10 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 27 to 29
Happy weekend…
Looking for some activities to fill your weekend? We’ve got you covered. Riyadh’s social calendar is packed with things to do, from art programmes and exhibitions to on-track and off-track activities at Formula E.
Here are ten amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday January 27
1. Bliss out at the new ladies’ spa at Shaza Riyadh
Pamper yourself with customised treatments at Shaza Riyadh Hotel Residences and dwell in the epitome of calm. You’ll also get to enjoy full access to the new ladies’ spa facilities, which features the fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna rooms.
Shaza Riyadh, Eastern Ring Branch Rd, Al Jazirah, Riyadh 14251. Ladies’ spa, daily 9am to 6pm. Tel: 011 834 9000. @shazariyadh
2. Off-the-beaten-track desert camping
Some of you may disagree but camping in the desert is a rite of passage. So, do it now when the temperature is still cool. If you’re unsure where to go, head out to these popular camping spots around Riyadh. Remember, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential to venture into the desert for a spot of dune bashing, and we recommend travelling with a minimum of two cars.
3. Celebrate local talent at the Saudi Design Festival
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The first Saudi Design Festival brings together local talent in the region to celebrate great design, connect, reimagine the future and cement Saudi’s presence on the global design map. There’s a wealth of exhibitions and events taking place, from an eco-friendly concept store to 3D canvases. You don’t want to miss this if you’re into contemporary arts.
Saudi Design Festival, JAX District, Diriyah, until Jan 29, 5pm onwards. SAR75 on weekends. @saudidesignfestival
4. Live stream of Saudi Arabia vs Oman in 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
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Saudi Arabia and Oman will battle for three points in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday. So, gather your friends and catch the much-anticipated game at U Walk. Sports fanatics can kick back and relax, and watch the match on the large screen.
Saudi Arabia vs Oman, U Walk, 8.15pm.
Friday January 28
5. Get in on the Diriyah E-Prix action
Formula E Season 8 kicks off in Diriyah on January 28 and 29 for another pair of spectacular night races around the historic desert surroundings of the Unesco World Heritage site. There’s plenty more to watch out for this season, which begins with an exciting double-header.
Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Street Circuit, Ad Diriyah 13711, Jan 28 and 29, from 3.30pm onwards. The entrance fee starts from SAR150. Book your tickets here. @fiaformulae
6. Have a taste of Japan’s finest cuisine at Formula E
ROKA Riyadh is bringing its unique concept of contemporary Japanese cooking to the Diriyah E-Prix circuit with a one-of-a-kind experience. Throughout the two-day event on January 28-29, attendees will get to indulge in ROKA’s flavours and participate in an exclusive live cooking session led by creative culinary minds. The 20-minute cooking demonstrations will accommodate up to eight guests, and its signature dish, the yellowtail sashimi with yuzu-truffle sauce, will also be featured.
Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Street Circuit, Ad Diriyah 13711, Jan 28 and 29. Cooking demo 4pm to midnight, with an interval of two hours for racing in between. The entrance fee starts from SAR150. @rokariyadhofficial
7. Watch the after-race concerts at Diriyah E-Prix
Making his debut in Saudi Arabia, Craig David will take to the stage on the first night of Diriyah E-Prix, performing some of his biggest hits, including Walking Away, 7 Days, and Rise and Fall. Joining him will be singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer James Blunt, rapper Wyclef Jean, and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares.
Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Street Circuit, Ad Diriyah 13711. The entrance fee starts from SAR150. Book your tickets here. @formulae_sa
Saturday January 29
8. Indulge in Meraki’s exclusive Saturday Garden Brunch
End your weekend right with a leisurely garden brunch at Meraki. The menu will celebrate contemporary Greek cooking in a chic and vibrant setting. Plus, enjoy free flow cocktails and soak in the good vibes with DJ Romaan spinning the best tracks to bask in the brunch buzz.
Saturday Garden Brunch, Meraki Riyadh, Al Moatasem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, every Saturday, 1pm to 4pm. SAR395 per person. Tel: 9200 01050. @merakiriyadh
9. Catch indie movies at Wadi Cinema
Swing by the Wadi Cinema at Diriyah Biennale, and you’ll find a screening of an obscure film you’ve always wanted to see or, more likely, something you’ve never heard of. Showing on January 29 at the pop-up experience is “Winter Sleep” – a film about a hotel owner and landlord in a remote Turkish village dealing with conflicts within his family and a tenant who’s behind on his rent.
Wadi Cinema, Diriyah Biennale, Jax District, 2598 Muhammad Ibn Rashid Al Uraini, Al Diriyah, Al Jadidah, 7120, Riyadh 13732. Jan 29, 7pm. Book your tickets here. @biennale_sa
10. Have an unforgettable finale to Diriyah E-Prix after-race concerts
Fans of rock legends The Script and indie band Two Door Cinema Club can look forward to them closing out the show, bringing the curtain down on a spectacular doubleheader of racing and entertainment. Egyptian singer Tamer Hosny will also take to the stage on the last night.
Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Street Circuit, Ad Diriyah 13711. The entrance fee starts from SAR150. Book your tickets here. @formulae_sa
Images: Instagram / Provided