What to do in Saudi Arabia

A new addition is joining Jeddah’s growing roster of high-end dining venues. Lola Brasserie, opening on 4 July in Al Khalidiyyah, is the latest concept from the Leylaty Group, known for its upscale hospitality projects in the Kingdom. This new brasserie aims to deliver a distinctly French atmosphere that balances classic elegance with Mediterranean warmth. Inspired by both Parisian style and the relaxed charm of southern France, the venue offers a setting that is both refined and inviting.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lola Brasserie (@lolabrasserieksa) The restaurant’s design reflects its dual identity....

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of Saudi Arabia’s future plans. The Kingdom has announced that 2026 will be the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening its role in data and AI development. The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). SDAIA also revealed the official logo for the Year of Artificial Intelligence. It combines several elements that reflect both Saudi identity and the country’s growing focus on technology: The palm...

Saudi Arabia is set to take the spotlight in the global music scene with the hosting of Intervision Song Contest 2026 in Riyadh. After a successful inaugural edition in Moscow, the competition will make its way to KSA, offering a unique platform for music and cultural exchange. What is Intervision Song Contest? Intervision is a fresh music competition that stands apart from traditional contests by merging art with cultural identity. This format encourages a celebration of diverse sounds and traditions, making it a unique addition to the global music competition scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...

Jeddah has a new spot for film lovers to explore – Cinema Al Balad, a venue dedicated to showcasing local, regional, and international cinema. The newly opened art house cinema is breathing new life into the city’s historic relationship with film, offering an experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s first open-air theatre, Al-Jumjum Cinema, Cinema Al Balad pays tribute to the early days of cinema in Jeddah. Back then, moviegoers would gather in the historic district for open-air screenings. Fast forward to today, and Cinema Al Balad is continuing that legacy in a modern, curated...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new set of rules that explains how public facilities across the country should be named. The regulations were approved by the Cabinet and published in the official Umm Al Qura Gazette. The goal is to make naming clearer and more consistent across the Kingdom. These rules apply to all publicly owned facilities in Saudi Arabia. This includes schools, municipal buildings, cultural centres, sports venues, and transport facilities. Each government body will name the facilities it manages, following the approved guidelines and existing laws. The new set of rules outlines what is not allowed when naming...

Ready to add some glow to your beauty routine? Moonglaze is now available at Sephora in Saudi Arabia! If you’ve been eyeing those signature highlighters and blush sticks, now’s the perfect time to try this makeup brand from Saudi entrepreneur and influencer Yara Alnamlah out and bring those beauties home. You can now shop Moonglaze’s glow-boosting highlighters and blush sticks at three Sephora locations in KSA: Nakheel Mall in Riyadh Jeddah Mall Dhahran Mall in Khobar This is a big moment for the region because it’s the first time a Saudi brand has launched at the beauty giant. View this...

If you’re booked on a flydubai flight between UAE and KSA, take note of this before you head to the airport. From February 25, all Dubai-Riyadh flights arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) will operate from Terminal 5. The airport itself hasn’t changed. Only the terminal has, and that small detail can make a big difference on travel day. The Dubai-Riyadh air route is one of the busiest in the world. In 2025, it ranked seventh globally, with 4.465 million seats recorded across the year. That level of traffic reflects how strong the link is between...

Breakfast lovers in Jeddah, you’re in for something new. The Breakfast Club, a popular café from Kuwait, is officially making its way to the city, with a new location set to open in Stars Avenue Mall. This marks the brand’s first Jeddah branch, expanding on its presence in Al Khobar and Riyadh. While the full menu for the Jeddah outlet hasn’t been revealed yet, The Breakfast Club’s existing branches offer a solid clue of what to expect — and it’s more than just breakfast.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Breakfast Club -...

Riyadh is about to turn into a foodie’s paradise. Saudi Feast Food Festival is back to the capital this month. The event will take over King Saud University from November 27 to December 6, 2025, bringing the best of Saudi and global cuisine to one vibrant spot. Now in its fifth edition, the festival brings together over 100 restaurants serving more than 300 dishes from around the world. Expect everything from traditional Saudi classics to inventive international plates, all spread across themed zones. A special spotlight this year falls on Thai cuisine, with around ten Thai restaurants joining the lineup...

Are you a Squid Game fan? Now you can test your survival skills in Squid Game Virtuals, coming to Boulevard City, Riyadh! From 5 PM to 12 AM, dive into thrilling mini-games inspired by the hit Netflix show. Compete in three intense challenges and see if you have what it takes to be the last one standing!     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by بوليڤارد سيتي (@blvdruhcity) Red Light, Green Light: stop at the right moment, or face elimination! Glass Bridge: choose your steps wisely or risk falling. High Score Battle: compete with friends to...