8 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 8 to 10
Your weekend plans sorted…
Looking for activities to do with your friends and family? Round up your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh. From exciting dining destinations and exhibitions to the hotly anticipated Diriyah Tennis Cup, here’s our list of eight wonderful things to do this weekend.
Thursday December 8
1. Attend a luxury fair showcasing the best in jewellery
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Jewellery lovers and designers, here’s an event that you won’t want to miss. The Saudi Jewellery Show, themed “Be’Jeweled”, brings together over 100 international luxury jewellery brands from 17 countries. The exhibition also features a gemstone laboratory and several experimental and entertainment events to enrich the visitor experience. Also, do check out the Jewels of Arabia booth, which houses a collection crafted by nine local designers and is a collaboration between Nuun Jewels, founded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, and Yasmeen Marzouq Jewelry. Each designer has presented a piece of jewellery representing the reviving of the archaeological treasures of the Arabian Peninsula and inspired by the Dadan civilisation.
Saudi Jewellery Show, until Dec 10, Thurs & Fri 5pm to 1am, Sat 5pm to 11pm, Next to the Boulevard Riyadh City. Book your tickets here. SAR100 per person for a general admission ticket & SAR650 for a VIP ticket. @sajewelleryshow
2. See the world’s greatest players compete at Diriyah Tennis Cup
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The world’s best tennis players return to the Kingdom for the Diriyah Tennis Cup. This year’s event will see 12 world-class players compete for the title in the breathtaking setting of At-Turaif, the Unesco World Heritage site in Diriyah. In addition to the singles tournament, the event will also include a doubles tournament for the first time. Tennis fans can enjoy these exciting matches and unique experiences with some of the world’s top tennis players throughout the three-day tournament.
Diriyah Tennis Cup, Dec 8 to 10, Diriyah Arena, Riyadh. Get your tickets here. @diriyahtenniscup
3. Enjoy a La Dolce Vita experience at Billionaire Riyadh
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Enjoy an exquisite dining experience of Italian and new-Asian dishes with an innovative live show that brings together Italian music, dance, food, and drink in one glittering package.
La Dolce Vita, until Dec 9, daily 7pm to 1.30am, Billionaire Riyadh, Al Dabbab Street, Al Sulaimaniyah, Riyadh 12243. Tel: 9200 11916. @billionaireriyadh
Friday December 9
4. Ignite your creativity at Riyadh’s Misk Art Week
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Immerse yourself in unparalleled artistic experiences and connect with artists, designers, and subject-matter experts. From video works to paintings, textile-based art and installations, the art on show aims to showcase the region’s thriving art scene and the best Saudi Arabia has to offer. Look forward to a host of dynamic and engaging activities suitable for all ages and a range of carefully programmed talks, masterclasses, workshops and performances.
Misk Art Week, until Dec 10, 4pm to 11.30pm, Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall, Riyadh. Get your tickets here. @miskartinst
5. Experience Italian al fresco dining in the heart of KAFD
A chic hangout for after-work mocktails, lunch catch-ups and romantic dates, Il Baretto specialises in terrific Italian fare. We love that the restaurant has an expansive space and a great open-air terrace area overlooking KAFD. Order a couple of pasta dishes and large plates to share, we say. Then, toast to the picturesque alfresco ambience with zero-proof spritzes and negronis. What’s more, a bespoke selection of drinks and cigars is available for those seated in the lounge area of Il Baretto’s new terrace. It also features a one-of-a-kind cigar concierge service, allowing guests to store their cigars at Il Baretto for their next visit.
Il Baretto, KAFD, Riyadh 13519, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. @ilbarettosa
Saturday December 10
6. Sweat it out at this yoga and mat Pilates classes
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Whether you’re looking to lose a few kilos or heal your body from injuries, Coach Mashael offers ladies’ classes for yoga and mat pilates every Saturday to Wednesday to tone and strengthen the muscles. Ideal for those who are desk-bound or looking to spice up their sweat sesh.
Everyday Yoga & Mat Pilates (Ladies only), every Sat to Wed, 7am to 8am, We Balance Centre, Exit 7, Riyadh or 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Deem Wellness Spa, Olaya, Riyadh. SAR1,250 per month. Book your spot via WhatsApp at 058 324 1330. @yogabymashael
7. Join the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ adventure
For one day only, Riyadh will transform into a giant, escape-room-style experience. Join Alice in Wonderland and enter a topsy-turvy world of adventure and see if you can make it out of Wonderland’s “curioser and curioser” realities just like Alice did. In teams of up to six players, you must find a way to save Alice from the Queen of Hearts. Players will encounter challenges along the way – in the form of games but also escape room-style encounters. Participants can start anytime between 9am and 2pm. Entirely self-guided, it’s a puzzle-solving experience which unfolds exclusively via the CluedUpp app. Keep in mind that it’ll take about two to three hours to get all the clues, tackle all the challenges, and try to save Alice, so you’ll want to ensure you have enough time to get to everything. Break a leg.
CluedUpp Alice in Wonderland, Dec 10, Riyadh. SAR300 per team ticket. Cluedupp.com
8. Watch the football action unfold
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Picture this: you’ve gathered your best mates to watch the World Cup with a drink in one hand and tacos in the other, all while sitting on a terrace overlooking KAFD’s very best, which has been transformed into a fully-fledged open-air screening space complete with a bar and food stations. This is what The Stadium on the second floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Financial District Hotel & Suites is offering, setting up the cosiest way to watch the games. For only SAR99 per person, it includes a drink, popcorn, and a choice of a burger, hot dog or taco. There’s also a 30 per cent discount for hotel guests.
The Stadium, Second Floor, DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Financial District Hotel & Suites, Unit 3369m 3606 Northern Ring Rd, Al Ghadir, Riyadh 13311. @dtriyadhfd
Images: Provided / Instagram