10 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: April 21 to 23
Cheers to the 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 some of the best Ramadan experiences to cool adventures at Riyadh Season’s biggest zone.
Here are ten fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday April 21
1. Indulge in a luxurious iftar experience at The Ritz-Carlton
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Break your fast by The Ritz-Carlton’s indoor pool with a delectable set menu. At the Siraj Tent, you’ll find your traditional Arabic specialities, live cooking stations, international treats, and much-loved desserts prepared by the hotel’s Executive Chef.
Siraj Ramadan Tent, The Ritz-Carlton, daily 6pm to 9pm. SAR395 per person & SAR195 for children aged six to 12 years. Tel: 011 802 8888. @ritzcarltonruh
2. Enter Boulevard Riyadh City for free
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In celebration of the holy month, entrance to Boulevard Riyadh City is free throughout Ramadan. Triple in size this year, it is one of the biggest zones in Riyadh Season, and each of the sub-areas features its own set of activities, restaurants, events, and stores that are catered to all visitors.
Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, Riyadh 13343, daily 4pm to 4am. @blvdruhcity
3. Get your caffeine fix at Ashjar
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Nestled between industrial sites and date farms, this reservations-only coffee shop draws in crowds with its stunning ambience – think rocky outcrops as its backdrop and an Instagram-worthy mirrored structure. It’s decked out in calming cream, white and tan hues, and with a concise menu of brews and a relaxing vibe, it’s the kind of spot guests can comfortably settle in at for an entire evening.
Ashjar Café, Waseel Road, Riyadh 13931, 8.30pm to 12.30am. SAR15 per person. Reservations can be made via the MyTable app. @ashjarcafe
Friday April 22
4. Watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The world’s favourite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of an emerald that has the power to destroy civilisations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Animation/Action, Rating PG, 1h 40min. Book your tickets here.
5. Check out a Ramadan Bazaar
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Head on down to AlMashtal Creative Space to support this Ramadan Bazaar, showcasing traditional Ramadan activities, food and beverage outlets, a henna station, and artisanal goods. Hunt for special finds while immersing yourself in a bit of tradition and culture at this atmospheric bazaar.
Ramadan Bazaar, AlMashtal Creative Space, Diplomatic Quarter, P St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12523, April 22, 9pm to 12.30am. SAR34.50 per person. Book your tickets here. Tel: 055 444 7499. @almashtal.space
6. Dive inside the Crystal Maze Experience
Test your agility and courage in an interactive problem-solving experience based on the hit British TV game show, “The Crystal Maze”. There are four zones – Aztec, future, industrial, and medieval – each containing eight rooms, and participants will spend 15 minutes in each zone. Some of the games that vary in difficulty and time allowed are cannonball, egg in a tree, and the classic crystal dome. An excellent place for families and friends to spend a fun couple of hours, but do take note that the minimum age for the attraction is 12, and participants must be at least 120cm tall to take part.
The Crystal Maze Live Experience, Boulevard Riyadh City, Ramadan hours: 8pm to 1.30am. SAR75 on weekdays & SAR150 on weekends. Book your tickets here. @blvdruhcity
Saturday April 23
7. Have a picnic at the Lake Park
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If you happen to be looking for a relaxed outing with your family, then this picnic spot is the place to be. Located less than an hour’s drive south from downtown Riyadh, the popular park offers a desert oasis, including a huge lake, waterfall feature, picnic areas, and walkways dotted with palm trees. There is ample space for the younger ones to run around, and parking spaces are provided for cars.
Lake Park, Al-Haeer Road.
8. Don’t miss the Seventeen Power of Love movie
Carats – fans of Seventeen, the global artist rewriting K-pop history – can anticipate the heart-warming and eye-opening journey of the group’s first-ever movie. Described as a “love letter in movie form”, fans can look forward to exclusive, never-seen-before footage, plus in-depth interviews with the 13 members and commentaries on their past, present, and future. Five platinum albums in Korea and charting on the US Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks, Seventeen is dominating the music charts across the globe.
Music/Documentary, Rating G, 2h. Book your tickets here.
9. Enjoy iftar with sky-high views
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Where better to break your fast than on the 77th floor of the Kingdom Tower? Spazio offers a spread of traditional Ramadan dishes, plus you get to take in the views out across the Riyadh city skyline.
Spazio Restaurant, Kingdom Tower, 77th Floor, Al Urubah Road, Riyadh 11576, daily 9pm to midnight. SAR270 per person. Tel: 011 211 1888. @spazio77
10. Donate care packages to those in need
There’s no better time than to help communities in need this Ramadan. noon.com launches its Ramadan Donation Bundles, a donation initiative collaborating with AlNahda Society. Established in 1963, AlNahda Society is dedicated to empowering women socially and economically through numerous projects and programs aimed at increasing gender equality and educational support. All you have to do is purchase boxes of everyday necessities on noon.com with delivery direct to AlNahda Society for distribution. You can choose to donate a Fashion Bundle, Personal Bundle, Home Bundle, or a Study Mega Bundle to communities in need.
noon Ramadan Donation Bundles Initiative, Until May 2. SAR50 per bundle. Noon.com
Images: Instagram