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12 marvellous things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 5 to 7

You won’t be short of things to do…

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 check out the Riyadh Season zones, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events.

Here are 12 marvellous things to do in Riyadh this weekend.

Thursday December 5

Book in a business lunch at Carbone

 

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Designed for those seeking an upscale lunch break or a stylish midday escape, Carbone Riyadh’s new Business Lunch offers a selection of the restaurant’s iconic dishes, beginning withthe classic Caesar alla ZZ salad, prepared tableside, or the refreshing Caprese with seasonal tomatoes. For the main event, the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Chicken Limone provide a taste of Carbone’s renowned, flavourful options. The meal concludes with the dessert of the day, ensuring a sweet finish to a lovely dining experience.

Business Lunch at Carbone, 12pm onwards, SAR400 per person, Mansard Riyadh, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 011 829 0919. @carbone.riyadh

Wander at Wonder Garden

Returning for its second edition, Wonder Garden 2024 defines itself as the first magical garden-themed amusement park. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder and joy, with a giant whimsical gate leading you into three different realms where flamingo birds, vibrant butterflies, and magnificent trees await to captivate you. Plus, get free entry on Thursday December 5 if you dress up your daughters in princess costumes.

Wonder Garden, Al Qirawan, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight & Thu to Sat 5pm to midnight. SAR50 for weekends & SAR25 for weekdays. Get your tickets here. @riyadhseason

Connect with fellow music enthusiasts

 

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XP Music Futures, the annual music conference held in Saudi Arabia, has announced the theme for its 2024 edition: Flourish. Get ready for three days of creative discussions, workshops, and musical discoveries enhancing the music scene in the region. By Day, influence the future with your ideas and expand your knowledge through workshops, panels, and more. By Nite, let XP guide you through a musical exploration with over 100 artists, delivering unforgettable experiences.

XP Music Futures ’24, Dec 5, 3pm to 2am, Dec 6 & 7, 1pm to 2am, JAX District 3, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR105 and can be purchased here@xpmusicfutures

Be enchanted by Noor Riyadh

Noor Riyadh 2024 returns bigger and brighter than ever this year, living up to its title of the largest light art festival in the world. Held across three main hubs, including King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District, this year’s festival is set to display over 60 stunning artworks under the theme of ‘Light Years Apart,’ which explores the relationship between Althara (the earth) and Althuraya (the sky). Those wandering around around King Abdulaziz Historical Center should not miss the drone show every night starting at 8pm.

Noor Riyadh 2024, until Dec 14, 6pm to midnight, various locations. Book your free passes here@noorriyadhfestival

Friday December 6

Sensory play that kids will love

For a day filled with laughter, love, and memories, check out the Family Fun Day by Play Makes Sense on Friday December 6 – the perfect opportunity for families to come together and create special moments as you celebrate with sensory play and endless fun. With activities for kids from one to ten years, including face painting, balloon art, a magical storytelling adventure with the Grinch, and a winter theme sensory play, this event promises a day of nonstop fun with your loved ones.

Family Fun Day at Play Makes Sense, Dec 6, 10am to 2pm, 7260 King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 055 013 1365. @playmakessense.sa

Mindfulness through yoga and meditation

 

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Enhance your well-being with this yoga and meditation class designed to calm your mind and strengthen your body. Reserve your spot today and reconnect with yourself. Mindfulness is the ability to pay more attention and connect to your body. Through the skillful guidance of instructor Latifah, you will discover ways to nurture your body and mind and experience more moments of reflection, clarity, and empowerment in your daily lives.

Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation, every Fri, 10am to 11am, Beyond, Rooftop Studio, Al Nada. SAR110 per person / SAR200 for two. Book your spot here. Tel: 059 336 2685. @be.yo.nd

Dine at Michelin-starred L˜ARIA

Hailing from Mandarin Oriental Lake Como, L˜ARIA makes its debut in the heart of Riyadh for a limited time only. The pop-up will be taking over the space of what previously used to be Greek restaurant Meraki on the first floor of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, and will be open for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 1pm to 4pm for brunch on Saturdays. At the helm of the pop-up is Chef Massimiliano Blasone, who takes a fresh approach to gastronomy by offering Italian dishes with Japanese influences.
L˜ARIA, Dec 4 to Feb 26, 2025, Mon to Sat 6pm to 11.30pm & Sat 1pm to 4pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. @mo_alfaisaliah

Your rooftop adventure awaits at Iris

 

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One of Riyadh’s most stylish rooftop spots, Iris Café’s lively outdoor terrace draws in the crowds with its views and calming jungle of foliage. Among pops of greenery, you can chow down on sliders with a mocktail in hand as you overlook the skyline. What’s even better, Paris-based, Romanian native DJ BOg will be headlining the evening with Afro and Groovy House music. With support from the amazing Elfugeo & RAG, get ready for a night full of dancing and celebration. Limited seats are available for this exclusive event so be sure to reserve your table.

IRIS+ Presents BOg In Riyadh, Dec 5, 9pm to 3am, Iris Café – The Garden, Ramla Terraza, Riyadh 13321. Tickets start from SAR399 and they can be purchased here. Tel: 053 777 6452. @irisriyadh

Saturday December 7

Craving amazing dim sum? 

Grab your chopsticks for some of the finest dim sum in Riyadh. Hong Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has just launched their four-course dim sum brunch. Dim sum delights here are all handmade, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with items that’ll fill you up nicely.

Dim Sum Brunch, every Sat, noon to 4pm, Hong Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. SAR228 per adult (including signature drinks) & SAR116 for kids aged six to 12. Tel: 011 802 8333. @hong.restaurant

The last day of world golf stars competing

PIF Saudi International Riyadh

A star-studded field has been set for the PIF Saudi International this weekend. The tournament, which is in its sixth edition, is held in Riyadh for the first time following five editions at the King Abdullah Economic City. A number of the world’s best golfers will once again battle it out in their attempt to be crowned champion. Golf aside, the PIF Saudi International also brings an elevated fan experience with high-energy activations all around the grounds of Riyadh Golf Club, such as the PIF Fan Zone, packed with live music, food trucks, entertainment and fun games and activities for everyone of all ages, plus much more.

PIF Saudi International, Dec 4 to 7, Wed to Fri 10am to 9pm & Sat 10am to 6pm, Riyadh Golf Club. Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here@saudiintlgolf

Check out the inspirational Misk Art Week

The Misk Art Week is back with creative exhibitions, art markets, live performances, interactive experiences and more. Children participation is available for this weekend only from December 5 to 7, whereas December 8 to 10 is exclusively designated for those above 16.

Misk Art Week, Dec 5 to 10, 4pm to 11pm, Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall. Register your attendance here. @miskartinst

Explore Diriyah

Diriyah

Discover ancient architecture and cultural heritage in this historic area. What’s more, there’s free entry into At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace until Sunday December 8. All you need to do is book a pass here. And while you’re in Diriyah, why not walk a little further and check out the newly opened Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, where digital dreams are transformed into reality? The contemporary structure, perched upon the cliff of a wadi, opens with its first major exhibition, ‘Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts’, presenting a sweeping history of computer art, from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by iconic regional and international artists.

Free entry is only applicable for At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace until Dec 8. However, tickets are required for Diriyah Art Futures, which start at SAR25 and can be purchased here. @visitdiriyah

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