10 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: January 21 to January 24
There’s a lot to do…
It’s time to make plans. It’s a brand-new week in Riyadh, and as always there is a lot to do. Be it a ton of exhibitions, museums, and more, the city is full of exciting happenings. Without further ado, here are all the things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday January 21
Visit Big Fun Museum
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
Check out chef Yann Couvreur’s debut Riyadh store
Known as the Prince of Pastry, Couvreur is an expert in combining textures and flavours without compromising on seasonal, natural, fresh ingredients. Alongside the likes of Claire Damon, Cedric Grolet, and Mori Yoshida, as well as the long-time leaders Claire Heitzler, Pierre Hermé, and Jacques Genin, he is currently at the forefront of Paris’ legendary patisserie ecosystem.
Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie, Centria Mall, Olaya Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, daily 10am to 10pm. @yanncouvreur_ksa
Monday January 22
View Ana Pušica’s solo exhibition, “Strip. Drip. Shower”
Pinkish, blues, yellow and green tones appear boldly in Ana Pušica’s debut solo exhibition at Lift Gallery in Riyadh. As you wander through the gallery, prepare to be dazzled by a brilliant explosion of candy colours. The exhibition, titled “Strip. Drip. Shower.”, is a visual feast that uplifts your spirits and ignites your sense of wonder.
Strip. Drip. Shower. Exhibition by Ana Pušica, until Jan 31, Lift Gallery, Tafaseel Park, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12332, Sun, Tues, Thurs & Fri 4pm to 10pm, Wed, Sat & Mon 11am to 11pm. @gallery.lift
Have dinner at Hakkasan Riyadh
Founded in 2001, Hakkasan celebrates Chinese cuisine through traditional techniques. The Riyadh branch opened its doors in Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace in December 2022. The combination and quality of its modern Cantonese fare and chic interiors makes it one of the best dinner spots in town for when you’re looking for a more upscale dinner.
Hakkasan Riyadh, Al Bujairi, Diriyah 13711, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 1am, Fri & Sat 2.30pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 33795. @hakkasanriyadh
Tuesday January 23
Take a trip down to JAX for Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition, titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, is held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2. 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
View traditional Najdi doors on display
A cultural exhibition, “Beyond the Door,” is on in Diriyah right now. The exhibition unveils the innovation and sustainability hidden within the traditional Najdi doors. Paying homage to Najdi craftsmen’s ingenuity, “Beyond the Door” showcases contemporary art bound by the craft’s essence and design.
Beyond the Door exhibition, At-Turaif Park, daily 3pm to 11pm. diriyah.sa/beyond-the-door
Wednesday January 24
Catch Saudi Al-Shabab and Italian Roma in action
Football takes centre stage on Wednesday January 24 at 7.45pm as Italy’s Roma football club and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Shabab Club square off. The highly anticipated international match will take place at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, the new home stadium of Al-Nassr FC.
Diamond Jubilee Celebration for Al-Shabab Club: Al-Shabab vs AS Roma, Jan 24, 7.45pm (Gates open at 3.45pm), Al-Awwal Park Stadium, King Saud University, Riyadh. The price for the tickets starts from SAR20 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Enjoy the last days of Wonder Garden
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Now open until January 28, Wonder Garden is made up of three different zones where you can go on fun rides, and walk through areas full of beautiful butterflies and trees. 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.
Wonder Garden, Al Malqa, weekdays 4pm to 1am, weekends 4pm to 2am. riyadhseason.com
Make yourself a dreamcatcher
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If you’ve been wanting to do a fun activity to take your mind off things, this one might be for you. Sociale will be hosting a dreamcatcher workshop where you can use strings, hoops, and feathers to make your dream craft.
Sociale, Tahlia Street, Al Olaya, 8pm. Book your SAR120 spot here.
Grab your tickets for Formula E
Tickets are still available ahead of the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship mainstay that returns with back-to-back evening races on Friday January 26 and Saturday January 27. And before the main event happens, you need to snag your tickets if you want to catch the likes of Backstreet Boys, Alesso, and One Republic.
Diriyah E-Prix, 3pm. Book your tickets here/