Discover all the fun things to do

Saudi National Day is just around the corner, falling on 23rd September, and it’s the perfect time to join the celebrations across the country.  It’s a public holiday, so why not make the most of it by exploring some fun and exciting events happening in Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah, and Dammam?  Whether you're with family, or friends, or flying solo, there's something special waiting for everyone! Here are a few top spots to check out during this festive time. Riyadh Glory Energy at Mishkat Interactive Exhibition From the 19th to the 21st September, the Mishkat Interactive Exhibition in Riyadh is hosting...

A major shift in regional travel is on the way. Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever international ferry service, offering a new and more affordable option to connect with the UAE and other Gulf countries. As for now, airlines dominate this route. But for many travellers — especially those visiting for work or pilgrimage — a ferry could mean a lower-cost, more accessible option. Once operational, the ferry service will provide an alternative to air travel, which is currently the only commercial travel option between Pakistan and the GCC, including the UAE. The new service is expected to serve...

Elissa, one of the most iconic voices in Arabic pop music, is set to perform at Dubai Opera for one night only on November 3, 2025. With a career spanning more than two decades, the Lebanese superstar will bring her signature emotional ballads and unforgettable hits to the Dubai stage. With more than 30 million records sold and over one billion YouTube views, Elissa has become a defining figure in Arabic music. Her ability to channel raw emotion through her songs has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base across the Arab world. Forbes recognised her as one...

Getting ready for Hajj 2026? Vaccinations are one of the few steps you can’t afford to delay, and missing a required one can stop your trip before it starts. The rules apply to all pilgrims aged one year and above. Here’s the list of required and recommended vaccines. Hajj 2026 mandatory vaccines what every pilgrim must have Meningococcal ACYWRequired for all pilgrims. Must be taken at least 10 days before arrival, with valid proof of vaccination. Polio vaccineRequired only for travellers from countries where polio is still circulating. The dose must fall within the approved timeframe before travel. Yellow fever...

The holy month of Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, one of the most important holidays for Muslims. If you’ve been waiting for clarity on upcoming days off, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 have now been officially confirmed for both the public and private sector in the UAE. The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) have announced the official schedule. For federal government employees in the UAE, the Eid Al Fitr holiday dates 2026 are: The break will last from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22...

Kuwait is about to get a unique cultural treat as Moscow Seasons Festival heads to the Middle East for the first time ever. From September 25 to 27, 2025, the festival will showcase the best of Russian culture, music, and art. Supported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation, this event promises to give Kuwait’s residents and visitors a chance to experience the vibrant spirit of Moscow. The festival will be held in two locations. The Avenues Mall – Moscow in the Heart of Kuwait Moscow’s spirit will take over The Avenues Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in...

As the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, visitors to SEF Arena can look forward to more than just high-stakes gaming. Running alongside the global competition is the Street Food Festival, organised by the Culinary Arts Commission. The event will take place from July 10 to 19, at Boulevard City, from 6 PM to 1 AM daily. This culinary activation is designed to showcase the richness of Saudi Arabia’s food culture to both local and international guests. With esports players and fans gathering from all over the world, the festival offers a fitting opportunity to promote Saudi cuisine...

Looking for a place that offers hours of entertainment with no shortage of things to do? SOCO at City Centre Mirdif is your new go-to spot. This massive social entertainment venue has endless activities, whether you're coming as a couple, with a group of friends, or even planning a day out with family. You could easily spend a couple of hours here or stay all day, hopping between games. SOCO combines a variety of activities, so you can move between bowling, pool, shuffleboard, arcade games (like pinball and NBA hoops), and racing simulators, or take a break in one of...

This autumn, Dubai will welcome a fresh and exciting addition to its dining scene — Orilla, the debut restaurant concept from acclaimed chef Saradhi Dakara. Located in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Orilla promises to be one of the hottest openings of the season. Named after the Spanish word for “shore,” Orilla pays homage to the coastal spirit of the Mediterranean while infusing it with the elegance and precision of Asian kitchens. Chef Saradhi Dakara, who has spent years cooking, traveling, and immersing himself in the culture of Mediterranean towns, describes Orilla as a personal tribute to the Mediterranean way of life....

Authorities in Khor Fakkan have announced a temporary suspension of swimming at Al Zubarah Beach after oil traces were detected in the water. The decision, announced on Monday by Khor Fakkan Municipality, is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and visitors at one of the area’s most frequented beaches. The municipality confirmed that the closure is not permanent and that teams are actively addressing the issue. Environmental authorities are currently monitoring water quality while investigating the source of the spill. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, noted that...