What to do in Saudi Arabia

If you're a foodie in Riyadh, there’s a new place you’ll definitely want to check out: Jareed Samhan. Located in Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, this restaurant brings traditional Saudi cuisine into the modern day. The menu takes you on a journey to the Nadj region, with classic dishes like muqalal, jareesh, matazeez, and kabsa, but with a modern twist. Chef Saleh Aljabali has taken these timeless recipes and reimagined them with fresh techniques, all while keeping those nostalgic Saudi flavors intact. The vibe at Jareed Samhan is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect place to connect...

Mountains have always been a refuge for those looking to escape the noise of daily life, and ENVI Al Shafa promises the perfect environment for that retreat. Situated 2,000 meters above sea level, this new resort in Saudi Arabia offers privacy, serenity, and an immersive connection with nature. Created for those who seek peace and isolation, ENVI Al Shafa features 35 private villas. The interiors reflect the surrounding natural beauty: earthy materials, raw wood details, and subtle touches of greenery create a grounded atmosphere. The resort encourages slow living. You’ll find an open-air restaurant for relaxed meals, a cozy lounge,...

As the final days of Ramadan approach, many pilgrims are preparing for Umrah at the Great Mosque in Mecca. However, with a large number of worshippers expected, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to be mindful of peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. If you're planning your trip during this time, here are the best (and the busiest) hours to visit. Recent data shows that the busiest times at the Great Mosque are: 4 PM to 10 PM 5 AM to 8 AM For those looking for a quieter experience, moderate crowds are usually...

Esports fans in Riyadh, there’s something exciting on the horizon! After the success of the Esports World Cup this year, the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is set to take center stage in Riyadh in November 2026. Unlike other similar events that feature club teams, ENC focuses on the competition between national teams. Popular game publishers like Electronic Arts, Tencent, Krafton, and Ubisoft will be involved, bringing well-known titles such as EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, PUBG, and Rainbow Six into the spotlight. This new competition will feature teams from nearly 100 countries, competing in more than 15 games. Here’s what...

Looking for a new way to explore Kuwait? Extreme Bike Rentals has launched its first location along the Gulf Road, just outside Green Island. You can rent bikes and tricycles for adults and kids at KWD 3 per hour. Normally, the rental is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. But there are special working hours during Ramadan: from 3 PM until 3 AM, so if you feel like enjoying a late-night ride or want to explore the city after Iftar, you'll have plenty of time to do so. In the coming days, you’ll find more rental stations opening up...

There's good news for everyone flying in or out of Riyadh. Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has officially opened after a major redevelopment, bringing the long-running upgrade of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to a close. The expanded terminal offers more space for faster check-in, security control, and boarding areas, which helps reduce crowding during busy travel periods. With the additional capacity, the airport can also handle more flights at the same time. The reopening comes alongside other recent changes at the airport. Hafawa Lounge is planned to be built between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, offering...

If you’re looking for an unforgettable night in Riyadh, The Ring IV: Night of Champions is the place to be this weekend! Whether you're a boxing fan or just looking for an action-packed night with friends, this is the perfect way to spend your Saturday evening. With big names in the ring, it’s going to be an experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to see top fighters go head-to-head in an action-packed night at ANB Arena. Just check out the main matchups: David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...

Harvey Nichols Riyadh has launched its annual Ramadan Caravan, a special pop-up celebrating regional fashion and homeware for the season. Running until April 4, the event brings together over 35 designers from Saudi Arabia and the region, offering a selection of abayas, dresses, kaftans, bags, shoes, and elegant home decor for iftar and Ramadan gatherings. Located at Al Faisaliah Center in Olaya, the Ramadan Caravan has been a tradition for a decade, growing each year to highlight more talent from across the region. The space is inspired by Najdi architecture, blending traditional elements with a modern shopping experience.    ...

There’s a new reason to look toward Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast: Rixos Murjana. Opening soon in King Abdullah Economic City, this all-inclusive resort blends modern comfort with a coastal rhythm that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. Guests can choose from 488 rooms and suites or check into one of the overwater villas at Club Privé, where your terrace opens straight to the sea. A private 600-metre beach anchors the resort. For guests who like to keep moving, Exclusive Sports Club and daily fitness classes bring plenty of options. Evenings are about music, live...