11 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 28 to 30
Enjoy the last weekend of the year…
Lining up plans in Riyadh? Kick off the year-end celebrations with immersive exhibitions, rooftop parties, and other thrilling events… you won’t be short of things to do this weekend. Here are 11 fantastic things to do in Riyadh.
Thursday December 28
Check out Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
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Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition, titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, is held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024. This year, the show celebrates light as a flux, where artists, as cartographers of light, comprehend the dynamic nature of human and cultural identity amidst the shifting sands of time.
Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Get trippy at House of Hype
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Housed within the popular Boulevard City zone, this entertainment park will have immersive experiences and places to explore, where you can play games, discover surprises, shop exclusive products, and win prizes, including 46 creator experiences, 29 immersive attractions, and 32 gaming experiences. Inspired by video games, fashion, music, and social media trends, House of Hype is a mind-bending whirl of experiences you will never forget.
House of Hype, Boulevard City, daily 4pm to 12.30am. Tickets start from SAR89 and can be purchased here. @houseofhype____
Experience the thrilling desert dune
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ROAM launches its newest Desert Experience. Located just one hour from the centre of Riyadh, this half-day adventure promises an unforgettable day in the captivating desert landscape. From an exhilarating journey through the dunes on electric quad bikes and sandboarding down the dune’s magnificent slopes to enjoying a bespoke private dining experience in the desert comprising traditional Saudi delicacies and succulent BBQs and opting for sunset yoga or a guided nature walk amongst the stunning desert landscape, ROAM’s Desert Experience provides the perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and culture.
Book here for ROAM’s Desert Experience. The experience is for a maximum of 20 guests but can be privately booked for groups larger than six. Pricing starts from SAR1,250 per person. @experiencesbyroam
FOWG is back at KAFD
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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 Lesad, Malkin, and Sound of Yaz 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 December 29
Celebrate the super weekend with a Super Brunch
It is one of Riyadh’s top venues, not only for its sophisticated setting but also for its fabulous buffet offerings. On Fridays, you can head to the venue and enjoy a long and languid feast of an all-new, enhanced brunch, complete with eight live cooking stations and live music. The contemporary, multi-cuisine restaurant promises an international buffet filled with freshly shucked oysters, prime Kobe beef, personalised pizzas, and live barbeque. And to keep the young guests occupied, there are plenty of kids’ activities like arts and crafts, face painting, cooking with the chef, a roaming magician, and more.
La Brasserie Super Brunch, every Fri 1pm to 5pm, Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. SAR397 per adult & SAR 198 for kids over seven. Tel: 011 273 2005. @alfaisaliahhotel
Relive your childhood classics at Disney: The Castle
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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
Beat the bars at Prison Island
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The school holidays are here, and what better way to send the older kids to spend their free time in cells filled with challenges? That’s fun at Prison Island, where you and your mates must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to break free. There are 35 cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. Prices start from SAR99 for juveniles and SAR149 for inmates. Activewear and trainers are required, and changing room facilities are available on-site.
Prison Island, First Floor, Park Avenue Mall, 7042 Said Ibn Zayd Rd, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13247. Tel: 055 028 7066. @prisonisland.ksa
Saturday December 30
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
Explore Boulevard World
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Experience a world of civilisations and cultures, exploring Boulevard World’s numerous adventures in each unique area. The second edition of this zone is 40 per cent more spectacular than last year’s event, which now features over 1,180 shops and 120 restaurants. Boulevard World Riyadh famously includes the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Lagoon, and it boasts the largest spherical theatre in which an exciting world of games and adrenaline-packed activities can be enjoyed.
Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
An architectural memory of Hasan Fathi
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Looking for an architectural inspiration? This exhibition by the Heritage Authority includes a traditional architectural experience collaborating with trainees from the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to build part of one of Hassan Fathi’s designs in Diriyah using the same methods and materials of traditional construction. All visitors are welcome to view and observe the live construction of the house and roam the exhibition containing the late architect’s exceptional works and exclusive photographs from his photography. Considered one of the leading architects of the 20th century, the work of Hassan Fathi (Egypt, 1900-1989) inspired generations of architectural designers. Throughout his career, he embraced both traditional and vernacular architecture, including traditional mudbrick and mudbrick construction.
An architectural memory of Hasan Fathi, until Dec 30, Mon to Sat 7pm to 10pm & Sun 7pm to 11pm, In front of the Municipality building, Diriyah, Riyadh. Book your free visit here. @diriyahseason
Savour delicious food truck cuisine
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Riyadh Season’s latest zone, Riyadh Food Trucks Park, brings together your favourite food trucks in this unique event space in Hittin. These vibrant and edgy food havens serve up more than just your average street fare with fun settings and a stellar entertainment line-up.
Riyadh Food Trucks Festival, until 30, daily 4pm to midnight, Hittin, Riyadh 13516. SAR15 per person, and tickets can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Images: Provided / Instagram