With summer temperatures in Riyadh soaring above 40°C, outdoor gatherings have become rare.
While some Saudis see the heat as a barrier to social life, others adapt with cooling spaces.
Social habits are shifting toward malls, cafes, and play areas as new gathering hubs.
Traditional home visits with coffee and conversation remain part of Saudi culture.
But working mothers and young families are increasingly meeting in indoor play zones.
These spots allow parents to socialize while children enjoy safe entertainment.
Shopping malls have become a major alternative for busy professionals and families.
They offer events, entertainment zones, and spaces for casual or formal meetings.
For many, malls save time, money, and energy compared with hosting at home.
Cafes, meanwhile, have flourished as venues for networking and collaboration.
Stylish interiors and varied menus have fueled Riyadh’s fast-growing coffee culture.
Some trace the trend to pandemic-era isolation, which changed how people connect.
Still, some residents value outdoor spots when designed with comfort in mind.
Well-planned venues like Sikka draw visitors despite the heat, while many await cooler months for camping and park outings.
Whether indoors or outdoors, Saudis are reshaping traditions to match modern life.
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