Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Discover the Best Ramadan Iftar Spots in Diriyah

Explore Unique Dining Venues Offering Authentic and International Flavors
Published: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Discover the Best Ramadan Iftar Spots in Diriyah

Diriyah, the historic heart of Riyadh, offers an extraordinary Ramadan iftar experience where rich flavors meet an elegant, cultural ambiance. If you're looking to celebrate the holy month in style, Diriyah provides an array of dining venues that bring together authentic traditions and modern touches.

From luxurious tents to refined restaurants, each venue offers something unique for those seeking an unforgettable iftar. Whether you're after local delicacies or international flavors, Diriyah is your ultimate Ramadan destination.

Bab Samhan Ramadan Tent: A Fusion of Traditions and Flavors

The Bab Samhan Ramadan Tent is one of Diriyah’s signature iftar experiences, offering a setting that blends the warmth of Saudi culture with international culinary influences.

The tent offers a rich variety of dishes, from traditional local fare to global favorites, creating a unique fusion that will satisfy every palate. Surrounded by a traditional, yet elegant atmosphere, guests can unwind and enjoy their iftar in a setting steeped in history, making this venue a standout choice for those who want to experience a true taste of Ramadan.

Angelina: Elegance Meets French Cuisine

For those seeking sophistication and refined taste, Angelina offers an elegant twist on iftar. Known for its French-inspired cuisine, this restaurant brings together classic flavors with a curated selection of signature dishes, complemented by mouthwatering desserts.

The sleek and modern setting at Angelina elevates the Ramadan dining experience, making it perfect for those looking to indulge in luxury while celebrating the holy month.

Flamingo Room: African-Inspired Iftar with Contemporary Flair

Flamingo Room introduces a vibrant iftar experience with dishes inspired by African flavors. The contemporary, stylish environment is ideal for those who want to celebrate Ramadan in a trendy, lively atmosphere.

The menu features bold and diverse flavors, ensuring each dish is both unique and delicious. Whether you're enjoying a meal with family or friends, the Flamingo Room provides a perfect space to share a festive meal and make lasting memories during Ramadan nights.

AOK Kitchen: Fresh and Balanced Flavors

For a lighter, yet equally indulgent iftar experience, AOK Kitchen offers a menu focused on fresh, natural ingredients. The restaurant's dedication to balanced flavors and wholesome dishes makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy Ramadan meal without compromising on taste.

With every dish carefully crafted to ensure lightness and flavor, AOK Kitchen provides a refreshing option for iftar, perfect for those looking for a more mindful dining experience during the holy month.

Takya: A Taste of Saudi Hospitality

Takya offers an authentic, warm iftar experience that celebrates the essence of Saudi hospitality. From fresh starters to hearty main courses, the restaurant serves an array of dishes that reflect the generosity of Ramadan. The atmosphere at Takya is cozy and inviting, with a focus on bringing people together to enjoy a meal in true Saudi style.

The flavors are rich, the ambiance is warm, and the spirit of togetherness defines the experience, making Takya a must-visit spot for those looking to enjoy a true taste of local hospitality during Ramadan.

Traveler Tips for a Memorable Iftar Experience

If you're planning to enjoy iftar in Diriyah, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends or during the last ten nights of Ramadan, when the demand for tables increases. Arriving early ensures you can soak in the atmosphere at a leisurely pace, avoiding the rush that typically comes closer to iftar time. This allows you to truly relax and enjoy the experience without feeling hurried.

After your meal, take a relaxing stroll around Bujairi Terrace or explore the nearby Al Samhania District. These areas come alive during Ramadan, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the festive vibe of Diriyah, admire the beautiful lights, and discover local cultural treasures. Whether you’re window-shopping, enjoying the ambiance, or simply reflecting on the evening, the surrounding areas offer a perfect way to end your iftar night on a high note.

Diriyah during Ramadan is a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable iftar experience. Whether you're enjoying a luxurious meal or sharing a simple dish with family, the atmosphere in Diriyah adds a special touch to the spiritual and festive spirit of Ramadan.

