9 amazing things to do in Jeddah this weekend: May 16 to May 18
Everything to do this weekend…
When you live in Jeddah, you’re never short on incredible things to do. Be it new activities or cafes to check out, there is always something to do around the corner. Here are the best things to do in Jeddah this weekend.
Thursday May 16
View the gorgeous Ahaad Alamoudi exhibition
Moving Mountains (2024) by Ahaad Alamoudi, commissioned by Art Jameel, courtesy of the artist
The first-ever institutional solo exhibition by Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi, this showcase – curated by Rotana Shaker – explores and expands upon Alamoudi’s deep interest in unpacking our relationships to rapidly changing societies and cultures. Bringing together new works, commissioned by Art Jameel, with existing works, ‘Moving Mountains’ situates Saudi Arabia’s natural and urban landscapes as sites of possibility, punctured by effort and powered by fantasy. Alamoudi’s humorous and hopeful interpretations of familiar tropes and symbols invite visitors to navigate large-scale installations, performances, and videos through fluidity in form and meaning.
Ahaad Alamoudi: Moving Mountains, Ground Floor, Hayy Arts, Hayy Jameel
Have a flattened croissants at Essbar
Everywhere we go, we see a new variation of the croissaint. And now in Jeddah you can tuck into flattened croissaints at Essbar. Pick from flavours like chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and more.
Essbar, Safia Bint Abdulmutalib St, Al Mohammadiyyah, 8am to 1am. @essbar.sa
Enjoy an indoor forest experience
Situated at Jeddah Park Mall, this indoor forest represents an extraordinary, tangible experience of walking through a verdant and lavish rainforest. Here, you can see a wide range of birds and amphibians. Without a doubt, the most cheerful experience is listening to these birds chirping and watching them fly from one branch to another, all through the pavilion. It’s also a great experience for visitors to have a comprehensive idea of what flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest would look like.
Tropical Land, Cenomi Jeddah Park, Aziziyah, Jeddah 233334, Sat to Thurs 10am to 11pm & Fri 3pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here. SAR70 per child & SAR80 per adult. @tropical.land.sa
Friday May 17
Check into The Escape Hotel
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Experience the ultimate must-do activity for you and the gang—the horror chambers at The Escape Hotel await. This should be the next spot on your list if you’re on the hunt for a thrilling experience like no other. Complete with five rooms, popular ones are The Mummy and The Kitchen.
The Escape Hotel, Safia Bint Abdulmutalib St, Al Mohammadiyyah, Mon to Sat 5pm to 1am. @theescapehotel
Deep dive into the roots of Jeddah
At the Taybet Museum, visitors can take a deep dive into the heritage and culture of Islam starting at the basis of the five pillars of Islam. The exhibits include intricate re-creations of the pilgrimage to Makkah, including the Kaaba. The museum also features exhibits about the development of Jeddah and how Saudi Arabia was formed.
Taybet Museum, Raihanat Al Jazirah, Al Faisaliyyah, District, open Sat to Thu 8am to midday and 5pm to 9pm. Tel: (0)50 567 5465 visitsaudi.com
Tuck into sweet treats at Myra
Dressed in purple hues, the brand is a reimagined patisserie concept in the heart of Jeddah, ushering in a new wave of cafe culture in the Kingdom with its something-for-everyone French favourites menu and laid-back atmosphere. Take a front-row seat by the open kitchen and witness the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into making everything on the menu, from flaky croissants to decadent pastries, cakes, savoury dishes and salads.
Myra Jeddah, S Square, Hira St, Jeddah, daily 8am to 1am. myra.sa
Saturday May 18
Check out Lucaland
If you love your furry friends, head down to Lucaland in the Red Sea Mall where you can enjoy all sorts of games with a ton of different breeds.
Lucaland, Red Sea Mall, daily 4.30 to 10pm. @lucalandsa
Enjoy your time at Atallah Happy Land Park
It’s no secret that Jeddah loves its amusement parks. And this one makes everyone happy. Featuring various attractions, such as rides, arcade games, playgrounds, and ice skating too, Atallah Happy Land Park is the perfect family friendly location.
Atallah Happy Land Park, Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, daily 5pm to midnight. atallahpark.com
Tuck into Vietnamese fare
Head down to Crustacean at the Jeddah Yacht Club. Created by Chef Helene An, also known as the “Mother of Fusion”, the fine dining destination blends traditional Vietnamese cuisine with modern-day innovation. Indulge in the grilled Vietnamese satay, seared tuna Tiato complete with black truffle poke sauce, spicy steamed shrimp and lobster dumplings, and most importantly, AN’s famous garlic noodles.
Crustacean, Mon to Sat 6pm to midnight, Jeddah Yacht Club. Tel: 013 663 7000. Reservations can be made here. @crustacean_sa