12 fantastic things to do in Riyadh this week: September 17 to 20
Start making plans…
There’s definitely no lack of things to do in Riyadh. This vibrant capital is often buzzy with pop-up events and exhibitions that engage locals and tourists alike. From dining at the newest cafes and restaurants to networking events, you’ll definitely find activities to do for the week.
Read on for our picks on 12 fantastic things to do and see in Riyadh.
Sunday September 17
Reform your approach to exercise
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One of Riyadh’s coolest fitness spots is Formé Wellness, a private and semi-private studio specialised in reformer pilates and wellness. The Sculpt class is a must-try for reformer enthusiasts. It brings the best of pilates and fitness to create a flow of reformers, weights, and occasionally jump board to create the ultimate workout in this 50-minute class. Not one for beginners, this is a challenging class – though adjustments are offered if you’re more new to Pilates – with top instructors there to motivate and guide you.
Formé Wellness, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13316, Sun 10am to 9pm, Mon to Wed 8am to 9pm, Thurs 8am to 8pm & Sat 11.30am to 5.30pm. @formewellness.sa
Check out Riyadh’s fancy food hall
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Located in the iconic Kingdom Centre, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind social dining destination offers a world-class food and dining hall concept. Al Mamlaka Social Dining represents a masterful curation of 21 kitchens, selected to offer the best of local and international brands, with multiple cuisines arranged around four zones. The International Collection, Deli Collection, and Coffee & Bakery zones operate on a counter service basis and will engage guests through open kitchens, and elements of theatre with a sushi counter, and a live pasta-making station, to name a few. The fourth zone, The Destination Dining Collection, which include Lilly’s Café and Assembly, offer prior reservation, while the Deli Dining, International Collection, and Coffee & Bakery zones are on a walk-in basis. Just be prepared to face the hardest decision of your life – what to order.
AlMamlaka Social Dining Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, Al Olaya, Sat to Thu 8am to 1am, Fri 1pm to 3am. @almamlakasocialdining
Family fun time at Al Watan Park
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Families descend on the Al Watan Park for the dozens of accessible rides for children. The theme park features old-time classics like the miniature Ferris wheel and some adventurous rides where kids pilot their own flying planes. Better yet, you can enter for free from Sunday to Wednesday if you purchase a game ticket (SAR10) or the game’s wristband (SAR40). You can also enjoy a great stay in one of its chalet rentals, which includes a swimming pool, for just SAR180 from Saturdays to Thursdays.
Al Watan Park, Riyadh Water Tower, King Saud Rd, Al Futah, Riyadh 12632, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: 050 033 8844. @alwatan_p
Monday September 18
Musical fun for your little ones
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Looking for adorable activities in Riyadh to take your baby to? Diddy Dots is bub’s perfect first intro to music. Sing and dance with different instruments, lap bounce and explore multiple sensory activities all designed to engage all the senses. It’s 40 minutes of fun for both bubba and you. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your kids, so be prepared to sing along, parents.
Diddy Dots Parent & Baby Music Session, every Mon & Wed 10am, Ranco Village Compound, Ranville Hall. Suitable for babies aged four months to 20 months. SAR65 per parent and baby. @diddy_dotsksa
Plan your visit to the Saudi Event Show
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Looking to sharpen your professional skills and network with the most innovative event technology and service providers in the region? Look no further than the most anticipated event of the year for the events industry. In addition to a vibrant exhibition, this year’s show features two seminar hubs focused on showcasing success stories from within the Kingdom to harness local knowledge and growth; and the Global Innovation, which will highlight global trends and best practices.
Saudi Event Show 2023, Sept 18, noon to 6pm & Sept 19, noon to 8pm, Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC). Get your free pass here. @saudieventshow
It’s the last two days of Disney on Ice
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Disney On Ice is always a truly magical family experience. So, deck out the whole family in Mickey Mouse ears and get ready for a frozen good time as your favourite Disney characters are brought to life by professional ice skaters.
