11 top things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 30 to February 1
Your ultimate weekend guide…
Looking for an exciting weekend escape from the dull, mundane routine of everyday life? You’re in luck. Riyadh is buzzing with events and activities that let you unwind, explore, and have fun. We’ve got everything you need. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 30 to February 1.
Thursday January 30
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Yauatcha
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Step inside this restaurant within Al Faisaliah mall and be transported into an ornate oriental setting. Yauatcha Riyadh boasts authentic Chinese delicacies like dim sum, roast duck and more. For Chinese New Year, the spot is pulling out all the stops with four new dishes, a classic red drink, and more.
Yauatcha Riyadh, Mode Al Faisaliah, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Sat to Thu noon to 11.45pm & Fri 1pm to 11.45pm. @yauatchariyadh
Check out the first-ever Power Slap
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Get ready to experience the ultimate slapping showdown in Power Slap (yes, you read that right). The new combat sports venture backed by UFC boss Dana White is coming to Riyadh for the first time as part of Riyadh Season’s expanded partnership with UFC, which extends beyond the octagon. The new agreement will also see another UFC event in Riyadh on Saturday February 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the first-ever Saudi Arabian Power Slap event will take place on Thursday January 30, 2025, at The Venue, a brand-new Riyadh Season location.
Power Slap, Jan 30, 2025, The Venue, Riyadh. @riyadhseason
Celebrate Agio’s first anniversary
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Located at The Canopy, Amalfi Coast-inspired gem Agio is Riyadh’s love letter to the coastlines of the Mediterranean. The Italian restaurant comes from Modern Food Company, a major player in the lifestyle and fine dining arena in Saudi Arabia. This weekend, the spot is celebrating its first anniversary, and we can’t wait to celebrate.
Agio Riyadh, The Canopy, Northern Ring Rd, Hittin, daily 1pm to 1am. @agiosaudi
Dance the night away at Beast House
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If you’re wondering about a rave in Riyadh this weekend, then Beast House might just have what you’re looking for. Look forward to soundscapes of Ampiano and Afro-inspired electronic music, with the region’s Ampiano pioneer DJ Lilas. Joining her on an all-female lineup is Cairo’s rising star Lydie The Djette, Ella Zufar, and JessFlorah.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Dad Joke competition
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If you’re looking for a unique event this weekend, Level Up is where you want to go. Take part in a Dad Joke Competition, and come up with your best work (we know we will).
Dad Joke Competition, Level Up Riyadh, Hittin, 9pm to 11pm. @lvlupsocialhub
Friday January 31
Last Night – Dj Battle In Riyadh
Get ready for a fiery night at Diriyah Arena. At the season’s grand finale, we’ll witness an exciting DJ competition where top DJs will battle it out to prove who’s the best. After the winner is announced, we’ll ignite the party with the legendary Darky and 74 Original.
Last Night – Dj Battle In Riyadh, Dirab Park, 7pm. Book your tickets starting at SAR190 here.
Keep the party going at Beast House
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Keep the vibes going at Beast House this weekend. This Friday, the lineup is an all-local affair, featuring a B2B set from Art Flame party series co-founder Has and electro and bass house aficionado N.A.H. Also on the lineup to showcase their own signature sounds are techno-inspired selector Jay.Mask and electro and the progressive house favourite, ED.E404.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Dine in at a 50 MENA Best restaurant
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A new entry for 2025 at number 39, Aseeb is a homegrown gem run by husband-and-wife team Abu and Umm Saud. This family-style restaurant, coupled with stunning interiors, serves up authentic Saudi food to its guests in Al Yasmin. Diners can enjoy a cuisine that showcases Najdi culinary traditions, such as red jareesh – crushed wheat cooked with milk, chicken, tomatoes, and coriander, served with fried onions and musamana spices – and milk marasee – a traditional dish made from wheat flour mixed with onions, hot milk and butter.
Aseeb Najd, Alyasmin, daily 6.30am to midnight. @aseeb.najd
Go camping at Polaris North In Riyadh
A popular camping ground in Riyadh, Polaris North has now become an official winter space where you can relax and enjoy time with friends. Take your pick between outdoor and indoor seating areas and get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy scenic views as you explore the beautiful atmosphere from the comfort of the indoors or get up close with nature outdoors too. For the most traditional experience, you can even opt for a Bedouin tent.
Polaris North In Riyadh, Polaris North, only weekends, Thu 4pm to 2am & Fri 2pm to 2am & Sat 4pm to 11pm. Get your tickets starting at SAR50 here.
Saturday February 1
Get tickets to UFC Fight Night
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The first time a UFC Fight Night came to Saudi Arabia, it became the talk of the town, and rightfully so. The night featured 11 fights, with five on the main card and six on the preliminaries. And now, round two has been confirmed. The UFC Fight Night returns to Saudi Arabia next year. Happening on Saturday February 1, tickets for the massive bouts will be on sale starting from Friday, January 3, via Webook. The night will unfold at The Venue. The fight card for the massive night has been unveiled and will feature former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya who’ll be facing off against rising star Nassourdine Imavov in the main event. The co-main event will see No. 14 ranked Shara Magomedov take on superstar Michael “Venom” Page.
UFC Fight Night returns to Saudi Arabia, The Venue. ufc.com
Take part in the At-Turaif Workshops
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Happening on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the At-Turaif Workshops will introduce traditional building techniques, ancient Diriyah doors, traditional Najdi interior decoration, ink making, and other arts inspired by At-Turaif district and its rich culture. The experience will be happening until Saturday March 29 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm
At-Turaif Workshops, Diriyah, 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Book your free tickets here