What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to grow, and the arrival of Abou el Sid adds a rich cultural note to the mix. Known for serving authentic Egyptian cuisine for over two decades, this beloved Cairo-born restaurant has officially opened in The Esplanade, following its debut in Jeddah. With interiors inspired by a traditional Egyptian household, the new Riyadh branch balances nostalgia and comfort. The space features patterned tiled floors, minimalist wooden furniture, and soft turquoise couches. Walls adorned with retro photos and soft lighting create a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, enhanced by Tanoura dance performances during select evenings.     View...

A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application. While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify...

Riyadh’s food scene just got more flavourful. Blu Pizzeriá, the Dubai-born concept inspired by Naples, Italy, has officially landed in An Nakheel, Riyadh. After building a fan base in both Abu Dhabi (opened in October 2024) and Dubai, the much-loved pizzeria is now in its soft opening phase in the Saudi capital. Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh offers a cosy yet elevated dining experience, featuring dark wood interiors, plush seating, and lush decorative greenery. The design is as carefully considered as the menu, creating a welcoming space for pizza lovers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Pizza lovers in Riyadh now have a new spot to explore — Krisp has officially opened in Al Malqa, and it’s all about crisp, golden bases and Italian-inspired toppings. Whether you prefer your pizza simple or loaded with flavour, Krisp has crafted a menu that balances tradition with creativity. Krisp’s design draws from classic Italian pizzerias, with a modern edge. The dark grey exterior and large windows give the space a clean, urban feel, while wooden floors, sleek counters, and banquette seating create a cosy yet contemporary interior.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Egyptian singer and songwriter Bayou is making his way to Saudi Arabia this July, bringing his unique bilingual sound to live audiences in two major cities. The artist will perform in Jeddah on 17 July at Onyx Arena, followed by a show in Riyadh on 18 July as part of the MDLBeast Festival. This marks a special return for Bayou, born Adham Bayoumi, who spent part of his early life in Jeddah before moving to Dubai. His music blends Arabic and English, shaped by influences from both the Middle East and the UK, where he also lived. Bayou first gained...

Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has announced that Hajj will no longer fall during the summer months until the year 2050. According to a newly published 25-year Hajj calendar, starting in 2026, the Islamic pilgrimage will gradually move into spring, followed by winter and autumn seasons — offering milder weather for millions of pilgrims. The shift is due to the nature of the Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic dates to move earlier each year, resulting in Hajj aligning with different seasons over time. Here’s how the seasons will...

Skywatchers in Saudi Arabia and across the region will have a rare opportunity to witness two celestial events in one night. On June 11, the full “Strawberry Moon” will rise, accompanied by the Great Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that last occurred nearly 20 years ago. The Great Lunar Standstill happens every 18.6 years, when the Moon’s orbital tilt reaches its peak. This causes the Moon to rise and set at its most extreme northern and southern points on the horizon, a motion visible to the naked eye in areas with clear skies. According to the Astronomy and Space Club...

Planning a trip to the Caucasus just got easier. Armenia has officially announced that, starting July 1, 2025, citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman will no longer need a visa to enter the country. The new visa-free policy allows travelers from these three Gulf nations to stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a 12-month period without applying for an entry visa. The move is part of Armenia’s broader effort to make travel more accessible and to strengthen ties with Gulf countries. It’s also a timely update for citizens and residents of these countries looking for a...

A slice of French culinary heritage has landed in Riyadh. Lenôtre Paris, the renowned artisanal pastry house, has opened its first Saudi location in Laysen Valley, with another on the way in Lumière Centre. Known for refined presentation and technique, the brand brings with it decades of pastry expertise, now available to sample in the Kingdom. Originally founded in 1957 by Gaston and Colette Lenôtre, the concept has long stood as a symbol of French gastronomy. Their first boutique opened near Normandy, and in 1971, the Lenôtre School was established in Plaisir (Yvelines) to share culinary excellence with future generations....

Craving authentic Italian food in Riyadh? Vera Italia has officially opened its doors at Sahara Mall, promising a warm welcome and a taste of Italy in the heart of the capital. The new venue was founded by friends with a shared passion for Italian cuisine and culture. The interior leans into clean design with grey walls, wooden floors, and soft cream and green seating. Photos and posters of old-school pizzerias and Vespas add a nostalgic Italian touch.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vera Italia (@veraitalia_ksa) The menu takes a classic route with plenty...