What to do in Riyadh

Looking for something new to check out during Riyadh Season 2025? Here’s a beloved family-friendly free zone that’s now open and ready for you: Riyadh Zoo! From giraffes reaching for the sky to flamingos strutting their stuff, it brings you up close to wildlife in a way that’s both fun and informative. The zoo is split into several zones, each with something unique to offer: Almalaz Bay: start your visit with Owl House, Farm Experience, and Kangaroo Yard Ape Escape where you can meet chimpanzees, orangutans, lemurs, and other primates Enchanted Forest: this African-themed area lets you feed giraffes, meet...

Riyadh is joining more than 100 cities worldwide for One Run 2025, a global running event set to take place on Saturday, May 24. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want to enjoy the atmosphere with friends and family, this inclusive event welcomes runners of all abilities. The Route and Location of One Run Riyadh 2025 This year’s One Run Riyadh will be held at Wadi Namar, offering scenic surroundings and early morning serenity. All races will kick off early in the morning (5 AM or 5:15 AM, depending on the category). Participants are advised to arrive at...

Saudi Arabia is working to preserve its history while embracing the future. A key part of this effort is the Misk Heritage Museum, planned for Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state. Covering 40,000 square meters, the museum will offer a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the building will blend traditional Najdi architectural features with modern elements, creating a unique and visually striking space. Visitors will be able to explore historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and art galleries. The museum will also include an arts courtyard and Asaan’s Majlis, a space for discussions, workshops,...

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.    ...

Food lovers in Riyadh have a new destination to explore: La Bourgeoise, the French bistro bar that has recently opened its doors at Drop Avenue Plaza in An Nakheel. This inviting spot offers a delightful mix of classic French pastries, creative mocktails, and an ambiance that makes every visit memorable. La Bourgeoise has redefined tea time with its selection of freshly brewed teas paired with exquisite pastries. Each pastry is crafted with precision and artistry, making them almost too beautiful to eat. The experience is ideal for an indulgent break or a relaxed gathering with friends. If you're a fan...

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows individuals with expired visit visas to extend their stay for final departure — a move aimed at regulating residency and simplifying the exit process for those who have overstayed their visas. The new initiative came into effect on 1 Muharram 1447 AH (June 26, 2025). It grants a 30-day grace period to all types of visit visa holders whose visas have expired. The extension is strictly for the purpose of final departure and does not permit any further stay or employment in the Kingdom. To make...

Saudi Arabia is well-known for its first-class entertainment, and it’s about to take things to another level with the first-ever hydrogen-powered motorsport championship, FIA Extreme H World Cup. Set to take place from October 9 to 11 at Qiddiya City, the event will unfold in the Tuwaiq Mountains. The races will take place on specially designed off-road tracks, so expect plenty of excitement, particularly in the desert terrain. If you’re in the Kingdom, you’re in for a treat, as just a few days earlier, on October 4 and 5, you’ll be able to witness the last-ever Extreme E Desert X...

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...

If you love board games, you’ll definitely want to check it out. Monopoly Riyadh edition is now available, and it’s a fun new way to explore the city you know and love from the comfort of your home. If you’re looking for something different for a gift or a souvenir, this is a cool and memorable options. This version of the classic game showcases Riyadh’s most famous landmarks, from the ultra-modern King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to the historical charm of Souk Al-Zal. This edition features a mix of both old and new sites, making it a true reflection of...

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...