What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

As Saudi Arabia gears up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Jeddah is making room for a new wave of hospitality with two hotels set to open in 2028 at King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) — Kimpton Jeddah KASC and EVEN Hotels Jeddah KASC. Both are part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family and promise distinct experiences for travellers heading to the Red Sea city. Kimpton Jeddah KASC: A Stylish Social Hub With 330 rooms, Kimpton Jeddah KASC is designed as a modern, vibrant space that brings together contemporary style and local character. Guests can expect: An expansive...

A new addition is joining Jeddah’s growing roster of high-end dining venues. Lola Brasserie, opening on 4 July in Al Khalidiyyah, is the latest concept from the Leylaty Group, known for its upscale hospitality projects in the Kingdom. This new brasserie aims to deliver a distinctly French atmosphere that balances classic elegance with Mediterranean warmth. Inspired by both Parisian style and the relaxed charm of southern France, the venue offers a setting that is both refined and inviting.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lola Brasserie (@lolabrasserieksa) The restaurant’s design reflects its dual identity....

The region of AlUla is introducing a new public transport project that aims to improve visitor access to some of Saudi Arabia’s most important heritage sites. The AlUla tramway, expected to launch operational services in the second half of 2027, will become the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway. The tramway will cover 22.4 kilometres and include 17 stations, each featuring a distinct architectural design. The route follows the historic path of the former Hijaz railway. It will connect five of AlUla’s most important heritage sites: AlUla Old Town Dadan Jabal Ikmah Nabataean Horizon Hegra Historical City (a UNESCO World Heritage...

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

Get ready Jeddah, the party’s just getting started! ONYX Arena, the city’s newest and boldest concert venue, is kicking off its debut with a bang. As part of Jeddah Season and powered by the entertainment legends at MDLBEAST, this summer lineup is stacked with global headliners, fresh regional acts, and non-stop vibes. Think epic lights, booming beats, and thousands of fans all vibing under one roof, ONYX Arena is here to take your concert nights to a whole new level. If you love music, energy, and big-stage magic, this is the place to be. MDLBEAST ONYX Arena Concerts Lineup Week...

Riyadh is gearing up for an electrifying summer as the Esports World Cup 2025, formerly known as Gamers8, takes center stage at The Venue in Riyadh City. From July 18th to August 7th, this grand event will unite the world's top gamers for an unforgettable experience. But that's not all, the excitement doesn't stop when the gaming ends. Thanks to a collaboration with MDLBeast, the Esports World Cup has introduced AFT_r, a series of spectacular after-show concerts. Every Thursday night, visitors can look forward to thrilling performances from renowned artists. Here's what you can expect each week. Esports World Cup...

If you’ve been swept up in the global Labubu craze, you’re not alone. These little creatures with pointy ears and playful expressions have taken over everything from toy stores to social media feeds. And now, Riyadh has introduced its very own twist on the trend: Lanunu, a pocket-sized collectible you can take with you everywhere. WHOA TEA & Desserts, a popular café in Riyadh, is behind this creative launch. Order any beverage from their menu, and you’ll receive a Lanunu keychain as a complimentary treat. It’s small, portable, and made to clip right onto your bag or keys.    ...

Saudi Arabia’s dining scene is set for a major shift starting July 1, 2025, when new food labelling regulations officially come into effect. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced that all restaurants, cafés, food establishments, and delivery platforms must begin displaying full nutritional information on their menus — both physical and digital. The updated rules are part of a nationwide push to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and increase public awareness of sodium and caffeine consumption. Under the new guidelines, menus must now include: Saltshaker icons to indicate high-sodium dishes Caffeine content disclosures for beverages An estimate of...

This August, Terhal is making its return to Diriyah. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the second edition of this immersive theatrical production will run from August 4 to 25, 2025 at Mayadeen, Diriyah, one of Riyadh’s most historic venues. The production blends theatrical storytelling with visuals, using lighting and special effects to bring Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and history to life. From mountains and deserts to bustling cities and quiet villages, Terhal paints a vivid portrait of the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by وزارة الثقافة MOC (@mocsaudi)...

Saudi Arabia is now laying the groundwork for Riyadh Expo 2030, set to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. The Expo site, located in the north of the capital between KAPSARC and King Khalid International Airport, will span over six million square metres and is expected to welcome 40 million visitors in person and more than 1 billion virtually. Following its winning bid in November 2023 — where Riyadh secured 119 out of 173 votes, defeating Rome and Busan — the country is investing SAR 29.3 billion into the project. The goal is to present a forward-looking,...