What to do in Riyadh - Latest News

As the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, visitors to SEF Arena can look forward to more than just high-stakes gaming. Running alongside the global competition is the Street Food Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission. The event will take place from July 10 to 19, at Boulevard City, from 6 PM to 1 AM daily. This culinary activation is designed to showcase the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture to both local and international guests. With esports players and fans gathering from all over the world, the festival offers a fitting opportunity to promote Saudi cuisine...

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...

Sandwich fans in Riyadh have a new reason to celebrate. Wise Guys, a UAE-grown sandwich spot known for its personality-packed menu, has officially opened its first Saudi Arabia branch in the capital. The restaurant has joined the list of dining venues at Al Mamlaka Social Dining. Originally launched in Dubai, Wise Guys has built a loyal following with its fully loaded, gourmet sandwiches made from quality ingredients. Now, Riyadh diners can see what the fuss is about.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Wise Guys (@wiseguys_ksa) Here are some tasty offers from the sandwich...

Commuters in Riyadh, take note — the Public Transport Authority has announced a change in the Riyadh Metro’s Friday schedule starting Friday, July 4. From this date, Riyadh Metro trains will run from 8 AM until midnight on Fridays. The schedule for the rest of the week remains the same, with operations running from 6 AM to midnight, Saturday through Thursday.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by النقل العام لمدينة الرياض (@riyadhtransport) Public buses in the city will continue to operate daily from 5 AM to midnight. Riyadh Metro serves key residential neighbourhoods and...

Joggers and early risers in Saudi Arabia have something new to add to their summer calendars. Summer Splash 2025 is arriving this July, offering fun run with a bit of splash across three cities — Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al Khobar. The event is organised by Race Arabia and is open to all levels, from first-timers to regular joggers. It kicks off in Jeddah on July 4, before heading to Riyadh on July 11 and Al Khobar on July 18.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Race Arabia (@racearabia) Summer Splash 2025 in Riyadh –...

Riyadh’s dining scene has a new arrival with the opening of SASANI, a Persian restaurant located in the Hittin District near Boulevard City. The concept blends traditional Persian recipes with a modern approach, offering a menu built on flavour, culture, and hospitality. From the moment guests step in, SASANI sets the tone with Persian lanterns, traditional music, and the distinct scent of saffron. The restaurant’s name nods to the Sasanian Empire, reflecting its focus on rich heritage and culinary depth.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sasani ساساني (@sasanifood) The menu starts with some...

Pickl has officially opened in Riyadh, bringing its well-known burger concept from Dubai to two new spots in the Saudi capital: AlNakheel Mall (with 96 seats indoors and 16 outside) and U-Walk (with 98 indoor seats and 24 outdoors). These are the first dine-in locations for the brand in Saudi Arabia. Known for its approach to comfort food like chicken sandos, tenders, and milkshakes, Pickl brings a consistent experience wherever it goes. Now in Riyadh, locals and visitors can try the brand’s signature burgers and other offerings.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pickl...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it easier for pilgrims from the Gulf region to perform Umrah by expanding access and streamlining the process. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now perform Umrah at any time of the year, entering the Kingdom through land, air, or sea ports. All pilgrims are required to obtain an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk application. The same applies to those who wish to pray in Rawdah Al Sharifah, the revered chamber in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance the pilgrimage...

Riyadh’s public transportation system continues to grow with the latest addition to the Orange Line (Line 3) of the Riyadh Metro. Hassan bin Thabit Street, officially opened by the Public Transport Authority, is the newest stop on one of the capital’s most important transit corridors. The Orange Line stretches 41 kilometres, running from Jeddah Road in the west to the Second Eastern Ring Road near Khashm Al Aan in the east. The new stop is located between An Naseem and Khashm Al Aan (terminus). The newly opened station is expected to: Improve daily commute options for residents and visitors Relieve...

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows individuals with expired visit visas to extend their stay for final departure — a move aimed at regulating residency and simplifying the exit process for those who have overstayed their visas. The new initiative came into effect on 1 Muharram 1447 AH (June 26, 2025). It grants a 30-day grace period to all types of visit visa holders whose visas have expired. The extension is strictly for the purpose of final departure and does not permit any further stay or employment in the Kingdom. To make...