7 great things to do in Riyadh this weekend: March 31 to April 2
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 musicals to city sightseeing.
Here are seven great things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday March 31
1. Watch the Swan Lake ballet
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Don’t miss this mesmerising classical ballet. With Tchaikovsky’s famous score, Swan Lake is a timeless love story relating to magic, tragedy, and romance in four acts. It features Prince Siegfried and a lovely swan princess named Odette. Under the spell of a sorcerer, Odette spends her days as a swan swimming on a lake of tears and her nights in her beautiful human form.
Swan Lake Ballet, Riyadh Front, Cultural Square, Stage A, Hall 3, March 31, 8pm to 10.30pm. The price starts from SAR200. Book your tickets here.
2. Enjoy a jazz musical
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Jazz fans, you’re in for a treat. “A Jazzy Tale” musical showcases the evolution of jazz from its early days to our modern-day and its deep interconnection with humanity. You’ll enjoy classics by jazz legends, meticulous choreography inspired by the various jazz dance styles and scenography reflecting the different eras.
A Jazzy Tale, Riyadh Front, Cultural Square, Stage B, Hall 2, March 31, 10pm to 11.30pm. The price starts from SAR100. Book your tickets here.
3. Be swept away by the magic of Broadway
Love Broadway musicals? Join four of Broadway’s top performers as they celebrate the world’s most famous plays and musicals like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Cats’, ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and more.
Magnificient Broadway, Riyadh Front, Cultural Square, Stage C, Hall 3, March 31, 11.30pm to 12.30am. The price starts from SAR150. Book your tickets here.
Friday April 1
4. Fuel up on delicious Mexican food
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Don Ruben’s serves authentic Mexican fare inside one of the city’s most vibrant spaces. A colourful floral mural with a black and white guitar frames the dining room where trendy residents dig (and dig into) the restaurant’s tacos, guacamole, salsas, and quesabirria (a cross between a taco and a quesadilla).
Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Fazari Square, 9163 Ain Street, Riyadh 12523, Sat to Wed 11.30am to 8pm, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 10pm. @donrubens.sa
5. Shop at the new Ikea branch
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Swedish furniture giant Ikea opens a new outlet in Thumama. The new store features a children’s area, a restaurant and offers the full range of Ikea products. Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the vending machine stocked with Swedish snacks.
IKEA, Al Thoumamah Rd, Al Munsiyah, Riyadh 13255, Sat to Thurs 9am to midnight & Fri 1.30pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 04532. @ikeasaudiarabia
Saturday April 2
6. Indulge your sweet tooth this Ramadan
Ramadan begins, and LPM Riyadh celebrates the holy month with a limited-edition dessert box. Ideal for hosting and gifting, the specially curated dessert box comprises six decadent desserts: Dark Circle, made with chocolate mousse, biscuit jaconde, hazelnut mousseline and chocolate glaze; the White Chocolate and Raspberry Sponge Cake; the Petit Gateau, made up of almond sponge and mascarpone cream and garnished with mango, pineapple and raspberry; Banana Dulcey cake; the Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse; and richly flavoured Caramel and Coffee Tart. A perfect way to end those memorable iftars, dinners and suhours spent with family and friends.
LPM Riyadh Ramadan Dessert Box (SAR350). Available only by special order via phone call and pre-payment and will be available for pickup from the restaurant. Orders must be placed 24 hours prior. Deliveries are not available. Tel: 9200 11794. @lpmriyadh
7. Explore Dirah Souk
The market, located behind the Masmak Fortress, can trace its history from 1901 to the beginning of modern Saudi Arabia. A treasure trove of traditional Eastern artefacts, the souk is one of the major tourist attractions in Riyadh. You’ll find everything from handmade carpets, glinting swords and hooked daggers to mysterious perfumes from far-flung lands, gold and spices. Feel free to haggle for the best bargain.
Dirah Souk, Al Imam Turki Ibn Abd Allah Ibn Muhammad, Ad Dirah, Riyadh 12652, opens from 4pm. Timings may differ during Ramadan.
Images: Provided / Social