What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

Qiddiya City is taking another big step toward becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment. In a newly announced global partnership with the Faldo Series, the city has revealed plans for an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. The course is expected to open in 2026 and is part of Qiddiya’s strategy to support sporting development in Saudi Arabia, particularly among youth. The partnership with the Faldo Series — a well-known international platform for young golf talent — reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in grassroots sports under Vision 2030. The upcoming course won’t...

London’s iconic restaurants The Wolseley and Colbert are stepping into the hospitality world in a new way. Minor Hotels, in partnership with the Wolseley Hospitality Group, has announced plans to launch four hotel brands inspired by the well-known dining spots. At the core of this expansion is a focus on food-driven travel. The Colbert Collection is set to open in the Middle East, although the exact city and launch date are still under wraps. The brand aims to appeal to guests who seek authentic, neighbourhood-style experiences, with the restaurant itself forming the heart of the hotel.        ...

Riyadh Film Music Festival is back for its second edition, taking place from July 30 to August 8, 2025. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, this year’s festival will be held at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The event will bring together 80 internationally renowned film music composers for a unique cultural celebration. Audiences can expect an immersive blend of iconic films and live orchestral performances, with a professional orchestra from Armenia providing the soundtrack for the screenings. Here’s the list of featured film concerts during Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025: Top Gun:...

PUMA Middle East has officially launched the 2025/26 home and away kits for Al Hilal FC, under the banner "Rooted in Glory." With this new drop, the brand pays tribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape and the club’s longstanding success as the most decorated football team in both Saudi and Asian history. Both kits are layered with symbolism drawn from Saudi Arabia’s heritage and Al Hilal’s identity.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PUMA Middle East (@pumame) The home kit takes inspiration from the Najd region’s mud-brick architecture — a reference to the team’s...

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...