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.

Oman has approved citizenship for 226 individuals following the issuance of Royal Decree No. 46/2026 by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The decree was officially published in the Official Gazette on April 19, confirming the names of those granted nationality.

The decision aligns with the country’s nationality law, which outlines strict eligibility criteria for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. Applicants are required to have legally resided in Oman for a minimum of 15 consecutive years, with annual absences not exceeding 90 days.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Arabic, maintain a clean legal record, and have no history of crimes involving dishonesty or breach of trust. They must also be in good health, free from communicable diseases, and able to prove a stable and lawful source of income sufficient to support themselves and their dependents. A formal pledge to renounce their original nationality is also mandatory.

The legislation includes specific provisions for spouses of Omani citizens. Foreign men married to Omani women may apply for citizenship after 10 years of continuous marriage and residence, provided they have children and meet all legal, linguistic, and financial requirements. Foreign women married to Omani men are eligible after eight years, while widows may apply after six years of residence following their husband’s death. Divorced women may also qualify under defined conditions, including prior marriage duration, residency, and the presence of children.

Citizenship can also be acquired by children through their Omani father, and in certain circumstances through their Omani mother, particularly if the father is absent, deceased, or unknown, subject to legal approval and residency requirements.

The law further outlines conditions under which citizenship may be revoked or withdrawn. These include obtaining another nationality in violation of regulations, submitting false information during the application process, or being convicted of crimes that threaten state security. Citizenship may also be rescinded if a naturalised individual resides abroad for extended periods without valid justification.

Strict penalties are imposed for fraudulent applications. Individuals found guilty of providing false information or forged documents to obtain or deny citizenship may face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, fines between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani riyals, or both, in addition to any harsher penalties stipulated under other applicable laws.

Source: gulfnews

Canada has introduced a broad set of immigration policy changes effective April 1, 2026, bringing updates to visa fees, work permit regulations, and settlement programs as part of efforts to modernise its immigration system and better align it with economic priorities.

The latest measures affect a wide range of applicants, including temporary workers, permanent residents, and families seeking to reunite in the country, while also placing greater emphasis on regional labour needs and administrative efficiency.

One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in government service fees. The cost of passports, including the widely used 10-year adult passport, has been raised, alongside higher charges for citizenship applications. Authorities say the adjustments are intended to reflect rising operational costs and to support improved processing services.

Canada has also introduced more flexible provisions under its super visa programme, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay for longer durations with simplified requirements. The update is expected to strengthen family reunification and make long-term visits more accessible.

In a significant policy shift, provincial governments have been granted expanded authority over immigration selection. This move allows provinces to better address local workforce shortages by tailoring immigration streams to meet specific economic demands, particularly in sectors experiencing labour gaps.

Changes to work permit rules are another key highlight. The government has introduced measures aimed at encouraging foreign workers to take up employment in rural and less populated regions, where labour shortages remain persistent. Employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will now be subject to stricter requirements to prioritise domestic recruitment, including youth employment, before seeking foreign labour.

Additionally, authorities have extended access to settlement services for newcomers, enabling immigrants to benefit from employment support, language training, and community integration programmes for longer periods. This is expected to improve long-term integration outcomes and workforce participation.

Further adjustments have also been introduced at the provincial level. Some provinces, such as Saskatchewan, have expanded the scope of immigration-related fees to include additional categories of applicants, particularly foreign workers, reflecting increased demand for regional immigration pathways.

The reforms also include administrative improvements designed to streamline application processing, reduce delays, and enhance digital services. Immigration authorities have indicated that these changes will help manage growing application volumes while maintaining service standards.

Overall, the new rules signal Canada’s continued effort to balance economic growth with sustainable immigration. While applicants may face higher costs and stricter compliance requirements in certain areas, the updated framework offers greater flexibility, improved services, and increased opportunities—especially for those willing to work and settle outside major urban centres.

Source: timesofindia

The Kuwait Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that it will extend visit visas for an additional month, as well as leave of absence permits for three months, in light of the ongoing circumstances.

Starting from February 28, 2026, all visit visas that have expired or are nearing expiration will be automatically extended for one month. During this period, individuals will be exempt from any fees or penalties associated with the extensions, given the current situation.

Additionally, expatriates currently outside Kuwait will benefit from a three-month automatic extension for their leave of absence permits. This extension will be processed without requiring in-person visits or payment of fees.

The ministry also indicated that the exemption period could be further extended, depending on the evolving circumstances.

Source: Kuwaittimes

China confirmed that citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to visit the country without a visa beginning February 17, in a move intended to boost travel and cultural exchanges. The new arrangement will remain in place until the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The decision follows separate visits to Beijing in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom sought to reset relations with China and explore areas of cooperation. During their meetings with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, both sides agreed to advance initiatives, including visa-free travel.

Under the policy, holders of ordinary British and Canadian passports can stay in China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa. The exemption applies to trips for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

Beijing described the measure as part of broader efforts to make cross-border travel easier and promote closer people-to-people ties with other countries.

The Republic of Armenia has unveiled a temporary visa‑exemption policy that allows residents of the United Arab Emirates from 113 eligible countries to enter Armenia without a visa until 1 July 2026, officials confirmed. The initiative is designed to make travel simpler, boost tourism, and strengthen Armenia’s ties with global visitors and expatriates.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals who hold a valid UAE residence permit — in addition to those issued by Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, European Union member states, or Schengen Area countries — can travel to Armenia without a prior visa.

To qualify, the residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and presented either as a physical card or as a passport sticker. Once admitted, travellers can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one‑year period, offering flexibility for extended visits for tourism, business or family purposes.

This temporary exemption scheme is part of Armenia’s broader effort to enhance accessibility and attract international visitors throughout the first half of 2026. The policy applies to a wide range of nationalities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions, including major countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, among many others.

Armenian officials have emphasised that the measure is intended to streamline entry procedures, support the tourism sector, and encourage cultural and economic engagement with travellers from diverse markets. The Armenian Tourism Committee highlighted the move as a clear signal that the country is open and welcoming to global visitors in 2026.

How It Works in Practice

Eligible travellers planning to take advantage of the visa‑exemption should:

• Ensure their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival.

• Carry the original physical permit or passport sticker when entering Armenia.

• Plan their trip within the exemption timeframe (1 January – 1 July 2026).

Border authorities may require that the permit display key personal details — such as name, nationality, date of birth and validity dates — in Latin script to facilitate verification.

Armenia has gradually expanded its visa‑free arrangements in recent years. It introduced visa‑free travel for citizens of the UAE in 2017, followed by similar measures for Qatar in 2019 and Kuwait in 2022. Direct flights between Armenian cities and the UAE, operated by carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air, have further strengthened travel connections.

Located at the cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia has become an attractive destination for residents of the Gulf region. With scenic landscapes, centuries‑old UNESCO‑listed monasteries, burgeoning culinary offerings and a lively arts scene, the country offers diverse experiences for both short breaks and longer stays.