A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 

Couples can explore the breathtaking Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. (Experiencealula.com)
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Updated 14 February 2025
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A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia 

RIYADH: Valentine’s Day is here and couples in Saudi Arabia can celebrate the day at some of these unique fine dining restaurants, or plan a romantic getaway. 

Chotto Matte offers a captivating blend of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a stunning setting at KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District). With breathtaking views and an atmosphere enhanced by live shows, it is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The special Valentine’s menu allows couples to savor innovative dishes while enjoying the city’s impressive skyline, making for an unforgettable evening.

“For our first Valentine’s Day in Riyadh, we are bringing together the bold flavors of Nikkei cuisine and the indulgence of selfcare.

"Guests can enjoy exclusive specials including White Chocolate & Matcha Heart dessert and Mariposa Rosa mocktail, alongside a special collaboration with RITUALS, who are gifting an exclusive wellbeing set.

"It’s all about celebrating love through taste, ambiance, and a touch of luxury,” said Kurt Zdesar, founder of Chotto Matte.

Brute sets the stage for a lively Latin-inspired celebration, featuring a curated menu that highlights the vibrant flavors of Latin America. Priced at SR850 ($226) per couple, this restaurant offers a festive atmosphere with live entertainment and a DJ, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy. Couples can indulge in delicious starters like shrimp chicharron and a classic surf and turf main course, all while enjoying the lively ambiance.

Guests at Clap can immerse themselves in a contemporary Japanese dining experience that exudes elegance and energy. For SR950 per couple, the meticulously crafted menu features sushi and sashimi paired with live entertainment. The electric atmosphere, combined with exquisite dishes, makes Clap an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate their love in style. 

Scott’s, a renowned seafood icon, invites couples to indulge in a romantic four-course menu. The intimate setting, adorned with candlelight and live jazz, creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. Guests can look forward to a heart-shaped dessert that adds a sweet finish to their dining experience, ensuring smiles all around. 

Bringing a touch of New York to Riyadh, Raoul’s offers a charming atmosphere with live music and a carefully crafted menu. Couples can enjoy a delightful dining experience enhanced by the sounds of a live band. The menu features delectable dishes, including creamy risotto with shrimp, and an indulgent chocolate dessert, perfect for a romantic night out. 

Bador Al-Huthail, who was born and raised in New York, is delighted to be taking his wife to Raoul’s on Valentine’s Day, and said: “My wife and I always visited Raoul’s when we lived in New York, and now we’re continuing that tradition here in Riyadh.”

At Nozomi, contemporary Japanese dining meets refined romance. This elegant venue offers an enchanting setting complemented by live music, making it an ideal choice for couples. The menu boasts must-try items like marinated yellowtail and jumbo tiger prawns, ensuring a memorable dining experience filled with flavor and ambiance.

Madeo invites guests to savor a Tuscan love story with a curated Valentine’s menu that captures the essence of Italian tradition. Couples can enjoy a rich Tuscan-inspired menu in a cozy atmosphere, complete with live music, making it a perfect spot for intimate conversations and indulgent culinary delights.

For a unique Swiss dining experience, The Swiss Bistro offers a SR390 set menu for two. Couples can enjoy delicacies like salmon salad, Swiss cheese fondue, and roast beef tenderloin in a charming and rustic setting, perfect for a cozy and romantic evening. 

Sushi Samba Riyadh invites guests to embark on a culinary adventure on Friday. Priced at SR400 per person, the restaurant offers an optional Valentine’s set menu featuring an indulgent lineup of dishes crafted by its executive chef. With live entertainment, including a violinist, and delightful dessert giveaways, Sushi Samba creates a romantic atmosphere that ensures an unforgettable experience. 

Mohammed Taher, who is taking his wife to Sushi Samba, said: “My wife loves sushi, and with the stunning view from Sushi Samba in the KAFD area, it’s the ideal spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day … just the way she enjoys it.”

ROKA KSA elevates Valentine’s Day celebrations with an exclusive set menu priced at SR295 per person. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional Japanese cuisine, ROKA offers live DJ performances and romantic decor, creating an ambiance perfect for couples looking to celebrate love.

Mansard Riyadh features several signature restaurants — Carbone, Sadelle’s, and L’Ami Dave  — each offering exquisite dining experiences enhanced by romantic settings. From live music to caricature artists, the venue transforms into a haven of love, ensuring that every detail is crafted for an unforgettable evening. 

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Jeddah’s resorts provide the perfect backdrop for love. Nothing is more enchanting than a trip featuring spa treatments and stunning beach views. The Narcissus Hotel and Spa stands out with its breathtaking view of Jeddah’s north coast, offering 60 villas of various sizes, from junior to royal, ensuring a luxurious stay. 

