8 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: December 10 to December 13
Make plans now…
It’s almost the end of the year, and you know what that means. It’s the best time to be in the capital. Diriyah Season and Riyadh Season are in full swing, the Saudi Games have been steadily taking place, and so much more. Here are all the highlights of things to do in Riyadh this week, don’t miss out.
Sunday December 10
Check out the Saudi Games Fan Zone
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
Check out the last day of the free Misk Art Week
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It’s the last day of Misk Art Week, and with it comes the last day to enjoy a creative forum, educational programs, live performances, exhibitions and showcases, The Art Library Salon (a gathering point for literary and art enthusiasts), and a fun art and design market too.
The art and design market will act as a dynamic platform for artists, designers, makers, and entrepreneurs to engage the creative community, allowing visitors to collect, acquire, source, and commission one-of-a-kind works.
Misk Art Week, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, Dist, 9346 King Saud Rd, An Namudhajiyah, until Sun Dec 10, 4pm to 11pm. miskartinstitute.org
Explore Wonder Garden by Riyadh Season
Wonder Garden will feature more than 70 rides and experiences, two arcade halls, 15 stores, 26 restaurants and more than 60 roaming acts and shows. 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 Malqa, weekdays 4pm to 1am, weekends 4pm to 2am. riyadhseason.com
Monday December 11
Experience winter nights at Shetana
Hosted by the Ministry of Culture’s culinary initiative, The Culinary Arts Commission, Shetana is a cultural celebration of heritage experiences in the desert. Coming to you as part of Diriyah Season, ticket prices start at SAR300 for two.
Shetana, Diriyah, 6pm to midnight. mocevents.ticketmx.com
Have coffee at Brew Crew
Established in 2016, Brew Crew is a proudly local brand championing some of the best coffee in town. Sustainability is at the heart of the operation, as the coffee beans are always well-traced back to farmers. The venue provides an immaculate atmosphere for working, catching up with friends and more.
Brew Crew, 7514 Nahr Al Nile, 3276, Al Mughrizat, daily 6.30am to midnight. @brewcrew.sa
Tuesday December 12
Skate away at King Fahd National Library
There’s a free skating spot in town that you need to check out at King Fahd National Library Park. All you need to do is bring your skates; they provide the helmet and you can skate for free for 3o minutes on an interactive artwork as part of Noor Riyadh 2023.
Skate at King Fahd National Library Park, Al Olaya, 4pm to midnight. riyadhart.sa
Have Japanese food at JOA
Are you ready for the best poke bowls and sushi in the capital? This is what JOA claims to be bringing to its new Hittin branch. Rolling in from Kuwait, JOA is where you want to go for those feel-good bowls, fresh sushi and so much more.
JOA Riyadh, Prince Fahad Bin Abdulaziz St, Hittin, daily noon to midnight. @joa.ksa
Wednesday December 13
Enjoy Poetry Pop-ups in Diriyah
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Of the Saudi Seasons initiatives, Diriyah Season is one of the more culture-focused ones. And this week, you can look forward to the launch of the poetry pop-ups. The events will combine live poetry performances and digital artworks to delight visitors of all ages. The poetry pop-ups present historical poetry in a way that gives insights into Diriyah’s history, culture, and values.
Poetry pop-ups in Diriyah, until Jan 20, daily 4pm to midnight. diriyah.sa
Have breakfast at NUE by Nomad
Enter Nomad’s latest concept, NUE by Nomad, which has just opened in Riyadh at an accessible location of Olaya. It is the first outlet to open outside of Bahrain. Just a stone’s throw away from Olaya Towers office buildings, and with Centria Mall visible from its front door, this place is in a desirable location.
NUE by Nomad, 3074 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12213, soft opening hours daily 8am to 10pm. @nomadeatery.sa