As the sun sets and the call to prayer fills the air, Riyadh transforms into a city of vibrancy and activity during Ramadan. Whether you're visiting Riyadh for the first time or returning for another Ramadan season, the evenings after iftar offer a rich mix of culture, dining, and relaxation. From lively entertainment hubs to serene cultural experiences, Riyadh’s post-iftar atmosphere is sure to captivate. Here's your ultimate guide to exploring Riyadh after sunset this Ramadan.

Top Evening Hotspots to Explore

Boulevard City stands out as one of Riyadh’s most popular destinations after iftar. This massive entertainment hub is filled with open-air spaces, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment zones that come alive after sunset.

The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with locals and visitors strolling through its wide boulevards, meeting friends, and enjoying the warm evening air. Whether you're in the mood for shopping, dining, or simply people-watching, Boulevard City offers something for everyone without the pressure of a structured evening plan.

A stone’s throw away is Boulevard World, an immersive experience that feels like a mini-world tour. This zone features various themed areas inspired by international cities and landmarks.

After a satisfying iftar meal, take a leisurely walk through the vibrant, visually engaging zones, where you can snap photos, sample international cuisine, and enjoy casual entertainment. As the evening progresses, Boulevard World becomes more lively, with the energy escalating as the night deepens—perfect for a memorable night out.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, Sports Boulevard offers a peaceful escape. This area is a favorite for evening walks, light physical activities, or simply enjoying the outdoors after a long day of fasting.

Local residents often visit Sports Boulevard to breathe in the fresh air and soak in the calm of Riyadh’s surroundings. This is an ideal spot for visitors looking to experience Riyadh’s more serene side, with gentle exercise or relaxation.

Dining Destinations to Savor the Evening

Riyadh is a paradise for food lovers, and Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah is one of the most sought-after dining spots during Ramadan. This area is surrounded by historic architecture, offering a picturesque backdrop as you enjoy a meal or dessert in its open-air dining spaces.

Many locals and visitors choose Bujairi Terrace for its relaxed atmosphere, perfect for lingering over a late dinner, sampling delicious desserts, or engaging in heartfelt conversations. The outdoor seating and beautiful view of Diriyah's historic surroundings make it a standout for a Ramadan evening out.

For those craving a more refined dining experience, VIA Riyadh is the place to be. Known for its luxury restaurants and chic ambiance, VIA Riyadh offers an upscale atmosphere perfect for a special night out.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying time with loved ones, or just looking for a sophisticated dining experience, VIA Riyadh offers an array of high-end options. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a polished, tranquil environment after the sunset, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more formal.

Cultural and Relaxed Evening Experiences

If art and culture are what you’re after, make sure to visit the Diriyah Biennale. This prestigious art exhibition brings together artists and creatives from around the world, offering a deep dive into contemporary art in a reflective setting.

Ramadan evenings are perfect for exploring the exhibitions, as the environment is calm and reflective, allowing you to absorb the artwork at your own pace. Afterward, you can head to a nearby café or restaurant to discuss the exhibits or relax with a coffee.

For a touch of heritage and culture, Samhania offers a refined, heritage-inspired setting. Known for its elegant and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to experience the slower pace of Riyadh after iftar.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk, indulge in cultural experiences, or savor a quiet meal at one of the area’s fine dining establishments. Samhania provides an intimate environment where you can unwind while soaking in the cultural richness of the city.

If you want to immerse yourself in the authentic local experience, Souq Al Zal is a must-visit after sunset. This traditional market is one of the most atmospheric places in Riyadh, coming to life in the evening as people browse antiques, traditional goods, and local products. It’s a great way to experience Riyadh’s vibrant culture and lively energy.

The market’s historic charm, combined with the buzz of local shoppers and visitors, provides a unique insight into the daily life of the city.

Late-Night Coffee and Social Hangouts

After a long day of fasting, KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District) is the ideal late-night destination for coffee lovers. The district is home to some of Riyadh’s trendiest cafés and dessert spots, where people meet up after iftar to socialize and enjoy a sweet treat.

The area remains lively well into the night, offering a great environment for casual meetups, group gatherings, or romantic dates over a cup of coffee. Whether you're in the mood for a light conversation or a deeper connection, KAFD offers a comfortable and modern space to unwind.

As the evening winds down, Layali Diriyah offers the perfect spot for suhoor—a peaceful and traditional place to end the night. The setting is calm, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for those who want to enjoy a late meal before the city quiets down for the night.

The late operating hours of Layali Diriyah make it a popular choice for those looking to stay out later into the night, providing a tranquil end to a busy evening.

Essential Traveler Tips:

• Plan your activities after sunset: Riyadh truly comes to life in the evenings. The most vibrant atmosphere can be found between 9 PM and midnight, so make sure to schedule your activities accordingly.

• Book dining reservations in advance: Weekends are especially busy, so it’s a good idea to reserve your table early to avoid long wait times at popular spots.

• Take it slow: Riyadh’s evenings are all about enjoying the ambiance. Allow yourself to move slowly between destinations, savoring each moment in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

From art and culture to dining and leisurely strolls, Riyadh offers endless opportunities to make your evenings after iftar memorable. Whether you’re looking for excitement, tranquility, or a taste of authentic local culture, Riyadh’s Ramadan nights promise to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable experiences.

