning of the national flag. March 11 marks the day in 1937 when King Abdulaziz Al Saud approved the official design of the Saudi national flag, corresponding to 27 Dhu Al Hijja 1355...

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most anticipated holidays marking the end of Ramadan, and naturally, people in both public and private sectors are looking forward to a much-needed break. Saudi Arabia has confirmed the dates for the 2026 Eid Al Fitr holiday, and here’s what you can expect: Government and private sector employees will enjoy a four-day holiday starting Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan The holiday will last until Sunday, March 22, when regular work hours will resume These dates are subject to confirmation after the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, so there...

If you regularly drive into Saudi Arabia with a vehicle registered in another GCC country, this update is for you. The Kingdom has issued new rules that restrict the stay of vehicles registered in Gulf countries to 90 days within any 365-day period. These days can be consecutive or spread out across the year, meaning you could stay for 90 days in one trip or break it up into several shorter visits. The count begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through any customs port. The rule applies to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, residents, and expatriates, as...

2027 might feel far away, but this is the kind of event you plan for early. The Islamic Arts Biennale is coming back to Jeddah, and the dates have been announced: November 1, 2027 to March 1, 2028. The event will once again take over the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. The Islamic Arts Biennale was established by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and remains the first biennale in the world dedicated entirely to the arts of Islamic civilisations, past and present. The upcoming edition will feature pieces from Makkah and Madinah, alongside loans from the Louvre and...

Need a reason to leave the city and head to the desert this month? In the heart of Ashar Valley, Maraya is hosting Ramadan nights, serving iftar and suhoor inside its iconic mirrored venue. Maraya is the massive building that reflects the desert and rock formations you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s officially the world’s largest mirrored structure and one of AlUla’s most recognisable landmarks. Usually home to concerts and events, it has opened its doors for long Ramadan evenings during this holy month. You can book in for iftar at SAR 350/person or suhoor at SAR 250/person. The...

Ramadan evenings in Riyadh come with their own rhythm: late-night outings, post-iftar walks, and meeting up with friends and family. If you want to add something extra to your routine, head to JAX District. This creative hub is hosting a Ramadan market until March 7, where you can enjoy tasty food, local shopping, and open art spaces. Across the space, food stalls serve popular dishes and light bites you can grab on the go. You’ll spot small sharing plates, smoothie stands, and vendors selling local honey and different cheeses. View this post on Instagram A post shared by حي جاكس...