What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh Cake Picnic is coming to town, and cake lovers, this event is made just for you! Mark your calendars for November 22, 2025, because this indoor cake festival will be the biggest one the capital has ever seen. It’s set to be a fun-filled day of everything sweet, from cake tastings to creative baking demos. The event will be held at Qasr Al Arab Hall for Celebrations in Al Naeem. Picture long tables loaded with stunning cakes, the sound of lively chatter, and plenty of music. Whether you’re into rich chocolate desserts or curious about new flavor combinations, you’ll...

Riyadh is about to get loud in the best way possible! In just a couple of months, The Bikes Festival will hit Mayadeen. From April 9 to 11, riders and bike fans will gather for a celebration of all things two-wheelers. Expect more than 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest models, accessories, and gear. If you’re riding, you’re in for a treat. The Arena is where expert riders will be showing off their insane skills. And if you’re looking to upgrade your gear, head to The Biker Supply zone to shop for the latest jackets, helmets, and everything you need to...

Saudi Arabia is well-known for its first-class entertainment, and it’s about to take things to another level with the first-ever hydrogen-powered motorsport championship, FIA Extreme H World Cup. Set to take place from October 9 to 11 at Qiddiya City, the event will unfold in the Tuwaiq Mountains. The races will take place on specially designed off-road tracks, so expect plenty of excitement, particularly in the desert terrain. If you’re in the Kingdom, you’re in for a treat, as just a few days earlier, on October 4 and 5, you’ll be able to witness the last-ever Extreme E Desert X...

Riyadh’s food scene is expanding again — and this time, it’s all about street food. Burns Road Express has opened its doors in Gernata Square, right across from Al Shuhada Park, introducing the bold flavours of Karachi’s iconic Burns Road to the Saudi capital. The concept is inspired by one of Pakistan’s most famous food streets, where meals are served late into the night and diners gather for comforting favourites. The original Burns Road in Karachi dates back to the 1940s and is named after Scottish physician James Burnes. Riyadh now has its own version of that energy and tradition,...

CINEHOUSE, located at One Square on King Abdulaziz Road, offers a new kind of night out in Riyadh. Since opening in 2020, it has become the city’s first arthouse cinema with a restaurant, offering a curated selection of films alongside a full dining experience. Inside, you’ll find three small screening rooms, each with a more personal, relaxed atmosphere than the usual multiplex setup. The cinema’s weekly lineup mixes arthouse favourites, cult films, and new commercial releases — all selected to appeal to a range of filmgoers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CINEHOUSE بيت...

If you think darts is just something you play for fun, Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will quickly change your opinion. This January, the sport is stepping up to the professional stage with its global debut in Riyadh. The event will take place on January 19 and 20 at the Global Theatre, BlvdCity, bringing together some of the world’s top players for a tournament you won’t forget. Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will feature 16 top players, including PDC stars like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Nathan Aspinall from England, as well as rising talents from Asia. The tournament is elimination-style,...

Riyadh’s restaurant scene just got a little more exciting with the opening of Pantera Riyadh. This modern Mediterranean spot, located in As Sulimaniyah on Tahlia Street, is the new place to check out for fresh food and a relaxed, stylish vibe. Taking over the spot that was once Isabel Mayfair, Pantera has brought a cool twist to the local dining scene. The restaurant has a sleek Art Deco feel, with a unique layout that includes Dining Room, a beautiful Conservatory with a glass roof, and a hidden speakeasy bar. Whether you’re out for a low-key dinner or a night of...

W Hotels, known for its stylish atmosphere, is making its debut in Saudi Arabia with W Riyadh KAFD. Guests will be able to experience its signature offerings as early as 2026. The hotel will feature 210 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, and shops. As part of the brand’s classic offerings, W Riyadh will include Living Room, a social space that’s perfect for meeting up, along with the WET Deck pool area and spa for ultimate relaxation. For those looking to stay active, the fitness centre will have everything you need to stay in shape. This will be the first W...

The Metropolitan Opera is heading to Saudi Arabia with a brand-new winter residency in Riyadh. Thanks to a collaboration between the Saudi Music Commission, the Royal Diriyah Opera House, and the Met Opera itself, the partnership is set to bring world-class productions to the Kingdom every year. For five years, the Met will make The Royal Diriyah Opera House its winter stage. Each season, the company will present a full-scale opera alongside a lineup of concerts, all spread over three weeks. Beyond the performances, the project is designed to highlight local talent and nurture careers, from singers and musicians to...

There's good news for everyone flying in or out of Riyadh. Terminal 2 at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has officially opened after a major redevelopment, bringing the long-running upgrade of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to a close. The expanded terminal offers more space for faster check-in, security control, and boarding areas, which helps reduce crowding during busy travel periods. With the additional capacity, the airport can also handle more flights at the same time. The reopening comes alongside other recent changes at the airport. Hafawa Lounge is planned to be built between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, offering...