What to do in Riyadh - Latest News

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of Saudi Arabia’s future plans. The Kingdom has announced that 2026 will be the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening its role in data and AI development. The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). SDAIA also revealed the official logo for the Year of Artificial Intelligence. It combines several elements that reflect both Saudi identity and the country’s growing focus on technology: The palm...

If you enjoy exploring outdoor spots around Riyadh, here’s one to keep in mind. Wadi Umm Qasr Walkway is now open on Aishah Bint Abi Bakr Road in Al Uraija Al Wusta, so if you feel like going for a family walk in the evening or a bike ride, you now know the location. The area is open to everyone, and entry is free, so you can simply stop by whenever you’re in the mood for some air. Some people come for a relaxed stroll, others pick up the pace, and kids often bring their bikes or scooters along. The...

As the end of Ramadan approaches, many people in Saudi Arabia are already preparing for the holiday. Several Riyadh malls have adjusted their working hours before Eid Al Fitr, opening right after dawn to give visitors a calm window for early shopping. Saudi Arabia has recently confirmed the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates for both public and private sector employees. It means the festive break, along with the usual rush for gifts, outfits, and family preparations, is just around the corner. With some of the city’s busiest shopping destinations opening as early as 5 AM, there’s now a chance...

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...