What to do in Saudi Arabia

As of April 19, Saudi Arabia has officially ended its temporary offer of a 50% discount on traffic fines. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the grace period has closed, meaning drivers who failed to pay their outstanding violations before April 18, 2024, will now need to pay the full amount. The discount program had been available since April 18, 2023, and applied to any traffic violations committed before April 18, 2024. During this time, drivers were allowed to pay fines either in full or through installment plans at half the original cost. Originally launched for six months, the program...

Lace up your running shoes — the Riyadh Marathon is back for another thrilling edition! Scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, this premier running event invites participants of all skill levels to take on one of four exhilarating race courses. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or a casual jogger, there’s a challenge just for you. Race Categories for Riyadh Marathon 2025 The Riyadh Marathon is an annual highlight organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and the Ministry of Sport. Designed to be inclusive, the event welcomes participants of all fitness levels, encouraging a vibrant community spirit. This...

With Eid Al Adha around the corner, Riyadh’s transport authority has rolled out an adjusted schedule for metro and bus services, aiming to accommodate shifting travel habits during the holiday period. The changes will be in place from June 5 to June 14, before regular operations resume on June 15. Metro Operating Hours during Eid Al Adha in Riyadh Metro services across all lines will end daily at midnight during the holiday. However, start times will vary by date and line. Orange Line: Daily: 10 AM to midnight Back to regular schedule (6 AM start) on June 15 Other Metro...

Saudi Arabia has unveiled new rules aimed at simplifying ID and visa processes for expatriates and their dependents. The General Directorate of Passports has announced two key updates that impact residents currently outside the Kingdom. Under the new regulations, dependents of expatriates and domestic workers who are abroad can now renew their resident IDs remotely. This change eliminates the need for physical presence in the Kingdom for this essential process. Additionally, expatriates outside Saudi Arabia can extend exit and re-entry visas — whether single or multiple — through streamlined digital platforms. These services are accessible via the Ministry of Interior's...

Prepare to be amazed by what MDLBeast Soundstorm 2025 has in store for you! From December 11 to 13, the Banban desert will transform into a neon-lit wonderland with world-class artists. The surprises keep coming with each new announcement and a lineup that never fails to impress. From high-energy rap to chart-topping pop, prepare yourself for performances by Post Malone, Benson Boone, Calvin Harris, Cardi B, and many more. Soundstorm '25 in Riyadh: Headliners Post Malone is back to hijack the desert with his signature mash-up of hip-hop, pop, and rock. Expect “Sunflower,” “Circles,” and “Chemical,” along with a few...

Looking for an enjoyable way to start the new year near Riyadh? The Al-Hariq Citrus Festival returns from January 1 to January 10, 2025, offering a unique blend of local flavors, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities — all with free entry. Located in the picturesque Al-Hariq Governorate, just a short drive from Riyadh, this annual festival celebrates the region's renowned citrus harvest. Expect to find an abundance of freshly picked oranges, lemons, tangerines, and citrons, along with other locally sourced goods such as dates, honey, strawberries, and traditional oud. The journey itself is part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy...

Riyadh’s café scene gets a fashionable twist this month, thanks to a limited-time collaboration between SoMatcha and Jimmy Choo. This design-meets-drinks experience is running until 31 May at SoMatcha’s flagship location in An Nada — and it’s turning heads with every cup served. Founded in 2021 by Yara AlNamlah, SoMatcha has quickly carved out its niche as a destination for matcha enthusiasts. Built around the idea of celebrating matcha’s health benefits and versatility, the café blends a minimalist aesthetic with a menu focused entirely on the green tea superfood.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Saudi Arabia’s capital is undergoing a major transformation, and The Avenues – Riyadh is set to be one of its centrepieces. Inspired by the popular destination of the same name in Kuwait, this massive development will become a key spot for shopping, hospitality, business and culture in the Kingdom. The Avenues – Riyadh will take shape in the north of Riyadh, at the intersection of King Salman Road and King Fahad Road. The project will cover more than 1.8 million square metres, positioning it as one of the largest malls in the region. The design of the complex follows Salmani...

Suwaidi Park is back as part of Riyadh Season 2025, and it’s bringing the world to one place. This year, the free-entry zone celebrates 13 cultures from across the globe. It’s open every day until December 20, filling the air with music, dance, food, and colour. The park takes visitors on a journey through food stalls serving authentic dishes, vibrant folk performances, and markets filled with handcrafted treasures. Each week, a new culture takes the spotlight, creating a different experience every time you visit. Families can explore pavilions, enjoy open-air concerts, and soak in a carnival-like atmosphere. View this post...

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....