What to do in Riyadh - Latest News

If you spend time in KSA in early March, you may notice more green flags appearing across streets, buildings, and public spaces. That’s because Saudi Flag Day is celebrated every year on March 11, a national occasion dedicated to the Kingdom’s flag and the story behind it. Saudi Flag Day is a relatively recent national observance. It was officially introduced in 2023 to highlight the history and meaning of the national flag. March 11 marks the day in 1937 when King Abdulaziz Al Saud approved the official design of the Saudi national flag, corresponding to 27 Dhu Al Hijja 1355...

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most anticipated holidays marking the end of Ramadan, and naturally, people in both public and private sectors are looking forward to a much-needed break. Saudi Arabia has confirmed the dates for the 2026 Eid Al Fitr holiday, and here’s what you can expect: Government and private sector employees will enjoy a four-day holiday starting Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan The holiday will last until Sunday, March 22, when regular work hours will resume These dates are subject to confirmation after the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, so there...

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 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...

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,...

If you’re booked on a flydubai flight between UAE and KSA, take note of this before you head to the airport. From February 25, all Dubai-Riyadh flights arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) will operate from Terminal 5. The airport itself hasn’t changed. Only the terminal has, and that small detail can make a big difference on travel day. The Dubai-Riyadh air route is one of the busiest in the world. In 2025, it ranked seventh globally, with 4.465 million seats recorded across the year. That level of traffic reflects how strong the link is between...

If you enjoy seeing historic places get a new life instead of disappearing, here's the project worth your attention! Part of Al-Zal Souq is turning into Azzal Street Food, bringing open-air dining into one of the city’s oldest areas. The plan includes outdoor seating, walkable pathways, and affordable food stalls serving local Saudi dishes. Al-Zal Souq has been operating since 1901. It's one of Riyadh’s oldest and most visited markets, known for antiques, traditional carpets, and small heritage finds. In 2005, it was restored to maintain its historic look, and it continues to draw visitors. Instead of changing what makes...

Hajj is a journey most people prepare for long before the time comes. If you’re ready to take that step now, registration is open for citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. You can submit your application online through the Nusuk app or on the official website https://hajj.nusuk.sa. Before applying, make sure you meet the following: You must be at least 15 years old (Gregorian calendar) You must meet the approved health requirements Residents must have a valid residency permit (iqama). Priority will be given to those whose iqama was issued more than one Gregorian year ago You can read more...

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...

If you’re planning Umrah, you know how important it is to be prepared. The rituals are deeply meaningful, but the logistics can feel overwhelming, especially if Arabic isn’t your first language. To make things easier for foreign pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has issued the official Umrah guide in 16 international languages. The guide follows takes you through entire journey: from the moment you prepare at home to the completion of your pilgrimage. It starts with pre-travel requirements like visas and permits, then walks you through the rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. No matter where you’re coming from or...