10 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: December 17 to December 20
It’s a brand-new week…
Riyadh, look alive. The year is coming to a close, but there’s still so much to do and see. The city has come to life with a ton of exciting activities for you to check out. Here are all the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday December 17
Check out at Ana Arabia
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Translating to I am an Arab Woman, Ana Arabia 2023 is an exhibition hosted every year as part of Riyadh Season. Experience a world of fashion design and art at the largest event of its kind in the Middle East.
Ana Arabia 2023, Boulevard Hall, Fri Dec 17 to Thu Dec 23. @anaarabiaksa
Explore Boulevard World
This season, Boulevard World is 40 per cent bigger than last year, and you can look forward to four new areas covering an area of one million square metres. The new areas include a shopping area with over 1,180 shops, 120 restaurants and cafés and various shows and entertainment experiences. Built in just 82 days, Boulevard World is considered Riyadh Season’s largest and most ambitious project to date. It’s perfect for experiencing a world of culture without ever leaving Riyadh.
Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets here.
Test your knowledge at Quiz Night
Thinking caps on. There’s a general knowledge quiz night happening at the cafe; call up your friends and form a team. You can expect a night full of diverse quiz rounds, prizes, and more on Sunday December 17.
Sociale Cafe, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
Monday December 18
Have lunch at Joa
Enter Joa, a fast-casual concept specialising in fusion poke bowls and sushi rolls. After making waves in Kuwait since 2016, it has set up a shack on our shores—its first Saudi Arabian branch. The minimalist indoor space is both refined and comfortable, with wood accents that give off that distinctive Japanese feel.
Joa, Prince Fahad Bin Abdulaziz St, Hittin, Riyadh 13518, daily noon to midnight. Tel: 053 765 1004. @joa.ksa
Enjoy Riyadh Season’s most popular zone, Wonder Garden
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Wonder Garden is a complete hit with visitors. Featuring more than 70 rides and experiences, two arcade halls, 15 stores, 26 restaurants and more than 60 roaming acts and shows, the zone is the perfect way to spend a weeknight. You can chill out by the Flamingo Lake and admire over 50 gorgeous flamingos, check out the Bloom subzone where flowers inspire art installations; and enjoy a giant wheel. You can even be one with nature at the stunning Butterfly Garden.
Wonder Garden, Al Qirawan, daily 4pm to 1am. Book your tickets here.
Tuesday December 19
Sing along to hits by Ahlam at the Diriyah Season concert
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Diriyah Season’s calendar of events is slowly unfolding, and one of the first ones on the list include a night of Najdi music with Ahlam and Oumina Taleb, get your tickets now.
Diriyah Season concert, Mayadeen Theatre, doors open at 8pm. Book your spot here
Take part in an exciting Poetry Workshop
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If you’ve always wanted to get into writing but never found quite the way to do it, now’s your chance. There’s set to be a two-hour-long workshop happening at Sociale on Tuesday December 19, perfect for beginners and pros alike for SAR100.
Sociale Cafe, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
Wednesday December 20
Tuck into warm treats at Bread Ahead
Located in the heart of Riyadh’s Hittin, the new space encompasses a dine-in area, a bakery and a baking school that has become popular at the Jeddah site. From bread making to pastry courses, cakes, doughnuts and beyond, it will be the ideal place to experience artisan baking classes whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker.
Bread Ahead, Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, Sat to Wed 7am to midnight, Thurs 7am to 1am & Fri 7am to 11am & 1pm to 1am. @breadaheadksa
Find out what the hype is all about at House of Hype
The major destination will be housed within the popular Riyadh Season zone Boulevard Riyadh City. The entertainment park will have immersive experiences and places to explore, play games, discover surprises, shop exclusive products, and win prizes, including 46 creator experiences, 29 immersive attractions, and 32 gaming experiences.
Visit: webook.com
Sit outdoors at Ashjar Cafe
Ashjar Cafe is one of the most popular ones in town. The venue has been trending for quite some time now, for everything from its gorgeous outdoor seating to great drinks, Ashjar Cafe is well-loved among many Riyadh residents.
Ashjar Cafe, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, daily 24 hours. @ashjarcafe