What to do in Riyadh - Latest News

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant shake-up in its retail landscape. A new regulation bans small grocery stores (baqalas) and kiosks from selling a specific list of products, including tobacco, fresh produce, meat, and dates, as part of a broader effort to streamline and formalise the country’s retail sector. The directive, issued by Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, is effective immediately. However, existing small grocers will have six months to adjust and comply with the new requirements. Products Now Banned from Sale in Small Grocery Stores: Regular and electronic cigarettes Shisha products Fruits and vegetables Dates Meat...

Riyadh is gearing up for an electrifying summer as the Esports World Cup 2025, formerly known as Gamers8, takes center stage at The Venue in Riyadh City. From July 18th to August 7th, this grand event will unite the world's top gamers for an unforgettable experience. But that's not all, the excitement doesn't stop when the gaming ends. Thanks to a collaboration with MDLBeast, the Esports World Cup has introduced AFT_r, a series of spectacular after-show concerts. Every Thursday night, visitors can look forward to thrilling performances from renowned artists. Here's what you can expect each week. Esports World Cup...

If you’ve been swept up in the global Labubu craze, you’re not alone. These little creatures with pointy ears and playful expressions have taken over everything from toy stores to social media feeds. And now, Riyadh has introduced its very own twist on the trend: Lanunu, a pocket-sized collectible you can take with you everywhere. WHOA TEA & Desserts, a popular café in Riyadh, is behind this creative launch. Order any beverage from their menu, and you’ll receive a Lanunu keychain as a complimentary treat. It’s small, portable, and made to clip right onto your bag or keys.    ...

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)...

Saudi Arabia is now laying the groundwork for Riyadh Expo 2030, set to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. The Expo site, located in the north of the capital between KAPSARC and King Khalid International Airport, will span over six million square metres and is expected to welcome 40 million visitors in person and more than 1 billion virtually. Following its winning bid in November 2023 — where Riyadh secured 119 out of 173 votes, defeating Rome and Busan — the country is investing SAR 29.3 billion into the project. The goal is to present a forward-looking,...

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to grow, and the arrival of Abou el Sid adds a rich cultural note to the mix. Known for serving authentic Egyptian cuisine for over two decades, this beloved Cairo-born restaurant has officially opened in The Esplanade, following its debut in Jeddah. With interiors inspired by a traditional Egyptian household, the new Riyadh branch balances nostalgia and comfort. The space features patterned tiled floors, minimalist wooden furniture, and soft turquoise couches. Walls adorned with retro photos and soft lighting create a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, enhanced by Tanoura dance performances during select evenings.     View...

Saudi Arabia’s capital is undergoing a major transformation, and The Avenues – Riyadh is set to be one of its centrepieces. Inspired by the popular destination of the same name in Kuwait, this massive development will become a key spot for shopping, hospitality, business and culture in the Kingdom. The Avenues – Riyadh will take shape in the north of Riyadh, at the intersection of King Salman Road and King Fahad Road. The project will cover more than 1.8 million square metres, positioning it as one of the largest malls in the region. The design of the complex follows Salmani...

Riyadh’s food scene just got more flavourful. Blu Pizzeriá, the Dubai-born concept inspired by Naples, Italy, has officially landed in An Nakheel, Riyadh. After building a fan base in both Abu Dhabi (opened in October 2024) and Dubai, the much-loved pizzeria is now in its soft opening phase in the Saudi capital. Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh offers a cosy yet elevated dining experience, featuring dark wood interiors, plush seating, and lush decorative greenery. The design is as carefully considered as the menu, creating a welcoming space for pizza lovers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Pizza lovers in Riyadh now have a new spot to explore — Krisp has officially opened in Al Malqa, and it’s all about crisp, golden bases and Italian-inspired toppings. Whether you prefer your pizza simple or loaded with flavour, Krisp has crafted a menu that balances tradition with creativity. Krisp’s design draws from classic Italian pizzerias, with a modern edge. The dark grey exterior and large windows give the space a clean, urban feel, while wooden floors, sleek counters, and banquette seating create a cosy yet contemporary interior.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Egyptian singer and songwriter Bayou is making his way to Saudi Arabia this July, bringing his unique bilingual sound to live audiences in two major cities. The artist will perform in Jeddah on 17 July at Onyx Arena, followed by a show in Riyadh on 18 July as part of the MDLBeast Festival. This marks a special return for Bayou, born Adham Bayoumi, who spent part of his early life in Jeddah before moving to Dubai. His music blends Arabic and English, shaped by influences from both the Middle East and the UK, where he also lived. Bayou first gained...