10 great things to do in Riyadh this weekend: August 4 to 6
Happy weekend…
Looking for ways to spend the weekend in Riyadh? You’re in the right place. If you’re planning some ladies’ night out, why not check out the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal Hotel or Syrup Lounge? Alternatively, there are an ongoing art exhibition, concerts, a must-watch Arabic movie, and a new place for teens to hang out.
Here are ten great things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday August 4
1. 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.
2. Enjoy 50 per cent off dinner buffet for the ladies
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Round up your girlfriends and head to Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal Hotel to check out the Ladies’ Night offer. Every Thursday, you ladies get 50 per cent off the dinner buffet, where you can enjoy a lavish spread of Middle Eastern and international dishes. We like the sound of that.
Ladies Night, every Thurs, 7pm to 10.30pm, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Minhal Hotel, Old Airport Road, Al Wizarat, Riyadh 11484. Tel: 011 874 9200. @crowneplazaminhal
3. Attend the Gamers8 concert
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Topping the bill in week four of the Gamers8 concert are Saudi Arabia’s fastest-rising star Dafencii, Egyptian rapper Afroto, as well as internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Wizkid. The night also features top performances from DJs B2B, Afrojack, and multi-platinum DJ producer R3HAB.
Gamers8, NXT LVL Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, 7.15pm to 1am. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR150. @gamers8_en
Friday August 5
4. Recharge and unwind, and have a spa day
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Make your spa reservation and design your perfect getaway at the Shaza Afiya wellness centre 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 book an hour or two at the spa, 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
5. Keep cool with Yauatcha’s ice cream
Yauatcha is shaking things up by introducing their wonderfully creamy ice cream, offering trusty flavours like pecan coffee, hazelnut, pistachio, and date. But for those feeling extra indulgent, their honeycomb vanilla will more than satisfy a sweet tooth.
Yauatcha Riyadh, Mode Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, daily noon to midnight. Tel: 9200 06555. @yauatchariyadh
6. Catch this must-watch Arabic movie at VOX Cinemas
Egyptian action-comedy, 3amohom, has enjoyed the biggest box office opening ever for an Arabic movie in Saudi Arabia. For those who have yet to see it, the film is about a boxer and sports coach, Sultan (Mohamed Emam), who’s in a romantic relationship with Ghalia (Huda Al-Mufti), who works with his friend Saeed (Mohamed Salam) in a sports centre. They are led by chance to save the life of Hajj (Sayed Ragab), and then they discover a printing press for counterfeiting the dollar in Egypt with the pilgrim. Be sure to catch it while you still can.
Book your tickets here.
Saturday August 6
7. A bookstore every bibliophile should visit
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Tucked away within the Back Yard complex, this charming little shop has an assortment of books, an abundance of natural light and a counter for takeaway coffee. It’s the type of bookstore that begs you to stay awhile and browse, even if it only sells Arabic titles. We’d suggest bringing your own novel, grabbing a cuppa, pulling a chair and perhaps, just hanging out for a while.
Book Club, Back Yard, King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Yasmin, Fri 4pm to 11pm, Sat to Thurs noon to 11pm. Tel: 059 527 1745. @book_club77
8. A fun day out for your teens
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Want more things to do with kids in Riyadh? Are they moping around the house complaining about running out of stuff to do? Then, check out this newly opened spot in Qurtubah. Teen’s Area features exciting and thrilling activities such as roller-skating, trampolines, bowling, laser tags and VR to keep them occupied.
Teen’s Area, Qurtubah, Riyadh, daily 6pm to 2am. @teens_ksa
9. Experience the finesse of Italian mocktails
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It may surprise you to know that Il Baretto Riyadh’s show-stopping bar boasts some truly fantastic mocktails. Discover the essence of Italian heritage, art and culture via imaginative creations such as Dante, a signature mocktail inspired by legendary Italian poet Dante Alighieri, or the Gianni Politi, a vibrant concoction referencing the contemporary artist behind the ‘Roma Roma Roma’ painting featured within the restaurant’s main dining room. Amongst the unmissable signature cocktail menu highlights are Muse, a delicate cocktail made of Bôtan Citrus, lavender syrup and lemon juice; Lussuria, a layered, spicy beverage; and Firenze, with ingredients like melon cordial and chamomile lime. Our favourite? Apollo, a delicious, savoury Bloody Mary-inspired drink made from Bôtan Juniper Garden, tomato juice, lemon juice, Tabasco, mango chutney, Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper.
Il Baretto Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District, KAFD 5.08, Riyadh 13519, Sun to Wed 12.30pm to 4pm & 7pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 1pm to 4.30pm & 7pm to midnight. @ilbarettosa
10. A ladies’ night out at Syrup Lounge
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Don your best outfit in pink and grab your pals for a fun night at Syrup Lounge. Ladies can participate in various activities, such as singing along to karaoke songs, playing games, Henna drawing, and taking memorable photos in the photo booth.
Ladies Night, Aug 6, 9pm to midnight, Syrup Lounge, 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, An Narjis, Riyadh 13324. Early Bird Price SAR75 & Regular Price SAR100. Tel: 011 228 8006. @syrupllc
Images: Instagram / Provided / Unsplash