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has awarded a contract to develop an automated people mover (APM) system for the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest airport transit system of its kind.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI Mobility Engineering Services (MHI-MESC), and Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The APM network will extend approximately 50 kilometers and connect nine stations, making it significantly larger than existing airport people-mover systems.

MHI and MHI-MESC will oversee the design, procurement and testing of 165 vehicles, as well as signaling technology and overall system integration. L&T will be responsible for designing, procuring, testing and constructing the remaining subsystems on site.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2031.

The scale of Dubai’s planned system will surpass existing airport transit networks, including the approximately 8-kilometer Skylink at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and The Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The APM network will connect Al Maktoum International Airport’s terminals and key facilities, helping improve passenger movement, reduce transfer times and support efficient airport operations.

The project forms part of Dubai’s broader plans to develop Al Maktoum International into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The airport is targeted to begin operations in 2032 and is ultimately expected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The planned expansion is designed to accommodate growing regional and international air traffic while strengthening Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Source: Khaleej Times

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to improve the efficiency, security and smooth operation of airport and cargo activities.

The commitment was made during a SAHCO delegation’s visit to AC Adamu, the newly appointed Commander of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The visit focused on building on the existing relationship between SAHCO and the NCS through stronger communication, closer coordination and enhanced operational cooperation, particularly in the handling and movement of cargo.

Representing SAHCO Managing Director and CEO Adenike Aboderin, General Manager of Cargo Services Donald Adekunle welcomed the new CIU commander and pledged the company’s continued support for a professional and productive partnership with the Customs Service.

Adekunle said closer cooperation between the two organizations would help strengthen airport operations and improve coordination among key aviation stakeholders and government agencies.

He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in facilitating efficient cargo movement, reinforcing security procedures and enhancing service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.

The renewed cooperation comes as aviation and government agencies continue to focus on improving cargo-handling processes and maintaining secure and efficient airport operations.

Source: ZAWYA

SHARJAH, UAE: Sharjah Airport has achieved Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), marking another milestone in its efforts to strengthen passenger services.

The airport first received Level 1 accreditation in 2022 before advancing to Level 2 in 2023 after establishing and implementing a customer experience strategy across its departments. It renewed its Level 2 status in 2025 and progressed to Level 3 in 2026.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the latest accreditation reflected the airport’s focus on passenger satisfaction and its broader strategy to provide an integrated travel experience centered on quality and service excellence.

He said the achievement also supports Sharjah’s ambitions as a destination for travel, tourism and business.

According to Al Midfa, reaching Level 3 demonstrates the airport’s ability to collect and analyse passenger feedback and work with airport partners to turn that information into practical service improvements.

The accreditation assessment examined how the airport gathers and applies passenger feedback, coordinates with service providers and maintains a seamless passenger experience from arrival through departure.

As part of its progress toward Level 3, Sharjah Airport strengthened its customer feedback systems to better identify passenger expectations, pinpoint areas requiring improvement and respond more quickly to concerns.

The airport also increased coordination with airlines, ground-handling companies and other stakeholders to promote consistent service standards throughout the passenger journey.

Passenger satisfaction reports are now regularly distributed among airport departments, allowing teams to identify successful practices as well as areas requiring further attention. Employees across the airport community are also involved in improving passenger services, reinforcing shared responsibility for the overall travel experience.

ACI established its Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme to help airports assess and enhance passenger experience. The programme provides tools and expertise to help airports manage passenger journeys, develop improvement plans and identify opportunities to raise service quality.

Source: QCAA

DOHA, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has reaffirmed its readiness to provide a smooth and comfortable arrival experience as passenger numbers increase in Doha following the summer holiday season.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the airport said it expects higher inbound traffic this August as students and families return ahead of the new academic year.

HIA has issued a series of guidelines designed to make arrival procedures easier and improve passenger convenience. Airport staff will remain available around the clock to assist travelers and their families, it said.

The guidance covers several aspects of the arrival process, including procedures for families traveling with young children and arrangements for meeting arriving passengers.

It also provides information on transportation options from the airport, including ride-hailing services, taxis, buses and the Doha Metro. Guidance on car rentals and baggage collection is also included.

The airport said the measures are intended to help passengers navigate the arrival process efficiently during the expected increase in traffic.

With August marking a key period for post-holiday travel, HIA is emphasizing operational preparedness and passenger support as more travelers return to Doha.

Source: QNA

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah handled approximately 28.55 million passengers on 169,900 flights between the beginning of 2026 and the end of July, according to an airport performance report.

The airport also processed 33.6 million bags during the seven-month period, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The performance report was reviewed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz during a meeting attended by Jeddah Airports Company CEO Mazen Johar.

The airport recorded its highest daily passenger traffic on January 17, when around 195,300 passengers passed through its facilities.

During the 1447 AH Umrah season, King Abdulaziz International Airport served approximately 6.16 million passengers on 36,400 flights and handled 7.2 million bags. More than 10,000 employees from various agencies were deployed at the airport during the season.

The report also highlighted the airport’s role during the 1447 AH Hajj season. More than 1.67 million pilgrims traveled through the airport during the arrival and departure phases, with more than 9,600 flights operated and approximately 2.76 million bags handled.

Ground transportation also played a significant role in moving pilgrims during Hajj. Buses carried around 821,700 pilgrims across 22,855 trips, while the Haramain High Speed Railway transported approximately 48,200 pilgrims on 207 trips.

The figures underscore the airport’s importance as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, as well as its role in handling growing passenger demand throughout the year.

Source: TradeArabia