12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: Aug 1 to Aug 3
Make it a weekend to remember…
Summer is officially upon us out here in Riyadh, and we’re all heading indoors to beat the intense heat. Be it top masterclasses or new events to check out, these are the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday August 1
A fun-filled cooking masterclass for kids
This summer, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences is organising kid’s cooking classes at its all-day dining restaurant, Jones the Grocer. Let your kids explore, create, learn, and make a mess while having fun. They’ll be flipping pancakes on July 25, and making good ol’ spaghetti and meatballs on August 1.
Little Chef’s Kitchen, Aug 1, 5pm to 6pm, Jones the Grocer Ramla Terraza, 7713 King Fahd Rd, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321. SAR180 per child. To register, email [email protected] Suitable for ages five and above. @fairmontramla
Jam out to the AFT_R concerts
View this post on Instagram
Game ends and the party begins. Head to Mohammed Abdo Arena for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup (EWC) after-party. Enjoy international, regional, and local artists every week after the Esports World Cup competitions. Headliners on Thursday August 1 are Don Toliver, Alesso, and Shancoty.
AFT_r, 9pm to 1.30am, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Bubbles Tree
Currently operating three locations in Riyadh, Bubbles Tree is a personal favourite of ours. We’d recommend getting the Taro, Matcha, or the original if you’re ordering milk tea, or you can go for fruity options like peach, mango, and strawberries. You can head to Al-Maathar, Al-Manar or Al-Yasmin locations and enjoy.
Bubbles Tree, various locations, daily 8am to 5.30am. @bubblestree_
Learn how to crochet
View this post on Instagram
Powerhouses of creativity like Atrum and Lift are taking centre stage in promoting art, it’s safe to say we’re very close. And now the two organisations are collaborating to bring us summer events with Atrum and Lift. During the first week, you can look forward to learning how to crochet (perfect for beginners) starting Thursday August 1 until Saturday August 3.
Summer events with Atrum and Lift, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12332. @atrum.sa and @lift.ksa
Friday August 2
Dim sum cravings: activated
Get your chopsticks ready; it’s time for a dim sum feast. If you’re a fan of Cantonese food, the Yum Cha brunch at Yauatcha is where you’ll want to be on weekends. Starting off with a selection of starters from the delectable four-course menu is the classic platters of steamed and fried dim sum: har gau, scallop shu mai, wild mushroom dumpling, venison puff, mushroom spring roll, and good ol’ sesame prawn toast. Following the dim sum is the crowd-favourite crispy golden prawn. For mains, choose from the classic sweet and sour prawn, wok-tossed rib eye beef, or Mongolian chicken, which comes with sides of pak choi and egg fried rice. Be sure to leave room for desserts with a crisp and refreshing apple and ginger Spritz mocktail in hand.
Yauatcha, Plaza Level, Mode Al Faisaliah Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, Fri & Sat noon to 6pm. SAR270 per person for a four-course set menu (minimum of two persons). Tel: 920 006 555. @yauatchariyadh
Challenge the gang at Hello Park
The world’s largest multimedia park chain, Hello Park is located inside Panorama Mall. An interactive digital park for the whole family, this is an indoor attraction where little ones can let their imaginations run wild. Inside Hello Park, you’ll find multimedia games, physical installations and colorful projections, all created around themed narratives.
Hello Park, Panorama mall, Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Sat to Wed 9.30am to 11pm, Thu 9.30am to 11.30pm, Fri 2pm to 11.30 pm. hello-park.com
Book an escape room
View this post on Instagram
Escape is one of the escape rooms that has impressed us deeply. The moment you step into the room, you will completely be immersed in the character. It also includes a Virtual Reality (VR) system into the gameplay to further engage the players. There are seven different rooms to choose from, including one of its most difficult, “Prince of Persia: The Dagger of Time”, which sees up to four players finding a way out of a reimagined Fortress of Time. This attraction is for puzzlers who have a penchant for suspense.
Escape, Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 11546, daily midnight to noon, 3pm to midnight. @escapeksa
Get your nails done at Circle Nail Bar
Kick back, relax and bask in the feeling of giving your nails a proper tending to. Whether you’re after immaculate cuticles or edgy nail designs, the steady hands at Circle Nail Bar have you sorted.
Circle Nail Bar, Al Nada Plaza, Riyadh 13317, Mon to Sat 1pm to 11pm. @circlenailbar
Saturday August 3
Have chicken and waffles
It’s no secret that fried chicken is a massive draw in the capital, and Riyadh is getting new spots to enjoy the cuisine at constantly. And a spot we’ve been patiently waiting for is Ray’s Fried Chicken Riyadh, and it’s finally open now. Originally from Jordan, the spot serves Nashville-style hot chicken in the heart of Riyadh. Look forward to sandwiches, tenders, and chicken and waffles (yes, finally).
Ray’s Hot Chicken, Shorfat, An Nada, daily 4pm to 2am. @rayschickensa
Take part in the Summer Splash race run
No plans for the summer? Take part in the Summer Splash race run on Saturday August 3 at the Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh. This exciting, watermelon-themed race promises fun for the entire family, featuring a five-kilometre run for adults and a one-kilometre run for kids. There will be plenty of refreshing activities and cool treats, perfect for beating the summer heat. You can still register to participate and experience the joy of running under the summer sun.
Summer Splash, Aug 3, 5.15am for kids’ run & 5.50am for adults’ run, Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, Hena Centre, Irqah, 2593, Riyadh 12585. SAR99 for kids under 12 & SAR169 for adults above 12. @racearabia
Tuck into an Olympics-themed cheesecake
View this post on Instagram
LPM might just be one of the best restaurants in town. Home to French Riviera-inspired cuisine in the heart of Riyadh, the restaurant is revealing a special dessert in celebration of the Olympics. Tuck in the signature cheesecake with a twist.
LPM Riyadh, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Sun to Thu 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 11pm, Fri to Sat 1pm to 4pm, to 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: 9200 11794. @lpmriyadh
Strike up some fun
Looking for a team bonding activity after work? Check out X300 Bowling, featuring eight swish lanes. Aside from being a cool sport, bowling is great for group gatherings and a fun way to spend an evening.
X300 Bowling, First Floor, Al Jazeera Hypermarket, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 11492, Sat to Wed 2pm to 11pm, Thurs & Fri 3pm to midnight. @x300_bowling