10 awesome things to do in Riyadh this week: Dec 31 to Jan 3
Happy New Year, folks…
It’s a fresh new year, bringing fresh new events. We get it, some of you are still recuperating from the year-end festivities, so why not start slow and easy with the newest and best facial treatments to get your glow on or a musical ensemble performance? And for the energiser bunnies who are still raring to go, discover new dining destinations and exciting adventures.
Here are ten awesome things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday December 31
Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure
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Buckle up because we’re diving fork-first into KAFD Culinary Experience – The Culinary Canvas. On Sunday December 31, the dinner series will feature Dubai-based Chef Akmal Anuar from one-Michelin-starred restaurant 11 Woodfire. The experience will only be enhanced by the artistic contributions of Saudi visual artist Lulwah Al Homoud.
The Culinary Canvas: When Art Unites, Dec 31, 8pm to 10.30pm, KAFD Financial Plaza, Riyadh. Book your spots here. SAR500 for a single ticket & SAR750 per couple. @kafd
Be prepared for a big surprise at Disney: The Castle
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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. Plus, Disney fans will be in for a treat on Sunday December 31, as there’ll be a big surprise. 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
Ring in the New Year in style
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Celebrate the new year with a bang at the Anghami Lab. Dance the night away to the hottest beats spun by renowned DJs, as vibrant lights and stunning visuals create a captivating ambience. Indulge in a wide array of delectable cuisine and sip signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. With a line-up of artists featuring Pamela, Mabelle, Sabah, The Brain band, and DJ Eli, this New Year’s party at Anghami Lab promises to be an extraordinary celebration.
New Year’s Party, Dec 31, 9.30pm to midnight, Anghami Lab, Boulevard City. Tel: 054 938 8084. Tickets start from SAR500 and can be purchased here. @anghamilabriyadh
Monday January 1
Get your glow on
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The arrival of the new year brings a blank slate and a chance to reinvent oneself. To take your facial care up a notch, head to Brau for its latest advanced facial treatments designed to rejuvenate and refresh. From its signature facial and the Million Dollar peel to LED facial and Million Dollar facial, you’ll find a treatment to fit every type of skin. We recommend the Meso Glow facial – this micro-needling treatment delivers a vitamin cocktail to boost collagen, address scars and wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin for a radiant, youthful look.
Brau, Sat to Thurs 11am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 10pm, Centria Mall, Al Olaya, Riyadh, Tel: 011 215 5530. @brau_ksa
Take the kids to the Big Fun Museum
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Visit the Big Fun Museum for a whole world of fun and illusion waiting to be discovered. This new attraction features three immersive adventures in one place – Fairy Forest, Museum of Emotions, and Museum of Illusions. The right place to have a great time with friends and family.
Big Fun Museum, Park Avenue, Gate 4, Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 2am, Fri 3pm to 2am, Sat 1pm to midnight. Tickets start from SAR80 and can be purchased here. @bigfun_family
Tuesday January 2
Check out a colourful art exhibition by Ana Pušica
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Ana Pušica’s works are characterised by their vivid, imaginative nature. Her brand-new series, “Strip.Drip.Shower.”, which is on display at Lift Gallery, continues this tradition and adds a new layer of depth and introspection to her work. Through her use of mixed media and experimental techniques, she creates pieces that are at once abstract and representational, capturing the essence of her subjects while also encouraging viewers to bring their own interpretations to the works.
Strip.Drip.Shower. Exhibition by Ana Pušica, until Jan 2024, Lift Gallery, Tafaseel Park, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12332, Sun, Tues, Thurs & Fri 4pm to 10pm, Mon, Wed & Sat 11am to 11pm. @gallery.lift
Start the year off right on your bike
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Come celebrate a positive New Year in the great outdoors with the RWG Community. They’ll be riding up along Wadi Hanifah on the evening of Tuesday January 2. If you love cycling but don’t do enough of it, here’s your chance for the first best ride of the year.
Bike Ride with RWG, Jan 2, 8pm to 9pm, Wadi Hanifah. SAR20. Tel: 058 218 2524. @rwg_community
Restaurant renewal: Tao Lounge is back with renewed vigour
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It’s been a long road that led Riyadh institution Tao to this – a brand-new restaurant that’s turning heads in Riyadh Boulevard, and it’s truly sensational. Take a seat at the upper terrace; the new spot is a garden oasis, lushly filled with potted plants and flowers. Meanwhile, the menu smoulders with prestige comfort food, where warm flavours and soft textures envelop you like a trusty duffle coat. Tao is back where it belongs; at the forefront of Riyadh dining scene.
Tao Lounge, Boulevard, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13513, daily 1pm to 1am. Reservations can be made here. @tao_lounge
Wednesday January 3
Experience winter nights at La Brasserie Café
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Combining cooler evenings and warm hospitality, Al Faisaliah Hotel is once again launching its much-anticipated Winter Nights series at the outdoor terrace of La Brasserie Café. Look forward to sampling delicious signature dishes and the chef’s specials under the stars. Diners will enjoy seasonal flavours such as Nutty Eggnog Hot Chocolate, traditional Saudi desserts including Masabeeb and Hanini, and a Trio of Chocolate Fondue served with rice crisps, madeleines, brownies and fruit. The perfect place for socialising, relaxing and sharing a sweet treat with friends and loved ones.
Winter Nights at La Brasserie Café, until Feb 28, 5pm to midnight, Al Faisaliah Hotel. Tel: 011 273 2000. @alfaisaliahhotel
Mark your calendars for the second Sada AlWadi concert
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This new cultural concert series features some of Saudi Arabia’s most beloved music artists live in Diriyah for one night only. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind musical experience in an intimate venue – a perfect cultural setting for a mesmerising evening. Listen to the best of each artist’s back catalogue, with the timeless music and dance of Samri, and a spectacular set design. There will also be a live musical performance and cultural exchange with popular artists Ahlam and Oumaima Taleb.
Sada AlWadi Concert, Jan 3, 8pm to 1.30am, Mayadeen Theatre, Diriyah. Tickets start from SAR850 and can be purchased here. @diriyahseason
Images: Provided / Instagram