What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh Season is kicking off with a bang as UFC Power Slap 17 returns to Mohammed Abdo Arena on October 31. If you haven’t seen Power Slap before, it’s exactly what it sounds like: two contestants going head-to-head with some serious slapping action. And this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The night will be headlined by the welterweight title clash between the undefeated Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn vs No. 4 contender Cole “Full Send” Young. Blackburn, who has held the belt since Power Slap 8, is known for his precision and calm under pressure. But Young, coming off a...

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing some of the most luxurious jewellery collections in the world up close, 2026 is your year. Jewels of the World is making its return to Saudi Arabia, bringing the finest jewellery from global brands to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Here’s when and where you can catch the event in 2026: Riyadh: June 15 to 19 at the Four Seasons Hotel Al Khobar: June 23 to 26 at Dhahran Expo Riyadh: October 11 to 15 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Jeddah: October 19 to 22 at Jeddah Hilton The event will feature 100 jewellery...

Northern Saudi Arabia just reached a new milestone in air travel. On February 25, Al Jouf International Airport has officially began operations. From now on, all arrivals and departures are handled at this upgraded hub near Sakakah, built to serve up to 1.6 million passengers annually. Inside the terminal, you’ll find green areas with olive trees, a reference to Al Jouf’s well-known olive production. Facilities at the airport include: 16 check-in counters, including two self-service options 11 arrival and departure gates Five dual passport control counters 648 parking spaces Accessible services are available for passengers with disabilities and similar conditions,...

PUMA Middle East has officially launched the 2025/26 home and away kits for Al Hilal FC, under the banner "Rooted in Glory." With this new drop, the brand pays tribute to the Kingdom’s cultural landscape and the club’s longstanding success as the most decorated football team in both Saudi and Asian history. Both kits are layered with symbolism drawn from Saudi Arabia’s heritage and Al Hilal’s identity.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by PUMA Middle East (@pumame) The home kit takes inspiration from the Najd region’s mud-brick architecture — a reference to the team’s...

If you’ve been thinking about trying something creative this month, Diriyah has a full line-up worth checking out. Throughout April 2026, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is hosting a series of workshops as part of the ongoing exhibition Of the Earth: Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies. Whether you’re drawn to nature, curious about tech, or interested in cultural exploration, there’s a workshop here that will match your interests. Nature-based workshops for Teens Musical Fruits This session mixes nature, sound, and simple tech. Participants use fruits, vegetables, and plants to build basic musical instruments and explore how organic materials generate sound through...

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...

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...

Ramadan evenings in Riyadh come with their own rhythm: late-night outings, post-iftar walks, and meeting up with friends and family. If you want to add something extra to your routine, head to JAX District. This creative hub is hosting a Ramadan market until March 7, where you can enjoy tasty food, local shopping, and open art spaces. Across the space, food stalls serve popular dishes and light bites you can grab on the go. You’ll spot small sharing plates, smoothie stands, and vendors selling local honey and different cheeses. View this post on Instagram A post shared by حي جاكس...

If you’ve ever wanted to join a global running event, you can do it right in the Saudi capital this month, no travel needed. On May 23, thousands of people across the world will head out to run on the same day, and Riyadh is part of it. Planning to join? Here’s everything you need to know about One Run in Riyadh. One Run is known as the biggest half marathon in the world held on the same day. This edition includes runners from Lebanon, Egypt, Brazil, India, UAE, Qatar, China, and Chile. The route in the Saudi capital will...

Exciting news for aspiring chefs in Saudi Arabia – Gordon Ramsay Academy is coming to Riyadh! Scheduled to open by the end of 2025, this marks the first time Gordon Ramsay’s culinary school will be setting up shop in the Kingdom, and it’s creating quite a buzz. Located in the upcoming Narjis View Mall, it’ll offer a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most famous chefs in the world. With an international culinary icon like Gordon Ramsay backing the academy, you know you’re in good hands. Whether you dream of mastering gourmet dishes or pursuing a career in...