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A tall glass of chilled sobia with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, surrounded by barley grains and rose petals.
Food & Drink

Sobia: A Guide to the Gulf's Refreshing Barley and Bread Drink

Sobia is a lightly sweet, spiced drink made from barley, bread or oats, traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan and hot summer days across the Gulf, especially in Saudi Arabia's Hijaz region.

Vast sand dunes of the Empty Quarter under a clear blue sky.
Travel

Empty Quarter: A Practical Guide to the World's Largest Sand Desert

The Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the largest continuous sand desert on Earth. Here's how to visit this vast, beautiful landscape safely and respectfully.

Traditional stone houses and green terraces in the Asir mountains of Saudi Arabia
Travel

Asir: A Practical Guide to Saudi Arabia's Cool Mountain Heartland

Escape the heat and discover the green terraces, historic villages and mountain culture of Saudi Arabia's Asir region.

The iconic Qasr al-Farid tomb at Hegra, Saudi Arabia, standing in a desert landscape
Travel

Hegra (Madain Saleh): A practical guide to Saudi Arabia's Nabataean city

Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a remarkable journey into the ancient Nabataean civilisation, with rock-cut tombs and desert landscapes that rival Petra.

Empty conference room set up for an international meeting
News

Saudi FM holds regional security talks at G20 meeting in Atlanta

Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Russian, Canadian and EU officials on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta to discuss bilateral ties and regional stability.

Skyline of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
News

Saudi Arabia Sends Condolences to Italy, Spain After Fatal Accidents

Riyadh expressed sympathy to the families of those killed in a military helicopter crash in Bosnia and a train collision in Spain this week.

A wide aerial view of the Expo 2030 Riyadh site under construction with modern building structures and landscaped areas.
News

Saudi Arabia and US sign official Expo 2030 Riyadh participation pact

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of a G20 ministerial meeting in Atlanta, formalises US participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh and paves the way for a national pavilion.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle driving across sand dunes in the desert.
Travel

Desert Driving in the Gulf: A Practical Guide to Safe Off-Road Adventures

From tyre pressure to recovery gear, here is what you need to know before heading into the dunes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Traditional mud-brick buildings with triangular windows in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Travel

Diriyah: A practical guide to Riyadh's historic heart

Just outside Riyadh, the mud-brick alleys of At-Turaif in Diriyah tell the story of the first Saudi state. Here's how to make the most of a visit.

Skyline of Atlanta, Georgia, at dusk
News

Energy security in focus at G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta

The G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta puts energy security and supply chains at the centre of discussions, with Saudi Arabia among attendees.

Modern government building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
News

Saudi defence minister holds calls with NATO and allied counterparts

Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held phone talks with NATO and counterparts from Canada, Germany, Spain, Malaysia and Kuwait to discuss regional security and defence cooperation.

A laptop with charts and a map of the Gulf region on a desk
Business

How to Conduct Market Research in the Gulf: A Practical Guide

Understanding local consumers, cultural nuances and data sources is key to entering Gulf markets successfully. This guide covers the essential steps for thorough market research.

Rain clouds over a mountain in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
News

Saudi Arabia: Heavy rain in Tabuk, positive child development stats

Tabuk recorded the highest rainfall at 66.8mm in Jabal Al-Lawz, while GASTAT reports 85.3% of young children developmentally on track.

Panoramic view of the Edge of the World cliffs in Saudi Arabia
Travel

Edge of the World, Saudi Arabia: a practical guide to Riyadh's desert escarpment

The Edge of the World offers sweeping views over an ancient desert plateau. Here's how to visit responsibly and what to expect from the journey.

Traditional coral-stone houses with wooden balconies in Al Balad, Jeddah
Travel

A practical guide to exploring Al Balad, Jeddah's historic old town

Wander through coral-stone houses, bustling souqs and hidden courtyards in the UNESCO-listed heart of Jeddah. Here is how to plan your visit.

Hands holding a smartphone with a simple app interface
News

GOSI adds seven languages to website and app

Saudi Arabia's General Organization for Social Insurance has added Urdu, Bengali, Filipino, Hindi, Sinhala, Nepali and Indonesian to its website and app, making digital services more accessible for non-Arabic and non-English speakers.

A small paper cup of karak tea held in a hand
Travel

Karak tea in the Gulf: a practical guide to the region's favourite brew

Sweet, milky and spiced, karak tea is the Gulf's beloved everyday drink. Here is what it is, where to find it and how to order it like a local.

Palm trees and a traditional mud-brick fort in Al Hasa oasis
Travel

Al Hasa Oasis, Saudi Arabia: a practical guide to the Gulf's lush heartland

Al Hasa, a UNESCO-listed oasis in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, offers palm groves, historic forts and a cool escape from desert heat. Here is how to plan a visit.

Traditional frame drums resting on a rug at a desert heritage gathering
Culture

Ardah: The Sword Dance at the Heart of Gulf Celebrations

Drums, poetry and swords come together in the ardah, a traditional performance seen at national days, weddings and festivals across the Gulf. Here is what to look for.

Assorted dates of different colours piled in bowls at a market stall
Food & Drink

A Beginner's Guide to Gulf Dates: Varieties, Ripening Stages and How to Enjoy Them

From buttery Sukkari to dark, chewy Ajwa, here is how to tell the Gulf's favourite dates apart and get the most out of every box you buy.