8 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 14 to 16
It’s almost here…
If you’re looking for ways to spend the weekend in Riyadh, you’re in the right place. From newly released movies and rave parties to the world’s biggest e-sports and gaming event, here are eight fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday July 14
1. Attend the world’s biggest e-sports and gaming event
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Calling all gamers, it’s the start of Gamers8, the world’s biggest e-sports and gaming event. Hosted under the theme of “Gamers8 – Your Portal to the Next World”, some of the world’s leading gamers will battle it out for their share of the $15 million prize pool. The teams will compete across the following titles: “Rocket League”, “Dota 2”, “Fortnite”, “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege,” and “PUBG MOBILE.” Organised by the Saudi Esports Federation, Gamers8 will focus on four main pillars: Professional esports, festivals, music, and The Next World Summit, an esports and gaming conference that will bring together sector leaders and experts from around the world. Visitors can also expect more than 1,000 activities and attractions at the eight-week festival, such as comedy, magic shows, and much more.
Gamers8, Boulevard Riyadh City, July 14 to Sept 8. Gamers8.gg
2. Catch the screening of “The Gray Man”
Anticipation is high for the Russo Brothers’ latest movie, “The Gray Man”, and why wouldn’t it be? For one, it’s Anthony and Joe Russo of MCU blockbuster fame directing an all-star cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Regé-Jean Page, and more. Also, we can’t not mention Evans’ classic villain moustache. In this stacked summer action flick, Gosling stars as former CIA Agent Court Gentry, a freelance assassin under the moniker the Gray Man. He’s accused of a crime he may not have committed and is forced to go on the run and avoid capture by one of his former colleagues, Lloyd Hansen (Evans). Fans of the Russo brothers know that they are masters at pairing witty dialogue with intense action sequences, so the banter between the two stars is anticipated to be highly entertaining.
Thriller/Action, Rating PG15, 2h 2min. Book your tickets here.
3. Don’t miss the Gamers8 opening ceremony concert
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The opening ceremony at Gamers8 features a fantastic line-up of local and international artists. Amr Diab, the bestselling Middle Eastern artist, follows Riyadh-based DJ El Fuego on stage before J Balvin, the prince of reggaeton, lights up the stage. The night will then end with dance favourites Sebastian Ingrosso and Salvatore Ganacci playing back-to-back in a sensational close to the opening ceremony. All ticket holders will receive complimentary access to Boulevard Riyadh City.
Gamers8, NXT LVL Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, 7.15pm to 1am. The price starts from SAR299. Gamers8.gg
Friday July 15
4. Indulge in a fab Friday brunch at The Ritz
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Get some quality time with your family and friends at The Ritz-Carlton’s Friday Brunch. The Middle Eastern and international selection of dishes and desserts caters for every taste with a weekend menu of stylish, fun, fabulous, live kitchen and entertainment.
Friday Brunch, Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Every Fri 12.30pm to 5pm. Tel: 011 802 8333. @ritzcarltonruh
5. Tuck into unlimited sushi for two hours
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Head to Koi to make the most of its all-you-can-eat sushi deal. For SAR120, you can delve into your favourite rolls and maki for two hours. Sounds good to us.
Koi, Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention, Unlimited Sushi from 5pm to 7pm only. Tel: 011 813 1347 / 055 167 0703. @koiriyadh
6. Party in the desert like there’s no tomorrow
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Love a desert rave party? Well, you’re more than welcome to join SugarBeat’s On The Rock party at Mountain View Resort, about a 35-minute drive from the city centre. Bring your friends and enjoy an all-night rave with the amazingly talented DJs Matthew Dekay, S Donz, Jeme, K. Led and Omar. There will also be a stunning projection mapping and a spectacular dance, laser and light show for a night that you will surely remember.
SugarBeat On The Rock Party, July 15, 9pm to 4am, Mountain View Resort, Riyadh, Al Ammariyah, 13726. SAR200 per person. Book your tickets here. Tel: 055 256 5418. @sugarbeat_club
Saturday July 16
7. Pop by Mused Coffee House for music and coffee
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Though the coffee’s a definite draw, the emphasis on music is the real selling point at Mused. Fans of vintage vinyl records can browse their selection of pre-loved records from a wide variety of genres and best-selling artists like The Beatles, Queen, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson. In addition, aspiring artists will be pleased to know that they’re also currently holding auditions for their first upcoming open mic night.
Mused Coffee House, 7089 Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nada, Riyadh 13317, Sat to Thurs 9am to 1am & Fri 1pm to 1am. @mused_sa
8. Check out the art exhibition at Misk
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It is time to open your eyes and reflect on the earth beneath your feet, the places you consider home, and the memories you hold dear. In “Re-appearing Imaginaries”, 11 artists from various backgrounds and through different mediums question what it means to slow down. They challenge our understanding of home, emphasising the risk of losing valuable information – forcing us to come to terms with the fact we are nearing a finite expiry date.
Re-appearing Imaginaries Exhibition, until Aug 15, Sat to Thurs 4pm to 10pm, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. Miskartinstitute.org
Images: Instagram