What to do in Riyadh

If you regularly drive into Saudi Arabia with a vehicle registered in another GCC country, this update is for you. The Kingdom has issued new rules that restrict the stay of vehicles registered in Gulf countries to 90 days within any 365-day period. These days can be consecutive or spread out across the year, meaning you could stay for 90 days in one trip or break it up into several shorter visits. The count begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through any customs port. The rule applies to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, residents, and expatriates, as...

Ramadan is a time for reflection, togetherness, and great food. One of the highlights of the season is visiting a Ramadan tent, where families and friends gather to break their fast and enjoy suhoor in a warm and welcoming setting. If you’re in Riyadh, Al Mishraq at VIA Riyadh is the perfect place to experience this tradition.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VIA Riyadh | ڤيا رياض (@viariyadh) Running every day until the end of Ramadan, Al Mishraq offers an inviting space with a rich selection of dishes. The iftar buffet features a...

Some evenings are too nice to waste indoors. If you feel like getting out for food, coffee, and a change of scene, Ramlina Festival is an easy option this January. This open-air festival happening in Riyadh until January 31. It’s the kind of place where you go with friends or family and end up staying the whole evening. Festival doors open at 4 PM, so you can arrive at any time. There’s no schedule or special route to follow: you just move between food spots, cafés, and activities and stay for as long as you feel like it. Walk around,...

Sneaker Con is heading back to Riyadh in 2026. The global event that brings together collectors, traders, and fans, will land at BLVD City from February 26 to 28. Part of Riyadh Season, it’s shaping up to be three days where sneakers take over the city. What started in 2008 as a small meetup between sneaker fans has turned into a worldwide movement. Sneaker Con now travels through more than 30 cities every year, connecting people who see sneakers as more than just shoes. More than 150 vendors from the US, the Middle East, and beyond will line up their...

Saudi boxing fans had plenty to celebrate last Saturday night as their own Mohammed Alakel made impressive debut on the global stage during the “fight of the century” featuring Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Terence Crawford. The 21-year-old debutant kicked things off in the lightweight division with a strong performance, earning a unanimous-decision win over American Travis Crawford after ten intense rounds. Alakel, nicknamed “Mighty,” took on the U.S. crowd for the first time in his 11-month pro career and didn’t disappoint. The judges scored the fight 99-91, 99-91, and 98-92 in his favour, and the CompuBox stats tell the full...

Food lovers in Riyadh have a new destination to explore: La Bourgeoise, the French bistro bar that has recently opened its doors at Drop Avenue Plaza in An Nakheel. This inviting spot offers a delightful mix of classic French pastries, creative mocktails, and an ambiance that makes every visit memorable. La Bourgeoise has redefined tea time with its selection of freshly brewed teas paired with exquisite pastries. Each pastry is crafted with precision and artistry, making them almost too beautiful to eat. The experience is ideal for an indulgent break or a relaxed gathering with friends. If you're a fan...

Some names just breathe luxury, and Four Seasons is definitely one of them. Soon, the brand will bring its signature elegance to Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, with a new hotel that’s sure to be a game-changer. While there are no exact details or timelines yet, here’s a first look at what to expect from this amazing project. At Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, you’ll have 159 rooms and suites at your disposal, each offering the kind of comfort and style that makes a stay feel truly special. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, this will be your perfect retreat. With...

Wondering what’s making Riyadh buzz this December? It’s Riyadh Music Week 2025 (RMW25), running from December 4 to 13. This weeklong event is bringing music, creativity, and innovation together in a way that’s never been seen before in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re into big concerts or intimate music sessions, RMW25 has it all. Riyadh Music Week will have a strong focus on uncovering the next generation of artists. With small, more personal events taking place in warehouses, cafés, studios, and open-air spaces, you'll get no shortage of entertainment. XP Music Futures 2025 (December 4-6) This year, the event will feature...

Saudi Arabia continues to attract global names, and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars to make the Kingdom his home. Since joining Al Nassr Football Club in 2022, the football legend has expanded his footprint in the region, and his latest venture is a wellness and hair care clinic Insparya in Riyadh. Located at Kingdom Hospital, Insparya specializes in advanced hair transplant technology, medical consultations, diagnostics, and other innovative treatments. It combines expert medical talent with cutting-edge technology to offer high-quality care to clients seeking top-notch results. Ronaldo was present at the opening event of the new branch...

LaBocca, a new Italian restaurant in Riyadh, is now open on Anas Ibn Malik Road in Al Malqa. The name translates to “mouth,” a nod to its food-first approach. It serves a menu built around Italian staples like pizza, pasta, sharing plates, and desserts. The tiramisu is served tableside from a trolley, and there’s a mocktail list for those looking for something refreshing.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by LABOCCA Restaurant | لابوكـا (@labocca.sa) The interiors lean into rich tones and bold shapes. Guests enter through red arches and step into a dining room...