Saudi Tourist Accommodation Registrations Climb 29% to 20,560 in Q3 2026

Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Saudi Tourist Accommodation Registrations Climb 29% to 20,560 in Q3 2026

Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Thuwal Private Retreat Offers a Unique Private Island Escape in Saudi Arabia

Published: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Thuwal Private Retreat Offers a Unique Private Island Escape in Saudi Arabia

Off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a secluded island getaway that sets itself apart from conventional luxury resorts. Described as Saudi Arabia’s only private island available for exclusive buyout, the retreat accommodates one group at a time, offering privacy and a personalised stay surrounded by the Red Sea.

The 40-minute boat journey from the mainland provides a gradual escape from everyday routines. As the island comes into view, the sense of separation from the outside world becomes increasingly apparent.

The arrival experience reflects the attention to detail that defines the retreat. Before guests reach the marina, the team gathers practical information, including shoe sizes, to ensure equipment such as snorkelling gear is ready upon arrival.

Privacy and Saudi Hospitality

Thuwal Private Retreat accommodates up to 12 adults and three children across six beachfront villas. With the entire island reserved for a single group, guests can enjoy a stay tailored to their preferences.

The experience is shaped by hafawah, a Saudi tradition associated with generous and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than feeling formal or scripted, the service is characterised by personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

During an introduction to the island, guests learn about its history and natural environment, including the Turquoise Hole, a distinctive natural water formation.

One of the retreat’s principal gathering places is the Overwater Diwaniya, a relaxed venue above the sea. It serves as a setting for breakfast, coffee, lunch and sunset gatherings, bringing guests together throughout the day.

Dining Above the Red Sea

Dining is another highlight, with menus featuring fresh seafood, barbecue dishes, colourful salads and daily grilled specialities. The combination of relaxed service and an exclusive waterfront setting gives meals an informal yet refined character.

Watching the Maldivian chef prepare food over charcoal adds a personal element to the experience, turning meals into part of the island’s wider appeal.

Across the stay, the hospitality team maintains a consistent focus on warmth, attentiveness and generosity. The service feels natural, with staff taking pride in making guests comfortable.

A Villa Designed Around Nature

Royal Villa One offers a private setting where natural materials and expansive views connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Bamboo ceilings, earthy textures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the sea visible from almost every corner.

The bedroom features a canopy bed and flowing fabric details, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Even smaller elements, including the slippers, reflect the attention given to comfort.

In the bathroom, a glass-walled shower overlooks a private garden. Toiletries and grooming essentials are carefully arranged to make the stay convenient.

Outside, a secluded garden leads to a private dining area overlooking the water, creating an intimate setting for meals and quiet moments.

Exploring the Island’s Marine Life

The Red Sea is central to the retreat’s appeal. Its changing shades of blue provide a backdrop for activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guided snorkelling excursions take guests to coral reefs and less-explored areas around the island. Underwater cameras provided by the guides allow visitors to capture the experience without having to manage their own equipment throughout the trip.

The excursions offer a closer look at the marine environment while allowing guests to remain immersed in the experience.

Wellness and Memorable Evenings

The island’s spa provides another opportunity to unwind. A floral foot ritual and citrus aromatherapy begin the treatment, followed by a massage designed to promote relaxation.

The spa experience combines professional treatment with a calm setting, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.

Evenings bring a different atmosphere. Sunsets beside the pool transform the sky into shades of gold and blue, while seabirds occasionally add to the stillness of the scene.

The programme also includes hands-on and social activities. Guests can make manakish with the chef, take part in group pizza sessions, enjoy long lunches beside the sea or watch a film during a beach cinema evening.

These experiences provide variety without taking away from the island’s defining sense of tranquillity.

An Escape That Lingers

Leaving Thuwal Private Retreat can be an emotional experience, particularly after several days of personalised service and shared activities. The farewell from the team, with staff waving as the boat departs, reinforces the personal connections built during the stay.

