8 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: November 20 to 23
What’s on this week…
Happy new week ahead. Here, we’ve rounded up eight amazing things to do in Riyadh. From new dining experiences to family-friendly activities at the different Riyadh Season zones, there are enough fun things to do to keep the whole crew entertained.
Sunday November 20
1. Catch the ‘Messi 10’ Cirque du Soleil performance
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The football fever is on. And fans of football star Lionel Messi, here’s your chance to catch the new version of ‘Messi 10 – World Cup’ at Boulevard Riyadh City. It tells the story of the legend’s childhood and the most important milestones in his life and football career. In addition, visitors can expect interactive experiences at the arena, such as walking in the player’s victory corridor and getting souvenir photos.
Messi 10, Boulevard Riyadh City, Cool Arena, until Dec 1, Thurs to Sat 5.30pm to 7.30pm & 8.30pm to 10.30pm, Mon to Wed 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Book your ‘Messi 10’ tickets here. The ticket price for Messi 10 starts from SAR40. @riyadhseason
2. Celebrate the Bangladeshi week at Al Suwaidi Park
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As part of one of Riyadh Season’s 15 entertainment zones, Al Suwaidi Park has transformed into a cultural hub. So, get ready to experience a different culture every week, along with various entertainment, musical shows and events. From now until November 26, the park will showcase Bangladeshi culture, food and heritage as part of its Bangladeshi week. Expect lots of handicrafts, live shows, games and other cultural activities. Visitors are also encouraged to don a traditional outfit.
Culture Week at Al Suwaidi Park, until Dec 5, 4pm to midnight, 2485 Al Hadeeqa, 7288, As Suwaidi, 7288, Riyadh 12791. Free entry but you must book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
Monday November 21
3. The Groves is back at the Diplomatic Quarter
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Experience the craft market and the variety of restaurants available – from the Zama Zulu restaurant offering African dishes along with live dance shows, and the Zodiac Garden restaurant specialising in Italian and Japanese dishes, to an authentic Italian pizzeria and a Greek-inspired restaurant, Khawaja Yanni. If you love the cold, immerse yourself in the Arctic experience, where the temperature reaches -18 degrees inside The Polar Ice Bar, while football fans can head to the Wadi World Cup Lounge, where the World Cup matches will be screened.
The Groves, Al Khuzama Park, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, until Jan 15, 2023, 4.30pm to 1.30am (Gate closes at 12.30am). The tickets for general entry are SAR50 from Sun to Wed and SAR75 from Thurs to Sat. Tickets and reservations can be booked via Groves mobile app. @the_groves_sa
4. Go on a journey of sound healing
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A sound journey experience can bring balance, relaxation and a sense of wholeness to the body. Join meditation practitioner Ghalia AlMadani in a relaxing deep sound bath with breathing techniques during the new moon night. In this experience, Ghalia will guide a sound meditation experience using different instruments.
Deep Sound Journey For Women, Nov 21, 8.30pm to 10pm, Exhale Yoga Studio, Umro Adhamry, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512. Book your spot here. @exhaleyoga.sa
Tuesday November 22
5. A gala dinner with Chef Rafael Centeno
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The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh presents a gastronomic experience from Spain with the inaugural “Spanish Pantry Festival”, sponsored by La Liga – a celebration of Spanish heritage and culture. At the exclusive event, guests are invited to experience culinary creations handcrafted by Chef Rafael Centeno Moyer from the one-Michelin-starred Maruja Limón restaurant with a four-course set dinner showcasing the authentic flavours of Galician cuisine against the backdrop of traditional music performances.
Fine Dining Experience with Chef Rafael Centeno, Nov 22, 7.30pm, Pool Area, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. SAR495+ (including beverages) per person. Tel: 011 802 8020. @ritzcarltonruh
6. Experience Italian hospitality at Il Baretto’s anniversary event
Il Baretto Riyadh will host a special party celebrating its first anniversary. For one night only, the restaurant will bring together live entertainment, impeccable food, and elegant décor elements to curate an evening of unforgettable festivities. In addition, guests will enjoy Il Baretto’s exclusive á la carte dining experience, including Chef Alex Simone’s newly introduced seasonal menu, enabling them to curate their gastronomical experience as the evening unfolds.
Il Baretto Riyadh’s First Anniversary Party, Nov 22, 8pm, KAFD, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521. A minimum spend of SAR500 per person is required. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
Wednesday November 23
7. Check out the largest anime city in the world
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The Japan Anime Town at Boulevard World is designed for anime lovers and includes plenty of fun-filled experiences. The fantasy world spans four zones covering exhibitions, gaming experiences, shops and fairs. Zone one includes 11 anime exhibitions, 350 shows, 25 entertainment experiences and even anime-inspired food, whereas zone two has six gaming experiences, a shopping street, and a mini market. Zone three includes an Akihabara game centre, which draws inspiration from the anime-friendly district in Tokyo, an anime exhibition, a Japanese horror house, robots and parties, while zone four includes four fairs, Yokohori Theatre and Championships and Yatai Garden.
Japan Anime Town, Boulevard World, daily 3pm to 11pm. Book your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR100 and includes entry to Boulevard Riyadh City. @riyadhseason
8. A night of premium steaks
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Meat lovers, we’ve got news for you. Meat us at Al Orjouan in The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh on the evening of Wednesday November 23 to enjoy a wide selection of succulent meat, game and poultry, elevated by live stations artfully crafted by Chef Rafael Centeno Moyer from the one-Michelin-starred Maruja Limón restaurant. Think meat-eating primate love meets elegant five-star dining.
Butchers’ Night with Chef Rafael Centeno, Nov 23, 6.30pm to midnight, Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. SAR315+ (including beverages) per person. Tel: 011 802 8020. @ritzcarltonruh
Images: Instagram