What to do in Riyadh

The countdown is on for Riyadh Marathon 2026! If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t worry: there’s still time to register and be part of the action on January 31. Whether you’re ready to take on the full race or prefer a shorter challenge, there are plenty of categories to choose from. It’s your chance to push your limits, release some endorphins, and enjoy a fun day with family and friends. Here’s everything you need to know about the biggest race event in the Saudi capital. Riyadh Marathon 2026: Race Categories This is an all-inclusive event, meaning anyone with the...

If you're looking for a new place to try in the Saudi capital, you'll want to check out WADI Riyadh, the latest addition to Laysen Valley. This new restaurant specializes in Saudi fusion cuisine, offering a modern twist on traditional flavors. Wadi, which takes its name from the Arabic word for "river", combines high-quality ingredients with a luxurious dining experience to create something truly special. Located in a bustling area near Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter — this place offers not only great food but a full range of dining, retail, and office spaces, making it a prime spot to visit. View...

The JAX District in Riyadh is bringing back its much-loved Ramadan Market, running from March 6 to 15, 2025. Known for its shift from an industrial area to a buzzing creative space, JAX has become a go-to spot for cultural events — and its Ramadan Market is no exception. Last year’s edition was part of the Layali Biennale initiative, offering a lively atmosphere filled with delicious local food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors explored pop-up eateries serving traditional hot and cold dishes made from local ingredients, enjoyed live music performances, and found fun activities for kids. Beyond the market,...

Cristiano Ronaldo is cleared to play in the 2026 World Cup after FIFA issued a partially suspended ban for his recent red card. The football star was originally given a three-match suspension following his elbowing incident against Ireland, but two of those matches have been suspended under a one-year probation period. The third match was already served during Portugal’s qualification-clinching win over Armenia. With this decision, Ronaldo will be available to play in Portugal's opening World Cup match. The 2026 tournament will be his last chance to compete for the trophy, as the legendary player has confirmed it will be...

Riyadh’s dining scene has a new arrival with the opening of SASANI, a Persian restaurant located in the Hittin District near Boulevard City. The concept blends traditional Persian recipes with a modern approach, offering a menu built on flavour, culture, and hospitality. From the moment guests step in, SASANI sets the tone with Persian lanterns, traditional music, and the distinct scent of saffron. The restaurant’s name nods to the Sasanian Empire, reflecting its focus on rich heritage and culinary depth.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sasani ساساني (@sasanifood) The menu starts with some...

Riyadh’s food scene just got more flavourful. Blu Pizzeriá, the Dubai-born concept inspired by Naples, Italy, has officially landed in An Nakheel, Riyadh. After building a fan base in both Abu Dhabi (opened in October 2024) and Dubai, the much-loved pizzeria is now in its soft opening phase in the Saudi capital. Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh offers a cosy yet elevated dining experience, featuring dark wood interiors, plush seating, and lush decorative greenery. The design is as carefully considered as the menu, creating a welcoming space for pizza lovers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new voluntary pension and savings programme that will extend to both Saudi nationals and foreign workers. This initiative, called Public Pension and Savings Programme, aims to encourage local savings and reduce the outflow of remittances. As of the first quarter of 2025, 77% of the country’s social insurance system subscribers were expatriates. Last year, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia sent home SAR 144.2 billion in remittances, which is 14% more than in 2023. Over the last decade, total remittances have reached SAR 1.43 trillion. The new programme is designed to allow foreign workers...

A slice of French culinary heritage has landed in Riyadh. Lenôtre Paris, the renowned artisanal pastry house, has opened its first Saudi location in Laysen Valley, with another on the way in Lumière Centre. Known for refined presentation and technique, the brand brings with it decades of pastry expertise, now available to sample in the Kingdom. Originally founded in 1957 by Gaston and Colette Lenôtre, the concept has long stood as a symbol of French gastronomy. Their first boutique opened near Normandy, and in 1971, the Lenôtre School was established in Plaisir (Yvelines) to share culinary excellence with future generations....

Get ready, pet lovers and festival-goers! The Riyadh Dog Festival 2024 is making a grand return as part of this year’s Riyadh Season — and it’s bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for December 2–7 and head to the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham for an unforgettable experience. Building on the incredible success of its 2023 debut, this global festival has grown in size and scope. What began as a groundbreaking event featuring 250 dog breeds is now hosting over 350 adorable pups from around the world.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Saudi Arabia has introduced HUMAIN Chat, a groundbreaking Arabic-first conversational AI platform. Developed by HUMAIN, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), it is the most advanced language model ever created in the Arab world. HUMAIN Chat can operate in both Arabic and English, allowing users to switch between the two languages during a conversation. It also understands a wide range of Arabic dialects, making it highly versatile and accessible to millions across the region. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HUMAIN (@thehumainai) Currently, HUMAIN Chat is available across web, iOS, and Android platforms...