What to do in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new voluntary pension and savings programme that will extend to both Saudi nationals and foreign workers. This initiative, called Public Pension and Savings Programme, aims to encourage local savings and reduce the outflow of remittances. As of the first quarter of 2025, 77% of the country’s social insurance system subscribers were expatriates. Last year, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia sent home SAR 144.2 billion in remittances, which is 14% more than in 2023. Over the last decade, total remittances have reached SAR 1.43 trillion. The new programme is designed to allow foreign workers...

Jeddah’s favorite bubble tea haven, The Boba Bar, has officially landed in Riyadh. Nestled in Shorofat, An Nada, this pastel-perfect café is already making waves with its dreamy décor and unique drinks. For a limited time, early visitors get a sweet bonus: a free mini bouquet with any coffee order (water and soft serve excluded). You’ll need to be signed up for the loyalty card program, and the offer runs until August 16, so it’s worth a stop sooner rather than later.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Boba Bar (@thebobabar.sa) Step inside...

Qiddiya City is quickly becoming the place to be in Saudi Arabia, and soon, it’ll be home to a brand-new hotel. Aquarabia Park Hotel, opening in January 2026, will be a great option for families, adventure seekers, or anyone looking to stay close to all the fun while still being able to relax. The 12-floor hotel is being built right inside Aquarabia Water Park, so guests will have direct access to the water park, so it’s easy to head straight into the fun. Aquarabia Park Hotel will have 550 rooms, combining comfort with fun water-themed touches. The rooms will have...

Get ready, pet lovers and festival-goers! The Riyadh Dog Festival 2024 is making a grand return as part of this year’s Riyadh Season — and it’s bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for December 2–7 and head to the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center in Malham for an unforgettable experience. Building on the incredible success of its 2023 debut, this global festival has grown in size and scope. What began as a groundbreaking event featuring 250 dog breeds is now hosting over 350 adorable pups from around the world.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Riyadh’s dining scene has a new arrival with the opening of SASANI, a Persian restaurant located in the Hittin District near Boulevard City. The concept blends traditional Persian recipes with a modern approach, offering a menu built on flavour, culture, and hospitality. From the moment guests step in, SASANI sets the tone with Persian lanterns, traditional music, and the distinct scent of saffron. The restaurant’s name nods to the Sasanian Empire, reflecting its focus on rich heritage and culinary depth.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sasani ساساني (@sasanifood) The menu starts with some...

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has introduced a new policy that allows individuals with expired visit visas to extend their stay for final departure — a move aimed at regulating residency and simplifying the exit process for those who have overstayed their visas. The new initiative came into effect on 1 Muharram 1447 AH (June 26, 2025). It grants a 30-day grace period to all types of visit visa holders whose visas have expired. The extension is strictly for the purpose of final departure and does not permit any further stay or employment in the Kingdom. To make...

Looking for a winter escape in Riyadh? Head to BLVD World where the snow fun starts on November 15. Riyadh Season 2025 brings back the crowd-favorite Courchevel Zone, delivering the magic of the French Alps right to Saudi Arabia. Snowflakes fall from the ceiling, mountain backdrops set the scene, and a ski lift model adds to the atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll find snowmen, Christmas trees, and statues of winter animals like polar bears and reindeer. There’s even a cozy fire inside an igloo, perfect for warming up and taking a photo. If you’re ready to ski, Courchevel Zone has...

As the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, visitors to SEF Arena can look forward to more than just high-stakes gaming. Running alongside the global competition is the Street Food Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission. The event will take place from July 10 to 19, at Boulevard City, from 6 PM to 1 AM daily. This culinary activation is designed to showcase the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture to both local and international guests. With esports players and fans gathering from all over the world, the festival offers a fitting opportunity to promote Saudi cuisine...

Apple fans in Saudi Arabia now have direct access to the brand’s full product lineup through a newly launched official online store and app. The rollout means you can now browse, shop, and receive Apple products at home — without the need to go through third-party resellers. The store includes Arabic language support, offering a smoother shopping and customer service experience for users in the region. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your device or explore something new, the platform now feels more local. Shoppers can expect a more personalised experience, from model comparisons and recommendations to the ability to customise...

A major contemporary art event is coming to Riyadh! From February 24 to April 24, the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX District will host Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations, an exhibition that brings together some of the most exciting Saudi artists working today. This is the first traveling group exhibition dedicated to contemporary Saudi art. Featuring 17 talented artists, the display includes paintings, installations, and video works that explore the country’s cultural heritage, personal memories, and evolving identity. Visitors can expect thought-provoking pieces that reflect on Saudi Arabia’s past and present through a modern artistic lens....