Man, I still remember stepping off the plane in Riyadh for the first time, expecting… I don’t know, just endless sand and total silence.
What I found instead?
A country that completely flipped my assumptions upside down.
People were zipping around in cars between massive shopping malls, sipping coffee at trendy cafes at midnight, and planning weekend desert camping trips like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Saudi Arabia isn’t what you see in the headlines—it’s way more layered, more interesting, and honestly, more fun than I ever imagined.
So what do people actually do here?
Let me show you.
They Explore Ancient Ruins That’ll Blow Your Mind
Saudi Arabia preserves monumental tombs carved into rock at ancient Nabataean sites, and trust me, when you stand in front of them, you kinda forget how to breathe for a second.
I’m talking about places like Hegra in AlUla—think Petra’s quieter, lesser-known cousin.
These aren’t just “old rocks.” They’re 2,000-year-old cities carved right into cliffsides, and the country is untouched and beautiful in ways that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
When I visited AlUla, I couldn’t stop staring at the detail in the tombs—like, how did they even do this without modern tools?
And the best part?
You’re not elbowing through crowds of tourists yet.
It’s still a relatively new destination not overrun by tourists, which means you get these epic historical moments almost to yourself.
The light hits the sandstone differently depending on the time of day—golden hour is absolutely insane out there.
If you’re into history or just want to see something that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, this is it.
People who live here make weekend trips to these sites, and honestly, I get it now.
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They Spend Hours in Shopping Malls (And Actually Enjoy It)
I know what you’re thinking—shopping malls?
Really?
But hear me out.
Saudi cities resemble post-World War II western cities with superhighways, shopping malls and fast food, and malls here aren’t just about shopping—they’re like social hubs.
Families hang out there.
Friends meet up for coffee.
People spend entire evenings just walking around, eating, window shopping.
The malls have everything—international brands, local shops, food courts with cuisine from around the world, entertainment zones, even ice skating rinks.
And because the weather gets brutally hot in summer, these air-conditioned spaces become the go-to spot.
I’ve seen kids playing in indoor adventure parks while their parents grab dinner at some fancy restaurant with a view of the fountain show outside.
It’s a vibe, you know?
Very relaxed, very communal.
Late-night mall runs are a thing here—some places stay open till midnight or later.
So yeah, people in Saudi Arabia do a lot of their socializing and leisure time inside these massive, modern complexes.
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This one’s huge.
The red sand dunes near Riyadh are perfect for adventurous activities, with people zipping across dunes and carving paths on quad bikes.
I went dune bashing on my second trip, and holy hell, it’s a rush.
You’re basically flying over these massive sand dunes in a 4×4, your stomach dropping every time you crest a hill.
It’s part amusement park ride, part off-road adventure, and 100% addictive.
Saudi Arabia is perfectly suited for camping and desert safaris, with the AlUla desert being one of the most beautiful sites to set up camp.
After the adrenaline wears off, people set up camp, make traditional tea, and just sit under the stars.
And the stars?
Unreal.
Zero light pollution out there.
Some people bring their own gear, others book tours that include everything—tents, food, even camel rides.
It brings you close to Arabian and Bedouin life, forgetting the crowded city and indulging in nighttime stargazing.
It’s one of those experiences that reminds you how big the world actually is.
They Pray Five Times a Day (And Everything Pauses)
Okay, so this one’s different from what I’m used to back home, but it’s a huge part of daily life here.
Saudi Arabia observes five daily prayers, and during prayer times, many businesses close briefly and activities pause.
At first, I didn’t know what was happening—I’d be mid-shopping and suddenly all the shops would close their doors for like 20 minutes.
But once I understood the rhythm, it actually became kinda calming.
Prayer is an essential part of daily life, and shops close during prayer times out of respect.
People head to mosques, or they pray wherever they are—sometimes you’ll see prayer rugs rolled out in the back of a store or even outside.
It’s a moment of pause in an otherwise busy day.
And honestly?
I started using those breaks to just sit, have some tea, people-watch.
It’s woven into the culture so deeply that everyone just adapts—locals and expats alike.
They Drink A LOT of Coffee (The Saudi Way)
If you think Americans love their coffee, wait till you meet Saudis.
The combination of Saudi coffee and dates is standard at gatherings and social settings, especially within Bedouin tribes.
Saudi coffee—called qahwa—is nothing like your morning latte.
It’s spiced with cardamom, served in tiny cups, and you’re expected to drink at least three rounds (it’s polite).
Tea and coffee are very popular drinks throughout the day, and I mean throughout.
People meet for coffee in the morning, afternoon, evening—basically any excuse works.
Cafes are everywhere, from traditional spots where older men sit and chat to trendy modern places where young people hang out with laptops and smartphones.
It’s common to offer Arabic coffee and dates as a symbol of hospitality, and if someone invites you into their home, you’re getting coffee.
No question.
The whole ritual is about connection—slowing down, talking, being present.
