13 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: August 22 to 24
Cheers to the weekend…
Can’t decide what to do this weekend? While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, rave it out all night, or even take part in a workshop, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.
Here are 13 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday August 22
Have lunch at Thai Soi
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Known for being one of the capital’s more authentic Thai food establishments (trust us, there’s not that many here), this gem has just opened a new branch in the Al Yasmeen district. The décor will have you feeling like you’re dining out in Bangkok, while the all-Thai kitchen crew cooks up a feast. Don’t miss the prawn dumplings or the Larb Kai (minced chicken) served with crisp lettuce. But if you’re hard-pressed to choose, go for a selection of starters, before leaning into the myriad of tasty soups, curries and noodles. The Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles are our favourites.
Thai Soi, two locations, including Al Awwal Plaza, daily noon to 12.45am (Tel: 053 377 1127) & Al Yasmeen, daily 1pm to midnight (Tel: 055 867 8772). @thaisoi.sa
Discover the ‘hottest’ new workout at this infrared fitness studio
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It’s Riyadh’s hottest workout — literally. HotWorx uses infrared heat absorption to supercharge 30-minute isometric (think yoga or Pilates) and 15-minute HIIT workouts, speeding up your metabolism and recovery while detoxifying the body. Participants follow along with a virtual instructor as you cycle, squat or do yoga in an infrared sauna, and each session is limited to two to three people. The boutique gym in Al Aqiq is also equipped with a full strength-training area, available to be used supplementally with any workout.
HotWorx, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13515, Sun to Thurs 10am to 11pm, Fri & Sat 1pm to 10pm. Tel: 9200 12166. Subscribe here. @hotworxksa
Let your imagination run wild at House of Hype
As part of the ongoing Esports World Cup, visitors can now experience House of Hype for free until Saturday August 24 and be captivated by its mesmerising digital playground. Immerse yourself in a unique video game-like experience where you can unlock an Augmented Reality layer filled with prizes and scavenger hunts — all from your phone. And dive into exciting new content in collaboration with the Esports World Cup as the excitement unfolds.
EWC Takes Over House of Hype, Free entry until Aug 24, Tues to Sat, 5pm to 2am, Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, Riyadh 13516. @househype
Listen to your favourite music in a new light
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Thanks to Candlelight, you can move through the seasons in just 65 minutes as it celebrates Vivaldi’s lasting influence and thematic triumph at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace. Portraying spring, summer, autumn, and winter, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is, without doubt, one of music history’s most storied compositions. This performance is an opportunity like no other to bathe in the soft light of candles and experience classical melodies, making for the night out we all need.
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Aug 22, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz St, Ministries Area, Riyadh 11461. Tickets are priced at SAR325 for Zone A, SAR275 for Zone B & SAR225 for Zone C, and they can be purchased here. For eight years and above, and those below 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Party it up at Beast House
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The countdown to the weekend has officially begun… Tonight, Beast House presents a special showcase, as Zone+ brings his globally recognised signature sounds, while Riyadh’s DJ Haffs showcases her own underground-tinted selections.
Beast House, Aug 22, 10pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The price starts from SAR185 per person and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday August 23
Have breakfast at Jon & Vinny’s
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A favourite in its California outlets, breakfast at Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh will be an indulgent affair, with the menu featuring Jon & Vinny’s classics like Breakfast Pizza 2.0 – loaded with potato, egg, and red onion – and fluffy American pancakes stacked to the ceiling. And in true Italian style, there’s plenty of coffee, from the classic Americano, cappuccino, cortado, and latte to the signature vanilla bean latte. Also, great news for youngsters at Kingdom Schools, Manarat Al Riyadh, King Faisal School and the Efada Center for Down Syndrome. Look out for Jon and Vinny’s Riyadh’s back-to-school cart as it makes its appearance at different schools, running on weekdays through September 5. Students can hang out at the colourful cart, snap photos, socialise, and get your hands on goodie bags filled with personalised t-shirts and other surprise gifts.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, daily 8am to midnight, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Ladies, pamper yourself and have pretty nails in no time
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Owned by Saudi’s very own entrepreneur, Yara Alnamlah, Treat Salon is your “go-to destination for treating yourself”. The rustic space is oh-so serene and offers everything from dainty nail art to hair colouring and lash extensions. What more could you ask for? Make your appointment and get treated.
Treat Salon, 7089 Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nada, Riyadh 13317, Mon to Sat 1pm to 10pm. Tel: 055 747 0485. @treat.salon
What’s better than gelato on a sunny day?
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Salve! Artisan Gelato is known for its fresh gelato made with natural ingredients, and local, seasonal flavours. With a focus on simplicity and quality, their gelato flavours never disappoint. While their pecan gelato is highly praised, their gelato scoops in a brioche are also worth a try.
Salve! Artisan Gelato, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, Sun to Thurs 4pm to midnight, Fri & Sat 1pm to midnight. @gelatosalve
Continue to dance the night away at Beast House
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Can’t get enough of Beast House? Headlining this Friday August 23 at Beast House is platinum-selling French producer and DJ, Matt Sassari , who brings his signature blend of techno and tech house for a The Real Madhaus takeover. Founder Moses brings his hard-hitting sounds, alongside co-founder Noa delivering her thumping beats, with Mania kicking things off with his own techno selections.
Beast House, Aug 23, 10pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR185 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday August 24
Have brunch at Rüya
For just SAR200, you can feast on unlimited baskets of hot freshly baked Sourdough, accompanied by lavash, simit and a spread of Turkish cheeses, and a selection of breakfast condiments, like butter, Kars honeycomb and Kaymak, marinated olives, and more, followed by your choice of pide flatbread. The brunch is finished off with a warm orange almond Revani, a Turkish-style orange cake made with ground almonds, and a fresh fruit platter. All dishes are served to table, accompanied by fresh orange juice, coffee or tea served in an ornate traditional Turkish teapot.
Rüya Riyadh’s Authentic Turkish Brunch, every Sat, noon to 4pm, Rüya, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abdul Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243. SARSAR200 per person, inclusive of tea, coffee and orange juice. Tel: 9200 10692. @ruya_riyadh
Get ready for a slime party
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Slime lovers (that’s all kids) get excited, because Slimers is a new interactive slime play store at Granada Mall. You can buy slime-making kits to do at home or get the experiential slime-making experience in-store. Choose a slime texture, colour, and then the kiddos can start mixing and stretching their slime until it comes together. It’s a fun activity and they can even bring their slime home with them at the end.
Slimers, Ground Floor, Granada Mall, The price starts from SAR85. @slimersksa1
Let the good times ‘bowl’
With state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling lanes, the most advanced digital score-keeping computers, and cutting-edge video simulations, Yalla! Bowling is more than just your neighbourhood bowling alley. It’s the perfect place to hang out and socialise with friends and family over a round of pool, foosball, or air hockey. Feeling peckish? You can fuel your gaming energy with a wide variety of snacks, including VOX popcorn, nachos, hotdogs, slushes, and more. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your bowling shoes, cross your fingers for a strike, and take to the lanes today.
Yalla! Bowling, various locations, including Riyadh Park, The Esplanade, Al Qasr Mall, The Spot Al Sheikh Jabber, and Atyaf Mall. @yallabowlingsa
Experience the fun, relaxing craft of candle making
Feeling burned out? Go to this relaxing DIY candle-making workshop organised by Bonjour Saudi. Come with family and friends for a fun and creative bonding experience. After the wax sets, you can take your creation home.
Make Your Candle, Aug 24, 5pm to 6pm, Bonjour Saudi, Diriyah. SAR150 per person. @bonjoursaudi