10 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: March 11 to March 13
It’s going to be the first week of Ramadan…
Ramadan is starting this week, and Riyadh is lighting up with all the top-tier activities to do. From brilliant seasons coming to end to incredible iftars, here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday March 10
Experience Diriyah Nights for the last time
View this post on Instagram
Tonight is the last night to experience the gorgeous Diriyah Nights Wander along the walkways illuminated by glittering lights and explore the enchanting site, which brings together the best of local and global contemporary art and design, exceptional food, and live music, dance, poetry, and theatrical performances.
Diriyah Nights, Bujairi Park, 5pm to 2am. Book your spot here.
Hop into your electric kart at BattleKart
Fans of classic racing games like Mario Kart are in for a real treat. BattleKart at the GameOn Entertainment Centre in Riyadh is the first interactive e-karting venue in the Middle East. It will transport you and your friends to immersive virtual worlds, where you can race through futuristic landscapes, overcome virtual obstacles, and unleash fantastical weapons.
BattleKart Riyadh, 2pm to 2am, GameOn Entertainment Centre, 3112 Al Bahar Al Arabi, Ishbiliyah, Riyadh 13226. The ticket is priced at SAR120 per person and can be purchased here. @battlekart_ruh
Try African Lounge’s new sharing set menu
In the heart of Bujairi Terrace, you’ll find a charming spot perched on top of the inimitable Flamingo Room by Tasha’s – all part of the Flamingo Collection. African Lounge has launched an exciting new set menu of savoury dishes and decadent desserts that is perfect for two. Priced at SAR580, ‘The Journey’ set menu focuses on local, seasonal ingredients imbued with flavours from around the world and pairs perfectly with African Lounge’s creative beverage menu, which includes aromatics like rooibos tea, kaffir lime, calamansi, and mandarin, along with a wide selection of delicate artisan teas – all while taking in the beautiful scenes around you. This intimate space offers the perfect hideaway for glamorous get-togethers or date nights.
African Lounge, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, Riyadh 13711, daily 6pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 13254. @african__lounge
Monday March 11
Celebrate Flag Day
Wave your flags, and wave them high. March 11 is known as Saudi Flag Day Kingdom-wide. The day will be celebrated in honour of the former King Abdulaziz endorsing the flag on March 11, 1937. March 11 will be celebrating the flag as a symbol of monotheism, justice, strength, development, and prosperity.
Mar 11. Across Saudi Arabia.
Check out the Pierre Hermé Boutique
Luscious, fragrant and delicate, macarons like his rose-lychee-raspberry morsel serve as sufficient proof as to why he has been touted as the “Picasso of Pastry”. And great news for Pierre Hermé fans in Riyadh – the macaron maestro has now opened a new Pierre Hermé Paris patisserie at the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre in a partnership that marks the chef’s first outpost in Saudi Arabia.
Pierre Hermé Paris Boutique, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. @pierreherme.fsriyadh
Tuesday March 12
Check out The Groves
The Groves is set to house some pretty innovative experiences. From fairytale-inspired lounges to incredible restaurants and so much more. Get ready for a world of fun this Ramadan.
Visit: @the_groves_sa
Take the kids to the 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
Wednesday March 13
Visit the Fawanees tent at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
The fabulous Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh is bringing back its Fawanees Experience iftar tent. It will feature an array of speciality dishes, mouthwatering desserts, and a selection of classic Ramadan beverages, such as Jellab, Kamer El Dine, and Tamer Hindy. Perfect for family, it will also include children’s activities with a dedicated play area.
Fawanees Experience, Mar 10 to Apr 9, 5pm to 9pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. SAR475 per adult, SAR675 for the Gold package, and SAR238 to SAR338 for children between seven and 12 years. Free for those below seven. @mo_alfaisaliah
View artworks at Sociale Cafe & Art Gallery
View this post on Instagram
If you love yourself some artwork, head out to the opening night of Sociale Cafe & Art Gallery’s March Gallery. Attend an evening full of captivating artworks, discussions, and more.
Opening Night at Sociale Cafe & Art Gallery, Tahlia Street, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
Head to Gymkhana for suhoor
Gymkhana’s Ramadan set dinner is a delightful seasonal offering. Sample Samosa and Pakoras accompanied by Imli and Mint Chutney, then proceed to the main event: the tender Chicken Tikka or Goat Qeema. Dip into creamy Prawn Curry and Butter Masala and pile on a heaping amount of lamb Biryani. Finish your meal with a taste of traditional Indian sweets or a dish of fresh fruit.
Gymkhana Riyadh, Via Riyadh, daily 5pm to 2am. @gymkhana.sa