Another favored location for a quick escape is Durrat Al-Arus, known for its secluded villas that come with private beaches and pools. This bustling resort, popular among locals, offers a variety of activities, making it ideal for families as well. 

Couples can also explore the breathtaking Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. 

Climbing the impressive terrain of Harrat Uwayrid rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort, and AlUla Oasis. The natural beauty provides a romantic backdrop for couples looking to connect with nature and each other.


Saudi Arabia important as Red Sea is its front yard, says chief of EU naval mission

Rear Adm. Vasileios Gryparis, commander of the EU military mission EUNAVFOR Aspides. (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
Updated 41 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia important as Red Sea is its front yard, says chief of EU naval mission

  • ‘What we do is benefiting everybody,’ commander tells Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is an important regional power that needs to be kept informed of security operations in the Red Sea, Rear Adm. Vasileios Gryparis, commander of the EU military mission EUNAVFOR Aspides, has told Arab News.

The EU on Feb. 19 last year launched a maritime security operation, EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, in response to escalating Iran-backed Houthi attacks on warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, northwestern Indian Ocean, and the Gulf.

In an interview with Arab News, Gryparis, who was in Riyadh as part of a regional tour, said that the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, were important to help safeguard the freedom of navigation in the region.

He said: “Among the very important countries in the area is Saudi Arabia. So, my intention here is to inform the Kingdom about what we are doing.

“Because the Red Sea, where we operate, is the front yard of the Kingdom, we believe and we are honest in that we have to inform all the countries in the area that what we do is benefiting everybody.”

He thanked the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ authorities for their involvement in the MV Sounion tanker operation which helped to prevent 150,000 tonnes of oil from being spilled into the Red Sea.

He said: “This was dealing with probably an imminent environmental disaster. It’s one of the reasons for this visit, and also to thank the GCC authorities for their contribution.”

Commenting on Operation Aspides’ role in regional maritime security, he added: “It is crucial to build up the confidence of the shipowners and the shipping companies, and (that) they return gradually to their original trade. Of course, we are talking about civilians that are not used to being threatened in this way.”

He said that the actions of the force were “not only protecting the livelihoods of countries in the area, but also the lives of the local people.”

He added: “You can imagine that if we had had an oil spill from the MV Sounion tanker, this would have been three to four times worse than the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a major environmental disaster in Alaska in 1989.”

On the challenges posed by the Houthis, Gryparis said: “It is important to allow the shipping industry to understand that somebody is caring for them.

“We don’t mind about the nationality of the seafarers, because we believe in the freedom of navigation and the value of human life, so we are protecting exactly those values.”

Yemen’s maritime borders became a battleground in a wider regional and international power play following the start of the conflict in Gaza.

The Houthis have hindered maritime traffic through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, which provides access to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

On continuing the operation and its resulting challenges, Gryparis said: “This (the operation) is going to be here until this problem is solved.”

He added: “We are not allowed to enter the territorial seas and the airspace of Yemen. And any kinetic action that we take should always be necessary, proportionate and limited to the internal channel.”

The EU Council has recently extended the mandate of the maritime security operation until February 2026.

Gryparis said: “They trusted me and my operation that we are delivering. So, they understood the results that we have provided so far.

“They understood that the problem has not been solved yet, and they gave us extra time in order to reach the goal.

“Besides that, they entrusted me and my operation with new tasks. So, that means that they have good confidence in our capabilities.”


Saudi, Japanese FMs discuss crude oil supply, cooperation in Riyadh

Updated 01 May 2025
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Saudi, Japanese FMs discuss crude oil supply, cooperation in Riyadh

  • Prince Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to stable supply of crude oil to Japan
  • Countries are marking 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties.

The ministers reviewed strategic and economic relations between Riyadh and Tokyo, and highlighted the need for continued cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iwaya “expressed his gratitude for the stable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia over the years” and expects the Kingdom to continue its leading role in stabilizing the global crude oil market.

The ministry said that Prince Faisal “reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the stable supply of crude oil to Japan” and called for improved cooperation in the crude oil sector, as well as in clean energy.

The ministers discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in space and defense. They agreed to arrange for the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Council, for which the two countries signed a memorandum in February.

Saudi Arabia and Japan are marking the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Tokyo is passing the baton to the Kingdom from Expo 2025 in Osaka, which concludes in October, to the Riyadh Expo 2030, the ministry added.

Prince Faisal and Takeshi discussed regional issues, including the necessity of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, US-Iran nuclear negotiations, the war in Ukraine and efforts to achieve a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan, and Saud Al-Sati, deputy minister for political affairs, attended the meeting.

On Thursday, Takeshi also held talks with Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi to discuss the Gulf’s partnership with Japan in energy security.

The two officials agreed to cooperate in various areas, including politics, security, trade and investment. They also exchanged views on Gaza, Syria, Iran, the Red Sea and East Asia.


