14 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week: June 30 to July 3
Your ultimate guide…
Summer is officially upon us out here in Riyadh, and we’re all heading indoors to beat the intense heat. And luckily for us, the capital caters almost perfectly to our needs. Here are best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday June 30
Challenge yourself at Harry Potter Quiz night
View this post on Instagram
Calling all Potterheads, this one’s for you. Happening at Sociale on Sunday night, test your Harry Potter knowledge tonight.
Harry Potter quiz night, Sociale Cafe, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm. @sociale.events
Go shopping at Spinneys
Spinneys will open its first Riyadh store on Monday June 24 in La Strada Yard, a brand-new complex in the An Nuzhah district. Residents will soon be able to take advantage of the comprehensive grocery offering with high-quality products sourced from across the world.
Spinneys, La Strada Yard, An Nuzhah, Riyadh 12472. @spinneysksa
Visit the ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition
The ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh. Unfolding through three distinct spaces at the National Museum – from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home, the exhibition enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
Perfumes of the East, until Sept 14, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 9pm, National Museum. Tickets are priced at SAR29 and can be purchased here. @mocsaudi
Monday July 1
Live music and art gallery opening at Sociale
View this post on Instagram
Blending music and art, Sociale will be hosting an event to celebrate local artists showcasing their artworks in the art space in the cafe.
Art gallery opening, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm. @sociale.events
Sip on a top milkshake
View this post on Instagram
We love ourselves a good milkshake. And Sadelle’s is now serving top-tier milkshakes, in flavours like chocolate, caramel, strawberry, and Madagascar vanilla. Take your pick.
Sadelle’s, Al Aqiq, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, daily 7am to 11.30am. @sadellesriyadh
Get your nails did at Bubble Nails
Bubble Nails is a retro-chic salon with the comfiest armchairs and fully equipped manicure stations. If you’re tired of neutral nails, they can help you switch things up. Specialists in vibrant shades and cool nail art, they cater to all your nail art desires, from the whimsical to the whacky.
Bubble Nails, 7483 Al Abbas Ibn Abd Al Mouttaleb, At Taawun, Riyadh 12476, Mon to Fri 1pm to 9pm & Sat 2pm to 10pm. Tel: 053 098 8666. @bubblenail.sa
Take a bite of the viral chocolate chocolate at Manuel Markets
Might be one of the best deals for your buck if you want to jump on the trend on a budget. Priced at SAR14, this crunchy kunafa chocolate bar with pistachio is available at Manuel Market locations in Riyadh. You can also try out the tasty crunchy kunafa chocolate stuffed with pecan too.
Manuel Market, Prince Muqrin Ibn Abdulaziz St, An Nuzhah and RPHG+MQ،, Qurtubah, daily 6am to 2am. @manuelmarkets
Tuesday July 2
The Box Experience
There’s a brand-new escape room in town. Experience The Box is now open in Al Malqa, and promises escape room experiences like no other. Expect fun and inventive puzzles, unique concepts and so much more.
Head out to the opening show for the Esports World Cup
View this post on Instagram
The largest global competition of its kind is all set to be held annually in Riyadh starting this summer. The Esports World Cup 2024 will kick off on Tuesday July 2 with a fun opening show and go on until Sunday August 25 at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Esports World Cup 2024, Boulevard Riyadh City, Jul 2 until Aug 25. esportsworldcup.com
Make a splash at Hyatt Place
Priced at SAR149, Hyatt Place has a pool exclusively for women on certain days. Located on the roof, you can enjoy pool days on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Hyatt Place, Turki Ibn Abdullah Al Saud, Al Sulaimania. @hyattplaceruh
Cool down with a viral drink
View this post on Instagram
It’s no secret that Riyadh loves itself a viral drink (or a dozen). The city is known for its ability to flock to new places in record timing to find the next best drink or dessert. So, let us introduce you to the brand-new cracking drink in Riyadh.
Drip Coffee, various locations, Sat to Wed 7am to 12.30am, Thu to Fri 7am to 1.30am. @dripcoffeesa
Wednesday July 3
Look at life through the lens
There’s so much more to Riyadh art than just paintings or sculptures. Lose yourself in all kinds of new worlds at this photography exhibition hosted by the Future Creative Residence (FCR) in Riyadh’s JAX District. Free to the public, the exhibition, titled “Visual Voyages”, showcases the works of six talented Saudi photographers, celebrating the rich tapestry of Saudi fashion and culture through photography. Perfect for those who love art and fashion.
Visual Voyages Photography Exhibition, July 3 to 8, Future Creative Residence, JAX District, Diriyah 13732. Register here. @fcrjax
The global gaming community unites in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host its debut Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh with a prize pool of over $60 million. Known as an elite multi-genre esports competition, it is expected to see over 1500 players with 30 esports clubs across 21 gaming titles. As well as watching the action, visitors to the tournament will be able to take part in a range of activities that combine sports, entertainment, education, culture and creativity.
Esports World Cup 2024, July 3 to Aug 25, 6pm to 2am, 3246 Souwaid Ibn Harithah, Hittin, 6872, Riyadh 13516. The All Access Pass starts at SAR76 and can be purchased on the WeBook platform. @ewc_en
Let it all out at Firstaiment
The biggest paintball experience not just in the Kingdom, but in the Middle East region, Firstaiment is set over a sprawling 25,000 square metres. As well as the outdoor paintballing setup, there’s also the indoor target shooting range, which will test marksmanship, strategy, and critical thinking. Packages start from SAR110.
Firstaiment, Alrimal 7315, Al Najah St, Riyadh 13256, daily 4pm to midnight, Tel: (920) 003 318, firstaiment.com