What to do in Riyadh

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,...

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...

Jeddah’s favorite bubble tea haven, The Boba Bar, has officially landed in Riyadh. Nestled in Shorofat, An Nada, this pastel-perfect café is already making waves with its dreamy décor and unique drinks. For a limited time, early visitors get a sweet bonus: a free mini bouquet with any coffee order (water and soft serve excluded). You’ll need to be signed up for the loyalty card program, and the offer runs until August 16, so it’s worth a stop sooner rather than later.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Boba Bar (@thebobabar.sa) Step inside...

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 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...

You know how it usually goes: you open social media for a quick check, blink once, and suddenly it’s been 40 minutes. No memory of what you even watched. Just lost time. Now imagine a giant orange cat jumping in and shutting it all down. Meet Cat Gatekeeper, a browser extension that doesn’t ask politely. It blocks your screen the second you’ve scrolled long enough. Created by a Japanese developer, Cat Gatekeeper tracks how much time you spend on specific websites like social media. You decide the limit, and the extension does the rest. Once time is up, a massive...

Riyadh continues to establish itself as a culinary destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming internationally acclaimed dining concepts from around the world. One of the newest additions is Isabel Mayfair, which has made its Middle East debut in the bustling As Sulimaniyah district. Designed by the acclaimed David T’kint of DTK Studio, Isabel Mayfair combines the sophistication of an art-deco mansion with the glamour of the Gatsby era. The venue is divided into three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, a light-filled conservatory, and a speakeasy bar tucked discreetly behind a hidden door.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Apple fans in Saudi Arabia now have direct access to the brand’s full product lineup through a newly launched official online store and app. The rollout means you can now browse, shop, and receive Apple products at home — without the need to go through third-party resellers. The store includes Arabic language support, offering a smoother shopping and customer service experience for users in the region. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your device or explore something new, the platform now feels more local. Shoppers can expect a more personalised experience, from model comparisons and recommendations to the ability to customise...

A new culinary experience is coming to Riyadh, and it’s not your typical fine dining restaurant. Julien by Daniel Boulud, set to open inside the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, will offer a highly exclusive chef’s table experience — limited to just 10 seats. This intimate concept is the latest creation from Chef Daniel Boulud, celebrated globally for his refined approach to French cuisine. Julien will take the idea of a tasting menu to new heights with a multi-sensory, live-cooking format that blends hospitality and performance. Guests will be seated around a marble-topped chef’s counter in a hidden...

Every year on September 23, the Kingdom comes alive in celebration of its unifying spirit. Saudi National Day 2025 marks the 95th anniversary of the Kingdom’s founding, and this year’s theme "Pride in Our Nature" is a reminder of the pride, resilience, and shared culture that connect us all. The Kingdom will light up with unforgettable experiences, concerts, and activities, from spectacular shows in Riyadh to buzzing nightlife in Jeddah, here are the best things to do during the Saudi National Day holiday 2025. Saudi National Day Must See Events Don’t Miss the National Day Air Shows Of course, no...