What to do in Saudi Arabia

If you drive a Tesla, here’s some good news from the company that actually makes everyday life a bit easier. Charging your car won’t cost you anything. To support users across the Gulf during a challenging time, Tesla has activated free Supercharging in 30 locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Elon Musk has previously pointed out that free Supercharging is something the company enables during difficult periods, helping drivers stay on the road without worrying about extra costs. The company has previously offered free charging in the US during extreme weather and power outages. In the UAE, you'll...

If you're a fan of classic British comfort food, then you're in for a real treat because The Mayfair Chippy is officially coming in Riyadh! Known for its mouthwatering seafood, the brand is making its way to the Kingdom this summer, bringing with it the British charms and classic fish and chips. The restaurant's menu features a wide range of British favorites, from delicious sandwiches like Fish Finger Butty (fish fingers with pickles and tartar sauce) to hearty classics like Shepherd’s Pie, scotch egg, and fried haddock with mushy peas. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with the crispy,...

Need a reason to leave the city and head to the desert this month? In the heart of Ashar Valley, Maraya is hosting Ramadan nights, serving iftar and suhoor inside its iconic mirrored venue. Maraya is the massive building that reflects the desert and rock formations you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s officially the world’s largest mirrored structure and one of AlUla’s most recognisable landmarks. Usually home to concerts and events, it has opened its doors for long Ramadan evenings during this holy month. You can book in for iftar at SAR 350/person or suhoor at SAR 250/person. The...

Riyadh’s cafe culture continues to thrive with the opening of Ghamra Cafe, a fresh and stylish addition to Ar Rayyan’s Unayzah Street. This inviting new spot has quickly become popular for its elegant interiors and thoughtfully curated menu, offering everything from specialty coffees to a wide variety of unique cakes and pastries. Whether you're stopping by for a morning espresso or a late-night snack, Ghamra Cafe promises an experience as refined as it is delicious.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by غمرة | Ghamra (@ghamracafe) Stepping into Ghamra Cafe, you’ll notice its minimalist and...

Travel in Saudi Arabia is about to get easier with Riyadh Rail Link, a 35-kilometre double-track corridor running north to south across the capital. The line will connect the North–South railway with the Eastern railway, making journeys faster and smoother for passengers. Riyadh Rail Link is part of the Saudi Landbridge. Key elements of this project include: Direct travel between Riyadh and Jeddah via a 900-kilometre line to King Abdullah Port Upgraded Riyadh–Dammam corridor for faster and more reliable trips Connections to King Abdullah Economic City and Yanbu for easier access to key destinations Once operational, the new rail link...

Riyadh’s coffee culture is on the rise, and if you're exploring the city, there’s a new place to add to your list: Lumin Roastery, located in Al Malqa. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this new spot is perfect for your next coffee break. Lumin Roastery has a sleek and modern feel. Its large glass windows and dark wood accents give the place an inviting, minimalistic look. The outdoor seating area is simple and comfortable, with light-colored cushions on wooden benches and small tables — perfect for those who want to enjoy a coffee outdoors. Inside, the cozy...

If you’re looking for something fun to do in Riyadh this week, Pravasi Parichay cultural festival is the place to be! Hosted by the Embassy of India in DQ, this week-long celebration of India’s rich culture is running until November 3, 2025, and it’s packed with activities, performances, and food from all over India. Each day offers a new region to explore, with everything from classical dance performances to delicious regional dishes. The festival will also feature the Viksit Bharat Art Exhibition, showcasing paintings by talented women artists from the Indian diaspora. View this post on Instagram A post shared...

Big news for travellers and pilgrims: Sofitel is going grand in Mecca. The brand is set to open its most ambitious project yet, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, in 2026. The hotel will be just a short walk from Masjid Al Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca), offering guests luxury and convenience right at the city’s heart. The property will include two towers with 1,141 rooms and suites, many facing the Great Mosque. The interiors will blend Parisian elegance with Saudi craftsmanship, creating a peaceful space that feels both sophisticated and rooted in its surroundings. It will be the biggest Sofitel...

Qatar has announced an important update for GCC residents who plan to visit the country. The visit visa period has been extended from one month to two months. Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry permit. These changes were introduced on November 30 and are available through the Haya platform, according to Qatar Tourism. The aim of this update is to make travel more convenient for GCC visitors. Qatar continues to host many cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022. A longer stay and the option to enter the country multiple times...

Big news for tennis fans: The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has just announced that Saudi Arabia will be adding a new Masters 1000 tournament to its calendar, starting in 2028. The tournament will take place at the start of the season and run for one week each year. This marks the first-ever expansion of the top-tier category in men’s tennis since the Masters events began in 1990. This new event will join the nine Masters tournaments around the world, including locations like Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. The exact location for Saudi's tournament is yet to be announced....