16 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: November 30 to December 2
Start with these…
Looking for the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in the capital today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: an open-air souq at the DQ, the opening of the first-ever Dog Festival, stand-up comedy shows and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend.
Thursday November 30
Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner at L’ami Dave everyday
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French fine dining restaurant L’ami Dave at Mansard Hotel is now open daily for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy signature starters like Escargots de Bourgogne, Carpaccio de Boeuf with Black Truffle, and a beautiful Salade Verte to begin the meal. For entrées, standouts include an exquisite Dover Sole, impeccable Steak Frites, a luxurious Cote de Boeuf, and a perfect Poulet Roti for two. Dessert, meanwhile, brings Ananas Tartin, Fruits de Saison, and an unforgettable table side chocolate mousse. Otherwise, you can also choose to have the business lunch menu. The restaurant’s afternoon tea has got to be one of our favourites in Riyadh; check out our review here.
L’ami Dave, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, daily lunch noon to 3pm, daily afternoon tea 3pm to 7pm & daily dinner 7pm to 11pm. @lamidaveriyadh
Be mesmerised by the largest light art festival in Riyadh
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The citywide festival will illuminate our capital city with large-scale light art installations, building projections, performances, and more. Held under the theme “The Bright Side of the Desert Moon”, the event features over 120 artworks by around 100 artists. From urban to natural landscapes, Noor Riyadh is presented as a journey in five hubs – JAX District, KAFD, Salam Park, Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Namar. Accompanying the festival will also be an exhibition titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, which will be held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024.
Noor Riyadh Festival, Nov 30 to Dec 16, 6pm to 1am, various locations. Noor Riyadh Exhibition, Nov 30 to Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Don’t miss the first-ever Dog Festival
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Dog lovers, for the first time ever, Riyadh Season will host the ‘Dog Festival’ with more than 250 dogs competing in various categories. The festival will see competitions for pups that include a beauty contest and competitions in the categories of Saluki Race, IGP, Agility, and Dog Show.
Dog Festival Nov 30 & Dec 1, 3pm to 11pm (first day), 1pm to 11pm (second day), Boulevard Hall, Hittin. The ticket price starts from SAR75 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Get your hands on Namshi’s Black November Beauty Box
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Beauty enthusiasts, get your very own beauty advent calendar as Namshi’s 30 Days of Beauty Box is back and bigger than ever. Packed with 30-products, unbeatable value, top brands, and 30 days of beauty, this limited-time offer, worth over SAR1,840 SAR, is now on sale for just SAR499. From skincare to makeup essentials, this collection is carefully curated to cater to all beauty needs and preferences. Namshi’s beauty box encompasses a variety of skincare products from leading brands, including La Roche Posay, Vichy, Nuxe, Estee Lauder, and Origins, as well as makeup essentials and fragrance from Benefit, Mac, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Rituals, and more. Don’t miss out on this limited time offering.
The Namshi Black November Beauty Box is now available for purchase exclusively on the Namshi website. @namshi
Relive your childhood classics at Disney: The Castle
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As part of Riyadh Season 2023, the iconic Disney: The Castle at Boulevard Riyadh City is a live musical experience that brings you closer than ever to the iconic music of Disney’s beloved animated worlds. At this magical family festival, celebrate music from Disney’s most popular animated films through captivating performances in immersive musical worlds and exhilarating mini-concerts in front of the towering Disney Castle. Entry to Boulevard Riyadh City is free but tickets are required for the Disney: The Castle experience.
Disney: The Castle, weekdays 5pm to 12.30am & weekends 5pm to 1.30am, Boulevard Riyadh City. The ticket price starts from SAR125 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Have a hilarious time with NEMR
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If you’re looking for laugh-out-loud entertainment, check out the last weekend of Riyadh Laughs. The exciting stand-up comedy extravaganza takes you to new levels of fun with NEMR. The Lebanese-American comedian, known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant comedy, has performed in numerous countries and has several specials to his name, including “NEMR: No Bombing in Beirut” and “NEMR: Love Isn’t the Answer”. NEMR’s comedy often explores cultural differences, personal experiences, and global issues, delivering powerful messages with humour.
Riyadh Laughs, until Dec 2, 8.45pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. @riyadhlaughs
Bring your vibe up to FOWG
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If you’ve ever wanted to dance under the stars with the city’s skyline as your backdrop, you’re in for a treat. Get ready for an epic musical night with MDLBeast at KAFD’s rooftop with curated mixes by Lehar, Joj, Ant, and Misha. So, grab your squad, buy your tickets, and head on down.
