6 entertaining things to do in Riyadh this week: May 2 to May 5
Hello, May…
Yay, we’ve made it to May. Start the new week with our top picks of things to do, see and more in Riyadh.
Sunday May 2
Check out the Ramadan market
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More than 20 specially installed kiosks are waiting to be explored at The Boulevard’s Ramadan Market. Located around the urban lifestyle and dining destination’s driveway until May 11, the pop-up attraction offers a wide range of retail items such as fragrances, jewellery pieces, fashion accessories and much more. Visitors to The Boulevard can also enjoy an iftar or suhoor meal at the diverse choice of cafes and restaurants.
Ramadan Market, The Boulevard Riyadh, 7584 5186 Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13513, daily 9pm to 2am. Tel: 050 040 2311. @theboulevard_riyadh
Monday May 3
Visit the iconic King Fahd National Library
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The King Fahd National Library is, to put it mildly, eye-catching. Designed by German architect Professor Eckhard Gerber and his Gerber Architekten team, this futuristic structure of steel and glass features lozenge-shaped textile awnings, which playfully combine revelation and concealment. The library houses 6,000 original manuscripts and nearly 73,000 photocopied transcripts, with 7,000 digitised for online readers. We love how the well-stocked rows of books bring a splash of colour and life to this modernist book emporium.
King Fahd National Library, 6757 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12211, Ramadan hours: Sun to Thurs 10am to 4.30pm. Tel: 011 418 6111. @kfnlgov
Take part in ‘The Walking Dead’ trivia
Who doesn’t love trivia? Bonus points if you a true fan of The Walking Dead. Syrup Lounge is hosting ‘The Walking Dead’ quiz night, so gather your WD friends and put your knowledge to the test. Let’s see how well you know Rick Grimes and his team.
Syrup Lounge, 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, An Narjis, Riyadh 11564, 1am to 3am. SAR150 per person, including snacks and drinks. Tel: 011 228 8006. @syrupnow
Tuesday May 4
Enjoy iftar and suhoor deals at Voco Riyadh
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Indulge in a mouth-watering iftar with Ramadan vibes at Naya restaurant or enjoy suhoor at Voco Hotel’s Horizon restaurant. What’s more, you’ll get to enjoy 50 per cent off your meals, whether it’s just for dining in, take-aways or private catering. The offer is valid until May 12.
Voco Riyadh, opposite of Ministry of Interior, King Fahd Rd, An Namudhajiyah, Riyadh 13003. Tel: 011 457 9999. @vocoriyadh
Sign up for martial arts classes
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Get in shape and learn self-defence with martial arts classes at House of Warriors. The facilities are second to none, with a boxing ring and matted training areas for other disciplines. Open only to males and children aged five to 12 years, House of Warriors teaches and trains a variety of martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and kickboxing. They also offer summer camp for children.
House of Warriors MMA, Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nafal, Riyadh 11564, daily 8am to 11pm (Ramadan and Eid hours may differ). Tel: 055 507 0521. @house_ofwarriorsmma
Wednesday May 5
Let’s talk about healthy minds
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Learn how to put your mental health first in this ‘Healthy Minds and Lives’ workshop by coach Diana Kanaan. Not only will there be discussion around mental wellbeing, but you’ll also get to learn meditation techniques and advice on healthy eating and living. Held at the AlMashtal Creative Space in DQ, this programme is catered only for the ladies, and limited tickets are available; there will be a dedicated workshop for men on May 6.
AlMashtal Creative Space, Diplomatic Quarter, P St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12523, 11pm to midnight. SAR115 per person. Tel: 055 444 7499. @almashtal.space
Images: Instagram