11 top things to do in Riyadh this week: May 12 to May 15
It’s a brand-new week…
After having a weekend to recharge, it’s right back to the action here in Riyadh. Here are our favourite things to do this week in Riyadh.
Sunday May 12
Enjoy Quiz Night at Sociale
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Thinking caps on. There’s a general knowledge quiz night happening at the cafe tonight; call up your friends and form a team. You can expect a night full of diverse quiz rounds, prizes, and more.
Sociale Cafe, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
Cool down with some gelato
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Meaning ‘my flavour’ in Arabic, Nakhati, made using high-quality natural ingredients, is a homegrown gelato experience that supports local communities of women across the GCC. A must-try is their matcha gelato.
Nakhati, Dist، 5176 Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, An Nakheel، Unit 6, Sat to Thu 9am to midnight, Fri noon to midnight. @nakhati.ksa
Play at Play Land
Boulevard Riyadh City has welcomed a cool new playland for you and the whole family to explore. Look forward to a tonne of attractions, games, and rides, including a rollercoaster, slingshots, and a Ferris wheel all for SAR99. Feeling peckish? Check out the various restaurants and cafés while you’re there.
Play Land, BLVD City. Play Land is free to enter, but you do have to pay for the rides and games. @blvdruhcity
Monday May 13
Take in the views at African Lounge
The epitome of African glamour, African Lounge is the third concept to open at Flamingo Collection, following the successful debut of Flamingo Room by Tashas and Collective Africa, a luxury retail concept. It boasts an outdoor roof terrace, with front-row seats to the buzzy atmosphere of Bujairi Terrace and views of At-Turaif. On the menu, choose from a variety of small sharing plates and sweet treats featuring innovative flavours from around the world. Highlights include Grilled Bao and Malay Spiced Butter, Calamari Sosaties, Butternut Curry, and traditional South African Bobotie.
African Lounge, Flamingo Collection, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate, daily 6pm to midnight. @african__lounge
Grab the popcorn for a European short movie night
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Enjoy a variety of short films from Saudi Arabia and Europe with English and Arabic subtitles while sipping delectable beverages in a laid-back setting.
European Short Movie Night, Goethe-Institut, Riyadh, 7.45pm. eueventsinksa.eu
Catch a movie at Muvi
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Muvi Cinemas tickets will be cut down to SAR34 for daytime screenings and SAR39 for nighttime screenings for all days of the week. You can book yours here. In addition, you can get standard and premium seats for SAR18 when you use ANB credit cards. Plus on Mondays, when you buy one ticket you can get the other for SAR10.
Visit: muvicinemas.com
Tuesday May 14
Have breakfast at Served
There’s a brand-new breakfast in town. Opening its doors in Malqa, the venue is the perfect spot for breakfast and brunch. Tuck into everything from tacos to pancakes, and everything in between.
Served, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, 8am to 7.30pm. @served_sa
Stop and smell the roses at Obaya Lounge
The Taif Rose promotion, which is available exclusively at Obaya Lounge until Friday May 31, is a tribute to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant flavours and cultural richness. If you’re looking for a menu with a level of flair like no other, make a trip to Obaya Lounge for an exploration of floral flavours. Think warm goat cheese and Taif rose salad, and the tantalising Taif rose-infused beetroot velouté to start.
Taif Rose Promotion, until May 31, Obaya Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Tel: 011 211 5500. @fsriyadh
Dinner at House of Grill
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Behind its glossy façade, guests are transported back in time into the decadent world of the Roaring Twenties. With sparkling chandeliers, walls embellished with black-and-white photographs, and a sultry ambience adorned with lush blues, opulent golds, crushed velvet, and white feather details, House of Grill at Fairmont Riyadh is a preservation of the golden age. It’s like a slice of the mansion from The Great Gatsby.
House of Grill, Fairmont Riyadh, Sun to Fri 12.30pm to 11pm, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11552. Tel: 011 826 2626. @houseofgrillksa
Wednesday May 15
Visit the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024
Visiting the Diriyah Biennale 2024 will take audiences across six airy exhibition halls in the JAX District. This year, the 177 works on show by artists from all over the world address pressing topics, such as water shortage, arid landscapes, and climate migration. In addition, there are many learning sessions and activations, including kids’ workshops and the much-loved Cinema Nights, taking place during the Diriyah Biennale 2024. Here are some highlights from our visit.
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024, until May 24, JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh, Sat to Thurs 11am to 11pm & Fri 3pm to midnight. Free entry but you need to book your ticket here. @biennale_sa
Ladies Night at House of Hype
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Every Wednesday, Ladies’ Night is hosted by House of Hype. You won’t want to miss the ultimate girls’ night out. Prepare to laugh, dance, and discover more than 50 adventures.
House of Hype, Riyadh BLVD, Hittin, 4pm to 10pm. @houseofhype____