What to do in Riyadh

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...

Looking for something truly special? Wrth Ramadan Market in Riyadh is the place to be! From February 15 to 17, this market will let you explore the rich craftsmanship of Saudi Arabia and connect with artisans and witness their work in person. Visitors will find a range of crafts on display, including jewelry, pottery, Sadu weaving, woodworking, and leatherwork. The market also provides an opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, giving you a hands-on experience with traditional crafts. Beyond the items for sale, Wrth Ramadan Market highlights the importance of preserving Saudi heritage and empowering local artisans. It’s an event...

The excitement is building for XP Music Futures 2025, coming back to Riyadh this December! Hosted by MDLBeast, this epic event celebrates the region’s growing music scene and creative energy from December 4 to 6, 2025 at JAX District in Riyadh. After the success of previous editions, this year promises even more energy, new faces, and fresh talent from both the region and beyond. While the official theme is still under wraps, you can expect a festival that continues to push boundaries and bring the latest trends in music and culture. The event provides a unique playground for artists, professionals,...

Ramadan is a time for reflection, togetherness, and great food. One of the highlights of the season is visiting a Ramadan tent, where families and friends gather to break their fast and enjoy suhoor in a warm and welcoming setting. If you’re in Riyadh, Al Mishraq at VIA Riyadh is the perfect place to experience this tradition.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VIA Riyadh | ڤيا رياض (@viariyadh) Running every day until the end of Ramadan, Al Mishraq offers an inviting space with a rich selection of dishes. The iftar buffet features a...

Some evenings are too nice to waste indoors. If you feel like getting out for food, coffee, and a change of scene, Ramlina Festival is an easy option this January. This open-air festival happening in Riyadh until January 31. It’s the kind of place where you go with friends or family and end up staying the whole evening. Festival doors open at 4 PM, so you can arrive at any time. There’s no schedule or special route to follow: you just move between food spots, cafés, and activities and stay for as long as you feel like it. Walk around,...

If you enjoy exploring outdoor spots around Riyadh, here’s one to keep in mind. Wadi Umm Qasr Walkway is now open on Aishah Bint Abi Bakr Road in Al Uraija Al Wusta, so if you feel like going for a family walk in the evening or a bike ride, you now know the location. The area is open to everyone, and entry is free, so you can simply stop by whenever you’re in the mood for some air. Some people come for a relaxed stroll, others pick up the pace, and kids often bring their bikes or scooters along. The...

Next week, Riyadh will host one of the world’s most iconic operas. Carmen will make its debut in the city on September 4-6, 2025. This classic piece by French composer Georges Bizet will be staged at King Fahad Cultural Centre, marking an exciting addition to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. First performed in 1875, the opera tells the story of a passionate and intense love triangle. The plot follows Carmen, a free-spirited factory worker, and Don José, a soldier whose life she disrupts with her charm. As their relationship spirals into jealousy and betrayal, the drama builds to a powerful...

Imagine booking a hotel where the main view isn’t the city or the sea, but a racetrack. That’s exactly what Qiddiya City is preparing for you. Right next to Speed Park Track, a multi-hotel complex is being built for people who want to stay as close to the action as possible. Guests of Qiddiya Motorsport Hotel Complex will have several options: Five-star Sports Car Hotel with 89 rooms Four-star F1 Overlook Hotel with 168 rooms 65 serviced apartments for longer stays Step outside the room and you’re right by the Speed Park Track, where cars can reach more than 325...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new work visa classification system for foreign workers, changing how job roles are evaluated and assigned across the country. Starting August 3, 2025, all new work visa applicants will be placed into one of three skill levels — high-skilled, skilled, or basic. Until now, work permits were mostly issued based on job titles, without clear links to a person’s actual qualifications or experience. The new system has already taken effect for current foreign workers as of July 5, 2025. Skill Level Categories for Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia High-skilled Includes roles like engineers, doctors, and...

If you drive a Tesla, here’s some good news from the company that actually makes everyday life a bit easier. Charging your car won’t cost you anything. To support users across the Gulf during a challenging time, Tesla has activated free Supercharging in 30 locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Elon Musk has previously pointed out that free Supercharging is something the company enables during difficult periods, helping drivers stay on the road without worrying about extra costs. The company has previously offered free charging in the US during extreme weather and power outages. In the UAE, you'll...