FoodSphere: Eat, drink and play at this new edutainment centre in Riyadh
Step inside FoodSphere, an immersive hub in Riyadh that reimagines the future of food, sustainability and biodiversity…
Saudi Arabia, a land steeped in rich cultural heritage, is home to a diverse and flavourful culinary tradition. For a sensory journey through the Kingdom’s rich food culture, you can now check out FoodSphere, a new immersive space located on Riyadh’s Tahlia Street.
It takes guests on a journey of discovery within the future of innovation, the fundamental connections that shape our food ecosystem and the city’s sustainable future.
Explore new horizons in the world of food
FoodSphere covers an area of 11,000 square meters and features three indoor zones. Visitors will be guided through each themed space.
The experience begins in the Oasis, where visitors can explore the deep-rooted coffee culture and the significance of dates in Saudi Arabia, a key symbol of the Middle East’s hospitality tradition.
Learn the process of coffee cultivation in Jazan. Press the buttons on the flavour map to release the scents of the different types of Arabic coffee, consisting of different base notes and flavours according to the region.
One of the stunning exhibits is the date library, which features rows of wooden drawers containing information on the Kingdom’s most prized varieties, descriptions of the fruit’s characteristics, and the region of cultivation.
Then, be sure to make a stop at Rawaa coffee shop, which brews locally sourced coffee, for a quick bite and a cuppa while you view the exhibits.
Meanwhile, over at the Apiary is a striking installation of a live beehive exhibit. Here, you’ll get to experience the fascinating world of bees and beekeepers and learn more about honey, one of the region’s best-known commodities.
The final zone takes you inside the Biosphere, a sphere-shaped space that focuses on the future of food – from food sustainability to innovations in agriculture. It also houses a butterfly pavilion, where you can walk among flittering butterflies and see those creatures shimmer.
Exhibits aside, keep a lookout for workshops and family-friendly activities at FoodSphere, which aims to raise awareness of Saudi food heritage while blending traditional culture with the latest advanced concepts.
A city-wide initiative
Foodsphere is the first in a series of eight Riyadh Oases projects, part of a collaboration between the Riyadh Municipality and Riyadh Holding to integrate science, culture, education, and entertainment into interactive experiences. Each oasis focuses on a different theme, including food, nature, space, sports, and more.
The Riyadh Oases project is of significant importance to Riyadh and represents a step towards improving community engagement and entertainment in the capital. The oases provide an enriching environment that combines education and fun, making Riyadh a destination for a culture of exploration and innovation for all segments of society.
Here’s how to get tickets for FoodSphere
Entry to FoodSphere is free, but you’re required to register your visit here. However, an entry fee is required for the Biosphere zone. Priced at SAR75 per adult and SAR35 per child between two and 16, tickets for the Biosphere can be purchased here.
Riyadh Oases: FoodSphere, 6871 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz (Tahlia Street), Riyadh 12242, Sat to Thurs 9am to 11pm & Fri 4pm to 11pm. @riyadhoases
Images: Supplied