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Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan Among 2026 AFC Asian Player of the Year NomineesSaudi Arabia's Major Events Face Schedule Changes: What's Happening?Saudi Arabia Continues Preparations to Host AFC Asian Cup 2027Riyadh Season Releases Tickets for “Ana Mesh Arefny” Starring Amr Youssef and Asmaa Galal
Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan Among 2026 AFC Asian Player of the Year Nominees
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Sports
Saudi Arabia Reach Gulf Cup Final After Penalty Shootout Win Over Qatar
Saudi Arabia secured their place in the Gulf Cup final after defeating Qatar 3–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.
Events
Saudi Film Festival Opens Submissions for Its 13th Edition
The Saudi Film Festival has officially opened submissions for its 13th edition, inviting filmmakers to submit their feature-length, short and documentary films through the festival’s official website.
Tech
Gamma Studios unveils virtual production facility in the UAE to support regional filmmakers and production teams powered by Sony technology
Gamma Studios today unveiled the launch of it’s virtual production facility, Digital Media Centre. Located in Dubai Production City, the facility aims to provide filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, and production teams with a dedicated environment to explore how virtual production can be applied from planning and pre-production through to production with expertise led by Sony Middle East and Africa.
Entertainment
Obsess Premieres October 30th on Netflix
He came home to bury one loss but found himself reliving another. On October 30th, Netflix’s new psychological horror series, Obsess takes audiences back to 1970s Kuwait, where an unsettling homecoming begins to unravel into something far more sinister.
Sports
Saudi Arabia Defeat Iraq 2–0 in Gulf Cup
Saudi Arabia secured a 2–0 victory over Iraq in the third matchday of the Gulf Cup group stage.
Events
Netflix Hosts Exclusive Red Carpet Event for “Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke” in Riyadh
In anticipation of the launch of new comedy film, Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke, Netflix hosted an exclusive red carpet event at The Venue, Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh on Sunday 27th September.
Arts
“Echo of the Chameleon” Wins Five Awards at Alexandria International Festival
Nawras Theatre Group’s production “Echo of the Chameleon,” supported by Scene Acting Institute, has received five awards during its participation in the Alexandria International Festival.
Saudi News
Balqees Al-Faraj Makes History as Saudia’s First Female Pilot
Balqees Al-Faraj has achieved a significant milestone in Saudi aviation after completing her qualification to operate the Airbus A320 with Saudia, the Kingdom’s national carrier.
Entertainment
Turki Alalshikh Announces Riyadh Season 2026 Launching on October 21
In an announcement eagerly anticipated by audiences around the world, Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), revealed that Riyadh Season 2026 will officially kick off on Wednesday, October 21.
Sports
Saudi Arabia Secure a 3–0 Victory Over Oman
Saudi Arabia secured a commanding 3–0 win over Oman, with Firas Al-Buraikan scoring twice and Hassan Kadesh also finding the net.
Sports
Saudi Arabia Beat Kuwait 1–0 in Gulf Cup Opener
Saudi Arabia began its Gulf Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory over Kuwait in their opening Group A match.
Headlines
Crown Prince Launches Ceer’s First Cars in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched the first vehicles from CEER, Saudi Arabia’s national automotive company, under the name EXOBOT. The launch represents a strategic step in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop an advanced industrial sector aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthen its position on the global automotive map.
Events
Red Sea International Film Festival Postpones Its 2027 Edition
The Red Sea International Film Festival Foundation has announced the postponement of the festival’s sixth edition, which will now take place during the fourth quarter of 2027.
Events
Breitling Celebrates Saudi National Day with Razan Alajmi
Swiss luxury watch brand Breitling celebrated Saudi National Day at its Riyadh boutique with an exclusive conversation featuring Saudi skydiving pioneer Razan Alajmi, hosted by Saudi media personality Noof Khaled.
Sports
Riyadh Season to Host Ethnosport 2026 and Sponsor Spanish Super Cup 2027 in Istanbul
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has announced three new agreements in Istanbul, including Riyadh Season hosting the Ethnosport Traditional Sports Festival in Riyadh in November 2026, sponsoring its 2027 edition in Istanbul, and sponsoring the 2027 Spanish Super Cup.
Travel & Tourism
Musafir Holdings Agrees to Acquire FLYCT, Operator of Cleartrip and Flyin
Musafir Holdings, the diversified regional travel group, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire FLYCT MEA Holdings, which operates the Cleartrip.ae and Flyin.com online travel platforms in the Middle East. Musafir Holdings currently holds a 25% stake in FLYCT and intends to acquire 75% from the founding management team, taking full ownership of the business, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
People
Advisor Turki Alalshikh Tops Boxing’s Most Influential List for the Third Consecutive Year
Advisor Turki Alalshikh has once again been named the most influential figure in the world of boxing, securing the top spot on the list for the third consecutive year.
Sports
Al Hilal Unveils Official Third Kit for the 2026/27 Season
Saudi giants Al Hilal have officially unveiled their third kit for the 2026/27 season, introducing a fresh and distinctive look for the Riyadh-based club.
