What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has just launched the first-ever AFC Fashion Fund, aimed at supporting Arab talent in the global fashion industry. The biennial program is designed to help one ready-to-wear (RTW) designer scale their brand internationally, with a total value of USD 500,000 over a two-year period. To be eligible, applicants must be RTW designers holding citizenship from any Arab League country. The chosen designer will also benefit from guidance by an advisory board made up of editors, investors, and fashion industry leaders. The winner will be announced later in 2025.     View this post on Instagram...

Uber has rolled out a new feature in Saudi Arabia that gives women riders the option to be matched only with female drivers. The move is part of the company’s wider efforts to boost women’s participation in the workforce and expand access to safe, flexible job opportunities in the mobility sector. The new ride option, called Women Drivers, functions similarly to the existing UberX service. Riders can book a trip on-demand or schedule one up to 30 minutes in advance through Uber Reserve. The feature is being gradually introduced across the country and will be visible to women riders in...

Saudi Arabia’s hottest race — literally — is back this summer. The third edition of AlUla Desert Blaze is taking place on August 15 and 16, 2025, in one of the Kingdom’s most scenic and historic regions. The event offers participants a rare chance to run through UNESCO World Heritage sites while testing their endurance in summer desert heat. There are four race categories to choose from: 5 km 10 km 21.1 km (half-marathon) 42.2 km (full marathon) The 5 km and 10 km races are open to runners aged 16 and above, while the half and full marathons require...

The Moroccan-born coffee brand Bacha Coffee is expanding to Riyadh. While the official opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet, the upcoming branch will be located in Solitaire Mall, one of the city’s newest high-end destinations. Bacha Coffee was founded in 1910 in Marrakesh, and quickly became more than just a café. It was a cultural and political meeting place for visitors from around the world — including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, who enjoyed Arabic coffee during their time in Morocco. After a long period of closure, the brand was revived in 2017 as a museum and in 2019...

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has released updated guidelines for foreign visitors and GCC residents regarding the use of international and foreign driving licences in the Kingdom. For visitors, the rules allow driving in Saudi Arabia using a valid foreign or international driving licence for up to one year from the date of entry — or until the licence expires, whichever comes first. However, the licence must be valid for the same category of vehicle being driven. To be accepted, all licences must be translated by an accredited body, ensuring all information is clearly understood by local...

Just 20 minutes from the Red Sea International Airport, Desert Rock Resort is one of the most distinctive additions to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism project. Unlike the many island resorts set to open along the coast, this inland retreat is built directly into the rugged desert terrain — offering a very different kind of stay. Spread across 30,000 square metres, the resort has been carved out of mountains and clifftops, blending in with the surrounding rock formations. The hotel features 60 villas and suites, each designed to offer privacy, views, and a strong connection to the natural environment. Accommodation...

Hilton is set to introduce its first Tapestry Collection property in Saudi Arabia with the launch of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, opening in November 2025. The new hotel will be located in Madinah’s central Haram area, offering a boutique-style experience that aligns with the Tapestry brand’s focus on cultural connection and local identity. The project is being developed in partnership with Al Musbah Group and reflects Hilton’s plans to expand its presence across the Kingdom. The company continues to move toward its target of operating 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia. Diyar Ajwa will include 221 guest rooms and...

Aman Resorts, Swiss hospitality company known for its ultra-luxury properties worldwide, is bringing a new residential development to Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia. The project, named Amansamar Residences, will be built near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, a location deeply connected to the Kingdom's history and cultural heritage. The name Amansamar blends two meanings: “aman,” which is Sanskrit for peace, and “samar,” the Arabic word for sharing stories and knowledge among friends. Together, they reflect the project’s vision of creating a peaceful community rooted in connection. The name also translates to “the peaceful acacia tree,” a symbol of...

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...

As the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, visitors to SEF Arena can look forward to more than just high-stakes gaming. Running alongside the global competition is the Street Food Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission. The event will take place from July 10 to 19, at Boulevard City, from 6 PM to 1 AM daily. This culinary activation is designed to showcase the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture to both local and international guests. With esports players and fans gathering from all over the world, the festival offers a fitting opportunity to promote Saudi cuisine...