What to do in Riyadh

Winter in Riyadh is nothing short of magical. From lively festivals and cultural landmarks to serene natural escapes, the city offers a number of activities to make your winter unforgettable. Whether you're looking for thrilling adventures, cultural experiences, or peaceful retreats, Riyadh has it all. Here's your ultimate guide to winter in the Saudi capital. Dive Into Riyadh Season 2024 Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s signature annual festival, is back for another spectacular edition. Running from October 12, 2024, into early 2025, this world-class festival offers a dazzling mix of entertainment, culture, sports, and more. Here are some exciting things to...

Padel fans in Riyadh, here’s some great news for you! A new spot to play your favorite game is coming to the city, and it’s not just another fitness club. Straight from Dubai, the trendy Matcha Club is making its way to the Saudi capital. This is exactly the kind of spot Riyadh’s fitness crowd has been waiting for: a spot where you can play, recharge, and even hang out with friends. At Matcha Club, you’ll be able to enjoy a few rounds of padel, take a Pilates or yoga class, and wrap it all up with a refreshing matcha...

Get ready for a weekend of electrifying performances as MDLBeast Soundstorm 2024 gears up to take over Riyadh from 12th to 14th December. With a star-studded lineup that just keeps getting better, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable musical journey in the heart of the Saudi desert. Among the newest additions to the lineup are none other than Tyler, The Creator and Latto, two powerhouse performers who are set to bring their unique styles and energy to the stage. Tyler, The Creator is a trailblazing artist known for his boundary-pushing music and dynamic performances. Known for his high-energy...

If you’ve been on the lookout for a new spot to grab a bite in Riyadh, here’s something you’re going to love. The popular UK café, Apple Butter, has opened its doors in the KAFD district. This is the perfect spot to fuel up your day, whether you're a breakfast lover, a pasta fan, or someone with a serious sweet tooth. Apple Butter’s menu brings familiar tastes with an extraordinary twist: try their Chicken Burrata Sandwich or Wagyu Beef Burger, and you'll get the vibe. Craving something sweet? You can’t go wrong with their pancakes, topped generously with whipped cream...

Sneaker Con is heading back to Riyadh in 2026. The global event that brings together collectors, traders, and fans, will land at BLVD City from February 26 to 28. Part of Riyadh Season, it’s shaping up to be three days where sneakers take over the city. What started in 2008 as a small meetup between sneaker fans has turned into a worldwide movement. Sneaker Con now travels through more than 30 cities every year, connecting people who see sneakers as more than just shoes. More than 150 vendors from the US, the Middle East, and beyond will line up their...

If you regularly drive into Saudi Arabia with a vehicle registered in another GCC country, this update is for you. The Kingdom has issued new rules that restrict the stay of vehicles registered in Gulf countries to 90 days within any 365-day period. These days can be consecutive or spread out across the year, meaning you could stay for 90 days in one trip or break it up into several shorter visits. The count begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through any customs port. The rule applies to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, residents, and expatriates, as...

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made an important announcement for those planning to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Holders of any type of visa are now eligible to perform Umrah in the Kingdom. With this update, travelers from a broader range of backgrounds now have the opportunity to embark on this significant spiritual journey. Whether traveling for work, family visits, or just passing through Saudi Arabia, anyone holding a valid visa can now easily access the Umrah experience. This includes: personal and family visit visas electronic tourist visas transit visas work visas In August 2025, the Ministry also...

In line with national measures to enhance public safety and better manage traffic, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new regulations that redefine where food trucks can operate. The decision prohibits food trucks from setting up in residential neighbourhoods to ensure a more organised and secure urban environment. Under the new rules, mobile food vendors are also not permitted to park near traffic lights, road intersections, or the entrances and exits of main and secondary roads. They must also avoid high-traffic areas and maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from fuel stations. The ministry has also...

This winter, Riyadh will host a truly historic weekend! WWE Royal Rumble is coming to Saudi Arabia for the first time ever, and this one is extra special as it’s the first time this event is being held outside of North America. January 31 promises to become the biggest day of the year as King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) will turn into the battleground for this legendary showdown. The ring will be packed with WWE’s biggest superstars, all competing for a chance to headline WrestleMania. Before the main event, WWE SmackDown will kick off the action on January 30, so...

Riyadh isn’t the same city it was a few years ago. The skyline keeps changing, new districts are taking shape, and global names are lining up to claim their spot in the capital. Now, another major player is stepping in. The Riyadh EDITION is officially on its way to the KSA capital. There’s no confirmed location or opening date. The Riyadh EDITION will become the third property for the brand in Saudi Arabia, joining The Jeddah EDITION and The Red Sea EDITION coming to Shura Island. Each of those hotels brought a different energy to its city. At the Red...