FOWG: Rooftop Experience in Riyadh, Nov 23, 10pm to 2am, 4.04 KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. The ticket price starts from SAR249 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Friday December 1
Have a feast at the Saudi Feast Food Festival
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It’s the largest festival of its kind in the Middle East, where you can sample various dishes from all regions of the Kingdom made by local and international chefs. You can look forward to incredible recreational, cultural, and educational activities for all ages amidst the gorgeous cool weather.
Saudi Feast Food Festival, King Saud University, until Dec 2, daily 4pm to midnight. The ticket price starts from SAR35 and can be purchased here. @mocculinary
Check out the Saudi Games Fan Zone
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The largest event of its kind in the Kingdom, the Saudi Games 2023 involves athletes competing in various sports, including archery, padel, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, billiards, bowling, and boxing. The games aim to inspire the youth of Saudi Arabia and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ability to host massive events in an organised manner. To enjoy the ultimate experience of Saudi Games 2023, check out the free Fan Zone, featuring a wide range of sports, entertainment, and food and beverage kiosks all in one.
Saudi Games 2023, until Dec 10, 3pm, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex. Entry is free but you’re required to book a ticket here. @thesaudigames
Enjoy the last few days of The Phantom of the Opera
If you’re ready to be transported back to the 1800s with a thrilling tale of love, romance, and horror, you need to check out The Phantom of the Opera in Riyadh. With only seven shows remaining of this unforgettable musical, which debuted in Riyadh for the very first time, theatre lovers should secure their tickets now for a final chance to immerse themselves in the magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic masterpiece.
The Phantom of the Opera, Oct 14 to Dec 5, The Arena, Gharnatah, Riyadh 13241. Tickets can be purchased here. @riyadhcitysa
Where the gallery meets the street
The first project of its kind in the capital, Riyadh Street Art Festival has transformed Riyadh’s Al-Mughrizat abandoned building into an immersive art experience. The festival features talented artists specialising in sculptures and murals, and panel discussions and workshops about art and street culture. Additional attractions include food trucks in an open area, a skatepark and shop, fashion shops, a theatre, a library, live DJs, street performances including hip-hop, cypher, and crowd dancing, and a wall for creative chalk drawing.
Riyadh Street Art Festival, until Dec 6, 7pm to midnight, Al Mughrizat, Exit 9. Free entry but tickets are required for you to enter. @visualarts_moc
Laugh out loud with Paul Chowdhry at Riyadh Laughs
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Paul Chowdhry is a British comedian and actor known for his edgy and boundary-pushing humour. He has appeared on various television shows, including Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster. Paul’s comedy often tackles themes such as race, relationships, and modern life, and he is praised for his fearless approach to controversial topics. Opening the show for Paul will be US comedian Maher Matta. Discover a new level of comedy and spend the evening in a cosy atmosphere of laughter and fun.
Riyadh Laughs, until Dec 2, 8.45pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. @riyadhlaughs
Saturday December 2
Pop by the DQ Souq
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If you love fresh produce and supporting local businesses, pay a visit to the DQ Souq, which has made its return to the Diplomatic Quarter. There will be a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with delicious food at the various kiosks. Or sift through the wares and support the local creatives by purchasing their art pieces. The kids can also check out an outdoor cinema, drawing area, and mini animal corner. Plus, it’s free to enter the DQ Souq.
DQ Souq, Behind the AlArabiya building and Oud Square, every Sat, 4pm to 11pm. @saudidq
Catch the last day of Pakistan week at Suwaidi Park
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Experience the richness of the Pakistani culture and enjoy stage performances and live musical performances. There will also be bazaars where you can shop for handicrafts and knick-knacks, food zone, and a variety of carnival games for the whole family.
Al-Suwaidi Park, 4pm to midnight, 2485 Al Hadeeqa, 7288, As Suwaidi, 7288, Riyadh 12791. Book your free ticket here. @riyadhseason
Check out the gorgeous African Lounge
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Fans of the new dining destination by Tashas Group in Bujairi Terrace are probably already well aware of the stunning Flamingo Room. And now, mere steps away lies their gorgeous African Lounge – part of the three unique concepts under one roof, with a terrific terrace letting you take full advantage of the Flamingo Collection’s location and the historic At-Turaif as the backdrop. Here’s a sneak peek of the gorgeous space.
African Lounge, Flamingo Collection, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate, daily 6pm to midnight. @african__lounge
Calling all Arabic comedy lovers
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Closing off Riyadh Laughs will be Alaa El Sheikh, Mohamed Moula and Reem Nabil, who will perform for the first time in Riyadh. Direct from Cairo, the rising comedy stars are known for their infectious energy and charismatic stage presence. They have a talent for connecting with the audience through relatable humour, light-hearted observations, and witty storytelling. This show will be in Arabic.
Riyadh Laughs, until Dec 2, 8.45pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. @riyadhlaughs
Images: Instagram / Provided