What to do in Riyadh

Café Boulud — the French fine dining spot at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre — continues to evolve. This time, the restaurant led by French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud has launched a cheese and non-alcoholic wine library, a first-of-its-kind concept in the Saudi capital. The offering is curated by Philippe Caillouet, Riyadh's first French cheesemonger and a respected name in the cheese world, who also personally guides guests through pairings, explaining textures, flavour profiles, and the best beverage matches.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Café Boulud Riyadh (@cafebouludriy) Saudi's first...

Saudi Arabia is well-known for its first-class entertainment, and it’s about to take things to another level with the first-ever hydrogen-powered motorsport championship, FIA Extreme H World Cup. Set to take place from October 9 to 11 at Qiddiya City, the event will unfold in the Tuwaiq Mountains. The races will take place on specially designed off-road tracks, so expect plenty of excitement, particularly in the desert terrain. If you’re in the Kingdom, you’re in for a treat, as just a few days earlier, on October 4 and 5, you’ll be able to witness the last-ever Extreme E Desert X...

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has launched its first-ever exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, open to the public until 15 February 2025. This milestone marks the debut of the first New Media Art hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a project spearheaded by the Museums Commission under Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture. DAF aims to equip the next generation of artists, technologists, and scholars with the tools to tackle emerging creative challenges and reshape the artistic landscape.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @dafmoc...

Riyadh is about to take your fitness routine to a whole new level. GymNation Middle East has launched what might just be the most epic fitness class in the world: at 650+ meters above the city in a hot-air balloon. Every Saturday this January, you can join a workout that gives you more than just a good burn. You’ll be sweating it out with a jaw-dropping view of Riyadh’s skyline. The experience starts with a warm-up on the ground before you take off, and then it’s 30 minutes of full-body strength and conditioning. Get ready for Cloud Crushers (squats), Overhead...

Italian dining concept Pastamamma, which made its name on Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, has officially opened its first outlet in Saudi Arabia — right in Riyadh Park Mall. The restaurant brings with it the same core experience that made it popular in the UAE: handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and relaxed dining designed for sharing and socialising. The brand is also planning seasonal menus and collaborations with local chefs.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pastamamma UAE | KSA (@pastamamma.official) Pastamamma is loved for its traditional Italian favourites. Some of the menu staples include: Pappardelle Bolognese...

London’s iconic restaurants The Wolseley and Colbert are stepping into the hospitality world in a new way. Minor Hotels, in partnership with the Wolseley Hospitality Group, has announced plans to launch four hotel brands inspired by the well-known dining spots. At the core of this expansion is a focus on food-driven travel. The Colbert Collection is set to open in the Middle East, although the exact city and launch date are still under wraps. The brand aims to appeal to guests who seek authentic, neighbourhood-style experiences, with the restaurant itself forming the heart of the hotel.        ...

Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram is set to headline the Esports World Cup 2024. This exciting event will take place at Boulevard City in Riyadh, with Ajram performing on Thursday, 15 August, at the iconic Abu Bakr Salem Theater. Nancy Ajram, whose illustrious career spans nearly three decades, will light up the stage with her captivating voice and electrifying presence. Known for hits like "Akhasmak Ah," "Ah W Noss," "Ya Tabtab," and "Badna Nwalee El Jaw," Ajram promises an evening filled with musical brilliance. To add to that, the talented Saudi singer Ayed will also perform on the same night, making...

Diriyah is quickly becoming the go-to destination for luxury tourism, and one of the most anticipated projects is The Oberoi, Wadi Safar. Scheduled to open in 2026, this exclusive resort will offer an extraordinary blend of privacy, sophistication, and natural beauty. It will feature 60 rooms and 10 private villas, all designed for those seeking a quiet, luxurious escape. Guests will be treated to stunning views of Royal Equestrian & Polo Club and a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. The resort will also include a ballroom, spa, wellness center, Yoga Studio, pool, Kids Club, and Business Centre....

Weddings have an undeniable allure, and if you’re ready to explore what makes them truly special, don’t miss "A Night of a Lifetime" in Riyadh. This winter and spring, the exhibition offers a chance to explore the cultural, emotional, and symbolic layers behind weddings, far beyond just the celebration. It brings together over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond to explore marriage as both a personal journey and a public celebration. Through photography, sculpture, video, and mixed media, the exhibition looks at weddings from intimate moments to symbolic rituals, shedding light on what makes them so meaningful. View this...

If you're in Riyadh and a fan of flavorful food, you're in for a real treat. Berenjak, the renowned Persian restaurant, is opening its doors in Via Riyah this April. This will be the brand's third location in the Middle East, following successful openings in the UAE. If you’ve heard about Berenjak’s success in London, where it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, or tried it at one of its locations in Dubai and Sharjah, you'll definitely want to check out this new spot in Riyadh. Whether you're into mezze-style plates or delicious kebabs, you'll find something worth trying. View this...