What to do in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to open its first-ever waterpark, AquArabia, later this year. Located in Qiddiya City near Riyadh, it will be the largest waterpark in the Middle East, spanning 250,000 square meters. With 22 rides, including five record-breakers, there’s something for every thrill-seeker and family looking for fun. Let’s dive into all the attractions you’ll find at AquArabia. Wave Pool and Surfing Amwaj Bay – A wave pool with a lively atmosphere, featuring music from a DJ and gentle waves for a fun and energetic vibe. Surftopia – Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool, offering customizable waves for all...

Get ready, boxing fans! The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is set to host a blockbuster event on December 23rd – The Day of Reckoning. Brace yourselves for an epic night of heavyweight showdowns featuring some of the biggest names in the boxing world: Anthony Joshua, Einar Wallin, Joseph Parker, and Deontay Wilder. The highlight of the evening will be the clash between two-time World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and the formidable WBA Continental heavyweight title holder, Einar Wallin. The anticipation is palpable as fans wonder whether Joshua can maintain his status as the heavyweight king or if Wallin will prove...

Riyadh Metro is introducing new pricing for 2026, effective from January 1. If you are planning to use the metro regularly or are a student, here is an overview of the updated fare structure: Annual Pass (Standard class): SAR 1,260 Annual Pass (First class): SAR 3,150 Semester Pass for students: SAR 260 (valid for one academic term) These new ticket options will be available in both digital and plastic formats. Regular ticket prices remain unchanged since the metro launch in December 2024. The 2-Hour Pass is priced at SAR 4 for standard class and SAR 10 for first class. Additional...

Art lovers of the Saudi capital, get ready! Art Week Riyadh is launching for the first time from April 6 to 13, with a variety of exhibitions and creative events at JAX District and various locations across the city. What to Expect at Art Week Riyadh 2025 Art Week Riyadh invites everyone interested in contemporary art and culture to explore bold and thought-provoking works from over 45 galleries, collections, and artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, you’ll find plenty to see and do.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by هيئة الفنون...

The first-ever Art Week Riyadh is set to make waves in the city’s cultural scene from April 6 to 13, 2025. Organized by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission, this exciting event will bring together top galleries, cultural institutions, artists, collectors, and art lovers from around the world. Under the theme At The Edge, the week-long program will explore creativity in all its forms — honoring traditions, embracing contemporary expressions, and shaping the future of Saudi art. Visitors can expect an inspiring lineup of exhibitions, exclusive displays from private collections, hands-on workshops, and engaging public talks.     View this post...

Shrek The Musical is now in Riyadh! The beloved fairy tale-turned-blockbuster hit is playing at The Arena from May 1st to May 13th, bringing all the magic and hilarity of the original film to the stage. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning production that follows the story of a grumpy ogre named Shrek, who embarks on a quest to rescue a princess named Fiona from a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Along the way, he encounters a talkative donkey, a conniving lord, and a host of other fairy tale characters. The...

Get ready for a touch of Parisian glamour right in the heart of Saudi Arabia! The Kingdom is about to get a très chic makeover with the grand unveiling of the King Salman Boulevard in Diriyah—a stunning homage to the iconic Champs-Élysées Boulevard in Paris. Imagine strolling down a boulevard reminiscent of the world-famous French counterpart, lined with designer shops, cultural attractions, and an air of sophistication. Well, that dream is about to become a reality as the King Salman Boulevard is set to mirror the charm and elegance of the Champs-Élysées. And it's not just about replicating the look;...

Saudi Arabia is transforming its cities with new and exciting projects. One of the latest additions to this shift is the Arts Tower in Riyadh, a striking structure that combines art and architecture in an innovative way. Located along the Sports Boulevard, part of a larger development project in Riyadh, the Arts Tower is hard to miss. Standing 30 meters tall, this tower blends industrial history with a fresh, modern design. It draws inspiration from the old electricity pylons that once lined Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, turning these traditional elements into something completely new and artistic.     View...

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 is undergoing a dramatic shift in identity — from a desert-bound capital to a city rooted in sustainability and green living. Backed by over SAR 72.25 billion in green investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the transformation is well underway. From vast parks and tree-planting campaigns to futuristic entertainment hubs and eco-conscious infrastructure, these six mega-projects are helping to reshape the Saudi capital. 1. Green Riyadh Project Launched in 2019, Green Riyadh is one of the city's biggest initiatives aimed at tackling heat and boosting urban livability. The project is managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City...