10 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: November 24 to 26
Your weekend plans sorted…
Pack your last weekend of November with exciting events, experiential dining, and enthralling exhibitions and festivals. So, gear up and grab your crew because we’ve tracked down ten wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday November 24
1. Explore Boulevard World, the largest zone in Riyadh Season
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The multicultural Boulevard World, one of the most anticipated Riyadh Season zones, takes visitors on a trip to around 10 countries, complete with a host of family-friendly entertainment and activities. It also has the largest man-made lake in the world, where boats can travel between cities through 11 stations, and features Area 15 experience from Las Vegas and The Sphere, the biggest spherical theatre in the world.
Boulevard World, until Jan 22, Book your tickets here. SAR100 for weekdays & SAR150 for weekends. @riyadhseason
2. Indulge in a decadent chocolate treat
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The opening of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever JW Marriott hotel in Riyadh brings a new chocolatier to town: Casa Cacao of the famed three Michelin restaurant El Celler de Can Roca by recently voted the world’s best pastry chef Jordi Roca. From pralines and carambines to nougats, the boutique offers a bounty of high-quality, handcrafted chocolate creations that are fascinating in flavour. But perhaps the most decadent would be the signature hot chocolate with a thick, velvety profile.
Casa Cacao Riyadh, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, 7647 King Fahad Road, Sahafah, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 011 511 7777. @casacacaoriyadh
3. Check out the Noor Riyadh art exhibition
The Noor Riyadh citywide artworks may have ended, but one of the highlights of the festival is its accompanying exhibition entitled “From Spark to Spirit”, co-curated by Neville Wakefield and Gaida AlMogren. The three-month art exhibition at JAX district traces the role light plays in shaping our relationship with a world in which light itself has become a signal of change, exploring themes such as the “Technologies of Light”, “Architectonics of Light”, and “Consciousness of Light”. So, don’t miss the Noor Exhibition, whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for somewhere fun to hang out with your loved ones.
“From Spark to Spirit Noor Riyadh Art Exhibition, until Feb 4, 11am to 1am, JAX 03, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
4. Bond and share a feast together
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Whether you’re with family, celebrating a Friendsgiving or dining solo, Milwan restaurant at Le Meridien Riyadh offers a delicious take on the foods of the beloved American holiday. Enjoy a celebratory dinner buffet with all the trimmings freshly prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, surrounded by a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.
Friendsgiving Dinner, Nov 24, 7.30pm to 11.30pm, Milwan, Le Meridien Riyadh. SAR299 per adult and kids below six dine for free. Tel: 059 837 0780. @lemeridienriyadh
Friday November 25
5. Take part in an epic mud run obstacle course
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Tough Mudder is more than just an obstacle course. It’s an endurance event series, designed to test all-around strength, stamina, teamwork, and mental grit. The event will invite adult participants to take on a 5km or 10km course with over 21 obstacles. Kids below the age of 13 will be given the opportunity to participate in the Mini Mudder: a 1.5km course with more than eight obstacles. So, bring your friends and family down to support and cheer you on at the start and finish festival area, where you can try some good food, enjoy the music, and take part in plenty of fun activities.
Tough Mudder, Nov 25, 7am, Dirab Golf & Country Club. Register here. The ticket starts at SAR140 for the Mini Mudder and SAR400 for the Tough Mudder Riyadh Obstacle Race for adults. @saudi_sfa
6. Try out a one-of-a-kind creative, art-focused experience
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Kick-start your creativity with an art retreat at The Farm located just on the outskirts of Riyadh. Fill your well of inspiration and recharge your artist soul, and develop your unique voice and visual language by practising your brush skills and playing with watercolour. When you’re not busy working on your projects, explore the delightful remote surrounding and socialise with fellow creatives. The all-inclusive trip includes amazing food and drinks, and materials such as brushes, paints and canvas.
Naturally Art: Social Dinner & Paint Trip, Nov 25, 5.50pm to 12.30am, Kan Ya Ma Kan Farm, Al Ammarya. No transportation provided but the exact location will be shared once your booking is confirmed. Book here. SAR370 per person. @kymk.sa
7. Experience a rooftop supper club at KAFD
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Every Friday, KAFD organises a rooftop supper club celebrating food and fine dining by bringing diners together to unwind in a chic setting. On November 25, Chef Akmal Anuar from a one-Michelin-starred restaurant, 11 Woodfire, in Dubai, will take diners on a night of delicious Japanese dishes, which includes ebi capellini pasta, wagyu sando, and Nama chocolate with coffee mousse.
‘Level 23’ KAFD Dinner Club, Nov 25, 7.30pm to 11pm, KAFD Area 4, Level 23. Make your reservations here. SAR1,000 per person. @kafd
Saturday November 26
8. Tuck into tasty baked goods at Home Bakery
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If we could start our day off right, it would be with a little treat from the newly opened Home Bakery. This Dubai import offers the perfect all-day dining experience and features freshly baked treats and internationally popular desserts with a local twist. You will not be disappointed here.
Home Bakery, daily 9am to midnight, Al Tal Plaza, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Riyadh 13524. @home_bakery
9. Attend a clay workshop
Those keen on experimenting with clay modelling and hand-building pottery can try their hand at this one-off clay workshop at huna Riyadh Park. The fun part is you don’t need to use a kiln, so you’re free to really experiment with the clay and mould it into all kinds of shapes. A great way to destress over the weekend.
Clay Workshop, Nov 26, 6pm to 8pm, huna Riyadh Park. Tel: 053 732 7071. @iam.huna
10. Celebrate the beauty of Indonesian culture at DQ
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The Embassy of Indonesia in Riyadh will be organising an Indonesian cultural week at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). The four-day event, taking place from Saturday November 26 to Tuesday November 29, includes several art and cultural events, and is set to display a food bazaar to highlight traditional Indonesian and street food from various local food vendors.
Indonesia Week 2022, Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, 7320 Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512, Sat Nov 26, 6pm to 10pm, Sun Nov 27 & Mon Nov 28, 1pm to 10pm, Tues Nov 29, 1pm to 4pm. Free entry to the public. @indonesiainriyadh
Images: Social / Unsplash