10 awesome things to do in Riyadh this weekend: June 2 to 4
Our recommendations of what to do and where to go…
The weekend’s almost here, and if you’re looking for things to do in Riyadh, we’ve got you covered. There’s a summer staycation to book, a luxury gym to break a sweat in, and brilliant dining spots worth planning the weekend around.
Check out these ten awesome things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday June 2
Indulge in delicious Indian delights at Maharaja Nights
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If you want to experience the bold flavours of fine Indian culinary experience, Goji Kitchen at Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter is the place you must visit. Serving a mouth-watering relish, the newly launched Maharaja Nights at Goji Kitchen offers an open buffet loaded with a wide array of classic and contemporary dishes. Get ready to enjoy endless variations like curry, naan or tandoori.
Maharaja Nights (open buffet), every Thurs 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Goji Kitchen, Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. Tel: 059 159 1728. @marriottriyadhdq
Check out a new hair-cutting joint for men
Tucked away in the newly renovated Nojoud Mall, Chaps & Co Riyadh gains top points for a fully enjoyable barbering experience. Alongside a reputation for the best cuts in the business, the customer service is spot-on, and the atmosphere is great. More than a hair studio, the shop features two floors with a private barber room and manicure and pedicure facility. Chaps & Co excels in pretty much every type of service, whether you’re on the lookout for a sharp scissor cut, a styling upgrade for your beard, manicures, pedicures, massages or facial treatments.
Chaps and Co, Nojoud Mall, Riyadh 11481, Sat to Thurs 9am to 10pm & Fri 9am to 7pm. Tel: 053 511 1871. @chapsandco_ksa
Friday June 3
Book a relaxing summer stay-cay
Beat the heat for a pampering summer staycation at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh. With breath-taking views of the city skyline, the studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments are so beautifully decorated and elegantly furnished that you won’t want to leave them. But if you do, then head to the pool for a swim. For an utterly decadent treat, book a table at one of the two restaurants available – Opaline and Don Puro – located on the hotel’s ground floor. Other amenities include a separate women’s and men’s swimming pool and gymnasium, a children’s play area, a resident’s lounge, sauna and steam rooms, and conference facilities. Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is offering up to 20 per cent off on bookings made via Ascott’s ‘Travel. Live. Discover.’ promotion.
Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Olaya St, 7706, Sahafa, Riyadh. Tel: 011 408 700. Discoverasr.com/offers
Start your weekend with brunch at Elements
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Housed in the Four Seasons Hotel lobby lounge, Elements’ buffet brunch is taken in a warm yet sleek setting, with comfortable leather chairs that invite you to sit for hours, which is quite handy as there are lots to enjoy. The brunch menu packs a flavourful punch with food stations serving Arabic, Western, Indian, Japanese, and Chinese delicacies. A real feast, so don’t miss it.
Elements, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Hugayat Tower, 9597 Al Urubah Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, Friday Buffet Brunch 12.30pm to 4pm. SAR330 for adults (includes tea, coffee, and fruit juices), Sar165 for children aged six to 11 & free for children aged one to five. Tel: 011 211 5500. @fsriyadh
Get yourself Fred Perry’s limited edition Olaya St ringer t-shirt
After the success of the Fred Perry Olaya St. pop-up store, the iconic British brand has exclusively launched a limited release ringer T-Shirt. The limited-edition Olaya St. shop address is printed on the back of the classic ringer style t-shirt and comes in both black and white. Made from cotton jersey material with a tonal bound neck and cuff, the statement tee features the famed laurel wreath and is priced at SAR375.
Available online and at the Fred Perry store, 8338, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12213, Sat to Thurs 9.30am to 11pm & Fri 4.30pm to 11pm. @fredperry.me
Enjoy a fantastic tapas feast
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If you’re craving tapas in Riyadh, one spot that will come up over and over again is Azure. And for good reason; it’s the only place in the city that has managed to nail the mix of friendly service, high-quality Andalusian cuisine, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s worth checking out their Fiesta de Tapas (tapas night), in addition to bestsellers like the chicken and fish croquettes, garlic prawns, and beef balls.
Fiesta de Tapas, Azure Riyadh, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Olaya St, Riyadh 12213, daily 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: 053 341 1234. @azureriyadh
Saturday June 4
Don your cleats and ride to the beats
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“We don’t spin, we ride” – that’s the tagline used to describe 1Rebel’s signature ‘Ride’ class and its army of devout followers (or ‘Rebels’). The banging playlists, sick sound systems, Ibiza-style lighting and special effects transport you to another world – one where exercise is actually fun. But don’t expect an easy 45-minute ride. Instead, ‘Ride’ is full of fast-paced bouncing sprints and slow resistance-filled climbs interspersed with push-ups and curls with dumbbells. Power through, and you could burn up to 800 calories in one class.
1Rebel Rabi – Women’s, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 11564. 1Rebel Sahafa – Men’s, Ath Thumamah Road, As Sahafah, Riyadh 11564. Tel: 055 084 4774. @1rebelsaudi
Munch on Fade Fit’s flavour-packed protein snacks
Indulge your cravings with these satisfying high-protein balls without feeling guilty. The Fade Fit Protein balls are made from natural ingredients, keto diet-friendly and free from preservatives, artificial colours, and trans and hydrogenated fats. Choose from four delicious flavours: salted caramel, dark chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut. Definitely an excellent method to add more protein to your diet while on the go. Founded by the much-loved TV host, radio star and healthy-living advocate Kris Fade, Fade Fit is all about making life better, healthier and tastier.
Available at Danube supermarkets and an exclusive range of snacks available at Starbucks. @fadefit
Celebrate National Cheese Day with Marks & Spencer
There’s no better destination to stock the fridge with dairy delights than our favourite British retailer, Marks & Spencer. Sourced from the finest producers in Europe, cheese lovers can indulge in a diverse selection of award-winning cheese. From creamy to crumbly, pungent to mild, the delicious cheese range from M&S is best accompanied with scrumptious snacks and nibbles for the ultimate cheeseboard. Hoping to get your cheese fix in a flash? You can opt for the decadent ready-made cheese boards or the Picard cheese tarts.
Marks & Spencer, various locations, including Panorama Mall and Granada Mall. Discover the full range of delicious M&S cheeses in-store and online.
Feast on gourmet burgers and towering milkshakes
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Popular New York burger brand Black Tap has made its way to Riyadh. Catapulted to fame by its over-the-top, candy-festooned CrazyShake, Black Tap’s signature milkshakes come in flavours like Old School Drive-In, a bubble gum shake topped with gumballs, rainbow popcorn, whipped cream and gummy cherry, as well as the CakeShake that comes fully rimmed with vanilla frost and rainbow sprinkles, finished with a funfetti cake slice, whipped cream and a cherry. If all that sounds too sweet for you, balance things out with Black Tap’s range of juicy burgers.
Black Tap KAFD, 3.04, Riyadh 11564. @blacktapksa
Images: Instagram