8 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week: October 9 to 12
What’s on this week…
From family-friendly activities, such as pumpkin carving and Cirque du Soleil, to exciting culinary experiences, this week’s line-up is not short of things to do. We’ve rounded up eight wonderful ideas and activities in Riyadh this week.
Sunday October 9
1. Carve your way into the Halloween season
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It’s the spooky season at Glaze Craze, and we all know that the classic jack-o’-lantern is an established Halloween icon. For those who grew up trick-or-treating, it evokes sweet childhood memories, costumes, and candies. Interested in doing some pumpkin carving? Glaze Craze is organising a pumpkin carving event, where they’ll provide all the carving tools you’ll need, along with an assortment of pumpkins. After all, it’s easier to relax and have a great time without worrying about making a mess. So, let’s get creative.
Pumpkin Carving Event at Glaze Craze, Oct 9, Shop No. 14, 7089 Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nada, Riyadh 13317, Sun 4.30pm to 12.30am, Sat, Mon to Wed 6.30am to 12.30am, Thurs & Fri 6.30am to 1.30am. SAR150 per person, including coffee and a doughnut. Tel: 050 366 8032. @glazecrazedonuts
2. Viola Davis’ new epic “The Woman King” is now in cinemas
The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, the film follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and prepares them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. The Agojie warriors lived to serve, defend, and protect the Dahomey kingdom and its king. The Dahomey Kingdom was one of the wealthiest at the time, and its defenders, the Agojie, were the most feared warriors in West Africa, in the territory we now recognise as modern-day Benin. However, some things are worth fighting for…
The Woman King, Drama / Action, Rating R15, 2h 06min. Book your tickets here.
Monday October 10
3. Check out a new art exhibition
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Discover the third solo exhibition of Dutch artist Caroline Havers, ‘Sampling Souqs’, featuring 62 new artworks, at Naila Art Gallery. Having based herself in Kuwait, the artist reflects on her surroundings through her paintings, which focus on souqs. A souq has such an overwhelming richness and variety that it has found its way into her paintings, using specific shapes, striking colour combinations, and many other techniques. Through the series, Havers is able to document her life while showcasing her experiences and unique encounters with local culture and nature.
‘Sampling Souqs’ – Caroline Havers’ 3rd Solo Exhibition, Oct 10 (7pm) to 20, Naila Art Gallery, Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 11564. @gallerynaila
4. Celebrate Greek culture and hospitality
Contemporary Greek restaurant Meraki Riyadh launches Greek Fest, a one-of-a-kind celebration of Greek culture and gastronomy, to be held on Monday October 10. A brand-new concept developed by Meraki, the inaugural edition of Greek Fest promises to deliver a vibrant and social dining experience that combines the Greek islands’ iconic ambience with Meraki’s globally renowned Greek haute cuisine for an unforgettable event. Starting from 7pm, guests will be welcomed into the restaurant’s lounge area, where you will begin your gastronomical journey with refreshing welcome drinks and Greek-style canapés before proceeding into the main dining area. Olive tree centrepieces, punctuated with bottles of extra virgin olive oil and melodic Greek tunes, will recreate the iconic ambience of the Cycladic Islands.
Meraki Greek Fest, Oct 10, 7pm to midnight, Meraki Riyadh, Al Faisaliah Hotel, North Wing, First Floor, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Tel: 9200 1050. @merakiriyadh
Tuesday October 11
5. Shop at Saudi Arabia’s first outlet shopping festival
On a budget? Shop discounted luxury labels, high-street brands, sportswear, designer bags and more at Outlet 2022, the largest Saudi shopping festival that brings together over 1,500 international brands. Enjoy up to 70 per cent off from Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Missoni, Jimmy Choo, Massimo Dutti, Ralph Lauren, Fred Perry, Nike, Decathlon and much more. And whilst you’re there, why not check out the ‘Sneak Me’ sneaker culture festival, too? Expect to see some of the most celebrated global and regional brands retailing sneakers, as well as the hottest in streetwear and accessories.
Riyadh Outlet 2022, until Oct 14, 3pm to 1am & Sneak Me, until Oct 14, 4pm to midnight, King Khalid Rd, Ar Rihab, Riyadh 00966. Free entry for the Riyadh Outlet Festival. SAR50 per person for the Sneak Me Festival, and you can book your tickets here.
6. Whet your appetite with Coya’s new menu for the new season
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What better way to welcome the cooler weather and winter season than with new dishes? Head Chef Yves and his team at Coya have been busy curating a special selection of dishes you don’t want to miss. Ignite your appetite with its patacone tacos – featuring plantain banana, heirloom tomatoes and avocado – or try the tasty Chilean seabass skewers with teriyaki glaze or juicy veal heart skewers. The new lobster, tiger prawn and squid empanada is a must for seafood lovers, and those who love Coya’s famous iron pots, the mixed seafood cazuela and Peruviana potato and cauliflower cazuela are fast becoming favourite dishes. Meat lovers can go for the impressive grilled premium meat platter or savour the flavours of the wagyu beef fillet with charred avocado, yuca chips and corn rice duck egg. Then, finish your feast on a sweet note and save space for the new lucuma dessert featuring salty caramel popcorn, pistachio sponge, and apricot sponge – yes, we’re salivating already…
Coya, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, 4237, Riyadh 12223, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
Wednesday October 12
7. Try out this stylish new restaurant at Laysen Valley
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Laysen Valley’s impressive foodscape continues to bulge, and the latest to open is NOOA, which stands for ‘Naturally Out Of Africa’. A stunning contemporary interior is in elegant contrast to the romantic idyll of the terrace, where you can enjoy alfresco dining as the weather becomes cooler. The all-day dining venue serves international cuisine intermingled with South African flavours and ingredients, along with a thoughtfully curated beverage list. Presenting a chic and sophisticated ambience, NOAA is an indulgent space for life to take its natural course through rich conversation and social connections. And this experience is only heightened with soul food and impeccable service.
NOOA, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329, daily 8.30am to midnight. @nooasaudi
8. Explore the joyful world of insects with Cirque du Soleil OVO
Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce its return to Riyadh with its high-energy and high-acrobatic production OVO. This exciting experience is a colourful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects. Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting the unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination.
Cirque du Soleil – OVO, Oct 12 to Dec 3, 4pm & 8pm, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University. The ticket price starts from SAR50. Book your tickets here.
Images: Social