Lifestyle
Primark Is Coming to Saudi Arabia
Primark Set to Open Its First Saudi Arabia Store in Riyadh in 2027 The Irish high-street fashion giant is expanding its Middle East presence with a new store at The Avenues Riyadh.
People
Saudi Playwright Fahad Raddah Wins Best Playwriting Award at Cairo Experimental Theatre Festival
Saudi playwright Fahad Raddah has been honored with the Best Playwriting Award at the 33rd Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre for his work Al-Naa’shoon, representing Saudi Arabia at the festival.
Tech
Sony Launches FE 8-14mm F3.5 FISHEYE G Lens in Saudi Arabia
Sony Launches FE 8-14mm F3.5 FISHEYE G Lens in Saudi Arabia Sony’s new fisheye zoom lens combines circular and diagonal fisheye effects with high-resolution performance in a compact, lightweight design.
Headlines
As Saudi Arabia Accelerates Industrial Transformation, Fluke Advances Reliability
Fluke Advances Industrial Reliability as Saudi Arabia Accelerates Transformation Innovation Day in Al Khobar brought together more than 80 industry professionals to explore how reliable testing, measurement and diagnostic solutions can support safer, smarter and more resilient operations.
Tech
Sony Introduces WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and Updates WH-CH730N and WH-CH530
Sony expands its wireless headphone lineup with premium, mid-range and entry-level models designed for music, travel, work and everyday listening. Sony has announced the latest additions to its wireless headphone lineup, introducing the WH-1000XM4C, alongside updates to the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 models. The new lineup is designed to meet a wide range of listening needs, from premium noise cancellation and immersive sound to lightweight comfort and long-lasting battery life.
Sports
Al Ittihad Beat Al Nassr 2–1 in Saudi Pro League Clash
Al Ittihad secured a 2–1 victory over Al Nassr in Matchday 5 of the Saudi Pro League, with George Ilenikhena delivering a standout performance to lead his side to all three points.
Headlines
Nokia Opens Its First R&D Centre in Saudi Arabia
Nokia has officially opened its first research and development centre in Saudi Arabia, marking a new step in the company’s expansion of its technology and innovation efforts in the Kingdom.
Events
LEAP 2026: Riyadh at the Heart of Tech’s Next Chapter
Riyadh is once again becoming a meeting point for the global tech community as LEAP 2026 brings together innovators, startups, investors and some of the biggest names in technology. From artificial intelligence and robotics to immersive experiences and new digital solutions, this year’s edition offers a glimpse into the ideas shaping what comes next.
Sports
Al Hilal Cruise Past Al Ahli 3–0 in Third-Round Roshn League Clash
Al Hilal continued their strong start to the Roshn Saudi League season with a convincing 3–0 victory over Al Ahli in the third round.
Saudi News
Lubna Abdel Aziz Set to Star in New Series “Kalam Hawanim”
Saudi actress Lubna Abdel Aziz is set to lead the upcoming social comedy “Kalam Hawanim,” which is currently in preparation for production.
Saudi News
Riyadh Air Graduates First Cohort of Saudi Female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
Riyadh Air has celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers, with 26 women completing a specialised diploma programme in Riyadh.
F&B
Chipotle Officially Arrives in Saudi Arabia, Opening Its First Riyadh Branch
Chipotle Mexican Grill has officially arrived in Saudi Arabia, with Alshaya Group opening the brand’s first restaurant in the Kingdom at Sidra, next to Granada Mall in Riyadh.
Events
Saudi Event Show Returns to Riyadh, Connecting the Kingdom’s Events Industry
Saudi Arabia’s events industry is stepping into a new chapter, and Saudi Event Show is bringing the people shaping it together. Returning to Riyadh on 9–10 September, SES will connect event professionals, brands, suppliers, and industry leaders for two days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and new opportunities across the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving events landscape.
Sports
Al Ahli Defeat Auckland City 1–0 to Reach FIFA Intercontinental Cup Quarter-Finals
Al Ahli secured a place in the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Auckland FC at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. The Saudi champions, representing Asia after winning the AFC Champions League Elite, controlled much of the game but faced a disciplined Auckland defence in the first half.
Music
Dalia Mubarak Announces Her Retirement from the Music Industry
Saudi singer Dalia Mubarak has announced her decision to officially retire from the music industry, bringing an unexpected close to a career that has spanned more than a decade and established her as one of the prominent voices of the new generation of Saudi and Gulf music.
Events
Gipsy Kings to Make Jeddah Debut in September
Jeddah is set to welcome the legendary Gipsy Kings for their first-ever performance in the city on September 10, 2026, at Abadi Aljohar Arena, as part of their Viva El Arte 2026 tour.
Sports
Al Hilal and Aston Villa Close to Agreement for Ollie Watkins Transfer
Al Hilal have completed the signing of English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in a major move that strengthens the Saudi club’s attacking options.
Politics
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to Paris
Saudi Arabia and France have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering several strategic sectors.
Sports
Saudi Arabia Officially Joins the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Saudi Arabia’s national football team is set to officially participate in the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will take place next year in the United States.
