What to do in Riyadh

Food lovers, get ready! The Food Culture Festival is back, bringing delicious bites and exciting experiences to three cities across Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a fan of international flavors or eager to explore Saudi cuisine, this festival is a must-visit. Food Culture Festival 2025 Dates & Locations: Al Khobar: January 29 – February 2 Riyadh: February 5 – 9 Jeddah: February 12 – 16 Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Quality of Life Programme, the event goes beyond food — it’s a celebration of culinary arts, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences.     View this post...

Get ready to go on a delectable journey through the world of dates because from December 5th to 14th, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will be hosting the renowned World of Dates Expo – an event that promises to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of dates in Saudi Arabia. The exhibit will feature many exciting spaces, including a Global Cooking and Tasting Zone where six international kitchens join to create a delicious menu centered around the humble date. It's not just a tasting, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you across borders and showcase the...

Saudi Arabia will host the first Riyadh Comedy Festival this autumn as part of its growing calendar of entertainment events. Running from September 26 to October 9, 2025, the festival will take place in Boulevard City and is set to feature over 50 comedians from around the world. The event was officially announced by Turki Al Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), through his X (formerly Twitter) account. It will be part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment initiative that supports Vision 2030 goals for tourism and economic diversification. First Headliners of Riyadh Comedy...

Prepare to experience Riyadh like never before as Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, returns for its fourth edition. This stunning event, running from 28th November to 14th December, will transform the city into a radiant celebration of creativity and innovation. The 2024 theme, "Light Years Apart," will create a magical and otherworldly experience with over 60 artworks spread across the city. Expect to be amazed by the scale and diversity of the installations, from striking outdoor displays to captivating light projections, each bringing a unique artistic vision to life.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Staying at home doesn't mean being bored! Whether you're spending time with kids, enjoying family moments, or solo, there are plenty of fun and creative activities to keep you entertained. From crafting and cooking to games and learning new skills, here's a list of 15 exciting things to do at home. 1. Air-Dry Clay Sculpting Try creating personalized gifts like animal figurines or small planters. Set challenges, like creating a specific shape or theme, and see who can come up with the most creative designs. Kids will love it, but it’s equally enjoyable for adults wanting to express creativity. 2....

Get ready, boxing fans! The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is set to host a blockbuster event on December 23rd – The Day of Reckoning. Brace yourselves for an epic night of heavyweight showdowns featuring some of the biggest names in the boxing world: Anthony Joshua, Einar Wallin, Joseph Parker, and Deontay Wilder. The highlight of the evening will be the clash between two-time World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and the formidable WBA Continental heavyweight title holder, Einar Wallin. The anticipation is palpable as fans wonder whether Joshua can maintain his status as the heavyweight king or if Wallin will prove...

Riyadh Metro is introducing new pricing for 2026, effective from January 1. If you are planning to use the metro regularly or are a student, here is an overview of the updated fare structure: Annual Pass (Standard class): SAR 1,260 Annual Pass (First class): SAR 3,150 Semester Pass for students: SAR 260 (valid for one academic term) These new ticket options will be available in both digital and plastic formats. Regular ticket prices remain unchanged since the metro launch in December 2024. The 2-Hour Pass is priced at SAR 4 for standard class and SAR 10 for first class. Additional...

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has released updated guidelines for foreign visitors and GCC residents regarding the use of international and foreign driving licences in the Kingdom. For visitors, the rules allow driving in Saudi Arabia using a valid foreign or international driving licence for up to one year from the date of entry — or until the licence expires, whichever comes first. However, the licence must be valid for the same category of vehicle being driven. To be accepted, all licences must be translated by an accredited body, ensuring all information is clearly understood by local...

Art lovers of the Saudi capital, get ready! Art Week Riyadh is launching for the first time from April 6 to 13, with a variety of exhibitions and creative events at JAX District and various locations across the city. What to Expect at Art Week Riyadh 2025 Art Week Riyadh invites everyone interested in contemporary art and culture to explore bold and thought-provoking works from over 45 galleries, collections, and artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, you’ll find plenty to see and do.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الفنون...

Shrek The Musical is now in Riyadh! The beloved fairy tale-turned-blockbuster hit is playing at The Arena from May 1st to May 13th, bringing all the magic and hilarity of the original film to the stage. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning production that follows the story of a grumpy ogre named Shrek, who embarks on a quest to rescue a princess named Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Along the way, he encounters a talkative donkey, a conniving lord, and a host of other fairy tale characters. The...