Disney On Ice, Sept 18 & 19, 4pm & 8pm, Boulevard Riyadh City, BLVD Arena. Book your tickets here. The price ranges from SAR95 to SAR485. @riyadhseason
Tuesday September 19
Take minutes off your makeup routine with eyelash extensions
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It’s serious business at the newly opened beauty salon, Abalone. As well as facials, nails, body and brow treatments, they offer lash services too. You can even choose from three different styles: classic, hybrid, or volume for that maximum va-va-voom. Plus, they’re currently having National Day offers (valid till September 23) for their services.
Abalone Beauty Salon, Pearl of the Oasis, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, Riyadh 12445, Mon to Thurs & Sat noon to 9pm & Fri 1.30pm to 9.30pm. @abalone.sa
Test your skills at an escape room
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Escape The Room has three locations across Saudi Arabia, including two in Riyadh. The concept is simple, you choose a room, enter and then you’ve got 60 minutes to try and figure out the way out. Designed for small groups, this is the ultimate test of your logical and creative thinking, with themed rooms available to book, including ‘Mafia Kingdom,’ ‘The Prison,’ and ‘Saw 2.’ Everyone can play, but it’s recommended for players aged 12 and above. Games for two starts from SAR400.
Escape The Room, Al Ghadir, Exit 5 – King Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh, 10.30am to 2.30am daily, and Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511, 1pm to 1.30am daily. Tel: 050 809 9911. @escapetheroomsa
Have a girls’ night out at the gorgeous Flamingo Room
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Visitors to Flamingo Room by tashas are greeted by stunning interiors with an elegant colour scheme of peach, salmon pink, and ocean turquoise complemented by lavish gold accents. Expect quirky little touches displayed around the restaurant. The interiors is a delicate balance between luxury and whimsy. As with the expressive décor, the vibrant menu covers a range of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes across starters, salads, pasta, and main courses with plenty of African flavours. Two words of advice: Come hungry.
Flamingo Room by tashas, Bujairi Terrace, 7295 King Faisal Rd, 3205, Al Bujairi, Ad Diriyah, Riyadh 13711, daily 7pm to 1am. @flamingoroomksa
Wednesday September 20
Immerse yourself in the free Hijrah exhibition
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The exhibition is currently on at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia until December 30. You’ll be seeing everything from the diverse and rich sections of history, including antiquities, and documentaries in a narrative sequence of the events of migration from the pre-Islamic stage, up to the eight days of the journey with its conditions and facts, all the way to Medina.
Migration: In the Footsteps of the Messenger, National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Mon to Sat 9am to 7pm, Thu 9am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. Book your free tickets here. @saudimuseum
Shower your loved ones this Saudi National Day with Bateel gourmet treats
Bateel introduces its Legacy Collection in celebration of Saudi National Day. The new Legacy Collection pays homage to the nation’s rich heritage whilst taking pride in Bateel’s Saudi Arabian roots and its unparalleled legacy as the world’s only gourmet dates grower. Embracing the vivid green of the Saudi Arabian flag, the collection features geometric patterns and motifs inspired by the traditional Sadu embroidery, a Bedouin form of weaving. The range is available in three size options and can be filled with a selection of Bateel’s gourmet fillings, including decadent ganache and pralines, chocolate truffles encased in the finest single-origin chocolate, delicious Maamoul, and Bateel’s assorted organic, plain, or filled dates, as well as the brand’s signature Date Chocolate Delice.
Available online and across Bateel’s boutiques. @bateelgourmet
Introducing the first-ever What’s On Riyadh Awards 2023
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Get ready for an evening of glamour, celebration and entertainment. Saudi Arabia’s restaurant, leisure and entertainment scene has never been more exciting. So, we’re delighted to introduce the What’s On Riyadh Awards to celebrate the creators, innovators and industry pioneers across Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and entertainment sectors for the very first time. The winners and highly commended recipients for all categories will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, to be held at JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh on Wednesday September 20, 2023. Table bookings are now available and with limited space and you’re advised to book now to avoid missing out.
What’s On Riyadh Awards 2023, Sept 20, 7.30pm, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. Book your tables here. @whatsonksa
Images: Social / Provided