What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh’s culinary landscape is about to welcome a star player: Isabel Mayfair, the celebrated London eatery, is making its international debut in the Saudi capital. Known for its elegant 1930s-inspired charm and delectable fusion of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant is poised to become the city’s hottest dining destination.               View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Isabel Mayfair | Riyadh (@isabelriyadh) Isabel Mayfair first opened its doors in 2017 in London’s prestigious Mayfair district. Created by acclaimed restaurateur...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new set of rules that explains how public facilities across the country should be named. The regulations were approved by the Cabinet and published in the official Umm Al Qura Gazette. The goal is to make naming clearer and more consistent across the Kingdom. These rules apply to all publicly owned facilities in Saudi Arabia. This includes schools, municipal buildings, cultural centres, sports venues, and transport facilities. Each government body will name the facilities it manages, following the approved guidelines and existing laws. The new set of rules outlines what is not allowed when naming...

If you’re on the hunt for a truly authentic Saudi dining experience with a modern twist, NOMAS in Riyadh should be on your radar. With a cozy setting that seats just 35 guests, this fine dining restaurant at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter offers more than just a meal – it offers a cultural journey complete with signature Saudi hospitality and live oud performances that add a special touch to the evening. This summer, Saudi Arabia introduced 12 new rules for fine dining restaurants, ensuring that dining venues adhere to the highest standards of service and quality. As soon as...

As the end of Ramadan approaches, many people in Saudi Arabia are already preparing for the holiday. Several Riyadh malls have adjusted their working hours before Eid Al Fitr, opening right after dawn to give visitors a calm window for early shopping. Saudi Arabia has recently confirmed the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates for both public and private sector employees. It means the festive break, along with the usual rush for gifts, outfits, and family preparations, is just around the corner. With some of the city’s busiest shopping destinations opening as early as 5 AM, there’s now a chance...

Currently, it takes over six hours to travel between Riyadh and Doha by road, but that will soon change! Saudi Arabia and Qatar have just signed an agreement for a high-speed rail project that will cut the journey time between their capitals to just two hours. The project could be completed in as little as six years, and both countries have ambitious plans for this development. Here are the first details about the rail network between Riyadh and Doha: The rail link will reduce the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just 2 hours Trains will travel at speeds...

Ready to add some glow to your beauty routine? Moonglaze is now available at Sephora in Saudi Arabia! If you’ve been eyeing those signature highlighters and blush sticks, now’s the perfect time to try this makeup brand from Saudi entrepreneur and influencer Yara Alnamlah out and bring those beauties home. You can now shop Moonglaze’s glow-boosting highlighters and blush sticks at three Sephora locations in KSA: Nakheel Mall in Riyadh Jeddah Mall Dhahran Mall in Khobar This is a big moment for the region because it’s the first time a Saudi brand has launched at the beauty giant. View this...

Big changes are coming to Riyadh, and they’re bringing more greenery and activity to the city’s life! Two massive public parks are planned for the eastern and southern parts of the city. While the exact opening dates aren’t confirmed yet, here’s a first look at what’s coming. These parks will feature everything from golf courses and sports fields to jogging tracks and family-friendly areas. Whether you’re into fitness, sports, or just looking to relax with the family, there’ll be plenty of space to enjoy. Parents can expect cool playgrounds for their little ones. Sports lovers can hit the fields or...

If you’re planning Umrah, you know how important it is to be prepared. The rituals are deeply meaningful, but the logistics can feel overwhelming, especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. To make things easier for foreign pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has issued the official Umrah guide in 16 international languages. The guide follows takes you through entire journey: from the moment you prepare at home to the completion of your pilgrimage. It starts with pre-travel requirements like visas and permits, then walks you through the rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. No matter where you’re coming from or...

Several countries are stepping up to protect young players from harmful content in online games, taking measures to make digital spaces safer and more responsible. In line with this trend, Roblox has blocked over 300,000 games in Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Media Regulation. The move targets games that could encourage inappropriate behaviour and aims to safeguard children while keeping the platform aligned with local culture. Roblox has temporarily paused the “Social Gathering Games” category in Saudi Arabia and turned off text and voice chat while it develops new moderation tools in Arabic....

This summer, Riyadh is turning up the heat for fans of esports. The city will welcome the world’s best teams and players for a seven-week battle for glory at Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. And if you're craving more than just watching the tournament from your screen at home, this is your chance to be part of the action! There's truly no better place to experience the intensity and thrill of esports than the Saudi capital. The competition will take place in the cutting-edge Boulevard City arena, the perfect spot to experience the best gaming action, celebrity meet-and-greets, and feel...