What to do in Riyadh

Planning Umrah for the upcoming season? Saudi Arabia has now confirmed the official timeline for Umrah visas, entry dates, and final deadlines for pilgrims for 1448 AH arriving from outside the Kingdom. Here are the main dates confirmed for the 1448 AH Umrah season: May 31, 2026: start of Umrah visa issuance (14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH) June 1, 2026: pilgrims with Umrah visas can enter Mecca and receive permits March 9, 2027: final deadline for issuing Umrah visas March 23, 2027: last date for pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia April 7, 2027: deadline for pilgrim departures Last year, Saudi...

SEVEN is bringing a whole new world of entertainment to Riyadh in 2026, and it’s going to be huge. Imagine a place in Al Hamra packed with all sorts of fun stuff, from futuristic bowling rides to indoor surfing, all across a space as big as 12 football fields. Yes, you read that right; it’s going to be massive! In total, there will be 10 zones. In the heart of it all is the world’s first-ever Transformers Experience, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an action-packed movie. If you’re looking for thrills, you'll find a lot of options under...

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...

Step into Diriyah’s past with Souq Al Mawsim, a month-long pop-up market now open in the historic Al Tawalie district. This place brings together fresh, seasonal offerings: from delicious local food and drinks to unique handcrafted clothing and scents. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in traditional culture while enjoying the energy of a bustling market. This year’s edition celebrates Saudi-Japanese ties, with Japan as the guest of honor. Expect to discover a fusion of Diriyah’s rich heritage and Kyoto’s artistic flair, from traditional crafts and performances to authentic experiences that bring the two cultures together. View this post...

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...

If your travel list is already long, it’s about to get even longer. Riyadh Air has added 15 new destinations. Craving European charm? Or more into the pace of a busy Asian capital? It’s now within reach with direct flights from the Saudi capital. While the airline only launched in late 2025, it has bold plans to connect Riyadh to more than 100 cities worldwide. Now, as it gets closer to that goal, here’s where you can travel with the new destinations. MENA: 4 cities Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) Dubai (UAE) Amman (Jordan) Cairo (Egypt) Planning a trip to Egypt? We’ve...

Riyadh is set to host the Japan Festival from October 31 to November 1, 2025, marking an exciting cultural event for both locals and visitors. Held in the Diplomatic Quarter, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture right here in Saudi Arabia. The Japan Festival in Riyadh will feature a variety of family-friendly activities that showcase the rich traditions of Japan. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese culture or a first-time visitor, there's plenty to explore.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Embassy of Japan in KSA 在サウジアラビア日本大使館 (@japanembassy_ksa) This...

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...

Riyadh has no shortage of ways to fill your calendar, and now you can add indoor golf to the list. It’s one of those plans that works with friends, family, or even as a team outing. Ready to try? You’ll find Five Iron Golf Riyadh inside PIF Tower, right in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). It may not be a full 18-hole course, but the tech makes up for it. Every shot shows you how far the ball went, where it landed, and how it moved in the air, so you’re not guessing anything. You can also play on virtual...

Riyadh’s Al Olaya district has welcomed a new café that’s giving waffles a design-forward spotlight. Novu Waffle, the latest evolution of a once-small takeaway concept, has opened its doors with a full café experience — and a bold visual identity to match. The 100-square-metre venue stands out not just for its food, but for its interior, designed by Spanish design studio Masquespacio. The space is minimalist and monochrome, with clean white walls, floors, and furnishings subtly interrupted by a warm yellow glow.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dezeen (@dezeen) The grid pattern of...