What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

Riyadh has a new museum dedicated entirely to oil, and it’s now open to visitors. If you wanted to see how Saudi Arabia built its story around oil, you can now walk through it in one place. Black Gold Museum presents the story of oil through art, historical material, and visual narratives. The museum has four sections. Each one focuses on a different part of oil’s history and its use over time: The story starts with oil at its most basic level, from its molecular structure to its discovery as a raw material The next section looks at how oil...

Planning a trip between Saudi Arabia and Russia just got simpler. From May 11, citizens of both countries can travel without a visa, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new rule allows stays of up to 90 days, either in one trip or across several visits within the same calendar year. The visa-free entry covers: tourism business visits trips to see relatives or friends If your travel falls into one of these categories, you can enter without applying in advance. Work, study, long-term residence, and travel for Hajj are not included. For those purposes, a visa is...

Getting ready for Hajj 2026? Vaccinations are one of the few steps you can’t afford to delay, and missing a required one can stop your trip before it starts. The rules apply to all pilgrims aged one year and above. Here’s the list of required and recommended vaccines. Hajj 2026 mandatory vaccines what every pilgrim must have Meningococcal ACYWRequired for all pilgrims. Must be taken at least 10 days before arrival, with valid proof of vaccination. Polio vaccineRequired only for travellers from countries where polio is still circulating. The dose must fall within the approved timeframe before travel. Yellow fever...

If handing your phone to a child usually ends in random taps, pop ups or accidental purchases, Netflix Playground is built to avoid all of that. The streaming giant has introduced a separate app for children aged 8 and under, combining simple games and familiar TV characters in one place. Curious about the new release and what it offers? Here’s everything you need to know. What Netflix Playground App Is Netflix Playground is a free add on for anyone who already has a Netflix subscription. It is available on smartphones and tablets. You can download the app on Apple devices...

If you’ve been thinking about trying something creative this month, Diriyah has a full line-up worth checking out. Throughout April 2026, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is hosting a series of workshops as part of the ongoing exhibition Of the Earth: Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies. Whether you’re drawn to nature, curious about tech, or interested in cultural exploration, there’s a workshop here that will match your interests. Nature-based workshops for Teens Musical Fruits This session mixes nature, sound, and simple tech. Participants use fruits, vegetables, and plants to build basic musical instruments and explore how organic materials generate sound through...

A week of films, conversations, and industry meetups is coming back to Dhahran at the end of April. Saudi Film Festival returns for its 12th edition. The event will take place from April 23 to 29 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). This year’s theme, “The Journey,” shapes a programme of feature films, short films, and documentaries from Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf. Tickets for screenings start from SAR 75. The international focus this year is on Korean cinema. Screenings will be paired with discussions featuring Korean filmmakers, along with a cultural seminar and an advanced...

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...

Crowds are part of Mecca, especially during pilgrimage seasons. Getting in and around the city is not always simple. For a while, there've been plans to build an airport and metro system in the city. And now, they have become one step closer to reality. Authorities say both projects are officially moving into the next phase. Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Mecca City and the Holy Sites, confirmed that teams have completed the airport studies. Authorities are now working with private sector partners to define how they will build and operate the hub. Work on the metro...