What to do in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah is gearing up for an action-packed weekend as the Jeddah E-Prix 2025 returns on 14-15 February. This year’s event isn’t just about the high-speed Formula E races — it’s also bringing big names to the stage. One of the biggest highlights? R&B icon Akon will be performing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday, 14 February. Akon, known for hits like "Smack That," "Lonely," and "Right Now (Na Na Na)," has made a mark in the music industry with his mix of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. He has collaborated with stars like Eminem, Lady Gaga, and David Guetta and...

The much-anticipated Winter at Tantora festival is set to return to AlUla from December 19, 2024, to January 11, 2025. Known for blending heritage, art, music, and cuisine in one of Saudi Arabia's most historic locations, this annual event promises a rich lineup of cultural and entertainment experiences. The festival takes its name from Tantora, a sundial located in AlUla's Old Town, traditionally used to mark the winter planting season. Today, the event has expanded far beyond its agricultural roots to become a major attraction for visitors from around the world. Activities to Explore at Winter at Tantora 2024 Cultural...

Uber has rolled out a new feature in Saudi Arabia that gives women riders the option to be matched only with female drivers. The move is part of the company’s wider efforts to boost women’s participation in the workforce and expand access to safe, flexible job opportunities in the mobility sector. The new ride option, called Women Drivers, functions similarly to the existing UberX service. Riders can book a trip on-demand or schedule one up to 30 minutes in advance through Uber Reserve. The feature is being gradually introduced across the country and will be visible to women riders in...

Balad Beast is coming back for its fourth edition, and if you’ve been waiting for this massive party in Jeddah to return, save the dates. On January 29-30, the festival will take over Al Balad, bringing spots like Souq Square, Roshn Square, and the city’s hidden courtyards to life with music. With four stages, there’ll be no shortage of beats to match your vibe, whether you're into hip-hop, electronic, or something else entirely. The lineup for Balad Beast 2026 has been announced, and you're in for a treat! More than 70 artists will perform live for you on these two...

Skywatchers in Saudi Arabia and across the region will have a rare opportunity to witness two celestial events in one night. On June 11, the full “Strawberry Moon” will rise, accompanied by the Great Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that last occurred nearly 20 years ago. The Great Lunar Standstill happens every 18.6 years, when the Moon’s orbital tilt reaches its peak. This causes the Moon to rise and set at its most extreme northern and southern points on the horizon, a motion visible to the naked eye in areas with clear skies. According to the Astronomy and Space Club...

Art and culture enthusiasts, mark your calendars — Jeddah welcomes the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, running from January 25 to May 25, 2025. The biennale will take place at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport, offering a thought-provoking exploration of faith, heritage, and artistic expression. Following its debut in 2023, the first edition’s theme, Awwal Bait (First House), highlighted the Holy Ka’bah in Mecca as a central focus. This year’s theme, And All That Is In-Between, delves into the diverse ways faith is experienced and expressed, bridging the sacred and the artistic. The 2025...

Saudi Arabia continues to enhance accessibility for visitors and pilgrims, with the latest addition being a new cable car in Makkah. This exciting development will make the journey to the sacred Cave Hira much easier, offering a modern solution to what was once a challenging climb.   قريباً يبدأ العد التنازلي في #حي_حراء_الثقافي بمكة المكرمة لبدء تنفيذ مشروع #تلفريك_حراء والذي سيمكن الراغبين في زيارة #غار_حراء من الوصول إليه عبر التلفريك بكل يسر وأمان - إن شاء الله - . pic.twitter.com/HSO6okXiJN — حيّ حراء الثّقافي| Hira Cultural District (@JabalHera) August 17, 2024 The cable car will travel through a four-kilometer stretch,...

Film lovers, mark your calendars! Red Sea International Film Festival is back to Jeddah for its fifth edition, running from December 4 to 13, 2025. Every year, this event transforms Al-Balad into a hub for storytelling, creativity, and global talent, and this one looks just as promising. Dedicated to celebrating diversity and innovation, the festival brings together filmmakers from around the world alongside fresh Saudi voices shaping the country’s cinematic scene. Whether you love thought-provoking dramas or quick, punchy shorts, there’s plenty to discover across its packed schedule. Red Sea International Film Festival 2025: Line-up of Films The festival will...

Riyadh is gearing up for an unforgettable start to Riyadh Season as iconic American rapper Busta Rhymes takes the stage at the Kingdom Arena on October 12th. With his explosive energy and legendary fast-flow rapping, the evening promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Busta Rhymes has been a force in the music world since the late 1980s. Over the years, Busta has dropped ten solo albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Lil Wayne.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by موسم الرياض |...

Saudi Arabia has rolled out a set of regulations that redefine what fine dining means across the Kingdom. The move aims to improve guest experiences, raise industry standards, and make the country’s high-end dining scene more appealing to both local and international visitors. The new rules were issued by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. In total, twelve requirements have been introduced, focusing on service quality, operations, and brand positioning. Key Details on the New Regulations for Fine Dining Restaurants in Saudi Arabia Service expectations at fine dining restaurants are now much more structured. Every guest must be...