Diriyah Season 25/26 concludes with record tourist turnout, landmark events
Tue, 31 Mar 2026
Diriyah Season 25/26 concluded at the end of March, following its launch in November 2025, offering visitors a five-month cultural and tourism experience across the historic areas of Diriyah.
Saudia adds 20 flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, Red Sea destination
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Saudia added 20 Eid Al-Fitr flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea destination with Saudi Tourism Authority to promote tourism and sector growth, bringing the total number of flights in both directions to 44.
Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh to attract 11,000 experts
Mon, 16 Feb 2026
More than 11,000 aviation leaders, policymakers, investors and industry specialists from over 120 countries will gather in the Saudi capital next month for the fourth Future Aviation Forum, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the global air transport agenda.
Riyadh Governor opens International Terminal 2 at King Khalid Airport
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz has inaugurated International Terminal 2 and announced the completion of the development project for Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport.
$75m prize pool for 7-week Esports World Cup 2026
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a total prize pool of $75 million alongside the full game lineup and schedule for the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC), the world’s largest esports event, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 6 through August 23.
Sofitel debuts in Riyadh
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
Sofitel, the French luxury hospitality brand under Accor, has announced the opening of Sofitel Riyadh Hotel and Convention Centre, marking its debut in Saudi Arabia’s capital. The five-star property features 388 designed rooms and suites.
Hilton ties up with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners to open two Riyadh hotels
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Hilton has signed a deal top open two new hotels in Riyadh 0in partnership with Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi & Partners Co, strengthening its midscale portfolio in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
Saudia to launch Riyadh-Kozhikode flights in February
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Saudia Airlines has added Kozhikode, India, to its network of scheduled international destinations, marking its seventh destination in the country. Flights to Kozhikode will begin on February 1, 2026, with four weekly departures from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Tickets for Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh available now
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Board Chairman and Advisor Turki Alalshikh announced that tickets for the “Fanatics Flag Football Classic” are now available through the WeBook platform. The inaugural edition of the tournament will take place on Saturday evening, March 21, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh as part of Riyadh Season 2025.
Six Flags Qiddiya City opens
Tue, 30 Dec 2025
Six Flags Qiddiya City, a major new entertainment destination in Saudi Arabia, was officially opened on Monday evening under the patronage of Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz.
15m tourists spend $8.7bn in Riyadh until end of 3Q 2025
Wed, 24 Dec 2025
The Riyadh region saw strong winter tourism, attracting over 15.1 million domestic and international visitors by Q3 2025. According to the Ministry of Tourism, total tourist spending reached around SAR 33 billion ($8.9 billion), reflecting significant economic impact from both local and foreign travellers.
Saudi Tourism Ministry launches Northern Trail Guide from Riyadh to Hail
Mon, 22 Dec 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, launched a trip along the Northern Trail from Riyadh to Hail as part of the Saudi Winter programme, which aims to showcase the Kingdom’s tourism diversity.
Taiba unit in deal to build 159-key hotel project in Riyadh
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Saudi-based Taiba Investments has announced that one of its key subsidiaries, Smart Hotel Zone Company, had signed up Al Saad Contracting Company for the construction of a 159-key hotel project within the STC Square mixed-use development in Riyadh.
Cebu Pacific to launch direct service between Riyadh-Manila
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, is enhancing air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines with the launch of its direct flights between Riyadh and Manila.
Riyadh to host largest hospitality, culinary week in 2025
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh, Saudi Elite Chefs and Host Arabia will unite from December 15–17, 2025 to create the kingdom’s largest hospitality and foodservice week, hosting 50,000 professionals and 500 exhibitors.
FHS Saudi Arabia marks ninth edition in Riyadh
Wed, 26 Nov 2025
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) will return to the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from April 20-22, 2026, focusing on “Where Opportunity Meets Capital.” It will gather hospitality leaders to discuss investment, market trends, and actionable strategies to drive industry growth in the Kingdom.
IHG strengthens Saudi footprint with new hotels in Riyadh, Al Khobar
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a dual management agreement with Mosa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Mosa and Sons Real Estate Holding. The signing will see the launch of Crowne Plaza Al Khobar Al Bandariyah (232 keys) and Holiday Inn Riyadh Rose Yard (106 keys).
Qiddiya City to open Six Flags Qiddiya City on December 31
Sun, 16 Nov 2025
Qiddiya City, an ambitious entertainment, culture and sports megaproject being developed near Riyadh, is set to open its doors to visitors with the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, on December 31, 2025.
EIF to set up premium shooting sports complex in Qiddiya City
Wed, 12 Nov 2025
Events Investment Fund, the newly-launched unit of Saudi National Development Fund (NDF), has announced plans to set up the Riyadh Shooting Range & Entertainment Complex at an investment of over SAR491 million ($131 million) within Qiddiya City.
Qatar Airways adds Hail route, more flights to Jeddah, Riyadh
Wed, 12 Nov 2025
Qatar Airways' CEO, Badr Al-Meer, announced an expansion in Saudi Arabia during the TOURISE Summit 2025. Starting January 5, 2026, the airline will launch three weekly flights to Hail and increase daily flights to Jeddah and Riyadh from six to seven.
UN Tourism sets AI agenda as Assembly concludes in Riyadh
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
UN Tourism has concluded the biggest General Assembly in its 50-year history, confirming new leadership, and announcing a shared vision for innovation and Artificial Intelligence.