What to do in Saudi Arabia

Whether you’re looking to plan a staycation, a getaway, or simply relax at home, Saudi Arabia’s public holidays offer the perfect opportunity to recharge. From historical commemorations to religious festivities, here’s a detailed guide to the country’s official public holidays for 2025. Saudi Founding Day 2025 The new year begins with Saudi Founding Day on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Introduced in 2022, this public holiday celebrates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727. Celebrations often include historical reenactments, drone displays, and community gatherings. If a long weekend is declared, Sunday, February 24, 2025, might offer an extra day...

Looking for the perfect place to break your fast this Ramadan? Riyadh has some seriously amazing Iftar spots that serve up everything from traditional Arabic feasts to international delights in stunning settings. Whether you're after a grand buffet, a sky-high dining experience, or a cozy open-air tent, the city has it all. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Iftar in Riyadh this year! The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh At The Ritz-Carlton’s Layalina restaurant, an extravagant Iftar buffet is being laid out featuring flavors from Lebanon, Egypt, India, and beyond. The experience is elevated with nightly live performances—think soothing violin,...

Riyadh Season 2024 is here, and it's set to be the biggest and most exciting edition yet. This annual festival has become a hallmark event in Saudi Arabia, drawing millions of visitors from around the world to the capital city for a celebration of arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. Starting on October 12th, 2024, and continuing into early 2025, Riyadh Season promises an unforgettable lineup of events and attractions that will keep everyone entertained. A Grand Opening with the IV Crown Showdown The festival kicks off with a bang on October 12 with the IV Crown Showdown, featuring a high-profile...

Saudi National Day 2025 is almost here, and the skies are in for a real treat. This year’s celebrations will light up Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar with stunning air shows that promise colors, formations, and plenty of moments that will make you pause mid-air selfie. Falling on Tuesday, September 23, the holiday gives you a perfect mid-week break to join in the fun. The theme this year, “Pride in our nature,” sets the tone for a festive spectacle you won’t want to miss. In Riyadh, head northwest of Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City for the action: Training show on September...

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a hub of innovation and development, thanks to the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The kingdom is home to some of the world's most extraordinary megaprojects. These developments are not just reshaping the country but are also positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for tourism, culture, and sustainable living. Let's take a journey through some of the most exciting projects currently underway. Neom Neom is perhaps the most futuristic of all Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects. Spanning a region the size of Belgium, Neom is located...

Riyadh is gearing up for an electrifying summer as the Esports World Cup 2025, formerly known as Gamers8, takes center stage at The Venue in Riyadh City. From July 18th to August 7th, this grand event will unite the world's top gamers for an unforgettable experience. But that's not all, the excitement doesn't stop when the gaming ends. Thanks to a collaboration with MDLBeast, the Esports World Cup has introduced AFT_r, a series of spectacular after-show concerts. Every Thursday night, visitors can look forward to thrilling performances from renowned artists. Here's what you can expect each week. Esports World Cup...

Jeddah, the vibrant gateway to Saudi Arabia, holds within its bounds a treasure trove of historical wonders waiting to be explored. From ancient districts steeped in history to modern architectural marvels, Jeddah offers a fascinating journey through time. Let’s look at the best historical places in Jeddah to add to your itinerary, each narrating a unique chapter of the city's rich heritage. History of Jeddah Before we embark on our exploration, let's briefly touch upon the history of Jeddah. With roots tracing back centuries, Jeddah has been a vital hub for trade and pilgrimage. Its strategic location on the Red...

Riyadh is about to welcome the world's largest urban park: King Salman Park. Covering a staggering 16 square kilometers, this ambitious project aims to redefine the urban landscape, transforming the site of the city's former airport into a lush, vibrant hub for arts, culture, entertainment, and nature. A Grand Green Space King Salman Park will include over 11.6 square kilometers of open green spaces, featuring one million trees, providing a serene and refreshing escape from the city's urban hustle. The park's design includes an array of gardens, including an Islamic-style garden, a maze garden, and a bird and butterfly sanctuary,...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the official calendar for the upcoming Umrah season, detailing key dates and regulations for international pilgrims planning to perform the pilgrimage during the Islamic year 1447, corresponding to 2025–2026 in the Gregorian calendar. Umrah Start and Visa Schedule International pilgrims will be allowed to begin performing Umrah from June 11, 2025. Visa issuance will start a day earlier on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), giving pilgrims and service providers a clear timeline for preparation. Service Agreement Deadlines To streamline the process, all service agreements between Umrah companies and foreign...

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a land rich in traditions and cultural diversity. Among the myriad of customs, the Holy Month of Ramadan stands out as a time when the entire country transforms into a tapestry of spirituality and celebration.  If you're planning to visit Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, here's everything you need to know to make the most of this unique experience. Understanding the Significance of Ramadan Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and communal worship. Muslims engage in fasting from sunrise to sunset, refraining...