10 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 5 to 7
Lining up plans for this weekend?
We’ve rounded up ten of the best activities in Riyadh for your first weekend of the new year – from axe throwing and open mic nights to the newest film and eatery.
Thursday January 5
1. Experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target
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Didn’t know that you can throw axes in Riyadh for fun? Well, you can, and you don’t need to be an experienced thrower. All sessions are guided by an instructor fully trained in helping you perfect your throws – you’ll be hitting those targets in no time. Plus, Dueling Axes claims you don’t need flannel or a beard, so there is no need for fancy dress; just bring your best axe game.
Dueling Axes, daily 3pm to 11pm, Area 15, Boulevard World. The price starts from SAR50 per person for 30 minutes, and tickets must be purchased inside the Area 15 Experience in Boulevard World. However, you’ll need a separate entry ticket into Area 15, which is SAR150 per person and includes access to Boulevard World. @riyadhseason
2. Catch Guy Ritchie’s latest film, ‘Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre’
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is another globe-trotting adventure of spies who are out to save the world. The plot follows special agent and elite spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) who must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant). Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives (Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Bugzy Malone), Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett) to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world.
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, Thriller/Action/Comedy, Rating R12, 1h 54min. Book your tickets here.
3. Watch the footy at The Stadium
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Football fans in Riyadh, book yourself a table at The Stadium at DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Financial District – a superb place to watch the Roshn Saudi League matches. There will be three matches screening tonight: Al Nassr vs Al Tai at 6pm, as well as Ittihad vs Al Hilal and Al Wehda vs Al Shabab – both at 8.30pm. So, cheer your favourite teams forward while indulging in scrumptious food and a wide selection of drinks, and you are in for one great evening.
The Stadium, DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh Financial District. Tel: 058 002 9885. @dtriyadhfd
Friday January 6
4. Be part of the biggest fitness challenge
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SandClash, a two-day Crossfit competition and fitness festival designed to challenge athletes, makes its return to the Kingdom for its fourth edition. Watch fitness enthusiasts of all ages and genders from around the world compete to earn the title of the fittest. Even if you’re not participating, spectators are invited to watch the competition and enjoy the festive atmosphere, filled with contests, live entertainment, lifestyle activations and food trucks.
SFA SandClash 2023, Jan 6 & 7, 7am to 9pm, The Arena, Granada, Imam Andullah Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh 13241. Book your tickets here. The tickets are priced from SAR35. @sandclash.ksa
5. Sign up for an open mic
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Whether you’re looking for somewhere to show off your talents or fancy an evening of live music, Mused’s open mic nights are sure to provide. Taking place every Thursday and Friday, you can enjoy the sounds of local artists doing their thing, as well as brilliant coffee and desserts.
Open Mic Night, every Thursday & Friday, Mused, 7089 Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Nada, Riyadh 13317. @mused_sa
6. Immerse yourself in Omani’s identity and culture
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The camel is highly revered, and we’ve been told many stories about the animal, including that sometimes they are even more valued than family members or children in the Bedouin tribes. If you’re curious about camels, there’s an exhibition organised by the Oman Embassy, which aims to introduce visitors to Omani camels, their history, origins and their role in economic, social and cultural life.
History of Omani Camels, until Jan 7, 7pm to 11pm, Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter. @saudidq
7. Hamaki and DaBaby are headlining the stage at Boulevard Riyadh City
American rapper DaBaby, along with Egyptian superstar Mohamed Hamaki, will perform live at the Abu Baker Salem stage in Boulevard Riyadh City. They are set to perform several of their popular and latest songs. Look forward to DaBaby’s career-spanning set packed with hits from his award-winning albums Baby on Baby 2, Baby on Baby, Blame It On Baby, and Kirk.
Riyadh Season Concert: Hamaki & DaBaby, Jan 6, 9.30pm (doors open at 7pm), Abu Baker Salem Stage, Boulevard Riyadh City. Book your tickets here. The ticket price starts from SAR330. @riyadhseason
Saturday January 7
8. The perfect place to refuel both body and mind
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All the way from Marbella, Hustle n’ Flow Eatery is a hip, healthy and conscious breakfast and lunch spot, known for its freshly prepared, full of colour and bursting with nutrients meals. From organic smoothie bowls, artisan toast and salads to speciality coffees and homemade desserts, everything they serve is as unique as it is delicious.
Hustle n’ Flow Eatery, An Nafal, Riyadh 13312, Sat to Thurs 9am to 5pm & Fri 1pm to 9pm. @hustlenflowriyadh
9. Free entry to Winter Wonderland
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Looking to enter Riyadh Season’s Winter Wonderland for free? All you have to do is put on your shawl, gloves and hat to the theme park on Saturday January 7, and you’re in. However, do take note that only the entry ticket is waived; you’ll still have to purchase separate tickets for all the rides and shows once inside.
Winter Wonderland, Free entry offer is only applicable on Jan 7, 4pm to 2am. @riyadhseason
10. Enjoy an evening of Arabic music, culture and food
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The second edition of Diriyah Nights is set to provide visitors with an exceptional experience in the heart of Diriyah. There will be artistic performances and live music, in addition to the Diriyah Nights’ singing stars sessions. Visitors can also indulge in one of the many culinary experiences offered during Diriyah Nights, which range from fine dining restaurants and cafes to food carts.
Diriyah Nights, until Feb 22, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 2am, Fri & Sat 4pm to 2am, Ad Diriyah. Book your tickets here. SAR138 per person. @diriyahseason
Images: Social