10 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this week: March 20 to 23
What’s on this week…
Whether you’re after the best places to treat Mum for Mother’s Day or ways to kickstart your week, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten brilliant things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday March 20
1. Learn about the heritage of Sadu
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Saudi Arabia has a rich culture shaped by the diversity of its people, which has formed the basis of the cultural identity of the Kingdom. One of its essential elements is the traditional form of weaving, Sadu, part of Unesco’s Intangible Heritage list. To document its intangible national heritage locally and internationally, the Ministry of Culture is showcasing the Sadu Story exhibition, which includes art exhibits and a fashion show. March 20 is the last day of the collection, so don’t miss it.
Sadu Story Exhibition, Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, March 20, 5pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here. @mocsaudi
2. An evening with Whitney
Whitney Houston’s hologram is coming to Riyadh. Fans of the legendary diva can see a cutting-edge holographic Whitney singing digitally remastered versions of her original live performances. This spectacular show features a full live band, backup singers and talented dancers.
An Evening with Whitney: The Whitney Houston Hologram Concert, Cultural Square, Riyadh Front, Stage B, Hall 2, March 20 to 22, 10pm to 11.30pm. The ticket price starts from SAR100. Book your tickets here.
Monday March 21
3. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Cha
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Reserve a table at Yauatcha for a special Mother’s Day set menu. Enjoy a delicious meal in Riyadh’s finest Chinese restaurant, accompanied by music by DJ Don Edwardo. Plus, you’ll get 25 per cent off on the entire menu selection.
Yautcha, Mode Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: 9200 06555. @yauatchariyadh
4. Meraki specials your mum will love
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Light-filled Meraki, tucked inside Al Faisaliah Hotel, is home to easily one of the prettiest dining rooms in Riyadh. Among the dishes making appearances this Mother’s Day? Roasted lamb shoulder, lobster truffle pasta, and Chef’s special dessert good enough to guarantee a spot in Mum’s good books this year.
Meraki, Al Moatasem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Sun to Tues, 1pm to 3.30pm & 7pm to midnight, Wed to Sat 1pm to 3.30pm & 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: 9200 01050. @merakiriyadh
5. Surprise Mum with a meal by Chef David Burke
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David Burke restaurants will be offering a Mother’s Day menu to celebrate mums. The five-course menu offers six appetisers, salads, three main course choices and Chef’s selection of desserts.
Mother’s Day Menu, David Burke, The Zone, Gate 2 & Riyadh Front, Gate 3, March 21, 8.30pm. SAR295 per person. Reservations can be made here. @davidburkeksa
Tuesday March 22
6. Simply recharge and unwind
Ladies, make your spa reservation and design your perfect getaway at the Shaza Afiya wellness centre located in the Shaza Riyadh hotel. Treat yourself to everything from a full body massage to hydrating facials. Top off the pampering treatment with manicures, pedicures, or other wellness offerings. And if you’re going to book an hour or two at the spa, be sure to take advantage of the additional features for guests like the jacuzzi, sauna rooms, and small bites menus.
Shaza Riyadh, Eastern Ring Branch Rd, Al Jazirah, Riyadh 14251. Ladies’ spa, daily 9am to 6pm. Tel: 011 834 9000. @shazariyadh
7. Enjoy Taco Tuesday specials
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Tacos taste delicious any day of the week, but on Tuesday, the word seems to just roll right off our tongue – and into our stomach. Pop by Hotel Cartagena every Tuesday, and you’ll get to sample three tacos and a mocktail for just SAR69 – a perfect excuse to try their Latin American cuisine.
Hotel Cartagena, U Walk, daily 6.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: 9200 33801. @hotelcartagenariyadh
8. Be enchanted by Spanish operatic tenor José Carreras
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Known as one of the world’s greatest and most iconic operatic tenors in history, José Carreras will perform an intimate concert of the great opera works. He will be accompanied by soprano Celine Byrne and pianist Lorenzo Bavaj.
A Night with José Carreras, Cultural Square, Riyadh Front, Stage C, Hall 3, March 22 to 24, 11.30pm to 12.30am. The ticket price starts from SAR300. Book your tickets here.
Wednesday March 23
9. Visit the first truffle festival
The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City are hosting the first Desert Truffle Festival. Check out the truffle market and the various culinary activities to support local truffle hunters and sellers.
Desert Truffle Festival, AlKindy Plaza, Al Safarat, Diplomatic Quarter, March 23 to 26, 5pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here. @mocculinary
10. Indulge in ROKA’s special mocktail and dessert
Contemporary Japanese robatayaki restaurant, ROKA Riyadh, celebrates women throughout the month of March with a special mocktail made of raspberry, pomegranate, lychee, and rose foam. To add a sweet note to the celebration, ROKA offers the uniquely crafted dessert, a tasty mixture of chocolate and passion fruit sundae with a touch of cocoa crumble served with coconut sorbet.
ROKA, 5140 Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243 7053, Sun to Wed 1pm to 4.30pm & 6.30pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 1pm to 12.30am. Tel: 9200 12327. @rokariyadhofficial
Images: Provided / Social