10 fun things to do in Riyadh this long weekend: September 21 to 24
Ain’t no weekend like a long weekend…
Saudi National Day 2023 sees the Kingdom turn 93 on Saturday September 23. In honour of the occasion, the country comes alive with a range of thrilling things to do and festive events in the lead-up to and on National Day. Also, seeing that it’s a long weekend for us, we’ve included top picks of the best things to do from Thursday to Sunday.
Here are 10 fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday September 21
Oodles of fun at Al Watan Park
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Al Watan Park overwhelms with enough family-centric activities to fill a long weekend. Families descend on the park for the dozens of accessible rides for children. The theme park features some old-time classics like the miniature Ferris wheel, alongside some adventurous rides where kids pilot their own flying plane, revolving at their own elevation. You can also enjoy a great stay in one of its chalet rentals, which includes a swimming pool.
Al Watan Park, Riyadh Water Tower, King Saud Rd, Al Futah, Riyadh 12632, daily 4pm to midnight. Sar11 for an entry ticket, Sar40 for games wristband. Tel: 050 033 8844. @alwatan_p
Enjoy an all-American BBQ at The Grill
Delve into an unforgettable culinary experience at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre with American BBQ Nights. Served a la carte on Thursday nights at The Grill, the feast begins with a basket of corn jalapeno pull-a-part bread served with bacon butter, and appetisers, including crispy blue swimmer crab cakes and spiced grilled corn ribs. Choose your mains from low and slow US beef brisket and hickory smoked US beef short ribs to Cajun spice barbecue chicken. Of course, no barbeque would be complete without an abundant array of sides, such as baked sweet potato, crispy onion rings, southern coleslaw, as well as mouthwatering desserts. Let’s eat.
American BBQ Nights at The Grill, every Thurs 6pm to midnight, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, First Floor. SAR350 per guest. Tel: 011 211 5500. @fsriyadh
A night of premium steaks
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For another big meaty blowout, meat us at Al Orjouan in The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh to enjoy a wide selection of succulent meat, game and poultry, elevated by live cooking stations. Think meat-eating primate love meets elegant five-star dining.
Butchers’ Night, every Thurs 6.30pm to midnight, Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. SAR315+ per adult. Tel: 011 802 8020. @aritzcarltonruh
Friday September 22
No such thing as too many tacos
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For a vibrant setting, bright colours, and amazing food, visit Don Ruben’s in DQ. In celebration of Saudi National Day, they’re offering unlimited tacos (taco asada and pastor) and a drink for just SAR100. Text the group chat and let them know tacos night just got better.
Unlimited Tacos at Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant, Sept 22, 3pm to 7pm, Diplomatic Quarter, 9163 Ain Street, Riyadh 12523. @donrubens.sa
93rd Saudi National Day festivities in DQ
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After your fill of tacos at Don Ruben’s, head to the Cultural Palace at DQ to join in the National Day festivities. Journey through time and enjoy the entertainment shows, traditional food, children’s activities, and more.
93rd Saudi National Day, Sept 21 to 23, 5pm to 11pm, In front of Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter. Register your visit here. @saudidq
Witness the naval displays
Saudi Arabia’s Armed Forces will participate in various activities to mark the Kingdom’s 93rd National Day, including aerial and marine shows. Residents of Riyadh will be able to watch the different types of Royal Saudi Air Force jets, including Typhoons, F-15s, and Tornados, on Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23 at 4.30pm in the north of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road at Umm Ajlan Park in the Al-Qayrawan district. You can also witness the Royal Guard March on Friday September 22 at 4pm at Umm Ajlan Park.
Saturday September 23
Check out the Hijrah exhibition
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The aim of the display is to shed light on the Hijrah journey that took place more than one thousand four hundred years ago. 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. The best part is that it’s free, and you can book your tickets here.
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
Watch the National Day fireworks
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There are plenty of things to do during the long National Day weekend. Another must-see is the free fireworks display lighting up the skies at Boulevard Riyadh City. This year’s dazzling fireworks will take place on Saturday September 23 at 9pm. There’s also a royal guard march at 9.15pm.
Sunday September 24
Afternoon tea at L’ami Dave has arrived
L’ami Dave, a contemporary homage to the legendary restaurants of Paris, now serves a daily selection of premium tea blends, delectable cakes and macarons, and delightful small bites. Add to that classic finger sandwiches, sundried cherry and flaky plain scones, and the tranquillity of the restaurant setting and you have an unforgettable afternoon.
Afternoon Tea at L’ami Dave, Mon to Sat 3pm to 7pm, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. Tel: 011 829 0949. @lamidaveriyadh
Don your cleats and ride to the beats
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“We don’t spin, we ride” – that’s the tagline used to describe 1Rebel’s signature ‘Ride’ class and its army of devout followers (or ‘Rebels’). The banging playlists, sick sound systems, Ibiza-style lighting and special effects transport you to another world – one where exercise is actually fun. But don’t expect an easy 45-minute ride. Instead, ‘Ride’ is full of fast-paced bouncing sprints and slow resistance-filled climbs interspersed with push-ups and curls with dumbbells. Power through, and you could burn up to 800 calories in one class. And if you’ve been thinking of signing up a contract with 1Rebel, they’re currently offering 20 per cent off with a promo code ‘Saudi20’.
1Rebel Rabi – Women’s, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 11564. 1Rebel Sahafa – Men’s, Ath Thumamah Road, As Sahafah, Riyadh 11564. Tel: 055 084 4774. @1rebelsaudi
Images: Provided / Instagram