What to do in Riyadh

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...

Looking for a fresh spot to enjoy Japanese cuisine in Riyadh? A new restaurant has just arrived, bringing a taste of Japan to the city. Located on As Siddiq Road, EDO is in its soft opening phase, offering a menu packed with classic and modern Japanese dishes. At EDO, you’ll find a variety of options, from light appetizers to hearty mains. The menu features gyoza, ramen, poke bowls, sushi, nigiri, and yakitori. Sushi lovers can enjoy favorites like California Rolls, Philadelphia Rolls, and Shrimp Sushi. If you’re in the mood for something filling, try the Casher Chicken, made with crispy...

Riyadh’s cafe culture continues to thrive with the opening of Ghamra Cafe, a fresh and stylish addition to Ar Rayyan’s Unayzah Street. This inviting new spot has quickly become popular for its elegant interiors and thoughtfully curated menu, offering everything from specialty coffees to a wide variety of unique cakes and pastries. Whether you're stopping by for a morning espresso or a late-night snack, Ghamra Cafe promises an experience as refined as it is delicious.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by غمرة | Ghamra (@ghamracafe) Stepping into Ghamra Cafe, you’ll notice its minimalist and...

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...

If you’re looking for a free event in Riyadh that actually feels worth your time, Traditional Arts Festival is one to check out. It brings together different sides of Saudi culture, and you can visit until April 8. Here, you’ll find live performances, workshops, and exhibitions, so you can watch, join in, or do a bit of both. One of the parts people tend to gather around is the Nabati poetry evenings. These are live, interactive sessions where poets respond to each other on the spot. If you’d rather get involved, the workshops are a good place to start. They...

Wondering what to do in Riyadh this season? Aldirah Winter has everything you need: from culture and art to food and entertainment. It’s happening now through March 31, 2026, and every weekend brings something new for you to enjoy. Whether you're making memories with your family, catching up with friends, or exploring on your own, there’s always something exciting waiting for you. With different zones offering a wide range of experiences, Aldirah Winter lets you explore Riyadh’s heritage, get creative in workshops, savor delicious food, and enjoy live performances. Culture Dirwaza For those eager to dive into Riyadh's past, this...

With global events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a huge increase in visitors. To accommodate this growing number, the expansion of King Salman International Airport (KSIA) was announced. The project includes building a new terminal capable of handling up to 40 million passengers each year. The next phase of the development will start in 2026 and includes new aircraft hangars and airside infrastructure. The new terminal is expected to be operational by 2029. Long-term plans for King Salman International Airport include: six runways and the ability to accommodate...

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...

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...

Travel in Saudi Arabia is about to get easier with Riyadh Rail Link, a 35-kilometre double-track corridor running north to south across the capital. The line will connect the North–South railway with the Eastern railway, making journeys faster and smoother for passengers. Riyadh Rail Link is part of the Saudi Landbridge. Key elements of this project include: Direct travel between Riyadh and Jeddah via a 900-kilometre line to King Abdullah Port Upgraded Riyadh–Dammam corridor for faster and more reliable trips Connections to King Abdullah Economic City and Yanbu for easier access to key destinations Once operational, the new rail link...