Spotlight on Saudi architecture at Venice Biennale panel

DAF announced their collaboration with Italian architecture firm Schiattarella Associati to host a panel in Venice. (Supplied)
Updated 01 May 2025
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Spotlight on Saudi architecture at Venice Biennale panel

  • Panel talk is part of “Building of the Future,” an initiative highlighting leading global architectural projects that redefine contemporary design

RIYADH: A discussion on Saudi architecture will be held on the sidelines of the Venice Biennale of Architecture on May 7. 

Diriyah Art Futures, or DAF, announced their collaboration with Italian architecture firm Schiattarella Associati to host a panel in Venice, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The panel, titled “A New Era for Art in Saudi Arabia: Building Future Institutions and Pioneering Architectures,” will discuss the role of contemporary design and digital innovation in Saudi architecture.

Speaking at the panel will be Mona Khazindar, adviser to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture; Haytham Nawar, director of Diriyah Art Futures; and Andrea and Amadeo Schiattarella, principal architects of Schiattarella Associati. The session will be moderated by acclaimed architect and art critic James Steele.

The panel talk is part of “Building of the Future,” an initiative highlighting leading global architectural projects that redefine contemporary design.

The panel will be held in the Querini Stampalia Foundation, one of Venice’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The event will bring together architects, cultural leaders, artists and media to engage in a dialogue about Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in the international creative and architectural landscape.

The foundation will also host an accompanying exhibition curated by Schiattarella Associati displaying models, sketches, videos, drawings, photographs and objects, inspired by the rocky escarpment of Diriyah’s landscape.

The exhibition, from May 7 to June 15, will showcase the Saudi Museums Commission’s contributions to Riyadh’s cultural development as part of Vision 2030.

Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in partnership with Diriyah Co., DAF contributes to the global new media and digital art landscape by integrating regional voices and pioneering practices in art, technology and innovation.


Photography competition winners celebrate Saudi landscapes and stories

Updated 01 May 2025
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Photography competition winners celebrate Saudi landscapes and stories

  • More than 1,300 people submitted their work to the Kingdom Photography Awards
  • Total of SR400,000 given to winners of the competition

JEDDAH: Two new photography exhibitions in Jeddah are celebrating the work of the winners of a competition that awarded a total of SR400,000 in prize money to participants.

“Hayy Aynak — In a New Light” and “When the Fog Whispers” were opened by the Visual Arts Commission at Hayy Jameel on Wednesday.

The exhibitions will run until May 25 in conjunction with the third Kingdom Photography Award, which began earlier this year.

The award has become a prominent platform for capturing the spirit of Saudi Arabia through the lens of its creative talents.

This exhibition celebrates the Kingdom’s natural beauty, cultural richness and artistic innovation through photography.

The competition invites artists to explore a specific region of the Kingdom through their work.

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, told Arab News: “The idea is to start to create through the lens of different photographers and their creative process, a body of work that captures the richness of the landscapes of Saudi Arabia through different languages of expression, different creative processes, different types of photography and storytelling to really create a visual odyssey almost through the landscape, the people and the environment of Saudi Arabia today.”

She added: “If you look in today’s exhibition, you’ll see some of the photographers have chosen to look at natural environment, landscape. Others have chosen to look at population and populated environments, so to speak, whereas others are really looking at tradition and history. So, with each engagement, we start to have this beautiful journey.”

The “Hayy Aynak” exhibition presents the winning works from the third running of the award, which received more than 1,300 submissions and awarded a total of SR400,000 in prizes.

The exhibition celebrates the aesthetics and diverse landscapes of the Kingdom — from the buzz of urban life to the stillness of the desert.

An international jury evaluated the submissions and selected the most compelling and meaningful stories based on creativity, technical proficiency and the narrative power of visual storytelling.

The second exhibition, “When the Fog Whispers,” takes visitors on a personal and emotional journey to the Asir region, long a source of artistic inspiration thanks to its mist-covered mountains and deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Five artists were selected to create special photography projects that reflected their relationships with the Asir landscape. The resulting works are visually captivating and rich in reflection, documentation and human connection.

Mohammed Sumji, the curator of the third outing of the award, told Arab News about the experience of bringing photographers together to explore the distinctive landscape of Asir.

“We selected the region of Asir, and the five photographers that we selected were known to me, and I basically selected them based on their potential to make works especially around Asir because they practice dealing with either stories of people’s lived experiences or landscapes. I’m very happy with how it’s come out.”

Saudi photographer, Abdulmajeed Al-Ruwaidan, chose the theme “Roadside Stations” for his submission, documenting the architecture of old Saudi gas stations before they disappeared under modern development.

Elham Al-Dossary, also from Saudi Arabia, chose the theme “Crossing Asir,” blending her late father’s archive as a photographer with contemporary images to create a visual narrative that meditates on memory and transformation.

