8 fun things to do in Riyadh this week: November 27 to 30
Here are some ideas for your week…
Let’s wrap up the month of November in style. If you’re looking for things to do in Riyadh this week, we’ve rounded up some fantastic suggestions, including the largest gaming festival, MDLBeast’s annual music conference with electrifying live DJ sets, a great spot to catch the World Cup action and much more…
Sunday November 27
1. Experience Rush gaming festival
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Ready, set, game. Saudi Arabia’s largest gaming and e-sports event is back for Riyadh Season 2022. Video game enthusiasts will have access to and experience the latest tech and the chance to interact with each other in real life and online. In addition, enjoy live entertainment shows, DJ performances, an augmented reality experience, and a cosplay competition with winners receiving prizes to the value of SAR100,000.
Rush Gaming Festival, until Nov 30, 4pm to midnight, Riyadh Front. Book your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR50. @rushgamingfest
2. Shop at the Cactus District pop-up
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If you need your local shopping fix, today’s the last day of the Cactus District pop-up event at the Jareed Hotel. For the uninitiated, Cactus District – founded by Bahraini entrepreneur Zainab Al Ebrahim – is a unique three-day seasonal pop-up event that brings together a hand-picked selection of high-end regional and international fashion, and jewellery, home and beauty brands to cater to a fashion-forward lifestyle. A few brands and designers participating in this edition are Saudi womenswear Mayan, HAN Makeup – founded by professional makeup artist Hessa AlAjaji, who wants to provide girls of all ages with premium quality makeup brushes and products for their everyday use, as well as Qatar-based ready-to-wear label 1309, and Dubai-based brand Hiba Jaber for customised jewellery.
Cactus District, Nov 27, 5pm to 11pm, Jareed Hotel, The Living Room, Second Floor, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road, The Boulevard Riyadh, Riyadh 11321. @cactusdistrict
Monday November 28
3. Join a soap-making workshop
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If you’re looking to make beautiful all-natural soap that’s great for your skin, plus a super fun way to spend an afternoon, here’s an easy-to-learn workshop on the basics of soap-making. You’ll also learn the different types of soap and how to make natural hand soap scented with fragrant essential oils and dried flowers. The best part is that you’ll bring home two pieces of your own soap creation.
Soap-Making Workshop, Nov 28, noon to 2pm, Into, 4395 Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, 7080, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13516. Register here. SAR350 per person. @into_ksa
4. Be part of the XP Music Futures
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Establish connections by day and fuel everyone’s energy by night. At XP, daytime programming gives you a chance to be part of the industry-led conversation around the future of music in the region, while the night-time program lets you discover new favourites, including live performances and DJ sets. Amongst the speakers are singer, DJ, and producer Cassy, ex-member of the electronic music trio ‘Major Lazer’ Jillionaire, Berlin-based DJ, producer, and label owner, Mathew Jonson, and Dutch superstar DJ Hardwell.
XP Music Futures, Nov 28 to 30, JAX, Diriyah, Riyadh. Get your tickets here. The price starts from SAR150. @xpmusicfutures
Tuesday November 29
5. Devour up a delicious cannibal love story
Bones And All is about a young woman on the margins of society, Maren (Taylor Russell) and a disenfranchised drifter, Lee (Timothee Chalamet), who are both cannibals, not by choice but by genetics. Love blossoms between the two as they embark on a 3,000-mile odyssey through the backroads of America. However, despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their differences.
Bones And All, Drama, Rating R18, 2h 11min. Get your tickets here. @amc_cinemas_sa
6. Marvel at the acrobatic wonders at OVO
Get your tickets for the high-energy and high-acrobatic production OVO. This exciting experience is a colourful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects. Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting selected insect species’ unique personalities and abilities, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy. From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination.
Cirque du Soleil OVO, Nov 27 & 29, 8pm, Nov 30, 4pm & 8pm, Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Grandstand. Book your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR50. @riyadhseason
Wednesday November 30
7. Go back in time at the newly opened Qariat Zaman zone
You can check out a new Riyadh Season zone this week. Qariat Zaman, or “the old village”, is akin to a time machine that transports visitors back to the glory of the past. Learn about old times while listening to traditional music and buying antiques. Its array of activities brings together many talented people in the theatre and arts. Visitors can also learn old stories and tales related to Saudi traditions and heritage and enjoy displays of traditional artworks, ancient crafts and dance shows.
Qariat Zaman, until Jan 22, 4pm to midnight, Prince Bandar Ibn Abd AlAziz, Riyadh 13233 (near King Fahd Stadium). Free entry, but you are required to book your visit here. @riyadhseason
8. Catch the World Cup action at Yauatcha
Saudi Arabia is facing Mexico on November 30 at 10pm. So, why not gather and cheer for the Green Falcons at Yauatcha? There will be a screen on the terrace area showing all the games. Plus, plenty of decent nosh on offer, including a special World Cup set menu. You’ll definitely be well-fed while you watch the action.
Yauatcha, daily noon to midnight, Mode Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Tel: 011 836 7999. @yauatchariyadh
Images: Provided / Social