What to do in Saudi Arabia

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

Get ready for SEA Expo Riyadh 2025 — the biggest entertainment and amusement event in Saudi Arabia! From May 20 to 22, the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center will host top global and local brands, industry experts, and thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest in entertainment technology and attractions. This year’s SEA Expo is bigger than ever, promising its attendees: 20,000+ industry professionals shaping the future of entertainment 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest amusement and leisure innovations A buzzing arena experience worth $215,000 in PR value Co-location with SLS Expo, making it the ultimate industry gathering Expect...

Step into the enchanting Harry Potter Experience during Riyadh Season and immerse yourself in the wizarding world. From sipping Butterbeer to flying on a broomstick, here’s what you can look forward to. Savor the Famous Butterbeer For 29 SAR, treat yourself to the iconic Butterbeer, a creamy and frothy delight straight from the streets of Hogsmeade. Collect Wizarding Candy and Cards Remember the collectible wizard cards from the films? Now’s your chance to grab magical candy that includes these keepsakes. A delicious snack with a touch of nostalgia!     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by...

Riyadh’s food scene continues to evolve, and now it’s making room for one of London’s standout burger joints. Supernova, the minimalist concept known for doing classic cheeseburgers right, is getting ready to open in Al Nakheel — and for fans of straightforward, flavour-focused dining, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. Supernova built its name in London by keeping things simple. The interiors are crisp and unfussy, and the menu stays focused on what matters: classic and house cheeseburgers (depending on the choice of sauce) hand-cut fries sundaes with caramel or chocolate topping for dessert          ...

Riyadh is welcoming a new name in the global art and design scene. Known for its high-profile exhibitions in Moscow, ARTDOM is making its Gulf debut in Saudi Arabia with a two-day event on November 11-12, 2025 at Saraj Venue, located on Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Road. This marks a new chapter in the Kingdom’s cultural growth, bringing together 55 international exhibitors, many of whom are showcasing their work in the region for the first time.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARTDOM EXPO (@artdom_design) The event will highlight a carefully curated mix of...

Get ready for an extraordinary experience this January as AlUla Desert Polo returns to the breathtaking landscapes of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Held from January 16 to 18, 2025, this unique tournament is a key event of the Winter at Tantora Festival, offering visitors a chance to witness world-class polo in a setting like no other. Hosted by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the Saudi Polo Federation, this sporting spectacle unfolds amidst AlUla’s dramatic sandstone formations and ancient archaeological treasures, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. Picture yourself watching fast-paced matches against a backdrop of rugged...

If you’ve been swept up in the global Labubu craze, you’re not alone. These little creatures with pointy ears and playful expressions have taken over everything from toy stores to social media feeds. And now, Riyadh has introduced its very own twist on the trend: Lanunu, a pocket-sized collectible you can take with you everywhere. WHOA TEA & Desserts, a popular café in Riyadh, is behind this creative launch. Order any beverage from their menu, and you’ll receive a Lanunu keychain as a complimentary treat. It’s small, portable, and made to clip right onto your bag or keys.    ...

Saudi Arabia is stepping into the world of luxury rail travel with its first-ever five-star train, the Dream of the Desert. Designed in collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality experts Arsenale, this train promises to redefine opulent travel in the region. Blending modern elegance with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, the Dream of the Desert takes inspiration from the vast, golden landscapes and traditional Saudi architecture. From earthy tones and rich textiles to intricate patterns that nod to landmarks like Madain Saleh and Hail, every detail of the train has been thoughtfully designed.     View this...

Riyadh’s dining scene continues to grow, and the arrival of Abou el Sid adds a rich cultural note to the mix. Known for serving authentic Egyptian cuisine for over two decades, this beloved Cairo-born restaurant has officially opened in The Esplanade, following its debut in Jeddah. With interiors inspired by a traditional Egyptian household, the new Riyadh branch balances nostalgia and comfort. The space features patterned tiled floors, minimalist wooden furniture, and soft turquoise couches. Walls adorned with retro photos and soft lighting create a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, enhanced by Tanoura dance performances during select evenings.     View...

Egyptian singer and songwriter Bayou is making his way to Saudi Arabia this July, bringing his unique bilingual sound to live audiences in two major cities. The artist will perform in Jeddah on 17 July at Onyx Arena, followed by a show in Riyadh on 18 July as part of the MDLBeast Festival. This marks a special return for Bayou, born Adham Bayoumi, who spent part of his early life in Jeddah before moving to Dubai. His music blends Arabic and English, shaped by influences from both the Middle East and the UK, where he also lived. Bayou first gained...