10 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: February 16 to 18
It’s here…
Check out our guide below for a list of things to do in Riyadh this weekend. We have rounded up an immersive installation, pop-up markets, and loads of family-friendly activities. Let’s get the weekend started.
Thursday February 16
1. Hit the ramps at Diriyah Urban Festival
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The historic heart of Riyadh will be transformed into the world’s urban sports capital for the first BMX Freestyle World Cup of the 2023 season, which will act as a qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. From BMX Freestyle and parkour to skateboarding and breakdancing, the best male and female athletes will meet at the Elite Sports Centre in Diriyah in a unique setting with custom-built ramps. The show’s highlight will undoubtedly be the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup from Wednesday February 15 to Saturday February 18, which will be held for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Alongside the BMX competitions, a village of sports initiations, street art animations and exclusive DJ sets will be offered.
Diriyah Urban Festival, until Feb 18, 8.30am, Elite Sports Centre, Al Diriyah Al Jadida, Riyadh 13737. Get your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR125. @diriyahseason
2. Experience your favourite OSN+ shows at this immersive installation
Are you a fan of ‘The Last of Us’, ‘House of the Dragon’, ‘Yellowstone’, or ‘White Lotus’? OSN+ has launched a new activation at Riyadh Front so you can experience the platform’s most popular shows. The futuristic 10-meter by 10-meter installation will feature zones where guests can enter the world of each hit show and capture iconic photo moments. On arrival, guests will be welcomed at the glamorous reception of the iconic five-star ‘White Lotus’, before embarking on a journey through the infamous Dutton Ranch of Yellowstone to try the classic branding ritual. Next, guests will enter the eerie dragon den from ‘House of the Dragon’, followed by a final stop on the immersive journey to the post-apocalyptic world of ‘The Last of Us’.
Available from Feb 15 to 21, 4pm to midnight, Riyadh Front. Free entry. @osn
3. Shop, mingle and indulge in delish food at huna’s pre-Ramadan pop-up
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Huna Riyadh Park is hosting a new pop-up for your pre-Ramadan prep – because it’s never too early to go on a festive shopping spree. So, head on over, where you’ll find items ranging from clothing to food and accessories.
Pre-Ramadan Pop-Up, until Feb 17, 4pm to 10pm, Huna Riyadh Park, Riyadh Park Mall, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511. @iam.huna
4. Experience a world of seafood delights
Element at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh treats you every Thursday with exquisite flavours from the sea at their Seafood Night. Offering a selection of popular seafood dishes, this makes an ideal night out for seafood lovers. On the buffet is a vast range of delicacies, so fill your plates with prawns, fresh shucked oysters and mussels to sushi and sashimi.
Seafood Night at Elements, every Thurs 7pm to midnight, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, 2239 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12264. Tel: 011 211 5500. @fsriyadh
Friday February 17
5. A weekend treat at the newly opened NAC Riyadh
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Inspired by Parisienne cafés and with an ethos that focuses on good food and good friends, NAC offers eggs, salads, and sweet treats to get your weekend started. From ricotta pancakes with dolce de leche to scrambled eggs with Monterrey Jack cheese and jalapeño mayo, there’s something for everyone in this chic Laysen Valley eatery.
NAC Riyadh, Laysen Valley, Fri & Sat Brunch 11am to 4pm, Dinner 5pm to 11.30pm, Mon to Thurs Lunch noon to 4pm & Dinner 5pm to 11.30pm. @nacriyadh
6. Explore and learn more about the outer space
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Always wanted to see the universe from an astronaut’s eyes? Head to the Riyadh Space Fair, which offers live interactive displays to educate visitors of all ages about space science and discoveries. It explores the relationship between humanity and the universe while revealing space secrets throughout history. Visitors will learn more about human missions to space and how they shaped a new understanding of our universe. Plus, there’ll be entertaining and informative games, interactive simulators, such as the ‘Walk on Mars’ experience, and experimenting with techniques used to study the universe like telescopes, satellites and others.
Riyadh Space Fair, until Feb 20, daily 10am to 10pm, King Salman Science Oasis, Al Raed District. Book your tickets here. The price starts from SAR65 and SAR48.75 for a family package. @riyadhspacefair
7. Enjoy ooey, gooey paradise at Slime Planet
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Are your kids obsessed with slime? If so, they’ll love Slime Planet at Boulevard World – guaranteed #SlimeOfYourLife with the ultimate sensory experience. It features creative areas such as slime stations, where children can make slime from scratch with the help of supervisors. Mum and dad can also join them in fun-filled activities, such as helping them design and build artwork and drawing on the sand in an entertaining and creative environment. Along with a choice of entertainment options, Slime Planet includes interactive exhibitions, live shows and practical hands-on experiences.
Slime Planet, until Mar 22, 3pm to 11pm, Boulevard World. @riyadhseason
Saturday February 18
8. Pop by the DQ Souq
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If you love fresh produce and supporting local businesses, pay a visit to the newly launched DQ Souq. There will be a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with drinks flowing and delicious street food on the grill. Or sift through the wares and support the local creatives by purchasing their art pieces.
DQ Souq, every Sat, 10am to 10pm. @saudidq
9. Check out the free Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition
Jewellery fans, you won’t want to miss this Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can discover an enchanting vision in which the High Jewellery Maison’s expert craftsmanship and pursuit of harmony come together as a true art form. The show is divided into three themes – Time, Nature and Love – and there’ll be around 280 pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ patrimonial collection, alongside pieces from private collections and archive documents on display.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love Exhibition, until April 15, The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Halls 1 & 2, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 7pm, Thurs 9am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. The event is free, but a ticket is required to enter.
10. Be captivated by the dazzling performances at Diriyah Nights
Still have yet to check out Diriyah Nights? If you enjoy live performances, catch the daily shows featuring some of the best Saudi and regional artists. Curated by The Fridge, music and culture fans can look forward to a magical atmosphere, with the historic city of Diriyah providing a stunning backdrop. You will be treated to the hypnotic rhythms of Diriyah Heartbeat; spellbinding melodies of Arabic music from the professional Nay player, the reverberating beat of the gong and crystal bowls, as well as the sounds of singers and poets, blissful compositions of harpists, and nature-inspired percussive melodies.
Diriyah Nights, until Feb 22, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 2am, Fri & Sat 4pm to 2am, Ad Diriyah. Book your tickets here. SAR138 per person. @diriyahseason