What to do in Riyadh

Hajj is a journey most people prepare for long before the time comes. If you’re ready to take that step now, registration is open for citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. You can submit your application online through the Nusuk app or on the official website https://hajj.nusuk.sa. Before applying, make sure you meet the following: You must be at least 15 years old (Gregorian calendar) You must meet the approved health requirements Residents must have a valid residency permit (iqama). Priority will be given to those whose iqama was issued more than one Gregorian year ago You can read more...

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...

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of Saudi Arabia’s future plans. The Kingdom has announced that 2026 will be the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening its role in data and AI development. The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). SDAIA also revealed the official logo for the Year of Artificial Intelligence. It combines several elements that reflect both Saudi identity and the country’s growing focus on technology: The palm...

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

A new art show is opening next week in Riyadh’s historic Diriyah district — and it’s not your usual gallery experience. From April 21 to July 19, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is back with its second edition, putting the spotlight on the growing connection between technology and creativity in the Arab world. This year’s exhibition is called "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World." The word "Maknana" comes from Arabic and means “automation,” and the show dives into how artists from the region have worked with technology over time — not just using digital tools, but...

If you’re booked on a flydubai flight between UAE and KSA, take note of this before you head to the airport. From February 25, all Dubai-Riyadh flights arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) will operate from Terminal 5. The airport itself hasn’t changed. Only the terminal has, and that small detail can make a big difference on travel day. The Dubai-Riyadh air route is one of the busiest in the world. In 2025, it ranked seventh globally, with 4.465 million seats recorded across the year. That level of traffic reflects how strong the link is between...

Al Suwaidi Garden, a culinary gem within Riyadh Season 2024, invites you to a feast for the senses. From October 12, 2024, to May 1, 2025, Riyadh transforms into a global hub of entertainment, and Al Suwaidi Garden stands out as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Here’s why this spot should top your list. Al Suwaidi Garden offers more than just food — it’s a full-fledged experience. Nestled amidst the bustling city of Riyadh, this serene green oasis serves as a perfect escape. The beautifully landscaped garden paths lead you to a world of tastes, sights, and sounds that...

Planning a trip between Saudi Arabia and Russia just got simpler. From May 11, citizens of both countries can travel without a visa, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new rule allows stays of up to 90 days, either in one trip or across several visits within the same calendar year. The visa-free entry covers: tourism business visits trips to see relatives or friends If your travel falls into one of these categories, you can enter without applying in advance. Work, study, long-term residence, and travel for Hajj are not included. For those purposes, a visa is...

Riyadh keeps surprising with new announcements, and the latest one is a big deal for fashion lovers. The city will soon get its own Fashion District, a groundbreaking project that will elevate Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene. This will be a creative hub where designers, brands, and fashion enthusiasts can collaborate, innovate, and bring their ideas to life. Though the exact location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s likely to be near King Saud University, with plans to open by 2028. So, what’s in store for Riyadh Fashion District? Think of it as the ultimate playground for fashion. It will house everything from...