Riyadh has seen a cultural renaissance in recent years, with new landmarks transforming the city into a dynamic hub for art, creativity, and heritage. These destinations reflect the capital’s commitment to becoming a global cultural center—showcasing local identity while embracing international influences.
JAX District
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZUjVNVQaKBoqQRgdA
Located in Diriyah, JAX District is a creative powerhouse that has turned a former industrial area into a thriving arts scene. Home to the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA)—the country’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art—the district also hosts major events like the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale and Noor Riyadhlight festival. With its blend of traditional architecture and modern design, JAX aligns with Vision 2030 to foster cultural exchange and accessibility.
Al Mousa Center
📍 Location: https://g.co/kgs/fBWgCTb
Once an iconic shopping destination for fashion lovers in Riyadh, Al Mousa Center has evolved into a cultural hotspot. Known for its 150 retail stores, it’s now home to 20 contemporary art galleries, including Ahlam Gallery and Errm Gallery, which spotlight leading Saudi artists.
It was one of the key venues for Art Week Riyadh 2025, themed “At The Edge”, featuring exhibitions, rare collections, talks, and live performances that explored transitions and liminality in art.
Al-Samhania
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRzPKxd4yJ7yY9rSA
Tucked in historic Diriyah, Al-Samhania offers a rich cultural and culinary experience. Blending Najdi architecture with modern-day comforts, it’s home to the Museum of Bygone Years, traditional cafés like Hodaj, Mjabb, and Pistrina Bakery, and scenic walking/cycling paths leading to At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace. It’s a charming destination where heritage and leisure meet.
Riyadh Oases – FoodSphere
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RpC7A5YDirUzCVrK7
⏰ 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
FoodSphere is an interactive cultural and educational center that explores the future of food, sustainability, and biodiversity. Located on Al-Tahlia Street, this 11,000 sqm venue features three themed zones: The Apiary (bees & biodiversity), The Oasis (Saudi traditions of dates & coffee), and The Biosphere (sustainable food systems)
Part of the broader Riyadh Oases initiative, it’s an innovative space that connects food, heritage, and environment.
King Fahad Cultural Center
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hjgMcGGzPTuTp242A
Revamped to modern standards, the King Fahad Cultural Center is a key venue for performances, exhibitions, and seminars. It now features hologram tech shows, Arab and international film screenings, and theatrical events, securing its place as a cornerstone of Riyadh’s evolving cultural scene.
Ad-Dho District
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7gtsT7WD5eBkraNa9
With the opening of Qasr Al Hokm, one of the main interchange stations of the Riyadh Metro, the Ad-Doha District is undergoing renovations to become the next cultural hub in Riyadh. The area of mudbrick buildings will open stores and restaurants soon; while waiting, people can stroll in its alleys and visit the nearby Souk Al Zal, Deera Square, Al Masmak Fortress, and Deera Abaya Souk for a more immersive cultural experience.
Coming Soon: The Royal Arts Complex
Slated to open within King Salman Park, the Royal Arts Complex will be a landmark for arts and education. Covering 500,000 sqm, it will feature the Museum of World Cultures, a 2,300-seat National Theatre, The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts and an Arts Library.
With architecture that honors Saudi heritage while embracing the future, this mega-project underscores Riyadh’s ambition to lead in the global cultural arena.
