What To See, Watch & Do In Saudi

As temperatures start to rise across the region, Aquarabia is quickly becoming one of Riyadh’s most exciting new escapes and the perfect option for a family-friendly day out. Located within Qiddiya City, the gigantic new water theme park offers more than 22 rides and attractions across uniquely themed zones, from record-breaking water coasters and adrenaline slides to wave pools, rafting rivers and family-friendly areas. Also, one of its biggest new additions is Surftopia, a state-of-the-art surf lagoon bringing customizable ocean-style waves to the desert for surfers of all levels. 

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One Run Riyadh is quickly becoming one of the region’s most exciting fitness events, bringing together thousands of runners for a high-energy race through the picturesque landscapes of Wadi Namar. Part of a global marathon series taking place across more than 100 cities worldwide, the event offers multiple distances, including a 21km half-marathon, 10km, 5km and a fun 1km run, making it accessible for everyone from athletes to first-time runners. One Run is community-driven, with a festival-like atmosphere featuring music and cheering crowds, the fun sporting event reflecting Riyadh’s growing wellness and fitness culture. 

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London’s cult-favourite café Apple Butter has officially landed in Riyadh, bringing its signature cosy yet chic dining concept from London to the heart of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Known for its stylish interiors and East-meets-West menu, the new Riyadh location serves up everything from their indulgent crème brûlée French toast and hazelnut praline pancakes to shakshuka and chicken burrata sandwiches, along with speciality coffees and colourful mocktails. 

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For the ultimate chic city staycation, W Riyadh – KAFD is Riyadh’s newest luxury hotel - and the first W location to open in Saudi Arabia. Nestled in the heart of the ultra-modern King Abdullah Financial District, the hotel brings the brand’s signature cool, vibrant energy to the capital, with striking interiors, stylish social spaces and a buzzy atmosphere perfect for a weekend getaway. Inspired by Saudi heritage yet with a modern edge, the hotel features a selection of well-curated restaurants, a glamorous W Lounge, the AWAY Spa and FIT gym, plus panoramic skyline views.

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Hafez Gallery’s newest exhibition, The Legends of Motherland, sees Saudi artist Sara Alabdali transform the historic Al Falah School in Al Balad, Jeddah into an immersive exploration of memory, mythology and femininity. Through her layered mixed-media works and collaborative installations, the exhibition reflects on the evolving identity of Jeddah and the stories that remain, fade and are reborn over time. Set within one of Historic Jeddah’s most culturally rich locations, the exhibition is a visually captivating and thoughtful experience for visitors and will run until 24th May.

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Midweek plans just got a little more exciting as The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge in Diplomatic Quarter launches its steak night – every Wednesday from 6pm. Guests can choose between a 250g grass-fed striploin served with parmesan fries and a sauce of choice, or a 260g char-grilled ribeye topped with shallot and caper relish, mustard sauce and wild rocket. Plus, each steak also comes with your preferred side.

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One of the city’s most beautiful sunset spots, The Jeddah EDITION is especially unforgettable at The Roof – the hotel’s chic, Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant and lounge overlooking the Red Sea, the Jeddah Yacht Club, and the Formula 1 circuit. It’s the perfect place to unwind poolside with friends as the sun sets, with dinner and drinks in hand. The atmosphere is relaxed yet fun, with soft music and a delicious menu that covers all flavour profiles from crispy spicy tuna rice and beef tacos to indulgent caviar chicken nuggets.

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Jeddah’s dining scene has welcomed an exciting new addition with the launch of Aiku – the Kingdom’s first dedicated handroll bar. Bringing a more intimate, interactive approach to Japanese dining to the Red Sea city, the sleek new concept sees chefs preparing fresh sashimi and made-to-order handrolls directly in front of guests at a counter-style bar. Centred around the traditional idea of eating handrolls immediately – while the nori is perfectly crisp and the rice still warm – Aiku combines cool, contemporary interiors with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, offering a fresh take on sushi dining in Jeddah.

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More than just an arts hub, Hayy Jameel has become one of Jeddah’s coolest cultural and community spaces, bringing together contemporary art, exhibitions, creative workshops and an independent cinema all under one roof. Its much-loved Hayy Cinema is known for screening everything from award-winning Arab films to cult classics and international favourites, making it a go-to for film lovers looking. This month’s programme includes a special anniversary screening of mafia classic Goodfellas, alongside contemporary titles like Sink and Egyptian drama Spring Came On Laughing. 

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