15 epic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 14 to 16
Hello, weekend…
Yes, the weekend is finally here. If you still haven’t made plans yet, we’ve rounded up a few options for you. Gear up and grab your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh.
Here are 15 epic things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday December 14
Enjoy a festive business lunch at LPM
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Throughout December, the sophisticated French-Mediterranean will be transformed into a festive wonderland with a limited-edition business lunch that captures the refined essence of the Côte d’Azur. Merging French tradition with LPM’s signature exquisite French-Mediterranean fare, the menu features LPM classics with a festive twist. Highlights include Marinated Salmon Carpaccio with Caviar, Foie Gras Terrine with Toasted Brioche, Duck Confit with Orange and Hispi Cabbage, Homemade Rigatoni Pasta with Black Truffle and a decadent Chocolate and Passion Fruit Flan. The festive business lunch menu is ideal for power lunches and midday breaks with friends or loved ones and will be available on weekdays only throughout the month from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
LPM Riyadh Business Lunch, Weekdays only, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, King Fahd Road, Street No. 38, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya (behind Al Faisaliah Hotel). @lpmriyadh
From cart to closet
There are now more reasons to shop at Level Shoes. Online shoppers in Riyadh can receive their purchases at their doorsteps earlier than ever before, thanks to Level Shoes’ three-hour delivery option. Meanwhile, for those based in Jeddah, you can enjoy a next-day delivery, and for those in the wider Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, orders are expected to be fulfilled within one to three days.
Visit: Levelshoes.com
Tuck into a meal at the newly reopened Hong
It’s the reboot we’ve all been waiting for – a return of The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh’s Chinese fine dining restaurant, Hong, with a new head chef at the helm, Chef Wang Linhua. The upgraded menu at Hong is a treasure trove of Chinese culinary delights, masterfully recreated to perfection. From tempting appetisers like Sichuan-style Kou Shui chicken to sumptuous signature dishes such as the wok-fried lobster and steamed sea bass with soya sauce, this restaurant offers an unparalleled gastronomic adventure despite having a limited menu.
Hong, Sun to Fri 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Second Floor, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, AlHada Area, Mekkah Road, Riyadh, 11493. Tel: 011 802 8392. @theritzcarltonruh
Are you ready for Day 1 of MDLBeast SoundStorm?
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The mega music festival has landed. Kicking things off on Thursday December 14 will be Brit DJ Calvin Harris, bringing his top tunes like ‘One Kiss’ and ‘Summer’. He’ll be sharing the Big Beast main stage with mega rap star Travis Scott and heavy metal legends Metallica. In the Dance Tent, music lovers can look forward to raving to the tunes of house music heavyweights like Alesso, Dish Dash, DJ Snake, Oliver Heldens and Tiesto. Meanwhile, at DWN Beast, headline performances from Black Eyed Peas, H.E.R and Wizkid will open the mega-musical weekend in style.
MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023, Dec 14 to 16, Banban. General admission tickets start from SAR169 for a single-day ticket and SAR379 for three-day festival passes, and they can be purchased here. @mdlbeast.soundstorm
Friday December 15
Spend Friday at a family brunch with the kids
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One of Riyadh’s top venues, not only for its sophisticated setting – think double-height ceilings and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that joins the outdoor terrace with the indoor restaurant – but also for its fabulous buffet offerings. On Fridays, you can head to the venue and enjoy a long and languid feast of brunch classics accompanied by live music. This time round, the brunch buffet will be extended into the hotel’s Atriums and La Brasserie terrace area, so look out for the prime Kobe beef station, a live pizza bar, and a shawarma and BBQ station on the terrace. But what we’re really here for is the unlimited offering of sea urchins and freshly shucked oysters. And to keep the young guests occupied, there are plenty of kids’ activities like arts and crafts, face painting and more.
La Brasserie Friday Brunch, every Fri 1pm to 5pm, Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. SAR397 per adult. @alfaisaliahhotel
Get crafty with pottery
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Those keen on experimenting with hand-building pottery can try their hands at the potter’s wheel in a relaxed and fun environment. Keramos Studio specialises in the making and selling of clay arts and crafts and items that reflect Islamic art and Saudi folklore heritage. The studio also offers one-day and five-day workshops for men, women and children. The classes will leave you with a good mix of pottery techniques to make your own cup, bowl or vase.
Keramos Studio, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, An Narjis, Riyadh 11564, Wed to Sat 2pm to 11pm. Tel: 055 433 9469. @keramosksa
Beat the bars at Prison Island
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The school holidays are here and what better way to send the older kids to spend their free time in cells filled with challenges. That’s fun at Prison Island, where you and your mates must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to break free. There are 35 cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. Prices start from SAR99 for juveniles and SAR149 for inmates. Activewear and trainers are required, and changing room facilities are available on-site.