For the past two years, Ilham has been helping her father archive his work, and a small part of that archive is dedicated to his time in Asir.

“He has an archive at home that dates back to the 1960s and ’70s,” she told Arab News.

She continued: “The archive became a way to view Asir through a personal and familial lens.

“There’s a connection between me and my father — through the land, through the people — and I also wanted to explore more stories, not just about him, but about life there and the areas we photographed, like Al-Habla and others.”

Mohamed Mahdy, from Egypt, titled his collection “When the Land Loves You.” It is a poignant portrayal of the emotional connection between the people of Asir and their land, captured through nostalgic and heartfelt imagery.

Lina Geoushy, also from Egypt, called her collection “Daughters of Al-Qatt.” Hers is a colorful celebration of the women who sustain the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artform, recognized by UNESCO. Her photographs honor this living tradition.

She told Arab News: “This photo is especially important to me because it’s in this very rich village, Rijal Almaa … it plays on the idea of the inside and the outside, the internal spaces or imaginaries and the landscape; the lady in the photo is Sharifa Mahdy, who’s been practicing this art for 25 years, and she learnt it from the famous Fatima Abou Gahas.

“Apart from it being a life tradition, Qatt art has healing powers … it gives them confidence and positivity and it’s sort of like a refuge for them.”

Hicham Gardaf, from Morocco, created a collection titled “The Road to the Juniper.” It is a meticulously crafted visual journey through juniper forests, where nature becomes a silent cultural archive filled with untold stories.

He told Arab News: “I imagined this massive juniper tree with roots spreading across Asir — like routes we travel, all leading back to this one tree that connects the land, the people and their stories.”

Throughout the exhibition period, the Visual Arts Commission will also host a series of interactive workshops and panel discussions featuring local and international experts.

These sessions aim to create space for dialogue, skill development and knowledge exchange, enriching visitors’ experience and fostering artistic and professional growth across various fields of the visual arts.


City Walk Jeddah reopens with new attractions until June 14

Updated 01 May 2025
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City Walk Jeddah reopens with new attractions until June 14

  • Seven sections spanning 281,000 sq. m offer a range of activities
  • Rides, theatrical performances and dining options on offer

JEDDAH: City Walk, part of Jeddah Season, officially reopened on Wednesday with a range of new attractions.

Running until June 14, this year’s event features seven themed zones spanning 281,000 sq. m. — Wonder Wall, Tomorrow Land, Fantasy Land, Cairo Nights, Black Forest, Adventure Land and The Garden.

Each section features games, rides and other family-friendly activities.

Salma Al-Harbi, a visitor from Makkah, told Arab News: “We’ve been visiting City Walk for the past three years, but this year truly stands out.

“There are so many new attractions, the experience is more affordable, and the waiting times are much shorter.

“My kids especially loved Luca Land where they got to play with different dog breeds. And for the whole family, the horror zone was definitely the highlight.”

Another, visitor Yazeed Al-Harbi, said: “There’s a great mix of thrills and relaxation. I didn’t expect to enjoy the painting area as much as I did. It’s really inclusive and well thought-out.”

For those seeking light-hearted fun, Joy Plex offers activities for children with characters such as Shaun the Sheep, Masha and the Bear, and Bluey leading interactive adventures.

The nearby Joy Plex-X expands on this with activities such as the Slime Festival, Stumble Guys, and Jelly Zone.

“City Walk is amazing this year, my kids loved the Slime Fest and meeting their favorite cartoon characters in the air-conditioned space, which was a great relief from the hot weather outside,” said Rana Khalid, who came with her children.

“There’s so much to do for everyone in the family.”

Beyond the rides and characters, the 2025 event includes a number of creative and educational activities.

Splash Studio invites guests to paint on the walls, while Navigation Land has air rifle shooting, archery and remote-controlled vehicles.

The Birds & Reptiles Cave gives nature lovers a chance to interact with and learn about exotic species through guided tours.

City Walk also hosts theatrical shows such as A Thousand and One Nights, Pasha, and Broken World.

Beyond the attractions, the event features 77 retail outlets and 65 restaurants and cafes.

Oat Chayanin, from Thailand, who is showcasing handmade cotton owls and other products, said: “I brought a selection of handmade owls from Thailand, along with some medicinal products.

“It’s been wonderful to see how excited people in Saudi Arabia are to learn about Thai culture and show such respect for the products.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with customers and learning more about Saudi culture so I can better understand what to bring for future events.”

Project manager, Mohammed Fahad, said: “The horror-themed attractions are a major highlight this year.”

“Experiences like Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach plunge visitors into a chilling maze of terrifying challenges, while Music Hell offers ghostly concerts brought to life by a skeleton band.

“Le Grand Hotel takes guests on a suspense-filled journey through a haunted building, testing their nerves at every turn.”