What to do in Riyadh

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has launched its first-ever exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, open to the public until 15 February 2025. This milestone marks the debut of the first New Media Art hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a project spearheaded by the Museums Commission under Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. DAF aims to equip the next generation of artists, technologists, and scholars with the tools to tackle emerging creative challenges and reshape the artistic landscape.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @dafmoc...

Riyadh is rapidly becoming a hotspot for coworking spaces, but not all of them have the spark to inspire creativity. That’s where Sudds comes in. Set to open soon in Via Riyadh, this new space is designed to be more than just a place to work — it's a blend of a social hub, dining destination, and coworking space. The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and stimulates fresh ideas. Unlike typical office spaces, Sudds draws inspiration from a boutique hotel. Think tiled marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and black marble desks. The plush leather chairs and open...

If you're into Japanese food, there's a new spot in Riyadh you should check out. Haru has just opened on Al Takhassousi Street. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite or a satisfying meal, you'll find all the classics here. With seating right by the open kitchen, you can watch the chefs prepare your food. The menu is full of favorites. You can enjoy shrimp tempura, miso soup, or beef gyoza. If you’re craving sushi, you can stick with classic salmon or seabass nigiri, or try rolls like spicy salmon and California rolls. For something heartier, there are...

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made an important announcement for those planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Holders of any type of visa are now eligible to perform Umrah in the Kingdom. With this update, travelers from a broader range of backgrounds now have the opportunity to embark on this significant spiritual journey. Whether traveling for work, family visits, or just passing through Saudi Arabia, anyone holding a valid visa can now easily access the Umrah experience. This includes: personal and family visit visas electronic tourist visas transit visas work visas In August 2025, the Ministry also...

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to hop into a car with no driver and just… go, Riyadh is making that part of everyday life. The city has introduced its first route dedicated to self-driving cars. Back in May 2025, the plans for self-driving cars in KSA were introduced. Now, residents can actually see how that idea is being put into action. New route runs between Hayat Mall and Riyadh Gallery Mall. The service operates daily and is closely monitored by authorities, both from a technical and regulatory side. Smart tech is doing all the work. The...

Qatar has announced an important update for GCC residents who plan to visit the country. The visit visa period has been extended from one month to two months. Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry permit. These changes were introduced on November 30 and are available through the Haya platform, according to Qatar Tourism. The aim of this update is to make travel more convenient for GCC visitors. Qatar continues to host many cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022. A longer stay and the option to enter the country multiple times...

If you’re looking for a new place to try, B+F Riyadh is worth keeping in mind. This burger boutique is getting ready to open at Laysen Valley and it'll bring something different from the usual spots. The vibe is warm, slightly rustic, and built around live fire, so you can actually see part of the cooking as it happens. The concept comes from Kuwait and centres around cooking over charcoal. You'll notice the difference after the first bite. The food picks up a deeper, slightly smoky flavour, which gives familiar dishes a bit more character. View this post on Instagram...

Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram is set to headline the Esports World Cup 2024. This exciting event will take place at Boulevard City in Riyadh, with Ajram performing on Thursday, 15 August, at the iconic Abu Bakr Salem Theater. Nancy Ajram, whose illustrious career spans nearly three decades, will light up the stage with her captivating voice and electrifying presence. Known for hits like "Akhasmak Ah," "Ah W Noss," "Ya Tabtab," and "Badna Nwalee El Jaw," Ajram promises an evening filled with musical brilliance. To add to that, the talented Saudi singer Ayed will also perform on the same night, making...

If you’ve been on the lookout for a new spot to grab a bite in Riyadh, here’s something you’re going to love. The popular UK café, Apple Butter, has opened its doors in the KAFD district. This is the perfect spot to fuel up your day, whether you're a breakfast lover, a pasta fan, or someone with a serious sweet tooth. Apple Butter’s menu brings familiar tastes with an extraordinary twist: try their Chicken Burrata Sandwich or Wagyu Beef Burger, and you'll get the vibe. Craving something sweet? You can’t go wrong with their pancakes, topped generously with whipped cream...

If you’ve ever wanted to stay somewhere celebrities choose when they travel, Faena is likely already on your radar. The brand is now expanding to Saudi Arabia with a new property set to open in Wadi Safar, just outside Riyadh. Faena Wadi Safar will be located in Diriyah, surrounded by desert landscape, palm trees, and open views across the wadi. The hotel will include 130 rooms, with some overlooking the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club and others facing a 27-hole championship golf course. Plans for this project also include 20 private villas positioned along the golf course, a spa, and...