Prison Island, First Floor, Park Avenue Mall, 7042 Said Ibn Zayd Rd, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13247. Tel: 055 028 7066. @prisonisland.ksa
Take part in the Ed Sheeran open mic night
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Get ready to be serenaded with the mesmerising tunes of Ed Sheeran at Syrup Lounge’s popular Open Mic Night. This indoor lounge is a hotspot for young people and a great atmosphere to play in, and it is known for its friendly, no-judgment environment bolstered by an attentive and very supportive crowd. Happy open mic-ing…
Ed Sheeran Night, Dec 15, 9pm to 1am, Syrup Lounge. SAR100 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @syrupllc
Check out Day 2 of MDLBeast SoundStorm
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On Friday December 15, it’s an all-star line-up on the Big Beast stage, where you’ll be able to sing and dance along to Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Martin Garrix and Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff. Taking over the dance tent will be spin-masters such as Axwell, Deadmau5 and Loush. And DWN Beast will see 2002 hitmaker Anne-Marie perform some of her biggest tracks.
MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023, Dec 14 to 16, Banban. General admission tickets start from SAR169 for a single-day ticket and SAR379 for three-day festival passes, and they can be purchased here. @mdlbeast.soundstorm
Saturday December 16
Pop by the DQ Souq
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If you love fresh produce and supporting local businesses, pay a visit to the DQ Souq, which has made its return to the Diplomatic Quarter. There will be a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with delicious food at the various kiosks. Or sift through the wares and support the local creatives by purchasing their art pieces. The kids can also check out an outdoor cinema, drawing area, and mini animal corner. Plus, it’s free to enter the DQ Souq.
DQ Souq, Behind the AlArabiya building and Oud Square, every Sat, 4pm to 11pm. @saudidq
Brunching the Turkish way
Rüya Riyadh has launched its first Turkish brunch, inviting guests into a world of authentic and indulgent cuisine, Turkish hospitality and rich culinary traditions and heritage – all taking place in its ornate indoor setting or the greenery-covered terrace. For just SAR200, you can feast on unlimited baskets of hot freshly baked Sourdough, accompanied by lavash, simit and a spread of Turkish cheeses, and a selection of breakfast condiments, like butter, Kars honeycomb and Kaymak, marinated olives, and more, followed by your choice of pide flatbread. The brunch is finished off with a warm orange almond Revani, a Turkish-style orange cake made with ground almonds, and a fresh fruit platter. All dishes are served to table, accompanied by fresh orange juice, coffee or tea served in an ornate traditional Turkish teapot.
Rüya Riyadh’s Authentic Turkish Brunch, every Sat, noon to 4pm, Rüya, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abdul Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243. SARSAR200 per person, inclusive of tea, coffee and orange juice. Tel: 9200 10692. @ruya_riyadh
Skate away at King Fahd National Library
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Check out a free skating spot in town at King Fahd National Library Park. All you need to do is bring your skates; they provide the helmet and you can skate for free for 30 minutes on an interactive artwork as part of Noor Riyadh 2023.
Skate at King Fahd National Library Park, Al Olaya, 4pm to midnight, until Dec 16.
Embrace inner wellness through art therapy
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Unleash your creativity and find joy in a mindful painting class at KAFD. No experience needed, just a desire to play and create. This will be followed by a guided meditation session.
Art Therapy, Dec 16, 4pm to 5.30pm, KAFD, 4.04 Rooftop. SAR120 per person, and you can book your spots here. @kafd
Savour Mr Chow’s star dishes
Indulge in Mr Chow’s culinary constellation featuring its star dishes. Each dish is a culinary gem, from the succulent chicken satay to the crispy turnip puffs, the striking squid ink rice noodles, the luxurious pressed dungeness crab, the fresh green prawns, and the decadent Ma mignon.
Mr Chow, KAFD, Bldg 2.09, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily, 6pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 12658. @mrchowriyadh
It’s the last night of MDLBeast SoundStorm
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Making sure things close in unforgettable style, Saturday’s headline performances will include David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, 50 Cent and Steve Aoki all making waves on the main stage. At the Dance Tent, we can look forward to epic DJs like Afrojack, Alan Walker and Armin Van Buuren. The DWN Beast stage will see J Balvin and Pusha T, amongst others, leave their mark on another epic MDLBeast.
MDLBeast SoundStorm 2023, Dec 14 to 16, Banban. General admission tickets start from SAR169 for a single-day ticket and SAR379 for three-day festival passes, and they can be purchased here. @mdlbeast.soundstorm
Images: Instagram / Provided