Events
Crown Prince in Paris for the 2026 Esports World Cup Ceremony
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the 2026 Esports World Cup ceremony in Paris, joining a high-profile gathering that brought together prominent figures from the worlds of politics, sports and esports.
Sports
Saudi Football Calendar Updated for 2026–27 Season
The Saudi football calendar for the 2026–27 season has been officially updated following a request from Saudi national team head coach Georgios Donis, with revised dates announced for several major domestic competitions.
Fashion & Beauty
Riyadh Fashion Week 2026 Applications Are Now Open
Riyadh Fashion Week 2026 is set to return to the Saudi capital from October 15–20, bringing together designers, fashion brands, industry leaders, and fashion enthusiasts for another celebration of creativity and innovation.
Architecture & Design
NHC’s Khuzam Welcomes Riyadh Academy as Part of Its Growing Community
Khuzam is taking another step toward becoming more than a residential destination. With the opening of Riyadh Academy, affiliated with Misk Foundation, NHC is bringing education closer to everyday life within the community, adding a new dimension to a destination designed around living, services and quality of life.
Culture
Lubna Abdulaziz Takes on “Al Sahira” for Ramadan 2027
Lubna Abdulaziz is stepping into a new dramatic territory for Ramadan 2027 with “Al Sahira,” an upcoming series inspired by the real-life case widely known as the “Witch of Al Qurayyat.” Set against a story rooted in northern Saudi Arabia, the project marks a different turn in Abdulaziz’s career, bringing her into a darker and more suspense-driven world.
Architecture & Design
The New Era of Saudi Architecture: A Silent Revolution in Stone
The desert wind carries more than sand across the sweeping plains of the Najd region; today, it carries the quiet echoes of a profound architectural transformation. For decades, the skyline of Riyadh was characterised by utilitarian structures and ambitious, albeit sometimes disjointed, modern towers. Yet a new aesthetic paradigm is taking root — one that eschews ostentation in favour of restrained, almost meditative elegance.
Sports
How the Gulf Became Global Sport's New Centre of Gravity
A decade ago, global sport organisers viewed the Arabian Peninsula as an emerging market — promising but peripheral. Today they view it as the market. The transformation has been swift, deliberate, and extraordinarily well-funded, but it would be a mistake to reduce it to cheque-writing. The Gulf's rise in sport is also a story of infrastructure, hospitality, and a genuine cultural enthusiasm for competition that predates Vision 2030 by generations.
Events
Riyadh Season: Inside the World's Largest Entertainment Programme
Each October, Riyadh undergoes a metamorphosis. The city's already frenetic energy doubles, then doubles again, as the season's programme unfolds across more than fourteen distinct entertainment zones. Last year's edition drew eleven million visitors over three months — a number that exceeds the permanent population of many European capitals.
F&BSponsored
The Chefs Redefining Saudi Cuisine One Plate at a Time
There is a moment in many Saudi kitchens when the smell of cardamom and dried lime hits the air and something ancient stirs. The new generation of chefs working across Riyadh and Jeddah knows this moment well — they have trained in Copenhagen and Paris and Tokyo, yet it is always this smell, and the memory attached to it, that pulls them back to their own culinary roots.
Culture
AlUla: Where the Desert Remembers Everything
Drive north from Medina for four hours and the land changes its mind about what a landscape should be. The flat plains give way to sudden mountains of striated sandstone, their faces carved by wind into abstract sculptures that dwarf everything human. This is AlUla — a valley inhabited continuously for more than two hundred thousand years and now, improbably, one of the most discussed cultural destinations on earth.
Headlines
The Cities Saudi Arabia Is Building from Scratch
Somewhere in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, an army of engineers is building a city that does not yet exist — and may not exist in full for decades. NEOM, the flagship megaproject of Vision 2030, has become the most discussed, most debated, and most photographed urban concept of the twenty-first century. Its ambition is almost impossible to process: a linear city one hundred and seventy kilometres long, entirely car-free, powered entirely by renewable energy, housing up to nine million people.
Interviews
Hessa Al-Suwaidi: Designing Modest Fashion for a World Audience
When Hessa Al-Suwaidi shows her collections, the garments move the way water does — with an unhurried deliberateness that seems to resist the frantic pace of the fashion calendar. There is something deliberate about her fabrics, her silhouettes, her insistence on construction over decoration. It has made her one of the Gulf's most celebrated designers and one of its most misunderstood.
Events
MDL Beast: How a Festival Became a Movement
In December 2019, roughly four hundred thousand people descended on a tract of land on the outskirts of Riyadh for a three-day music festival that nobody quite knew how to categorise. Was it a concert? A cultural statement? An experiment? MDL Beast — named after the Arabic word for 'beast,' reimagined as a sound-beast — was all three, and the world took notice.
Culture
The Red Sea International Film Festival and Arab Cinema's New Confidence
Cinema arrived late to Saudi Arabia — commercially, at least. The first licensed multiplex opened in 2018, ending a thirty-five-year ban on public film screenings. But the creative energy that had accumulated during those decades of absence has erupted with an urgency that surprises even those who anticipated it.