10 spectacular things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 21 to 23
Let the weekend begin…
Yay, the weekend is finally here. For those with an empty agenda this weekend, look to our list of What’s On-approved activities to enjoy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Here are ten spectacular things to do in Riyadh.
Thursday December 21
Check out Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition
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Noor Riyadh’s art exhibition titled “Refracted Identities, Shared Futures”, is held at the Riyadh Art space in JAX District until March 2, 2024. This year, the show celebrates light as a flux, where artists, as cartographers of light, comprehend the dynamic nature of human and cultural identity amidst the shifting sands of time.
Noor Riyadh Exhibition, until Mar 2, 2024, Sat to Thurs 11am to 1am & Fri 4pm to 1am, JAX District. @noorriyadhfestival
Get trippy at House of Hype
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Housed within the popular Boulevard City zone, this entertainment park will have immersive experiences and places to explore, where you can play games, discover surprises, shop exclusive products, and win prizes, including 46 creator experiences, 29 immersive attractions, and 32 gaming experiences. Inspired by video games, fashion, music, and social media trends, House of Hype is a mind-bending whirl of experiences you will never forget.
House of Hype, Boulevard City, daily 4pm to 12.30am. Tickets start from SAR89 and can be purchased here. @houseofhype____
Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure
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Buckle up because we’re diving fork-first into KAFD Culinary Experience – The Culinary Canvas. On Thursday December 21, the dinner series will feature Chef Kelvin Cheung from Jun’s Dubai. His menu reflects his cosmopolitan outlook, packing flavours he’s picked up along the way into sophisticated spins on comfort fare. Diners can expect a fusion of international and local ingredients behind each dish. The experience will be a collaboration with Saudi visual artist Hmoud Alattawi, who will be staging his work through the lens of Saudi culture.
The Culinary Canvas: Saudi Prints, Dec 21, 8pm to 10pm, KAFD Financial Plaza, Riyadh. Book your spots here. SAR500 for a single ticket & SAR750 per couple. @kafd
Friday December 22
Celebrate the super weekend with a Super Brunch
It is one of Riyadh’s top venues, not only for its sophisticated setting but also for its fabulous buffet offerings. On Fridays, you can head to the venue and enjoy a long and languid feast of an all-new, enhanced brunch, complete with eight live cooking stations and live music. The contemporary, multi-cuisine restaurant promises an international buffet filled with freshly shucked oysters, prime Kobe beef, personalised pizzas, and live barbeque. And to keep the young guests occupied, there are plenty of kids’ activities like arts and crafts, face painting, cooking with the chef, a roaming magician, and more.
La Brasserie Super Brunch, every Fri 1pm to 5pm, Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. SAR397 per adult & SAR 198 for kids over seven. Tel: 011 273 2005. @alfaisaliahhotel
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
Experience the thrilling desert dune
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ROAM launches its newest Desert Experience. Located just one hour from the centre of Riyadh, this half-day adventure promises an unforgettable day in the captivating desert landscape. From an exhilarating journey through the dunes on electric quad bikes and sandboarding down the dune’s magnificent slopes to enjoying a bespoke private dining experience in the desert comprising traditional Saudi delicacies and succulent BBQs and opting for sunset yoga or a guided nature walk amongst the stunning desert landscape, ROAM’s Desert Experience provides the perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and culture.
Book here for ROAM’s Desert Experience. The experience is for a maximum of 20 guests but can be privately booked for groups larger than six. Pricing starts from SAR1,250 per person. @experiencesbyroam
Saturday December 23
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
The Day of Reckoning is here
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Boxing fans will be treated to a festive feast. British boxer Anthony Joshua will headline a historic night of boxing in Riyadh, along with world champions Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia. The boxing spectacle will feature eight fights and showcase some of the most famous boxing world champions and leading contenders from the top weight divisions. Take a look at the list of bouts happening on the monumental ‘Day of Reckoning’ card here.
Day of Reckoning, Dec 23, 5pm, Kingdom Arena. The ticket price starts from SAR100 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Savour delicious food truck cuisine at Riyadh Food Trucks Festival
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Riyadh Season’s latest zone, Riyadh Food Trucks Park, brings together your favourite food trucks in this unique event space in Hittin. These vibrant and edgy food havens serve up more than just your average street fare with fun settings and a stellar entertainment line-up.
Riyadh Food Trucks Festival, Dec 21 to 30, daily 4pm to midnight, Hittin, Riyadh 13516. SAR15 per person, and tickets can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Images: Instagram