What to do in Saudi Arabia - Latest News

The historic Red Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is getting a new lease on life. Built in 1943 by King Abdulaziz, the founding father of Saudi Arabia, this iconic palace is being transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel by the Boutique Group, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This transformation will preserve the palace's rich history while giving it a modern twist. Originally a gift to King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the Red Palace has seen decades of historic events. It was the first building in Saudi Arabia made with reinforced concrete and served as the headquarters for the...

If you’re looking for a fresh dining experience in Saudi Arabia, Salt Camp at Ithra is the perfect spot this season. Located in the beautiful Lush Garden area of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, this pop-up with tasty food and a cozy atmosphere promises quality time with loved ones. But hurry — it's only open for a limited time! Salt Camp’s theme, “Full of Stars,” brings an exciting twist to its menu, curated by Chef David Lagonell. With over 25 years of expertise in barbecue and international cuisine, this London-based chef serves up dishes sure...

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has launched its first-ever exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, open to the public until 15 February 2025. This milestone marks the debut of the first New Media Art hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a project spearheaded by the Museums Commission under Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. DAF aims to equip the next generation of artists, technologists, and scholars with the tools to tackle emerging creative challenges and reshape the artistic landscape.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @dafmoc...

Step aboard the legendary Amerigo Vespucci as it docks in Jeddah from January 26 to 30, offering a rare glimpse into Italian heritage and maritime history. Hosted by the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina in the scenic Ash Shati district, this free event promises to immerse visitors in the art, craftsmanship, and culinary treasures of Italy. The Amerigo Vespucci, often called a "floating ambassador of Italy," has traveled the globe, visiting over 30 ports including Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Now, it brings a touch of Italian elegance to Jeddah's waterfront. This unique event is perfect for families and...

The Jeddah E-Prix 2025 is set to return to Saudi Arabia this February, offering an engaging mix of world-class motorsport and live music. The event, held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on 14 and 15 February, will feature a headline performance by American rapper Lil Baby, bringing his distinctive sound and lyrical depth to the stage on the second day. Dominique Armani Jones, known to millions as Lil Baby, has established himself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary rap. Emerging with his debut mixtape Perfect Timing in 2017, Lil Baby’s raw and introspective storytelling quickly set him...

AlUla Moments returns for its fourth edition, offering a captivating array of experiences that highlight the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Spanning until April 2025, this festival showcases AlUla’s stunning landscapes through a diverse lineup of flagship festivals, artistic showcases, sporting challenges, and live music events. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit. AlUla Trail Race (January 23–24, 2025) Trail runners, prepare for an epic adventure. This ultra-marathon offers a 100-kilometer route through iconic landmarks like Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the Maraya Concert Hall, with an elevation gain of over 1,770 meters. For less...

As February 22, 2025, approaches, Saudi Arabia gears up to commemorate its first public holiday of the year — Saudi Founding Day. This day honors the establishment of the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1727, marking nearly three centuries of rich history and cultural legacy. What Is Saudi Founding Day? Saudi Founding Day celebrates the creation of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. Officially introduced in 2022, the holiday was established through a royal decree by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It recognizes the deep historical, cultural, and civilizational roots of Saudi Arabia....

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced an exciting step forward in the country's digital transformation: the launch of Google Pay in 2025. This development will bring a new level of convenience and accessibility to the payment landscape in Saudi Arabia. For Android users, this means seamless, contactless payments across stores, apps, and websites with just a tap. Google Wallet will allow users to securely add and manage their payment cards, offering a smoother and more secure shopping experience. While Apple Pay has been available since 2019, Google Pay's introduction will expand the digital payment options for residents, enhancing competition...

For many in Saudi Arabia, Wednesday nights were once a ritual of staying up late to watch wrestling on Channel 2. Now, instead of reliving those moments through a screen, fans will witness the adrenaline and drama firsthand as the WWE Royal Rumble makes its historic debut in Riyadh in January 2026. This marks a significant milestone: the first-ever Royal Rumble held outside North America and the 39th edition of this iconic wrestling event. The matches will become a centerpiece of the Riyadh Season, a celebrated series of cultural and entertainment events. The announcement came through Turki Alalshikh, head of...

Riyadh continues to establish itself as a culinary destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming internationally acclaimed dining concepts from around the world. One of the newest additions is Isabel Mayfair, which has made its Middle East debut in the bustling As Sulimaniyah district. Designed by the acclaimed David T’kint of DTK Studio, Isabel Mayfair combines the sophistication of an art-deco mansion with the glamour of the Gatsby era. The venue is divided into three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, a light-filled conservatory, and a speakeasy bar tucked discreetly behind a hidden door.     View this post on Instagram  ...