What to do in Riyadh

If you spend time in KSA in early March, you may notice more green flags appearing across streets, buildings, and public spaces. That’s because Saudi Flag Day is celebrated every year on March 11, a national occasion dedicated to the Kingdom’s flag and the story behind it. Saudi Flag Day is a relatively recent national observance. It was officially introduced in 2023 to highlight the history and meaning of the national flag. March 11 marks the day in 1937 when King Abdulaziz Al Saud approved the official design of the Saudi national flag, corresponding to 27 Dhu Al Hijja 1355...

Craving that thin, foldable slice like they serve in New York? You’re in luck — Spirito, a new pizza place in Al Malqa, is now open and serving up authentic NY-style pizzas right in Riyadh. Spirito keeps it simple and satisfying. You can grab a whole pizza or just a slice, depending on how hungry you are — or how curious you feel.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SPIRITO (@spirito_riyadh) Spirito offers a mix of classic and creative choices: meaty Brisket Pizza creamy and rich Burrata Pizza all-time classic Margherita Pizza herby and...

Groove on the Grass is finally coming to Riyadh on October 17, bringing an exciting night of live music, fashion, and food. After nearly a decade of success in the Middle East, the renowned festival is making its debut at JAX Viewpoint in Diriyah, one of the city's most creative hubs. The line-up this year is nothing short of exciting, so be sure to keep dancing all night. International acts in 2025 include Giorgia Angiuli, Glowal, and Henri Bergmann. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Groove On The Grass (@grooveonthegrass.ksa) Here's a look at the local artists...

Riyadh is quickly becoming the go-to spot for entertainment, and the city has no plans to slow down anytime soon. The latest addition is The Pool Club, opening this November in the Diplomatic Quarter at Al Safarat. This new venue comes from the same team behind MDLBeast, in partnership with attaché. As expected, The Pool Club promises to be more than just a poolside hangout. This exclusive, members-only venue blends wellness, design, and culture, creating a space that’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. Expect a curated experience that includes cabana lounges, poolside dining, and a...

Padel fans in Riyadh, here’s some great news for you! A new spot to play your favorite game is coming to the city, and it’s not just another fitness club. Straight from Dubai, the trendy Matcha Club is making its way to the Saudi capital. This is exactly the kind of spot Riyadh’s fitness crowd has been waiting for: a spot where you can play, recharge, and even hang out with friends. At Matcha Club, you’ll be able to enjoy a few rounds of padel, take a Pilates or yoga class, and wrap it all up with a refreshing matcha...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new work visa classification system for foreign workers, changing how job roles are evaluated and assigned across the country. Starting August 3, 2025, all new work visa applicants will be placed into one of three skill levels — high-skilled, skilled, or basic. Until now, work permits were mostly issued based on job titles, without clear links to a person’s actual qualifications or experience. The new system has already taken effect for current foreign workers as of July 5, 2025. Skill Level Categories for Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia High-skilled Includes roles like engineers, doctors, and...

In line with national measures to enhance public safety and better manage traffic, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new regulations that redefine where food trucks can operate. The decision prohibits food trucks from setting up in residential neighbourhoods to ensure a more organised and secure urban environment. Under the new rules, mobile food vendors are also not permitted to park near traffic lights, road intersections, or the entrances and exits of main and secondary roads. They must also avoid high-traffic areas and maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from fuel stations. The ministry has also...

If you're a fan of classic British comfort food, then you're in for a real treat because The Mayfair Chippy is officially coming in Riyadh! Known for its mouthwatering seafood, the brand is making its way to the Kingdom this summer, bringing with it the British charms and classic fish and chips. The restaurant's menu features a wide range of British favorites, from delicious sandwiches like Fish Finger Butty (fish fingers with pickles and tartar sauce) to hearty classics like Shepherd’s Pie, scotch egg, and fried haddock with mushy peas. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with the crispy,...

Get ready for a weekend of electrifying performances as MDLBeast Soundstorm 2024 gears up to take over Riyadh from 12th to 14th December. With a star-studded lineup that just keeps getting better, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable musical journey in the heart of the Saudi desert. Among the newest additions to the lineup are none other than Tyler, The Creator and Latto, two powerhouse performers who are set to bring their unique styles and energy to the stage. Tyler, The Creator is a trailblazing artist known for his boundary-pushing music and dynamic performances. Known for his high-energy...

If you drive a Tesla, here’s some good news from the company that actually makes everyday life a bit easier. Charging your car won’t cost you anything. To support users across the Gulf during a challenging time, Tesla has activated free Supercharging in 30 locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Elon Musk has previously pointed out that free Supercharging is something the company enables during difficult periods, helping drivers stay on the road without worrying about extra costs. The company has previously offered free charging in the US during extreme weather and power outages. In the UAE, you'll...