What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

The desert beats are coming back. AZIMUTH 2025 has officially announced its dates, with the two-day festival set to take over AlUla from 25 to 26 September 2025. Held in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s dramatic desert landscape, AZIMUTH blends music, art and cultural experiences, creating one of the most memorable festival settings in the region. This year’s theme is “Until The Sun Comes Up” — a nod to the festival’s signature format of performances that stretch from sunset to sunrise. The event also coincides with Saudi National Day, giving it even more reason to celebrate.     View this...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...

Riyadh’s food scene continues to evolve, and now it’s making room for one of London’s standout burger joints. Supernova, the minimalist concept known for doing classic cheeseburgers right, is getting ready to open in Al Nakheel — and for fans of straightforward, flavour-focused dining, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Supernova built its name in London by keeping things simple. The interiors are crisp and unfussy, and the menu stays focused on what matters: classic and house cheeseburgers (depending on the choice of sauce) hand-cut fries sundaes with caramel or chocolate topping for dessert          ...

AlUla is adding another architectural and hospitality milestone to its growing list of developments. The AlUla Development Company (UDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled the concept for NUMAJ, a 250-room luxury hotel developed in partnership with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. The property is set to open in 2027. Inspired by both astronomy and cultural heritage, the name NUMAJ takes reference from Nu Ursae Majoris, a star system used by ancient travellers in the region. It also nods to the Arabic phrase Al Kafzah al Ula, or "the first leap," highlighting the spirit of discovery...

If you’re planning to perform Hajj this year, make sure you follow all the official regulations — because the consequences of skipping the rules just got serious. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has rolled out a set of penalties aimed at cracking down on unauthorized Hajj attempts, and the fines, deportations, and bans are nothing to take lightly. The enforcement period runs from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 to Dhul-Hijjah 14 (April 29 to June 10), and here’s what you need to know about Hajj violation penalties: 1. SR20,000 (USD 5,300) fine for: Anyone performing or attempting Hajj without an official permit. Visitors...

The Red Sea is set to welcome another high-profile addition to its growing list of luxury destinations. Nammos Resort AMAALA will be the first Nammos property outside of Greece, bringing a blend of Mykonian charm and Hijazi heritage to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious AMAALA project. Designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners, the resort will feature 110 rooms with ocean views and 20 branded residences overlooking the AMAALA Marina and the Corallium Marine Life Institute. It’s crafted to be a complete family destination, with a luxury spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a children’s club all on-site. Food lovers are in for...

Saudi Arabia has added two new names to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking another step in its efforts to preserve natural heritage and promote sustainable tourism. The newly recognised North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark now join a select list of protected geological areas worldwide that meet UNESCO’s standards for conservation, education, and community involvement. The announcement highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to showcasing its diverse landscapes and geological history while contributing to its Vision 2030 goals for environmental awareness and eco-tourism development. North Riyadh Geopark Situated at the foothills of the Tuwaiq mountain, North Riyadh Geopark is a striking...

Armani is bringing its signature design flair to the heart of Saudi Arabia, and this time, it's not just in your wardrobe — it’s where you could be living. The brand’s newest venture, Armani Residences in Diriyah, is a high-end living experience that blends Italian sophistication with the traditional charm of Najdi architecture. Located right next to the Armani Hotel in Diriyah, this upcoming residential collection features 15 fully furnished homes, personally curated by Giorgio Armani. Each space is crafted with attention to detail, showcasing a mix of Armani/Casa, Armani Dada, and Armani Roca designs — bringing the brand’s iconic...

Riyadh is undergoing a dramatic shift in identity — from a desert-bound capital to a city rooted in sustainability and green living. Backed by over SAR 72.25 billion in green investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the transformation is well underway. From vast parks and tree-planting campaigns to futuristic entertainment hubs and eco-conscious infrastructure, these six mega-projects are helping to reshape the Saudi capital. 1. Green Riyadh Project Launched in 2019, Green Riyadh is one of the city's biggest initiatives aimed at tackling heat and boosting urban livability. The project is managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City...

The Riyadh Public Transport Company has announced the launch of two additional stations on the Orange Line of the Riyadh Metro, continuing the steady expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship public transportation project. The newly opened Railway Station and Jarir District Station are now fully operational. The Orange Line — officially known as Line 3 — runs for 40.7 kilometres, connecting Medina Road in the west to Prince Saad bin Abdulrahman I Road in the east. With these new stops, the metro's reach extends deeper into densely populated neighborhoods, offering smoother transit flows and reducing travel times for thousands of residents....