This Month in Saudi: Heritage, Innovation, and World-Class Experiences

November ushers in global sports, creative festivals, culinary milestones, and entrepreneurship wins across the Kingdom.

November 17, 2025

October-November ‘25 Edition

Welcome back to This Month in Saudi!

Across the Kingdom, the weeks since National Day have seen the streets of Riyadh come alive with a dazzling new parade, global sports stars touch down for headline tournaments, and a fresh wave of innovation gathering at major business summits. As cooler weather sets in, the Kingdom looks ahead to a season packed with sports, culture, and new opportunities.

Before we dive in, here are a few public service announcements.

  • Six Flags Qiddiya Grand Opening: Qiddiya City welcomes the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya on 31 December 2025 - Saudi Arabia’s first mega theme park and the first Six Flags outside North America. The park will feature 28 rides, including world-record attractions like the Falcon Flight roller coaster, and offers experiences for all ages. Ticket pricing starts at SAR 325 for adults and SAR 275 for children, with special rates for seniors and people with disabilities. Complimentary shuttle services from key points, including Jeddah Metro Station, ensure easy access for all visitors.

  • Major Changes for Pilgrim Services: Saudi Arabia has approved sweeping amendments to the Foreign Pilgrim Service Providers Law, abolishing traditional tawafa bodies and launching a new system for Hajj hospitality companies. This change aims to modernize, enhance service standards, and redefine sector responsibilities for future pilgrimage seasons.

  • Tourism & Aviation Integration Drive: The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) signed a landmark agreement at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh to align the air and tourism sectors. This partnership is designed to improve travel experiences for all visitors and support the ambitious Vision 2030 goal of 100 million tourists per year, with new attractions and seamless airport-to-destination services.

THIS MONTH IN SPORTS

Riyadh Hosts WTA Finals & Prepares for Motorsport Action

Saudi’s biggest-ever tennis event - the WTA Tour Finals - drew elite players and worldwide media to Riyadh from November 1 to 8. Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina was crowned the 2025 singles champion, winning the biggest prize money payout in women’s sporting history at $5.235M. Looking forward, Jeddah gears up to host the F1H2O Grand Prix (powerboat racing) from November 27 to 29, and stages of the World Rally Championship from November 25 to 29, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing range of world-class events for every sports fan.

Islamic Games Return to Saudi

The Sixth Islamic Solidarity Games kicked off on November 7, with Riyadh welcoming athletes from across the Islamic world. The games, which will run until November 21, consist of multiple sports, with Turkey, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Egypt currently leading the medal standings.

THIS MONTH IN TECH & BUSINESS

Saudi Tech: AI and Startups on the Rise

Riyadh’s ambition to be a global tech hub is on display, with new AI startups surging and over 200 fintech companies now active in the Kingdom. The Biban 2025 Forum brought together more than 100 international entrepreneurs, who received new “Entrepreneurship Residency” permits, strengthening Saudi’s reputation as a global destination for innovation.

Meanwhile, the world’s largest startup contest, the Entrepreneurship World Cup, convened 100 top global finalists in Riyadh for the Biban Forum, awarding over $1.5 million in prizes and connecting founders with investors. Top entries included innovations in IT, health, agriculture, and space.

Massive AI Investment

HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s PIF-owned artificial intelligence platform, has teamed up with AirTrunk and investor Blackstone in a landmark $3 billion deal to build a world-class AI-ready data center campus. This is a strategic move to make Saudi Arabia a regional cloud and AI hub, supporting Vision 2030’s digital transformation and aiming to attract global hyperscaler clients while developing local tech talent.

Does Saudi’s $55 Billion EA Games Acquisition Matter?

Saudi Arabia’s bold $55 billion move to acquire Electronic Arts reverberates globally, spotlighting the Kingdom’s strategic commitment to building a gaming powerhouse. The acquisition hints at new synergies for esports, content creation, and global media leadership. Read more about the impact here.

THIS MONTH IN ARTS & CULTURE

Riyadh Season Showcases “Beast Land” by MrBeast

Tickets are now on sale for “Beast Land,” a unique theme park attraction created by YouTube mega-star MrBeast, set within Riyadh Season 2025. The experience, running until December 27 promises interactive challenges, viral stunts, and offbeat adventures only possible in Saudi Arabia. Tickets can be found here.

Souq Al-Mawsim Opens in Diriyah

Diriyah’s Al-Tawalie district welcomed the revival of Souq Al-Mawsim (“Season Market”) on November 9, celebrating a vibrant annual tradition that honors cultural exchange. This year, the market highlights 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, featuring Kyoto’s heritage as the centerpiece.

Visitors enjoy 20 shops, 15 restaurants, craft and fashion exhibitions, live performances, cooking workshops, and interactive spaces that showcase the meeting of civilizations through food, art, and collaboration between Saudi and Japanese creators.

Mega Parade Debuts and Athar Festival Reignites Riyadh

Riyadh’s October Mega Parade dazzled crowds with over 3,000 performers and festival-styled processions along Al-Hawyi Street. The city’s cultural scene continued to flourish with the Athar Festival in the JAX District, attracting thousands of creatives for workshops, awards, and panels. Athar showcased Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global innovation and storytelling hub, from fashion and design to media arts.

THIS MONTH IN FOOD

New Michelin Awardees

Saudi’s dining scene garnered two new additions to the Bib Gourmand list: Riyadh’s Fi Glbak and Jeddah’s The Lucky Llama, were recognized for delivering high-quality cuisine at great value. Previous recipients of Bib Gourmand in Saudi Arabia include Tameesa, Mirzam, Joontos and Kayzo.

Saudi Streets Team Recommends

We’ve been filling our bellies trying out eateries across Riyadh. Here are our recommendations for the month:

  • Nora Smash Burger: This local chain, now in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah, is all about crispy, no-frills smash burgers made to perfection. Whether you order the double or triple cheeseburger, expect thin, crisp wagyu-blended patties loaded with cheese, onions, house pickles, and classic sauces - all enjoyed fresh from the griddle or on the go. Their fries are golden, crisp, and a must-order side. Nora is a standout for those seeking quality and speed without gimmicks, and a nostalgic reminder of classic diner flavors.

  • Ban3mah: For morning comfort food, Ban3mah celebrates the best of Saudi and Yemeni breakfasts. The menu features soft breads, beans (foul), fresh eggs, and sweet honey - simple yet heartwarming dishes that connect diners to the region’s culinary roots. It’s a top pick for a laid-back, flavorful start to your day.

  • Aseeb: For lovers of Najdi cuisine, Aseeb in Riyadh offers a menu that feels like a love letter to the traditions of the region. Expect authentic dishes - slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice, and classic Saudi flavors - served in a setting that honors the heritage of central Saudi Arabia. Aseeb is highly recommended for diners hoping to experience genuine Najdi hospitality and homemade style.

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