The retreat’s appeal lies not only in its villas, marine activities or dining, but also in the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and experience the Red Sea at a slower pace.

For travellers seeking privacy, thoughtful hospitality and a close connection with nature, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a distinctive island escape along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Source: Arab News

Jazan’s Marine Walkways Boost Red Sea Coastal Tourism

Published: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Jazan’s Marine Walkways Boost Red Sea Coastal Tourism

Waterfront walkways developed by Jazan Municipality are creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and outdoor recreation along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline.

The pedestrian routes extend from the coast towards the sea, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy marine views, observe aquatic life and watch sunsets.

Among the key attractions is the 600-metre Sunset Walkway, which includes 55 seating areas, illuminated pedestrian paths, children's play zones, public facilities and retail kiosks. The commercial spaces also provide opportunities for local families involved in cottage industries to sell their products.

The walkway offers panoramic views of the Red Sea while creating a space for leisure activities and family outings.

Jazan Municipality spokesperson Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khayyat said the projects make use of the region’s coastal landscape to develop accessible public spaces and encourage greater recreational activity.

He added that the developments are expected to stimulate commercial investment in cafés and retail outlets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the Quality of Life programme.

Source: SPA

Hima Cultural Area Highlights Najran’s Natural and Archaeological Heritage

Published: Friday, October 16, 2026
Hima Cultural Area Highlights Najran’s Natural and Archaeological Heritage

The distinctive rock formations of Saudi Arabia’s Hima Cultural Area shape its rugged landscape, blending natural beauty with archaeological evidence of human history across the Arabian Peninsula.

The rocks display a range of natural colours, including brown, orange, gold and earthy red. These hues become particularly vivid at sunrise and shortly before sunset, enhancing the area's visual appeal.

Archaeologist and tour organiser Mohammed Al-Mustaneer said the formations are closely connected to the site's archaeological importance. Their surfaces preserve ancient inscriptions, drawings and writings that provide evidence of human activity in the region over successive historical periods.

The rock art offers insights into the lives of communities that once inhabited or travelled through the area. The inscriptions and images help document their lifestyles, migration routes, hunting and herding activities, as well as the symbols and forms of expression they left behind.

Beyond its geological features, the Hima Cultural Area serves as an important natural and archaeological landmark, reflecting Najran's rich cultural heritage. Its combination of ancient human records and striking landscapes also highlights the region's potential as a destination for cultural tourism.

Preserving the site allows its historical evidence and natural features to remain accessible to visitors while safeguarding an important part of the Arabian Peninsula's heritage for future generations.

Source: SPA

Jabal Kushkush Preserves Farasan Islands’ Pearl-Diving Heritage and Coastal Beauty

Published: Friday, October 16, 2026
Jabal Kushkush Preserves Farasan Islands’ Pearl-Diving Heritage and Coastal Beauty

The coast of Jabal Kushkush in the Farasan Islands Governorate of Jazan Region preserves a legacy of traditional pearl diving, having once served as an important anchorage for vessels returning from expeditions at sea.

Tour guide Othman Humuq said pearl divers historically used the coastal site as a sheltered place to rest, secure their boats and open oyster shells after their journeys. Local fishermen also relied on the surrounding waters for their activities.

Located near Abu Al-Tawq village on Farasan Al-Sughra island, approximately 60 kilometres from Farasan City, the area is widely known as Kushkush Beach.

The site is distinguished by its unusual geological landscape, featuring sea caves, rock cavities, natural passageways and large umbrella-shaped rock formations. These structures rise between three and six metres, giving the coastline its distinctive appearance.

With much of its natural environment remaining undisturbed, Jabal Kushkush continues to draw tourists and visitors seeking a quiet coastal escape. Visitor numbers tend to increase during the winter season, when the site’s natural scenery becomes a particular attraction.

The area offers a glimpse of the Farasan Islands’ maritime heritage while showcasing the geological features and coastal landscapes that contribute to Jazan Region’s tourism appeal.

Source: SPA