What to do in Riyadh

Getting from one place to another by plane takes time: airport, flight, passport control. You want to stay comfortable and still look good, maybe even snap a photo or two. Adidas and Saudia have released a travel-focused clothing line for moments like this. The “Made to Fly” collection launched on April 20. The collection includes a tracksuit that's ideal for airport walks, long hours on a plane, and waiting in passport control. As seen in the promo photos, it comes in four colors: black, dark green, deep red, and off-white. The design features subtle aviation-inspired details and Saudia logo. If...

A new station has opened on the Orange Line of Riyadh Metro, and even if your usual route doesn’t pass through the area, it's definitely worth checking out. Western Station is located between Ad Douh and Aishah bint Abi Bakr Street stations. It's currently the largest stop of the network and features cafés, a garden, and even a mosque. Western Station is located in Dhahrat Al-Badiah in southwest Riyadh. It covers 112,000 sqm and can handle more than 60,000 passengers per hour. Here's what you find at Western Station on the Orange Line of Riyadh Metro: Commercial spaces Cafés Retail...

Qiddiya City is taking another big step toward becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment. In a newly announced global partnership with the Faldo Series, the city has revealed plans for an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. The course is expected to open in 2026 and is part of Qiddiya’s strategy to support sporting development in Saudi Arabia, particularly among youth. The partnership with the Faldo Series — a well-known international platform for young golf talent — reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in grassroots sports under Vision 2030. The upcoming course won’t...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Riyadh’s culinary landscape is about to welcome a star player: Isabel Mayfair, the celebrated London eatery, is making its international debut in the Saudi capital. Known for its elegant 1930s-inspired charm and delectable fusion of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant is poised to become the city’s hottest dining destination.               View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Isabel Mayfair | Riyadh (@isabelriyadh) Isabel Mayfair first opened its doors in 2017 in London’s prestigious Mayfair district. Created by acclaimed restaurateur...

Currently, it takes over six hours to travel between Riyadh and Doha by road, but that will soon change! Saudi Arabia and Qatar have just signed an agreement for a high-speed rail project that will cut the journey time between their capitals to just two hours. The project could be completed in as little as six years, and both countries have ambitious plans for this development. Here are the first details about the rail network between Riyadh and Doha: The rail link will reduce the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just 2 hours Trains will travel at speeds...

A new art show is opening next week in Riyadh’s historic Diriyah district — and it’s not your usual gallery experience. From April 21 to July 19, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) is back with its second edition, putting the spotlight on the growing connection between technology and creativity in the Arab world. This year’s exhibition is called "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World." The word "Maknana" comes from Arabic and means “automation,” and the show dives into how artists from the region have worked with technology over time — not just using digital tools, but...

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...

Several countries are stepping up to protect young players from harmful content in online games, taking measures to make digital spaces safer and more responsible. In line with this trend, Roblox has blocked over 300,000 games in Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Media Regulation. The move targets games that could encourage inappropriate behaviour and aims to safeguard children while keeping the platform aligned with local culture. Roblox has temporarily paused the “Social Gathering Games” category in Saudi Arabia and turned off text and voice chat while it develops new moderation tools in Arabic....

Step into Diriyah’s past with Souq Al Mawsim, a month-long pop-up market now open in the historic Al Tawalie district. This place brings together fresh, seasonal offerings: from delicious local food and drinks to unique handcrafted clothing and scents. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in traditional culture while enjoying the energy of a bustling market. This year’s edition celebrates Saudi-Japanese ties, with Japan as the guest of honor. Expect to discover a fusion of Diriyah’s rich heritage and Kyoto’s artistic flair, from traditional crafts and performances to authentic experiences that bring the two cultures together. View this post...