What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh isn’t the same city it was a few years ago. The skyline keeps changing, new districts are taking shape, and global names are lining up to claim their spot in the capital. Now, another major player is stepping in. The Riyadh EDITION is officially on its way to the KSA capital. There’s no confirmed location or opening date. The Riyadh EDITION will become the third property for the brand in Saudi Arabia, joining The Jeddah EDITION and The Red Sea EDITION coming to Shura Island. Each of those hotels brought a different energy to its city. At the Red...

Imagine booking a hotel where the main view isn’t the city or the sea, but a racetrack. That’s exactly what Qiddiya City is preparing for you. Right next to Speed Park Track, a multi-hotel complex is being built for people who want to stay as close to the action as possible. Guests of Qiddiya Motorsport Hotel Complex will have several options: Five-star Sports Car Hotel with 89 rooms Four-star F1 Overlook Hotel with 168 rooms 65 serviced apartments for longer stays Step outside the room and you’re right by the Speed Park Track, where cars can reach more than 325...

Wondering what to do in Riyadh this season? Aldirah Winter has everything you need: from culture and art to food and entertainment. It’s happening now through March 31, 2026, and every weekend brings something new for you to enjoy. Whether you're making memories with your family, catching up with friends, or exploring on your own, there’s always something exciting waiting for you. With different zones offering a wide range of experiences, Aldirah Winter lets you explore Riyadh’s heritage, get creative in workshops, savor delicious food, and enjoy live performances. Culture Dirwaza For those eager to dive into Riyadh's past, this...

If you’re looking for a free event in Riyadh that actually feels worth your time, Traditional Arts Festival is one to check out. It brings together different sides of Saudi culture, and you can visit until April 8. Here, you’ll find live performances, workshops, and exhibitions, so you can watch, join in, or do a bit of both. One of the parts people tend to gather around is the Nabati poetry evenings. These are live, interactive sessions where poets respond to each other on the spot. If you’d rather get involved, the workshops are a good place to start. They...

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...

With global events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a huge increase in visitors. To accommodate this growing number, the expansion of King Salman International Airport (KSIA) was announced. The project includes building a new terminal capable of handling up to 40 million passengers each year. The next phase of the development will start in 2026 and includes new aircraft hangars and airside infrastructure. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2029. Long-term plans for King Salman International Airport include: six runways and the ability to accommodate...

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...

When it comes to entertainment, Saudi Arabia is never short on options. From thrilling events to groundbreaking experiences, the Kingdom is always bringing something new to the table. Sandbox VR, the immersive virtual reality experience, is set to open soon in Saudi Arabia. What is Sandbox VR? Sandbox VR is an innovative VR adventure where you and up to five friends can roam freely in a fully immersive virtual world. Using full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension. Whether you’re tackling zombies, exploring the high seas, or soaring through the sky, each experience...

This August, Terhal is making its return to Diriyah. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the second edition of this immersive theatrical production will run from August 4 to 25, 2025 at Mayadeen, Diriyah, one of Riyadh’s most historic venues. The production blends theatrical storytelling with visuals, using lighting and special effects to bring Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and history to life. From mountains and deserts to bustling cities and quiet villages, Terhal paints a vivid portrait of the Kingdom’s geographic and cultural richness.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by وزارة الثقافة MOC (@mocsaudi)...

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...