What to do in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a major development near Great Mosque in Mecca that will provide around 900,000 new indoor and outdoor praying spaces. This project, named King Salman Gate, spans 12 million sqm (equivalent to nearly 1,700 football fields) and aims to improve access to Great Mosque for pilgrims and visitors. King Salman Gate is planned as a mixed-use project, combining residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural spaces. The goal is to enhance the services currently provided in the area, ensuring better quality and accessibility for those visiting Great Mosque. The development will be connected to...

Big news for Kuwait’s luxury scene: Nobu is coming to town. The global hospitality brand has just announced plans to open Nobu Residences and Restaurant at Hessah Plaza, inside the Hessah District project. This will be the first project by Nobu in Kuwait, featuring 90 upscale serviced homes and a signature Nobu dining experience with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Nobu is a lifestyle label known around the world for its blend of modern luxury and Japanese elegance. Founded in 1994 by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and producer Meir Teper, the brand has expanded from Beverly...

If you’ve ever wondered where big stars like Leonardo DiCaprio or Kim Kardashian like to stay, you’ll soon be able to book the same kind of place in Saudi Arabia. Celebrity favorite resort Faena is coming to Shura Island, and it’s opening in 2026. This will be the brand’s first project in the country, bringing its signature design, art, food, and nightlife to the Red Sea coast. Faena Red Sea Resort will have 150 suites and villas, all with private pools and open sea views. Faena doesn’t do basic hotel spaces, which is exactly why it’s loved by celebrities like...

If you’ve been waiting for a good excuse to head to the Corniche, this might be it. Kilo Kitchen opens on April 5 at OIA Downtown in Jeddah. The Bali-born concept brings its Latin American and Asian flavours to the waterfront, with clear views of the Red Sea. The setting is simple and relaxed, letting the sea and the light do most of the work. It’s the kind of place that suits a long lunch or an unhurried dinner by the water. On the menu, there are light bites, salads, seafood, and mains. View this post on Instagram A post...

When talking about luxury projects shaping the Red Sea’s future, it’s impossible to miss Grand Hyatt Red Sea. It's one of the headline openings of 2026 and a key part of the region’s new wave of high-end stays. The hotel will be located on Shura Island, just a short distance from Red Sea International Airport. The property's architecture is based on a coral-inspired concept that blends naturally with the island’s surroundings, while the interiors follow a clean, modern Grand Hyatt approach focused on comfort and simplicity. The hotel will offer 430 rooms, suites and villas, and each layout is planned...

There’s something satisfying about finding a place that works for breakfast plans, long lunches, and those “let’s just grab a drink” moments that turn into dinner. That’s exactly the lane NAC likes to stay in, and it has now officially opened in Jeddah. If the name rings a bell, you’re not imagining it. NAC, short for North Audley Cantine, has built a loyal following in Dubai and Riyadh. It’s often called a French bistro, but it doesn’t come with stiff rules or white-tablecloth formality. The menu at NAC Jeddah follows an all-day format, so timing doesn’t matter much. You can...

Jeddah’s heritage-filled neighbourhood of Al-Balad is once again at the centre of the Kingdom’s creative spotlight as Balad Al-Fann returns for its second edition. Running every weekend until 13 June, this cultural festival brings together over 90 events, offering visitors a thoughtful blend of tradition and contemporary creativity in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic districts. Organised by Zawiya 97 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Balad Al-Fann transforms the UNESCO-listed area into an interactive art space, where cultural storytelling meets hands-on learning and artistic exploration.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zawiya...

There’s a new reason to look toward Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast: Rixos Murjana. Opening soon in King Abdullah Economic City, this all-inclusive resort blends modern comfort with a coastal rhythm that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. Guests can choose from 488 rooms and suites or check into one of the overwater villas at Club Privé, where your terrace opens straight to the sea. A private 600-metre beach anchors the resort. For guests who like to keep moving, Exclusive Sports Club and daily fitness classes bring plenty of options. Evenings are about music, live...

Big news for travellers and pilgrims: Sofitel is going grand in Mecca. The brand is set to open its most ambitious project yet, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah, in 2026. The hotel will be just a short walk from Masjid Al Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca), offering guests luxury and convenience right at the city’s heart. The property will include two towers with 1,141 rooms and suites, many facing the Great Mosque. The interiors will blend Parisian elegance with Saudi craftsmanship, creating a peaceful space that feels both sophisticated and rooted in its surroundings. It will be the biggest Sofitel...

As Saudi Arabia gears up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Jeddah is making room for a new wave of hospitality with two hotels set to open in 2028 at King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) — Kimpton Jeddah KASC and EVEN Hotels Jeddah KASC. Both are part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family and promise distinct experiences for travellers heading to the Red Sea city. Kimpton Jeddah KASC: A Stylish Social Hub With 330 rooms, Kimpton Jeddah KASC is designed as a modern, vibrant space that brings together contemporary style and local character. Guests can expect: An expansive...