10 things to do in Riyadh over the Eid Al-Fitr holidays
From a relaxing staycation to outdoor adventures and special dining offers…
The much-awaited long weekend is here. For those staying in Riyadh during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, here are some of our top picks on things to do in the capital city.
Tuesday May 11
Visit the Strawberry Lake
View this post on Instagram
This lovely farm, located about 40 minutes outside of Riyadh city, lets you pick strawberries for SAR20 per pack. There is also a range of other facilities, from a pond with ducks and geese, a birdhouse, and a fish farm to a traditional tent for you to chill out. Plus, there is a lawn where kids can run around and play. Just make sure to call before you head over.
Strawberry Lake, Al Kharj Road, Al Amajiyah, Riyadh 11543, Coordinates: CXWV+F4, daily 4pm to 2am. Entry: SAR10 for adults, SAR5 for children. Tel: 056 021 8894. @strawberry_lake
Check into Al Faisaliah Hotel
Delight your loved ones with a luxurious getaway at Al Faisaliah Hotel. Prices start from SAR1,276, and the package includes daily iftar at the La Brasserie for up to two guests. You also get to enjoy 20 per cent off on treatments at Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11564. Tel: 011 273 2000. Mandarinoriental.com
Wednesday May 12
A fun day out in Thumamah dunes
View this post on Instagram
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Thumamah is one of the popular destinations to rent quad bikes and roar through the rolling dunes. It’s also a great place to enjoy camel rides, kite-flying, or dune bashing and sandboarding. For those seeking a taste of the local culture, you can also rent a traditional Saudi-style Bedouin tent campsite.
Thumamah National Park, Coordinates: 4MFC+37.
Check out this new pet-friendly café
View this post on Instagram
Not only is The Barking Lot a fantastic dog-friendly café, but it offers excellent grooming services, too. The staff love having the dogs, and the whole café and shop is based around dogs and pets. Customers without dogs are also known to visit just so they can be around the adorable pooches.
The Barking Lot, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12341 3539, Coordinates: PM76+5M, Sat to Thurs 7.30am to 3pm (opening hours might differ after Ramadan and Eid). Tel: 050 990 5018. @thebarkinglot.sa
Thursday May 13
Start your day off right with breakfast at Jar
View this post on Instagram
Jar is now open for breakfast. You will find many delicious options on its menu, including Turkish eggs, foul skillet, eggs on sourdough toast, pancakes, sweetcorn fritters and Banoffee French toast.
Jar, Back Yard, King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, AlYasmin, Riyadh 13326, daily 6am onwards. Tel: 055 106 5144. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @jar.saudia
Indulge in Nobu’s Eid menu for dinner
View this post on Instagram
If you fancy tucking into some Japanese cuisine over the holidays, Nobu might be the perfect choice for you. Their exclusive Eid menu gives you the opportunity to try some of the restaurant’s classics, including white fish tiradito, yellowtail nigiri, black cod miso, wagyu rib-eye truffle teriyaki and Nobu cheesecake.
Nobu, King Fahd Rd, Al Anoud Tower 2, Riyadh, daily 1pm to 1am. SAR500 per person for Eid Classic & SAR750 per person for Eid Premium (minimum of two guests). Tel: 011 297 8300. @nobuhotelriyadh
Friday May 14
Friday brunch at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya
View this post on Instagram
The ‘Made In USA’ brunch at 56th Avenue Diner is back. Get ready for a feast of American favourites, from succulent steaks to roasts, pancakes, waffles, and its iconic homemade desserts. Enjoy 15 per cent off when you book online.
56th Avenue Diner, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Olaya Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, Fri 1.30pm to 5.30pm. SAR295 per person. Tel: 053 341 1234. @hyattregencyriyadholaya
Picnic in the park
View this post on Instagram
Put Salam Park on your Riyadh Parks bucket list if you have not visited it yet. The 25-hectare park has an artificial lake, walking trails, beautiful big trees, and lots of open space so your kids can run around and play while you sit back and relax. Pack along a few sandwiches and other snacks, plus some sliced-up fruits, and you have created a wonderful picnic in the park.
Salam Park, Salam St, Al Salam, Riyadh 12651, daily 1pm to 1am. Entry: SAR12 per person. Enter from Gate 2.
Saturday May 15
Celebrate Eid with brunch at Marriott DQ
View this post on Instagram
Feast in an exquisite range of local and international flavours with Goji Kitchen’s sumptuous buffets and live cooking stations. To top off your Eid celebration, enjoy a scrumptious spread of desserts, including assorted Arabic sweet treats, fruit platters, and cakes.
Goji Kitchen, Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, 6781 Abdullah AlSahmi Street, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 12511, 1pm to 5pm. SAR195 for adults, half price for children. Tel: 059 159 1728. @marriottriyadhdq
Shop local for Saudi souvenirs
View this post on Instagram
Saudi Scenes feels like more of a lifestyle choice than just a store. Pick up the beautifully designed gifts, jewellery, and artwork – there’s no better place to find locally made goods than in Saudi Scenes. You could spend hours browsing through all the eclectic mix of products, each one more wondrous than the last.
Saudi Scenes Gallery, Villa 3, 3212 Al Imarat, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12324 7350. By appointments only. Tel: 054 084 872. @saudi_scenes
Images: Instagram