What to do in Riyadh

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a worldwide running event, this is your chance. And no long-haul travel required. On May 23, 2026, thousands of runners across the globe will hit the streets at the same time in one of the biggest synchronized races in the world: One Run. This year, the scale is huge: 110+ cities already joined, 15 time zones, and 250,000+ participants expected. Whether you're running through streets in the GCC or along scenic routes in Asia, you can be part of a global movement happening in real time. The event brings together participants in...

A major new name in global shopping is about to land in Saudi Arabia. Westfield, the internationally recognised retail brand behind some of the world’s most visited malls, will soon be making its mark in the Kingdom — starting with Westfield Riyadh. This development follows a 10-year exclusive franchise partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Cenomi Centers and Westfield. Under the agreement, Cenomi Centers will rebrand up to eight of its existing malls across the country, bringing the Westfield experience to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Among the first to carry the Westfield name are the upcoming projects: Jawharat Riyadh Jawharat Jeddah Nakheel...

If you’re already planning your iftar meet-ups and late-night drives across the city, here’s something that will make your Ramadan routine a lot easier. The public transport is KSA capital is extending its working hours during Ramadan 2026, and that means both the Riyadh metro and public buses will be running later than usual. Let’s start with the Riyadh metro working hours during Ramadan 2026: From Sunday to Thursday, trains will operate from 8 AM until 2:30 AM On Fridays, services begin at 11 AM and until 3 AM Saturdays follow a similar schedule, running from 11 AM to 2:30...

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...

Riyadh’s public transportation system continues to grow with the latest addition to the Orange Line (Line 3) of the Riyadh Metro. Hassan bin Thabit Street, officially opened by the Public Transport Authority, is the newest stop on one of the capital’s most important transit corridors. The Orange Line stretches 41 kilometres, running from Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road near Khashm Al Aan in the east. The new stop is located between An Naseem and Khashm Al Aan (terminus). The newly opened station is expected to: Improve daily commute options for residents and visitors Relieve...

Shakira is officially back in her FIFA World Cup era, and football fans already know what that means for summer playlists. The Colombian superstar just teased fans on Instagram with a brand-new anthem called Dai Dai. The track dropped on May 14 ahead of the tournament and features Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The catchy chant already feels impossible to get out of your head before the tournament even begins. For a lot of people, Shakira’s music and the World Cup practically go hand in hand at this point. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of football’s most recognizable...

Riyadh is preparing to once again shine brightly with the return of Noor Riyadh. From November 20 to December 6, the city will come alive with vibrant neon hues as part of this annual city-wide festival that celebrates the art of light. The theme of this year’s festival is “In The Blink of An Eye,” inspired by Riyadh’s rapid transformation. The city has grown in remarkable ways, with new skyscrapers, a modern metro system, and evolving urban landscapes. Noor Riyadh will feature stunning light installations by both international and local artists. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...

If you’ve ever hesitated before asking an AI assistant something personal, WhatsApp is about to release a new feature that might make those chats feel a lot more comfortable. Incognito Chat is a new private mode for AI conversations on WhatsApp and Meta AI app. The feature focuses on privacy, especially for people using AI for sensitive topics like finances, health questions, work issues, or personal decisions. According to Meta, conversations inside Incognito Chat stay completely private. The company says nobody else can view the chats, including the company itself. Messages are not stored, and chats disappear automatically by default....

Riyadh’s culinary scene just got to a whole new level with the opening of Che Figata, the latest Italian restaurant already welcoming guests at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel. Under the leadership of Chef Rino Serra, the restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors, blending tradition with innovation.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laura - لَورا | Expat family | Riyadh | Daily Stories (@laura_in_saudiarabia) Che Figata, meaning “how cool” in Italian, is inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Piedmont, Tuscany, Calabria, and Sicily, the menu offers a journey through Italy’s culinary heritage. Expect to indulge in...

Paying for apps usually comes down to two choices. Pay for a full year upfront and save, or pay monthly and spend more over time. Apple makes that choice easier with a new option that splits a yearly plan into monthly payments, with the same annual price. Annual subscriptions usually come with better pricing, but paying for a full year in one go isn’t always easy, especially for expensive apps. Monthly plans solve that problem, but they cost more. Here’s how the new option from Apple works: You sign up for a yearly subscription The total is divided into 12...