7 great things to do in Riyadh this week: September 18 to 21
What’s on this week…
Discover some of the best things to do in Riyadh over the next few days. There’s a new family-friendly attraction, a new café inspired by Italy’s beloved pasticcerias, and a free crafts exhibition celebrating the local artisans.
Here are seven great things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday September 18
1. Satisfy your sweet tooth with pastries at Vittoria’s Bakery
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Craving Italian-style baked goods? You’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the Qurtubah area, Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café is a new venue that churns out amazing croissants, tarts, bambolini, cannoli, biscotti, and other sweet treats, but we’re equally enamoured with its selection of savoury sandwiches. So, order a cup of coffee and don’t think twice about treating yourself to something flaky or frosted.
Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13248, Sun to Thurs 7am to 4pm, Fri & Sat 9am to 6pm. @vittorias.sa
Monday September 19
2. Catch Michael Caine and Ben Foster in “Medieval”
If you’re fans of medieval stories that go deeper than swordfights, Medieval, an epic movie that tells the real story of kings, warriors, faith, and political beliefs, is for you. It is inspired by the true story of Jan Žižka, one of the greatest warriors in history. After the death of its reigning emperor, the Holy Roman Empire plummets into chaos while feuding brothers King Wenceslas of Czech and King Sigismund of Hungary battle for control of the empty throne. Daring and righteous mercenary leader Jan Žižka (Ben Foster) is hired by Lord Boresh (Michael Caine) to kidnap the powerful Lord Rosenberg’s (Til Schweiger) fiancée, Lady Katherine (Sophie Lowe), to prevent Rosenberg’s rise to power alongside the corrupt King Sigismund.
Medieval, Drama/History/Action, Rating R18, 2h 16min. Book your tickets here.
3. Sign up for an Afro-Fusion dance class
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If you want to get fit with a more fun approach to fitness, learn the Afro-Fusion dance, an energetic, African style of dance with a fusion of house and hip hop dancing. In this class, the fantastic coach Noura will guide you through the steps, and you’ll also be inspired by the different dance styles and music from across Africa.
Afro-Fusion Dance Class, Syrup Lounge, Sept 19, 7.30pm to 9pm. SAR200 per person. Tel: 011 228 8006. @syrupllc
Tuesday September 20
4. Get your nail art on at LaPalma
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If you’re looking for chic nail art in a laid-back tropical and vibrant setting, LaPalma Beauty House is your one-stop shop for head-to-toe beauty treatments. This new kid on the nail block not only offers an extensive range of nail treatments, but you can also get your lashes and hair done on the same trip.
LaPalma Beauty House, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, 8113 2169, Riyadh 12451, Mon to Sat 2pm to 11pm. @lapalmabeautyhouse
5. Support local artisans at the Saudi Crafts Exhibition
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Naila Art Gallery will host the launch of the Saudi Crafts Exhibition, in which local artisans take you on a journey through time. Each of the traditional handicrafts in the exhibition tells a captivating story unique to its maker – from ceramic pieces incorporating traditional patterns to beautifully finished embroidery pieces. Visitors can purchase the handmade crafts and take a piece of Saudi heritage with them. It will also make a perfect gift for Saudi National Day.
Saudi Crafts Exhibition, Sept 20, 7pm, Naila Art Gallery, Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 11564. The exhibition will continue until Sept 30, Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm & Sat 2pm to 10pm; it will close on Sept 22 & 23. @gallerynaila
Wednesday September 21
6. Free one-on-one design services with West Elm
In celebration of the upcoming Saudi National Day, West Elm pays homage to the authenticity, history and breathtakingly beautiful locations across the Kingdom, such as the Al Masmak Fortress in Riyadh, with a series of iconic photoshoots. The series celebrates the individuality of space and the idea of bringing family and communities together, using their stunning range of home accessories, furniture and signature pieces to make “your setting your own”. If you love the look of West Elm furniture – known for designs that reflect a variety of styles mixing clean lines and natural textures – but don’t know how to make it work for your home, they have now launched a dedicated ‘Design Crew’ virtually and in-store to tailor any project, big or small, as a complimentary service to enhance your shopping experience and create your dream home.
Book your appointment here. @westelmksariyadh
7. Check out this new state-of-the-art virtual reality experience
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Get ready to be transported to a whole new world at Dreamscape’s first-ever experience in Saudi Arabia. Located on the first floor of Riyadh Park Mall, the venue features four epic adventures to provide visitors with the magic of immersive and full-sensory storytelling. Guests are invited to soar to new heights and perform a daring rescue mission in DreamWorks Dragons: Flight Academy; a journey to a wildlife refuge of intergalactic creatures in Alien Zoo; leap into a daring adventure to find a cursed treasure in Curse of the Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure; or suit up as agents and save the universe from the extra-terrestrial world in MIB: First Assignment.
Dreamscape, First Floor, Riyadh Park Mall, Gate 3, Sat to Wed 11am to 12.30am, Thurs 11am to 2.30am & Fri 1pm to 2.30am. Suitable for ages 10 and above. @dreamscapeksa
Images: Instagram / Provided