What to do in Riyadh

Looking for something new to check out during Riyadh Season 2025? Here’s a beloved family-friendly free zone that’s now open and ready for you: Riyadh Zoo! From giraffes reaching for the sky to flamingos strutting their stuff, it brings you up close to wildlife in a way that’s both fun and informative. The zoo is split into several zones, each with something unique to offer: Almalaz Bay: start your visit with Owl House, Farm Experience, and Kangaroo Yard Ape Escape where you can meet chimpanzees, orangutans, lemurs, and other primates Enchanted Forest: this African-themed area lets you feed giraffes, meet...

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to evolve, and its latest addition, Table;To, is already drawing attention. Located in the Al Takhassousi district, this restaurant blends regional and international influences with a focus on premium meats and rich, layered flavours. Currently in its soft opening, Table;To welcomes guests daily from 5 PM to 1 AM. The venue is styled with moody lighting, dark woods, and deep green tables, creating a dramatic setting for a night out. A sense of playful sophistication runs through the space, right down to the custom table captions.     View this post on Instagram   A post...

If you’re planning to stream Squid Game 3, you can now match your snack game to the series. Maestro Pizza has launched a special menu in partnership with Netflix, offering themed items based on the hit show — and it’s available for a limited time in Riyadh. The highlight is 456 Pizza, inspired by the show’s lead character and visual motifs. Topped with chicken, green peppers, and finished with a ranch swirl, the pizza channels the colours and mood of Squid Game. It comes in medium or large sizes, with a choice of dough, plus the option to customise further...

Things just got even more thrilling in the Saudi Pro League. Karim Benzema has officially joined Al Hilal FC after spending three successful seasons at Al-Ittihad. This last-day transfer could be exactly what the club needs to claim the title this season. The French football player is no stranger to success, with 25 trophies from his time at Real Madrid. We’re talking five Champions League titles and four La Liga wins. Now, he’s bringing that winning mentality to Al Hilal, and it’s got the potential to really shake things up in the league. View this post on Instagram A post...

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 Season is kicking off with a bang as UFC Power Slap 17 returns to Mohammed Abdo Arena on October 31. If you haven’t seen Power Slap before, it’s exactly what it sounds like: two contestants going head-to-head with some serious slapping action. And this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The night will be headlined by the welterweight title clash between the undefeated Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn vs No. 4 contender Cole “Full Send” Young. Blackburn, who has held the belt since Power Slap 8, is known for his precision and calm under pressure. But Young, coming off a...

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...

If you’ve ever planned a trip to Diriyah and immediately thought about traffic, this news is about to change the picture. Riyadh metro is officially heading to the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. The city has approved an extension of the Red Line, adding 5 more stations and stretching the route all the way to Diriyah Gate. The new section will covers 8.4 km and link areas many people already move between daily: from university zones to business districts and cultural spots. Riyadh metro only launched in late 2024, and since then it’s been adding new stations and polishing how things...

Riyadh continues to establish itself as a culinary destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming internationally acclaimed dining concepts from around the world. One of the newest additions is Isabel Mayfair, which has made its Middle East debut in the bustling As Sulimaniyah district. Designed by the acclaimed David T’kint of DTK Studio, Isabel Mayfair combines the sophistication of an art-deco mansion with the glamour of the Gatsby era. The venue is divided into three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, a light-filled conservatory, and a speakeasy bar tucked discreetly behind a hidden door.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Saudi Arabia's urban transformation is in full swing, with new facilities, state-of-the-art stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and expanded airports all in the works. Among these changes, Jeddah is also seeing some huge progress. The long-forgotten Jeddah Metro project has been revived and given the green light after years of delays. What was once just an idea is now on track to become a reality, with new details finally emerging about what’s to come. Jeddah Metro: First Details about Lines and Stations The idea for metro in the city first emerged in the early 2010s. After years of...