10 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week: November 19 to 22
Ready to plan your week?
Our capital is bursting with fun activities – from a fabulous food hall to exciting things to do in November. Have you heard that Riyadh has also welcomed a brand-new contemporary art museum? Make the most of your week with our round-up of ten wonderful things to do in Riyadh.
Sunday November 19
Dig into delightful cuisines at Al Mamlaka Social Dining
Gather around and savour the art of social dining. Al Mamlaka Social Dining is a gathering place – for everyone and their preferences. Whether you’re feeling peckish or ravenous, the diverse offer is sure to please. It houses 21 vendors, including a mix of new concepts and offshoots of popular Riyadh spots. All of which means you can sample a varied range of tasty treats, from authentic Saudi street eats and appetising charcuterie and cheese to comforting ramen, tacos and burgers with all the works.
Al Mamlaka Social Dining, Sat to Wed 8am to 1am, Thurs 8am to 3am & Fri 1pm to 3am, Second Floor, Kingdom Centre. @almamlakasocialdining
Have a wander at Wonder Garden
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Here’s introducing Riyadh Season’s new zone, the Wonder Garden. It comprises three different subzones where you can go on fun rides, watch pink flamingos, and explore areas full of beautiful butterflies and exquisite trees.
Wonder Garden, daily 4pm to 1am, Al Malqa. SAR30 for weekdays & SAR50 for weekends. Book your tickets here. @riyadhseason
Monday November 20
Celebrate European musical diversity
Get ready for mind-blowing European music in Riyadh, where the beats, melodies, and rhythms of Europe will come alive in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Music Hub is bringing you concerts by eight amazing European artists, with music ranging from jazz and pop to folk and classical. On the last day (Monday November 20), there will be a workshop on the music of the Netherlands at 6pm followed by a performance at 8pm.
European Music Week in Riyadh, Nov 11 to 20, 8pm, Saudi Music Hub. Free entry but prior registration is required at www.eumusicweek.com
Be part of the exclusive experience of CR7 Signature Museum
Inside the CR7 Signature Museum, you’ll find Cristiano Ronaldo’s career timeline and his collective and individual awards. See the Ballon d’Or, The Golden Boot, the Champions League Cup and many more exceptional achievements. CR7 Signature Museum also features special interactive areas and games, ideal for children and adults to enjoy an immersive experience. From Madeira, Portugal to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the museum is more than just a destination for football enthusiasts, it is one of the most personal projects ever made by Cristiano Ronaldo.
CR7 Signature Museum, daily 4pm to midnight, Boulevard Riyadh City. The ticket price starts at SAR35 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Get your fill of Korean barbeque goodness
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With stylish interiors and even better food, Namu deserves to be on your list of Korean barbecue spots to try. Go for the sets that’ll have you armed with delicious marinated meats and sides. The offering is indulgent with delectable cuts like Australian short ribs Riverina, jumbo scallops, Wagyu ribeye, and spicy marinated chicken for you to grill on the table. Plus, Namu has some great sides, such as the fluffy egg souffle, spicy rice cakes, seafood pancakes and hearty army stew. The desserts are also not to be missed.
Namu, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, Sun to Wed 5pm to 12.30am & Thurs to Sat 1pm to 1.30am. @namu.ksa
Tuesday November 21
Pop by this art exhibition at Riyadh’s brand-new museum
If you haven’t heard, the Ministry of Culture has launched SAMoCA (Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art) at JAX, where it’s hosting the BIENALSUR 2023. This year’s edition, inaugurated on July 28 in Buenos Aires, showcases the artworks of more than 400 artists from 27 nationalities, including ten artists from Saudi Arabia. The exhibition titled “Imagine: Fantasies, Dreams, Utopias” presents works with a surprising presence that modifies the perception of space to reveal new or unexpected aspects that shed light on fantasy and creativity. Each of the artworks leaves their mark on the territory where they are exhibited and traces the imaginary itinerary of each visitor through the exhibition.
BIENALSUR 2023, until Dec 30, 10am to 10pm, SAMoCA at JAX. Free entry but a ticket is required to enter.
Check out the KAFD Food Festival
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Ready for a mouth-watering voyage? Head down to the KAFD Food Festival, where world-famous cuisines offer you a heavenly adventure that will delight your taste buds. You can look forward to live cooking shows and various entertainment and performances.
KAFD Food Festival, 2.07 KAFD, until Nov 30, 1pm to 3pm & 6pm to 11pm. The entry ticket is priced at SAR75 and can be purchased here. @kafd
Wednesday November 22
Tuck into Myazu’s winter specials
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The season is changing, and so is Myazu’s menu. The restaurant’s winter specials is complete with seasonal favourites made with winter ingredients, that will suit everyone’s palates. Indulge in treats such as wagyu beef skewers, tuna tataki in spicy tomato dressing, slow-cooked Angus cheek served atop cauliflower puree, wagyu croquettes with freshly shaved truffles, and a lot more.
Myazu, Musad Bin Jalawi, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12244, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 12.30am. @myazusaudi
Relive your childhood classics at Disney: The Castle
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As part of Riyadh Season 2023, the iconic Disney: The Castle is a live musical experience that brings you closer than ever to the iconic music of Disney’s beloved animated worlds. At this magical family festival, celebrate music from Disney’s most popular animated films through captivating performances in immersive musical worlds and exhilarating mini concerts in front of the towering Disney Castle!
Disney The Castle, opens Nov 22, weekdays 5pm to 12.30am & weekends 5pm to 1.30am, Boulevard Riyadh City. The ticket price starts from SAR125 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Where the gallery meets the street
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The first project of its kind in the capital, Riyadh Street Art Festival features street art by 30 local, regional and international artists who are transforming an abandoned building in Al-Mughrizat District into a place to spray and play. It celebrates creativity and supports works that are inclusive and provoke thinking. Murals, sculptures, and events, including discussions, lectures and workshops exploring the history of street art, will be featured in the festival. There will also be live music, dancers, a skate park, street art fashion and family-friendly creative spaces.
Riyadh Street Art Festival, until Dec 6, 7pm to midnight, Al Mughrizat, Exit 9. Free entry but tickets are required for you to enter. @visualarts_moc
Images: Instagram