What to do in Saudi Arabia

Get ready for one of the biggest beauty events in the region! Beautyworld Saudi Arabia is returning for its fifth edition, bringing together top beauty brands and industry experts. From April 21 to 23, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) will host this event, offering a space for professionals and beauty lovers to connect and share the latest trends.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Beautyworld Middle East (@beautyworldme) Whether you’re in the industry or simply passionate about beauty, there’s plenty to explore. This year’s Beautyworld is the largest so far, covering...

Riyadh Season 2024 is gearing up for an impressive launch, and the excitement has reached new heights with the announcement that hip-hop legend Missy Elliott will be taking the stage at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia’s capital. Scheduled to begin on October 12, Riyadh Season 2024 promises a star-studded opening ceremony. Joining Missy Elliott on stage will be fellow hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes and R&B sensation Ciara, ensuring an electrifying kickoff to this year’s entertainment extravaganza.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by موسم الرياض | Riyadh Season (@riyadhseason) Missy Elliott climbed to the peak of...

Riyadh Film Music Festival is back for its second edition, taking place from July 30 to August 8, 2025. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, this year’s festival will be held at the Red Hall Theater of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The event will bring together 80 internationally renowned film music composers for a unique cultural celebration. Audiences can expect an immersive blend of iconic films and live orchestral performances, with a professional orchestra from Armenia providing the soundtrack for the screenings. Here’s the list of featured film concerts during Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025: Top Gun:...

AlUla, a breathtaking ancient city in northwest Saudi Arabia, is a place where history meets stunning landscapes. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Hegra, carved into sandstone cliffs, AlUla offers a unique setting for Ramadan. This March, the city comes alive with special events, traditional iftars, and festive decorations, making it a perfect destination to experience the spirit of the holy month. Iftar Tofareya – A Shared Ramadan Feast One of the highlights of Ramadan in AlUla is Iftar Tofareya, a communal iftar that brings locals and visitors together at Incense Road in the AlJadidah Arts District. Guests can enjoy a spread...

AlUla Skies Festival is returning from April 18 to 27, 2025, bringing a mix of adventure and breathtaking views. Whether you’re into thrilling experiences or peaceful moments under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top activities and things to do, sorted from the most affordable to the priciest: 1. Hot Air Balloon Glow Show – From SAR 30 Watch giant balloons light up the night sky over Hegra and Elephant Rock, accompanied by fire shows and DJ music. A stunning visual treat at a great price! Available only on 18, 19, 25, & 26 April....

A Miu Miu pop-up has arrived at Bujairi Terrace, offering a unique experience that combines fashion and food. Located at Flamingo Room by Tashas on the first floor, this temporary spot is open until March 30, so make sure to visit before it closes! At the Miu Miu pop-up, you’ll find a lively atmosphere full of branded elements – from the neon signs to Miu Miu logos on cushions, napkins, and even on the desserts and drinks.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bujairi Terrace | مطل البجيري (@bujairiterrace) It’s designed to create a...

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...

Madinah International Book Fair 2025 is underway and welcoming readers, families, and culture lovers from across the Kingdom. Now in its fourth edition, the fair runs until August 4 at the King Salman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entry is free, and the fair is open daily from 2 PM to midnight. Visitors will find an extensive range of titles across literature, science, Islamic studies, and more. There’s also a diverse cultural programme including: Seminars Dialogue sessions Poetry evenings Creative workshops Prominent authors and cultural figures will join these events, offering a deeper look into various topics and ideas. At...

The expected dates for Eid Al Adha public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2024 have been announced. The holiday celebrations are set to begin on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and will likely conclude on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. However, official confirmation for these dates across all sectors will be provided closer to the time as per the moon sighting. The Eid al Adha festivities are anticipated to commence either on Saturday, June 15, 2024, or Sunday, June 16, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon. Eid al Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of...

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...