13 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: November 23 to 25
Hello, weekend…
Yes, the weekend is finally here. If you still haven’t made plans yet, we’ve rounded up a few options for you. Gear up and grab your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh.
Here are 13 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday November 23
Indulge in Robata’s new executive lunch menu
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If you’re looking for a slick space for a business lunch in the Hittin district, check out Robata at The Canopy. The Japanese restaurant has just launched its executive lunch set menu and is sure to impress with its sophisticated decor and mouthwatering food offerings. Settle into Robata’s gorgeous al fresco terrace as you feast on starters such as crispy potato salad, salmon carpaccio, prawn portobello gyoza, and tuna crispy rice. Main course options include miso braised lamb, grilled black cod, and grilled pepper chicken. As for dessert, we highly recommend its grilled banana cake.
Robata’s New Executive Lunch Menu, Sun to Thurs 1pm to 6pm, The Canopy, Hittin, Northern Ring Rd. SAR250 per person; to be shared between a minimum of two guests. Tel: 9200 05613. @robatasaudi
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
Laugh out loud with Maz Jobrani
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Fancy a laugh? American-Iranian comic Maz Jobrani has landed in the city, promising to leave hilarity in his wake. The quick-witted funnyman is renowned for his sharp, speculative comedy and audience interaction, so if you’re a bit shy, we suggest you grab a seat at the back. Known for his specials on Netflix and Showtime, fans will also recognise the performer from his appearances on ‘The Late Show’ and his role in ‘The Axis of Evil Comedy Central’ tour featuring Middle Eastern comedians. Introducing Maz to the stage will be Saudi comedian and viral sensation Meesh.
Riyadh Laughs, Nov 23 to Dec 2, 8.15pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. @riyadhlaughs
Party high in the sky
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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. This week’s FOWG line-up of Darko Delix, BKR, RDJ, and Nark Beat are all set to lay down the hottest tunes. 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 SAR499 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Friday November 24
The place to gather, dine and shine
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Step inside Obaya Lounge, a new lobby space located within the hotel’s atrium on the ground floor of the most eye-catching tower in Riyadh. Whether you’re meeting for business or pleasure, Obaya Lounge is bound to make for an interesting setting for your day or evening. Dig into its debut menu, which offers a selection of sourdough tartines and sandwiches and substantial mains such as crispy confit duck leg with green beans and potatoes, and chickpea, cauliflower and eggplant spiced curry with saffron pilaf basmati rice.
Obaya Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Tel: +966 11 211 5500. @fsriyadh
A whirlwind of laughter at this Arabic stand-up comedy
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Arabic-speaking audience looking for laugh-out-loud entertainment, check out Ibrahim Al Hajjaj at Riyadh Laughs. Performing on Friday November 24, the rising star in the comedy scene is known for his unique perspective and observational humour. He has gained popularity for his witty and relatable comedy sketches on social media platforms, where he addresses everyday situations in an amusing manner. Prepare for bursts of laughter and funny stories from Ibrahim and friends that will leave you in stitches.
Riyadh Laughs, Nov 23 to Dec 2, 8.15pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. The show on Nov 24 is in Arabic. @riyadhlaughs
Check out Pan Home’s new store in Riyadh
Planning to revamp your pad with some new pieces? You’ll be pleased to know that Pan Home, an iconic home furnishing retailer from the UAE, has unveiled its debut store in the city. Encompassing two floors across a 100,000 square feet space, the new store features Pan Home’s comprehensive collection of furniture and home accessories for living and dining spaces to bedrooms, bathrooms, kid’s rooms, home offices and even outdoor haven.
Pan Home, Eastern Ring Road, Al Safa, Riyadh 12856, Sat to Thurs 10am to 10pm & Fri 2pm to midnight. @panhomeksa
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. There will also be a skate competition on Friday November 24 at 7.30pm, where local skaters will show off their best tricks in exciting skate competitions.
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
Saturday November 25
Enjoy a taste of Italy right in the heart of KAFD
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Level up your weekend plans with a daytime excursion to Il Baretto. This classy spot has debuted a new Saturday music lunch experience – building on the popularity of its live music nights and bringing an exceptional weekend offering to the neighbourhood. Taking perfection to the next level through its elegant interiors and ambience, coupled with the finest food, world-class mixology and top-notch service, it’s no surprise that Il Baretto has won the What’s On Riyadh Awards 2023 for Favourite Italian Restaurant.
Il Baretto, KAFD 5.08, Riyadh 13519, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
Catch the last day of Sudan week at Suwaidi Park
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Experience the richness of the Sudanese culture and enjoy stage performances and as live musical acts by the most well-known artists. 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
Take part in a Chakra Balancing & Yin workshop
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Are you ready to go on a journey of self-exploration and discovery? In this two-hour workshop, you will explore the chakra system, a path to self-discovery that helps you find balance in your body and your life. The workshop will end with a 60-minute yin candlelight relaxation that touches on the seven chakras with visualisation, affirmations and mantras.
Chakra Balancing & Yin Workshop, Nov 25, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Exhale Yoga Studio, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512. SAR300 per person. @exhaleyoga.sa
Watch the rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte
Joaquin Phoenix takes the crown. Watch the new trailer for #Napoleon, from acclaimed director Ridley Scott. See it in Premium Large Formats, Screen X, 70mm and IMAX this Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/QHqtTSmptf
— Napoleon (@NapoleonMovie) October 18, 2023
See one of the most awe-inspiring films of the year. Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby star in ‘Napoleon’ – an epic film that takes a personal look at Napoleon Bonaparte’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor viewed through the prism of his addictive, and often volatile, relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. What to expect? Check out our Deputy Editor’s review of the movie.
Book your tickets here.
Laugh your pants off with Shakir Sharif & Friends
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Riyadh Laughs closes off this weekend with another Arabic stand-up comedy by Shakir Sharif and friends. Sharif is celebrated for his energetic stage presence and quick wit. He is renowned for his storytelling abilities, weaving everyday experiences into hilarious anecdotes. You’ll enjoy Shakir and friends’ dynamic delivery and relatable humour when they take the stage.
Riyadh Laughs, Nov 23 to Dec 2, 8.15pm, Muvi Cinemas, Boulevard Riyadh City. The tickets are priced from SAR140 and can be purchased here. The show on Nov 25 is in Arabic. @riyadhlaughs
Images: Provided / Social