8 awesome things to do in Riyadh this weekend: May 9 to 11
Hello, weekend…
Get ready to strap in for another busy weekend with plenty of unmissable events and experiences around the capital. Here is our shortlist of eight awesome things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday May 9
Head to House of Grill for a fancy business lunch
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Be transported back in time on your lunch break. Walking into House of Grill is like stepping into the decadent world of the Roaring Twenties. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated setting. You come to this fine dining restaurant for a hearty meal and, from Sunday to Thursday, one of Riyadh’s best set lunches. Whether you go for a two-course set lunch menu for SAR225 or the three courses for an extra SAR50, you’re going to get a high-quality lunch. Plus, the gorgeous bar is an excellent excuse to swing by solo and treat yourself.
House of Grill, Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11552. SAR225 for a two-course lunch menu & SAR275 for a three-course lunch menu. @houseofgrillksa
The last day of Saudi Luxury Week 2024
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Here’s your last chance to visit the Saudi International Luxury Week 2024, the country’s premier watch and jewellery event. Indulge in a curated selection of jewellery sourced from every corner of the globe, offering the rare chance to acquire exclusive pieces that epitomise sophistication and exclusivity. Don’t miss your chance to experience luxury at its finest.
Saudi Luxury Week 2024, until May 9, 4pm to 11pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. Free entry but you need to register your visit here. @saudiluxuryweek
Experience the best of Riyadh’s nightlife at Beast House
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Spinning the finest beats all night on Thursday night at Beast House are Aly George, Messery and Biirdperson. The vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House in Riyadh, May 9, 8pm to 2am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person. Book your tickets here. @_beasthouse
Friday May 10
Check out the PFL MENA: Riyadh
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MMA fans, get ready to witness yet another electrifying showdown of the summer. Catch the region’s best go head-to-head in the cage as they compete in the inaugural Professional Fighters League (PFL) MENA season. The fight night will feature fighters from the Featherweight and Bantamweight divisions, competing in the renowned PFL Playoff win-and-advance format. Don’t miss Hattan Alsaif, the first female fighter from Saudi Arabia, who will be making her amateur PFL debut in showcase bouts on the PFL MENA cards.
PFL MENA: Riyadh, May 10, from 5.30pm, The Green Halls, Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Rd. Ar Rafiah, Riyadh 12752. Tickets start from SAR92 and can be purchased here. @pflmena
Dinner date night at White Robata
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Found within Laysen Valley is White Robata, a Japanese concept from Kuwait, inspired by international flavours. With a sprawling open-plan kitchen, diners enjoy the spectacle of skilled chefs combining traditional techniques with unexpected ingredients to create inventive signatures. As its name suggests, the menu is centred around robatayaki – dishes cooked over fire. You’ll find all the contemporary Japanese staples here, with a unique spin, of course. These include a six-hour braised short rib finished on the grill with a maple glaze, spicy tuna wonton taco and the truffle hamachi crispy rice with tobiko roe and ponzu. Read our review here.
White Robata, Laysen Valley, 2252 Al Urubah Branch Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh, Thurs to Sat 1pm to 1.30am, Sun to Wed 6pm to 12.30am. @whiterobata.ksa
Party hard with DJ MK
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Bust a groove, break a shape, throw on a lash and dust off your glad rags because Dream is where you can strut your stuff this weekend. Headlined by UAE’s DJ MK, alongside a group of local stars, Dream promises pumping tunes, live shows and laser shows. Feeling peckish? There will be plenty of food trucks parked at Dirab Park.
Dream, May 10, Dirab Circuit Square, Dirab Park. Doors open at 8 p.m. General admission is SAR299, and VIP tickets are SAR550. Get your tickets here.
Saturday May 11
Visit the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024
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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
Tuck into a scent-sational Jo Malone afternoon tea
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Planning an afternoon tea with your girlfriends? Be sure it’s at The Savoy Lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Riyadh. Sampling this limited-edition spread, created in collaboration with our favourite fragrance brand, Jo Malone, really should be on your must-do list. After enjoying the indulgent tea, each guest will receive a selection of Jo Malone London’s most-loved scents in a gift set, a Jo Malone London gift voucher, and a special treat from Fairmont Hotel Riyadh to enjoy at home. Think of this as an afternoon tea with benefits.
Jo Malone Afternoon Tea Experience at The Savoy, May 1 to July 31, daily 1pm to 7pm, Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11552. SAR250 per person. Tel: 011 826 2629. @fairmontriyadh