I’ve had some of my best conversations over tiny cups of qahwa with people I barely knew an hour before.
It’s a daily tradition that brings people together.
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They Feast on Incredible Food
Let me tell you—Saudi food is seriously underrated.
Saudi cuisine centers around rich flavors, slow-cooked meats, aromatic spices, and hearty rice-based dishes, with Kabsa being the national dish.
Kabsa is this fragrant spiced rice topped with tender lamb or chicken, often garnished with nuts and raisins.
It’s comfort food on another level.
Mandi, originating from Yemen but widely popular in Saudi Arabia, is a rice-based dish featuring tender meat cooked in an underground oven with a distinct smoky flavor.
When I tried Mandi for the first time, I understood why people rave about it—the meat just falls apart, and that smoky flavor?
Chef’s kiss.
Flat unleavened bread is a staple of virtually every meal, as are fresh fruit and dates.
Meals are communal—big platters in the center of the table, everyone digging in together.
Food is a central part of Saudi life, and they go to great efforts to please guests at meals.
If you’re invited to someone’s home, prepare to be fed until you can’t move.
It’s a hospitality thing.
And the variety—from street food shawarma to fancy restaurant spreads—means you’re never bored.
Hit the Beaches and Go Diving
Yep, beaches.
Saudi Arabia has coastline on both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, and people absolutely take advantage of it.
When visiting Saudi Arabia, water activities at the Red Sea include diving, snorkeling, and boat trips, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
I went diving near Jeddah, and the coral reefs were some of the healthiest I’ve seen anywhere.
The water’s warm, visibility is great, and you’ve got sea turtles, colorful fish, the whole deal.
Potential tourist areas include Red Sea diving, and more people are discovering it every year.
Families pack up and head to the coast for weekends—some have beach houses, others just camp out on the sand.
There are beach clubs popping up now too, with loungers, food, and that resort vibe.
It’s a totally different side of Saudi Arabia that most people don’t expect.
And yeah, the sunsets over the Red Sea?
Absolutely stunning.
They Attend Concerts and Entertainment Events
This one’s a recent development, and it’s wild how fast things have changed.
In 2018, the government ended the 30-year ban on cinemas, and by 2022 there were 56 movie theaters.
Now people go to the movies just like anywhere else—catching the latest Hollywood blockbuster or a local film.
But it’s not just cinemas.
Riyadh Season is a six-month entertainment festival that includes international concerts, sport events, Michelin star restaurants, and family-oriented activities.
I caught a concert during Riyadh Season, and the energy was insane—thousands of people, incredible production, world-class performers.
Saudi Arabia hosts big film festivals and cultural events in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, showing movies from many different countries.
It’s become a major part of social life, especially for younger Saudis who are all about these experiences.
The vibe at these events is electric—people are excited, dressed up, taking photos, living it up.
Entertainment options have exploded, and people are soaking it all in.
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Soccer—or football, as the rest of the world calls it—is massive in Saudi Arabia.
Like, people are passionate about it.
Saudi Arabia has hosted major sporting events and invested heavily in sports infrastructure, and you can feel that energy everywhere.
Local leagues draw huge crowds, and when the national team plays, the whole country basically stops.
I watched a match at a café once, and the place erupted when Saudi Arabia scored—strangers hugging, horns honking outside, pure chaos in the best way.
But it’s not just soccer.
Motorsports are getting huge too, with Formula E races and the Dakar Rally now happening in Saudi Arabia.
People love heading to these events—it’s become a whole weekend thing with friends and family.
And then there’s traditional sports like camel racing and falconry, which might sound niche but are actually super popular, especially in more rural areas.
I watched a camel race once, and honestly?
Way more exciting than I expected.
Kids grow up playing soccer in the streets, in parks, anywhere there’s space.
Sports clubs and fitness centers are everywhere now too—gyms, CrossFit boxes, even rock climbing facilities.
The government’s pushing for a more active lifestyle, and people are into it.
Whether it’s kicking a ball around with friends or attending a world-class sporting event, sports are woven into daily life here.
It’s another way people connect, compete, and just blow off steam.
They Visit Museums and Cultural Sites
Saudi Arabia is investing in culture with museums and art galleries, like the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, which has art shows, learning programs, and cultural events.
I spent an afternoon at Ithra, and honestly, I didn’t want to leave.
The architecture alone is worth the visit—this massive, futuristic building that looks like something from a sci-fi movie.
Inside, there are galleries, a theater, a library, interactive exhibits about Saudi history and culture.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is the most famous museum, established in 1999 in Riyadh, highlighting the history of the Arabian Peninsula and Saudi Arabia.
People—locals and expats—visit these places to learn, to get inspired, to see art from around the world.
There’s also the old heritage sites, like At-Turaif in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with carefully restored mud-brick structures from the 15th century.
Walking through those ancient streets, you can almost hear the echoes of the past.
Cultural tourism is a big deal here now, and people genuinely take pride in sharing their heritage.
