What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh is preparing for a significant leap forward in transport innovation, with self-driving taxis set to appear on city roads in the near future. The announcement was made by Dr. Omaimah Bamasag, Deputy of Transport Enablement at the Transport General Authority (TGA), as part of the Kingdom’s broader plan to create a smarter, more sustainable transport network. This move won’t be limited to Riyadh. Five other Saudi cities are also expected to join the rollout of autonomous vehicles, which will include not only taxis, but also self-driving trucks, passenger vehicles, and drones. The initiative is being driven by the Future...

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...

If you’re looking for a new place to try, B+F Riyadh is worth keeping in mind. This burger boutique is getting ready to open at Laysen Valley and it'll bring something different from the usual spots. The vibe is warm, slightly rustic, and built around live fire, so you can actually see part of the cooking as it happens. The concept comes from Kuwait and centres around cooking over charcoal. You'll notice the difference after the first bite. The food picks up a deeper, slightly smoky flavour, which gives familiar dishes a bit more character. View this post on Instagram...

If you think darts is just something you play for fun, Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will quickly change your opinion. This January, the sport is stepping up to the professional stage with its global debut in Riyadh. The event will take place on January 19 and 20 at the Global Theatre, BlvdCity, bringing together some of the world’s top players for a tournament you won’t forget. Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will feature 16 top players, including PDC stars like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Nathan Aspinall from England, as well as rising talents from Asia. The tournament is elimination-style,...

If you're a foodie in Riyadh, there’s a new place you’ll definitely want to check out: Jareed Samhan. Located in Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, this restaurant brings traditional Saudi cuisine into the modern day. The menu takes you on a journey to the Nadj region, with classic dishes like muqalal, jareesh, matazeez, and kabsa, but with a modern twist. Chef Saleh Aljabali has taken these timeless recipes and reimagined them with fresh techniques, all while keeping those nostalgic Saudi flavors intact. The vibe at Jareed Samhan is cozy and intimate, making it the perfect place to connect...

Esports fans in Riyadh, there’s something exciting on the horizon! After the success of the Esports World Cup this year, the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is set to take center stage in Riyadh in November 2026. Unlike other similar events that feature club teams, ENC focuses on the competition between national teams. Popular game publishers like Electronic Arts, Tencent, Krafton, and Ubisoft will be involved, bringing well-known titles such as EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, PUBG, and Rainbow Six into the spotlight. This new competition will feature teams from nearly 100 countries, competing in more than 15 games. Here’s what...

Riyadh Cake Picnic is coming to town, and cake lovers, this event is made just for you! Mark your calendars for November 22, 2025, because this indoor cake festival will be the biggest one the capital has ever seen. It’s set to be a fun-filled day of everything sweet, from cake tastings to creative baking demos. The event will be held at Qasr Al Arab Hall for Celebrations in Al Naeem. Picture long tables loaded with stunning cakes, the sound of lively chatter, and plenty of music. Whether you’re into rich chocolate desserts or curious about new flavor combinations, you’ll...

The vibrant dining scene in Riyadh is getting even more exciting this November, as CUT by Wolfgang Puck arrives in the city for a limited six-day pop-up. Food enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia can prepare for an extraordinary dining experience at Via Riyadh, where this renowned contemporary steakhouse will showcase its culinary prowess from November 18 to 23, 2024.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by TURKI ALALSHIKH تركي آل الشيخ (@turkialalshik) CUT by Wolfgang Puck, known globally for redefining the classic steakhouse, will be serving up its signature high-quality grilled meats and sides that have...

W Hotels, known for its stylish atmosphere, is making its debut in Saudi Arabia with W Riyadh KAFD. Guests will be able to experience its signature offerings as early as 2026. The hotel will feature 210 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, and shops. As part of the brand’s classic offerings, W Riyadh will include Living Room, a social space that’s perfect for meeting up, along with the WET Deck pool area and spa for ultimate relaxation. For those looking to stay active, the fitness centre will have everything you need to stay in shape. This will be the first W...

CINEHOUSE, located at One Square on King Abdulaziz Road, offers a new kind of night out in Riyadh. Since opening in 2020, it has become the city’s first arthouse cinema with a restaurant, offering a curated selection of films alongside a full dining experience. Inside, you’ll find three small screening rooms, each with a more personal, relaxed atmosphere than the usual multiplex setup. The cinema’s weekly lineup mixes arthouse favourites, cult films, and new commercial releases — all selected to appeal to a range of filmgoers.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CINEHOUSE بيت...