What to do in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo is cleared to play in the 2026 World Cup after FIFA issued a partially suspended ban for his recent red card. The football star was originally given a three-match suspension following his elbowing incident against Ireland, but two of those matches have been suspended under a one-year probation period. The third match was already served during Portugal’s qualification-clinching win over Armenia. With this decision, Ronaldo will be available to play in Portugal's opening World Cup match. The 2026 tournament will be his last chance to compete for the trophy, as the legendary player has confirmed it will be...

Riyadh is about to make history as the first city outside North America to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027. The announcement came from HE Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, alongside WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, better known to fans as Triple H. The week-long wrestling festival promises non-stop action for fans, featuring Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, NXT experiences, and appearances from some of the biggest international wrestling stars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WWE (@wwe) Known for its record-breaking shows, WrestleMania has also been home to epic events like Crown...

If you’re on the hunt for a truly authentic Saudi dining experience with a modern twist, NOMAS in Riyadh should be on your radar. With a cozy setting that seats just 35 guests, this fine dining restaurant at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter offers more than just a meal – it offers a cultural journey complete with signature Saudi hospitality and live oud performances that add a special touch to the evening. This summer, Saudi Arabia introduced 12 new rules for fine dining restaurants, ensuring that dining venues adhere to the highest standards of service and quality. As soon as...

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence will conduct a siren test in several regions to help strengthen the country’s emergency preparedness. The test is part of a broader effort to improve public awareness of national alert systems and ensure swift responses during potential crises. Check out the full list of locations and test timings below. Siren test in Riyadh Region: Diriyah Al Kharj Al Dilam Siren test in Mecca Region: Jeddah Thuwal Siren test in Tabuk Region: entire governorate Authorities are urging the public not to panic, as this is simply a test aimed...

Riyadh food lovers, prepare your taste buds! The celebrated Persian eatery Berenjak is heading from the streets of London to the vibrant dining scene of Saudi Arabia this February. Nestled in the upscale Via Riyadh, this pop-up marks an exciting addition to the Middle East’s growing culinary landscape. Berenjak, whose name is inspired by the cheerful snack of toasted rice often enjoyed at Persian funfairs, brings a fresh take on Tehran’s traditional eateries. The restaurant transforms the concept of a humble Iranian "hole-in-the-wall" into a dynamic dining experience that captures the richness of Persian culture and cuisine. The Berenjak story...

Diriyah is adding another attraction to its growing list — the soon-to-open The Chedi Wadi Safar. This new luxury hotel is set to blend history, culture, and modern comfort in a stunning natural setting. The Chedi brand, which started in Phuket in 1995, is known for its elegant hotels worldwide, from Miami to Muscat. In the Middle East, The Chedi has already made a mark with The Chedi Al Bait in Sharjah and The Chedi Katara in Doha. Now, it’s bringing its signature style to Wadi Safar in Diriyah. Diriyah holds deep historical significance as the original capital of Saudi...

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...

Saudi Arabia is shifting into high gear once again, adding to its rapidly expanding entertainment scene. This time, it’s not just another event but an electrifying one — Hot Wheels Electric Karting is racing into the Kingdom, offering a unique and adrenaline-packed experience across six major cities: Riyadh Jazan Madinah Makkah Tabuk Taif   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by مشاريع الترفيه السعودية SEVEN (@saudi_seven) The thrilling attraction promises to draw in motor-sport lovers of all ages. Unlike traditional karting, Hot Wheels e-karts are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced racers. They blend...

Saudi Arabia has introduced HUMAIN Chat, a groundbreaking Arabic-first conversational AI platform. Developed by HUMAIN, a company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), it is the most advanced language model ever created in the Arab world. HUMAIN Chat can operate in both Arabic and English, allowing users to switch between the two languages during a conversation. It also understands a wide range of Arabic dialects, making it highly versatile and accessible to millions across the region. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HUMAIN (@thehumainai) Currently, HUMAIN Chat is available across web, iOS, and Android platforms...

The JAX District in Riyadh is bringing back its much-loved Ramadan Market, running from March 6 to 15, 2025. Known for its shift from an industrial area to a buzzing creative space, JAX has become a go-to spot for cultural events — and its Ramadan Market is no exception. Last year’s edition was part of the Layali Biennale initiative, offering a lively atmosphere filled with delicious local food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors explored pop-up eateries serving traditional hot and cold dishes made from local ingredients, enjoyed live music performances, and found fun activities for kids. Beyond the market,...