What to do in Riyadh

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to hop into a car with no driver and just… go, Riyadh is making that part of everyday life. The city has introduced its first route dedicated to self-driving cars. Back in May 2025, the plans for self-driving cars in KSA were introduced. Now, residents can actually see how that idea is being put into action. New route runs between Hayat Mall and Riyadh Gallery Mall. The service operates daily and is closely monitored by authorities, both from a technical and regulatory side. Smart tech is doing all the work. The...

Foodies in Riyadh cannot complain about the lack of choice, but even with the abundance of great dining spots, there’s always room for new concepts. If you’re in the mood for something original, Blackish, a brand-new spot offering American-Asian street food, should be on your radar. Located in the Mohammadiya district, it brings bold, smoky flavours to the table. Whether you're dropping by for a quick bite or looking for a chill place to eat, Blackish offers a relaxed vibe where you can enjoy great food with friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BLACKISH (@blackish.ksa) The...

If you're a fan of Abercrombie & Fitch, there's some exciting news coming your way! Majid Al Futtaim has expanded its long-standing partnership with the iconic U.S. retailer, bringing Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister’s first-ever local e-commerce platforms to the Middle East. Now, you can shop for all your favorite styles directly from their online stores at www.abercrombie.sa and www.hollisterco.sa without leaving the comfort of your home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abercrombie & Fitch (@abercrombie) As part of the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and A&F Co., 20 new stores have already opened this...

Qatar has announced an important update for GCC residents who plan to visit the country. The visit visa period has been extended from one month to two months. Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry permit. These changes were introduced on November 30 and are available through the Haya platform, according to Qatar Tourism. The aim of this update is to make travel more convenient for GCC visitors. Qatar continues to host many cultural, sports and entertainment events, especially in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022. A longer stay and the option to enter the country multiple times...

A week of films, conversations, and industry meetups is coming back to Dhahran at the end of April. Saudi Film Festival returns for its 12th edition. The event will take place from April 23 to 29 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). This year’s theme, “The Journey,” shapes a programme of feature films, short films, and documentaries from Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf. Tickets for screenings start from SAR 75. The international focus this year is on Korean cinema. Screenings will be paired with discussions featuring Korean filmmakers, along with a cultural seminar and an advanced...

Harvey Nichols Riyadh has launched its annual Ramadan Caravan, a special pop-up celebrating regional fashion and homeware for the season. Running until April 4, the event brings together over 35 designers from Saudi Arabia and the region, offering a selection of abayas, dresses, kaftans, bags, shoes, and elegant home decor for iftar and Ramadan gatherings. Located at Al Faisaliah Center in Olaya, the Ramadan Caravan has been a tradition for a decade, growing each year to highlight more talent from across the region. The space is inspired by Najdi architecture, blending traditional elements with a modern shopping experience.    ...

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...

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...

Riyadh is preparing for a significant leap forward in transport innovation, with self-driving taxis set to appear on city roads in the near future. The announcement was made by Dr. Omaimah Bamasag, Deputy of Transport Enablement at the Transport General Authority (TGA), as part of the Kingdom’s broader plan to create a smarter, more sustainable transport network. This move won’t be limited to Riyadh. Five other Saudi cities are also expected to join the rollout of autonomous vehicles, which will include not only taxis, but also self-driving trucks, passenger vehicles, and drones. The initiative is being driven by the Future...

If you’re looking for a new place to try, B+F Riyadh is worth keeping in mind. This burger boutique is getting ready to open at Laysen Valley and it'll bring something different from the usual spots. The vibe is warm, slightly rustic, and built around live fire, so you can actually see part of the cooking as it happens. The concept comes from Kuwait and centres around cooking over charcoal. You'll notice the difference after the first bite. The food picks up a deeper, slightly smoky flavour, which gives familiar dishes a bit more character. View this post on Instagram...