12 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week: December 15 to 18
New week, new things to do…
Can’t decide what to do this week? While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the newest cafes in the capital or check out the Riyadh Season zones, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting Riyadh Season zones, restaurant openings, and events.
Here are the top things to do in Riyadh this week: December 15 to 18
Sunday December 15
Check out the first-ever Dolce and Gabanna store
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Over the past few years, Bujairi Terrace has welcomed tonnes of luxurious restaurants. And now, the gorgeous area is welcoming an iconic collaboration with the legendary Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana. Dolce and Gabanna Diriyah is all-set be an unparalleled destination for fashion enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs and will offer visitors in Saudi Arabia an elevated experience. Usually known for its exquisite jewellery, home, and beauty offering, the Dolce and Gabanna outlet in Riyadh will also be home to an exclusive premium café, marking the first in the GCC
Dolce and Gabbana, 3205 King Faisal Rd, Bujairi Terrace 7299, Riyadh 13711, daily 10am to 10pm. @visitdiriyah
Explore the new Dunes of Arabia zone
The area is set up like an immersive desert experience that will feature a range of activities and events, perfect for the winter we’ve been having lately. The zone is expected to feature horseback riding, off-roading, and camping experiences fit for everyone looking to spice up their weeknights. The goal is to help tourists and locals alike explore the true richness of Saudi culture and create unforgettable memories through desert experiences like no other. Tickets for the zone are already on sale and will cost you SAR15 on weekdays and SAR30 on weekends.
Dunes of Arabia, Tuwaiq, Sun to Wed 3pm to midnight & Thu 3pm to 3am & Fri 9am to 3am & Sat 9am to midnight. Book your tickets starting at SAR15 here
Explore the mysterious Forbidden Forest
Harry Potter fans, the Forbidden Forest at the Harry Potter Adventure is now open. Step through the mysterious cave on to a mysterious trail and explore towering trees, moonlit magic, and enchanting creatures waiting just for you. Be sure to pick up some exclusive merchandise at The Wizarding World Shops, or if you’re feeling rundown after all the dun, head on over to The Three Broomsticks Food Hall to try a refreshing Butterbeer and so much more.
Harry Potter Experience at Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City, daily 4pm to midnight. Tickets start at SAR60 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Monday December 16
Boulevard World has now reopened
Fan-favourite Riyadh Season zone Boulevard World has returned after being closed for maintenance for this weekend. The zone is located adjacent to Boulevard Riyadh City. Each sub-zone is dedicated to a different country from across the globe, celebrating the best of that destination’s shopping, culinary, and cultural experiences.
Boulevard World, Hittin, 4pm to 1am. webook.com
Play board games at Level Up
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Want to make friends and do something fun? Sounds like a win win. Head to gaming-centric venue Level Up and enjoy picking from a variety of board games to play and enjoy.
Level Up, Hittin, 7.30pm. SAR35. @lvlupsocialhub
The wait is finally over: Zuma Riyadh is now open
The restaurant has confirmed it will open on Monday December 16, and reservations are now open. You can make them now for both lunch and dinner via zumarestaurant.com.Zuma Riyadh has been on the cards since 2021, after popping-up at Riyadh Oasis. But finally, the beloved fine-dining eatery is getting a permanent location, and will bring its modern Japanese flavours to KAFD.
Zuma Riyadh, 2.09 King Abdullah Financial District, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, daily 12.30pm to 1am, from December 16. Tel: (+966) 92 0014 597. @zumariyadhofficial
Tuesday December 17
Get tickets to Boulevard Runway
Riyadh, look up. The much-awaited Boulevard Runway Riyadh Season zone is finally upon us, and tickets are already on sale. The new zone is a collaboration between Riyadh Season and the current national carrier, Saudia Airlines, and is set to provide entertaining experiences for everyone. Ticket prices start at SAR15, and the zone is going to open its doors this week on Tuesday December 17.
Boulevard Runway, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. riyadhseason.com
Make winter wreaths
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Get into the festive season spirit at Sociale this week. Grab your friends and head down to the Tahlia spot to enjoy a relaxing arty activity.
Winter wreathmaking at Sociale Cafe, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
The Italian happy hour menu you need to try
If there’s one thing we can learn from our Italian friends, it’s that those pre-sunset hours are all about aperitivo. Il Baretto is now serving up a taste of la dolce vita with its new Aperitivo menu. Picture yourself sitting in the buzzy bar and lounge area, a refreshing spritz mocktail in hand. Available daily from 5pm to 7pm, visit Il Baretto to celebrate the end of the day and whet the appetite before supper – a popular pastime celebrated across Italy’s beautiful and diverse regions, for an aperitivo experience with five surprise Italian tapas-style dishes and one crafted beverage. Sounds like a match made in foodie heaven. Guests are invited to dine in Il Baretto’s bar and lounge area: an intimate and welcoming space perfect for everyone from couples on date nights to groups of friends and solo diners.
Il Baretto Aperitivo Menu, SAR135 per person, daily 5pm to 7pm, Il Baretto, Al Malqa, KAFD, Riyadh 13521. @ilbarettosa
Go for a bike ride around Wadi Hanifah
Start off your evening on a great note with this one-hour bike ride that takes you through the beautiful Wadi Hanifah trail. A bicycle, helmet, night vest, and water will be provided, so just turn up at the meeting point inside bike store Cycle Time in your comfortable sportswear.
Wadi Hanifah Bike Ride with RWG Community, 7pm to 8pm. SAR30 per person. DM @rwg_community or WhatsApp 058 218 2524.
Wednesday December 18
This hidden gem serves great Asian grub
Home to modern Asian dishes, from the likes of duck bao and Burmese fermented tea leaf salad to the mouthwatering Japanese-inspired chicken curry, Kimyona is like a secret speakeasy. Nestled in a street-side gallery, you enter through a hidden door tucked behind one of the art pieces, which leads into a cosy, dimly-lit dining room. Grab a seat with your beau or pals, where you’ll also be able to explore the epic selection of mocktails, such as the matcha and mint infused Osaka Sanmi and Kimyona Breeze crafted with sweet basil, in the cool space.
Kimyona, Mon to Sat, noon to midnight, Kenzo Tange Airline Building, Street Number 40, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Tel: 054 124 4923. @kimyona.sa
Go from dinner to dancing under one atmospheric venue
Once an equestrian club, attaché is the latest standalone project from MDLBeast, tucked in a valley between the endless rows of embassies in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). There is more to attaché than just a restaurant. Divided into four areas, the sprawling space is a cohesive juxtaposition of then and now, elevating the property’s rich equestrian heritage with modern accents to complement a unique sense of place. When you’ve finally decided you’re full (after having practically every dish on the menu), walk across to UNSTABLE to continue the party. Of all the spaces in attaché, this is our favourite – the club for evening entertainment and where the dance floor is your playground.
attaché, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12513. The restaurant is open from noon to midnight, while UNSTABLE is open from 6pm. Tel: 053 244 6209. @attache.dq