12 incredible things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 26 to 28
From afternoon tea to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list…
Not sure what’s on in Riyadh this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got a traditional show, a top-tier restaurant, a lavish afternoon tea, and much more; here’s your handy guide to the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 26 to 28.
Thursday December 26
Experience Saudi culture As Samri
Samri is one of Diriyah’s unique traditional musical arts, deeply tied to the region’s cultural heritage. This immersive performance invites visitors to experience Samri not only as a performance but as a vibrant, community-driven art form that embodies the spirit of Diriyah. The experience will be happening this weekend starting on Thursday December 26 and ending on Friday December 26. You can get in on the Diriyah access pass.
As Samri, Diriyah, Book your SAR50 pass here.
Dance the night away Beast House
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The sound of Romania’s dynamic electronic scene comes to Beast House on Thursday December 19, as Nageeb, a veteran Egyptian DJ and head of Egypt Records, delivers his signature blend of tech, afro, and organic house. selections, along with Cairo-based talents Adam Clinkard and Neshow.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR109 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Have dinner at Zuma Riyadh
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The long-awaited Zuma Riyadh is the latest addition to the dining scene in KAFD. The two-floor restaurant is all sleek and sophisticated, oozing the same modern Izakaya cool that you’ll find in Zuma restaurants around the world. Guests are welcomed into the ground floor restaurant, where you’ll find interactive sushi and robata counters. Then you’re invited to dine in the vibrant restaurant, one of three private dining rooms, and enjoy sips at the sophisticated bar or signature lounge. As is customary of Zuma venues, music plays a big part – and as such the DJ counter is the place to see and be seen for a high-octane evening of enjoying the beats.
Zuma Riyadh, 2.09 King Abdullah Financial District, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (+966) 92 0014 597. @zumariyadhofficial
Get away from it all at the Shetana Festival
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When it comes to culinary journeys and dining experiences, no one does it better than the Culinary Arts Commission. And right now, you can book an experience to enjoy all the best Saudi winter dishes. This is the Shetana Festival in Riyadh. Happening until Tuesday January 7, the Shetana Festival in Riyadh showcases the very best of Saudi dishes inspired by the season and the gorgeous Saudi desert.
Shetana Festival, Mayadeen Venue, daily 6pm to 10pm. Book your tickets here.
Friday December 27
Unleash your talents at Open Mic Night at Level Up
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A poet? Or perhaps a musician? You need to go to one of these wonderful open mic nights at Level Up. Perform your heart out, or meet talented creatives, it’s up to you. You can even get a coffee of the day for free too.
Open Mic night at Level Up, RRHA7504, Hittin, 9pm to midnight. Get yourSAR60. @lvlupsocialhub
View the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Exhibition
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Diriyah Season 2024 kicks off with an exhibition titled Enduring Resilience, which celebrates the everlasting legacy of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, the founder of the Second Saudi State. The exhibition will present a story that spans nearly 200 years.
Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Exhibition, Diriyah, until Dec 31, daily 4pm to midnight. diriyah.sa
Check out the Dolce & Gabanna Cafe
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Dolce and Gabanna Diriyah promises an unparalleled experience for fashion enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, inviting you to shop, sip and snack in a haute, high-fashion space. The sprawling experience centre is set across 1,500 square metres, making it one of the biggest D&G stores in the world, with rooms off the central space that invite you to to discover each of the different collections, from menswear and womenswear, to fine jewellery.
Dolce & Gabbana, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, daily 10am to 10pm. boutique.dolcegabbana.com
Last day to celebrate the festive season at Via Riyadh
From Thursday December 19 to Friday December 27, Via Riyadh will be transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with stunning decorations, live entertainment, and an inviting atmosphere that caters to all occasions, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings with loved ones. You can choose to dine at Spago, Chi SPACCA, Les Deux Magots, Scott’s, Raoul’s, Gymkhana, or Madeo as these renowned restaurants will be elevating the season with specially curated festive menus.
Via Riyadh Festivities, Dec 19 to 27. @viariyadh
Saturday December 28
Catch the water circus while it’s still in town
Fontana, the Middle East’s first travelling water circus, is hoisting its big top in Riyadh. Taking place until the end of December, the shows are held under the Fontana circus tent pitched up at the open space next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall. Brought to the capital by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, the aquatic show combines a thrilling mix of mind-bending illusions and astounding acrobatics. Expect to see awe-inspiring dancers, gravity-defying aerialists, and incredible circus thrills that will enthral the entire family.
Fontana by Cirque Du Liban, until end-Dec, 6pm to 9pm (the show starts at 7pm sharp), Fontana Circus, Al Mughrizat, Riyadh (next to Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall). Tickets start from SAR95 and can be purchased here. @fontanashow
Visit the Tahlia Market
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Open every Saturday, the Riyadh winter market is not new to the scene. It is a popular choice amongst locals for its quality and diversity in fresh produce and artisanal goods. There’s a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with delicious street food, a petting zoo and games for children.
Riyadh Winter Market, every Sat, 2pm to 10pm, Tahliah Street.
Go skiing at Courchevel
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Boulevard World is constantly coming up with new and improved subzones, including Saudi Arabia, Africa, Iran, and Turkey this year. The newest one to join the list is the all-new Courchevel experience in Boulevard World. The new subzone promises to take you on a journey through the heights of the French mountains without ever leaving Riyadh.
Courchevel experience in Boulevard World, Hittin, daily 4pm to midnight. Book your spot here.
Have afternoon tea at Yauatcha Riyadh
When it comes to afternoon tea, you’ll immediately think of scones and sandwiches, but what if we tell you that you can get two platters of dim sum, plus a dessert stand? Well, you can find this afternoon tea with a twist exclusively at Yauatcha. Pull up a seat at the terrace and feast on steamed and baked dim sum platters, with favourites like seafood black truffle dumplings, har gao and venison puff. Then end on a sweet note with dainty treats like coconut dome, pecan coffee truffle, raspberry profiterole and white chocolate cake with mango.
Sip on Asian-inspired teas such as the aromatic Golden Swan or the robust Harmutty black tea. Alternatively, if you prefer a black tea base with fruity notes, go for the French Earl Grey tea instead. The SAR250 price tag also entitles you to Red Cha, a refreshing berry-based concoction that’s perfect for spring. There is a minimum requirement of two diners for Yauatcha’s afternoon tea.
Yauatcha Riyadh, Mode Al Faisaliah, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya. The afternoon tea is available from noon to 6pm. SAR250 per person. Tel: 920 006 555. @yauatchariyadh