10 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: January 19 to 21
Full of good vibes…
Check out our guide below for a list of things to do in Riyadh this weekend. We have rounded up new exhibitions, concerts, a luxurious staycation, a desert retreat, all the new menu items at your favourite eateries, and much more.
So, let’s get the weekend started.
Thursday January 19
Elevate your lunch at COYA
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For SAR155, the Batea Peruana set lunch at COYA is a complete steal for Riyadh and very useful to know about as it’s available from 1pm to 6pm on weekdays. The menu features a wide selection of delicious Peruvian appetisers, a choice of one mouth-watering main served with Patatas bravas and a delicious dessert. Alternatively, upgrade your experience with the Batea Peruana premium lunch menu for SAR185.
COYA, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, 4237, Riyadh 12223. COYA’s lunch set menu is available from Sun to Thurs 1pm to 6pm. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
A new exhibit that examines motherhood
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Award-winning local artist Mahdih Al-Talib is shaping how we see motherhood and maternal bonds. Her latest exhibition, “My Mother’s Letters”, is a story about growing up and the beautiful moments of women in their different life stages. In it, she points out that the pomegranate is not only emblematic of love and eternity, but is also closely connected to female identity, representing strength and confidence as a developing woman throughout her life.
“My Mother’s Letters” by Mahdih Al-Talib, until Jan 26, Sat to Thurs 5pm to 10pm, Ahlam Gallery, Olaya St, Al Mousa Centre, Riyadh 12221. @ahlamgallery.sa
Sebastian Ingrosso’s solo set for Riyadh Season
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The Swedish DJ and producer is giving fans in Riyadh a true treat this weekend as he’s back in the Kingdom with his solo set for one night only. Catch DJ Sebastian Ingrosso at Boulevard World as he will be bringing his electro-house music inside the Area 15 experience. Be sure to secure your ticket fast.
DJ Sebastian Ingrosso, Jan 19, 11pm to 12.30am, Area 15, Boulevard World. Book your tickets here. SAR150 per person. @riyadhseason
Book a weekend staycation at Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh
Want to live the vibrancy of Riyadh while enjoying the relaxation of a luxury hotel? Step inside Al Faisaliah Hotel, and you’ll forget that Mode Mall is just metres away. Enjoy the hotel’s Splendid Weekends package that includes SAR500 dining credit for The Globe on Thursday, brunch for two with live cooking stations at La Brasserie on Friday and breakfast on Saturday. Enjoy the ultimate family stay with the Families by M.O. where you can enjoy the second room at half price, welcome amenities for children and complimentary meals from the kid’s menus, in addition to other dining offers and 20 per cent off The Spa and Health Club. All stay packages include complimentary valet parking and a 24-hour personal butler to take care of all the guests’ needs.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Email: [email protected] Tel: +966 11 273 2000. @alfaisaliahhotel
Friday January 20
Escape to the desert
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Raw Escapes, a community-based platform that organises retreats in raw nature focused on wellness, fitness, music, and art, is hosting a unique Fire Breeze experience in the cold desert of Riyadh. Look forward to an hour of hiking, an active yoga flow session combined with an immersive sound bath meditation, and learn the art of “disconnect to connect”. The main intention of this trip is to engage with nature and enjoy the beautifully organic and immersive sounds, feel rejuvenated and be infused with positive emotions. Dinner will also be provided. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, wear hiking shoes, and dress warmly and comfortably.
Fire Breeze Event by Raw Escapes, Jan 20, 1pm to 9pm. Register here. SAR480 per person. Tel: 055 548 5547. @rawescapes
Catch a glimpse of show-jumping heroes in action
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Equestrian enthusiasts, the Albaitouni Show Jumping Competition at the Albaitouni Equestrian Academy promises to be a spectacular event. No doubt, show-jumping is the highlight of the entire show, with some of the best riders and horses attending this event. There is also entertainment and something to watch for the whole family.
Albaitouni Show Jumping Competition, Jan 20, 3pm, Albaitouni Equestrian Academy, Riyadh 11411. Riders who want to participate in the show-jumping competition can register here. SAR50 for entry tickets. Free entry for children below five years old. @equestrian_center_ksa
Groove to Blackpink’s best hits live
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The Korean powerhouse girl group is giving Riyadh a memorable start to the year by bringing their Born Pink World Tour here. Recently named Entertainer of the Year by Time Magazine, Blackpink will perform for one night at BLVD International Festival Site. If, for some reason, you still haven’t gotten your hands on tickets yet, you’re in luck: there are still some available at the time of writing this, but it’s probably best not to push your luck and just cop them already.
Blackpink “Born Pink” World Tour, Jan 20, 2023, 8.30pm (Gates open at 6.30pm), BLVD International Festival Site, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. @blackpinkofficial
Cheese and (non-alcoholic) wine, something sublime
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Nothing beats a glass of vino and a cheese board – particularly when you’re snuggled in a cosy setting during this chilly weather. ‘Cheese & Wine Night’ is brought to you by the folks at Elemental. So, expect a French salad, a free flow of non-alcoholic wine, and imported cheese and cold cut platter aplenty. No, it doesn’t get any cheddar than this. Oh, there’s also a surprise dessert and live music all night long.
Cheese & Wine Night, Jan 20, 9.30pm, Elemental, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241. SAR320 per person. Tel: 053 138 0887. @elemental.ksa
Saturday January 21
Journey through Time, Nature and Love with this new Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition
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Jewellery fans, you won’t want to miss this Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Visitors can discover an enchanting vision in which the High Jewellery Maison’s expert craftsmanship and pursuit of harmony come together as a true art form. The show is divided into three themes – Time, Nature and Love – and there’ll be around 280 pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ patrimonial collection, alongside pieces from private collections and archive documents on display.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love Exhibition, The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Halls 1 & 2, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 7pm, Thurs 9am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. The Event is free, but a ticket is required to enter.
Watch a film at VOX Cinemas Gold and enjoy a specially curated menu by a Saudi celebrity chef
The weekends are for switching off, so why not spend your time going to the cinema watching the newest blockbuster? Not just any ordinary cinema, but the VOX Cinemas Gold, which features reclining leather seats, plush blankets and pillows, as well as cutting-edge audio-visual technology in a stylish and intimate setting. What’s more, VOX Cinemas Gold moviegoers who want to indulge in gourmet food can look forward to a broader range of Saudi fusion flavours on a specially curated menu by celebrity Chef Mona Mosly. Tuck into creative creations, such as kibbeh nachos, BBQ chicken bao, Armenian tabbouleh, dukkha Madani chicken burger, halva cookies with Levant ice cream, Thai curry salmon, and so much more. And best of all, you have the option to dine in an exclusive private lounge area or have your food delivered straight to your seat through the in-theatre waiter service.
Chef Mona Mosly’s signature Saudi fusion creations are now exclusively available at VOX Cinemas GOLD in Riyadh (Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Front, Sahara Mall, and The Esplanade). @voxcinemasksa
Images: Provided / Social