12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: February 1 to 3
Happy weekend, folks…
Can you believe it’s February 2024 already? January got off to an excellent start and is shaping the year to be a fantastic one ahead in Riyadh. From new attractions to exotic pop-ups, fabulous dining destinations, children’s activities, and other fun events in town, you won’t be bored between February 1 and 3.
Here are 12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday February 1
Enjoying afternoon tea at Café Elle
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Where will you find us most Thursday afternoons in our dreams? Tucking into a fabulous afternoon tea at Café Elle in Via Riyadh. Here, the food arrives on a cake stand that sits savoury treats alongside pretty desserts. The scones are the highlight, though – buttery soft, and the perfect vessel for the clotted cream.
Café Elle, Afternoon Tea daily 4pm to 8pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912. @cafeelle.sa
Beat the bars at Prison Island
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Head to Park Avenue with your crew and spend your 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
Sign up for a French workshop
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Bonjour. Ça va? Would you like to learn to speak French? If your answer is an enthusiastic oui, then here’s some good news for you. For one night only, come and learn the basics of the French language at Alliance Francaise. You’ll acquire the skills needed to order food at restaurants, enquire about items while shopping and other situations – perfect for your next trip to France.
Travel to France Workshop, Feb 1, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Alliance Francaise, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Kindi Plaza, Gate 14, Al Safarat, Riyadh. SAR100 per person. Register here. Tel: 011 281 65 39. @alliancefrancaise_ksa
Football fans, get excited
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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to face off one last time on Thursday February 1 in Riyadh. The two football icons have been neck-and-neck for numerous records and awards, clashing a total of 36 times over their storied careers, with their first meeting in 2008. The second match of the Riyadh Season Cup will witness a clash between Al-Nassr and Inter Miami.
Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami, Feb 1, 9pm, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR375 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Party it up with the Beasts on the roof
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Ever wanted to dance under the stars with the city’s skyline as your backdrop? Then, you’re in for a treat. Get ready for an epic musical night with MDLBeast at KAFD’s hottest rooftop experience. Soak in Riyadh’s best views and hottest vibes with a slate of groovy beats by Nooriyah, DJ Leen, and Cascou as they light up the sky.
FOWG: Rooftop Experience in Riyadh, Feb 1, 9pm to 1am, 4.04 KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. The ticket price starts from SAR249 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Friday February 2
A fab brunch at Raoul’s
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Raoul’s pays considerable attention to its brunch menu. The stylishly romantic French-American bistro serves eggs a few ways, soufflé pancakes and its celebrated burgers throughout those fleeting weekend hours.
Raoul’s Brunch, every Fri 2pm to 6pm & Sat 1pm to 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912. @raoulsrestaurant.sa
Check out the ‘Beyond the Door’ exhibition
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If you’ve always been intrigued by the traditional Najdi doors, look no further than the ‘Beyond the Door’ exhibition, organised as part of the Diriyah Season. Visit At Turaif’s gardens to experience the legacy and artistry behind every door. This exhibition pays homage to Najdi craftsmen’s ingenuity and showcases contemporary art bound by the craft’s essence and design. Learn more about the revival of this waning art form, and enjoy the beauty of those doors, their engravings and their colours.
Beyond the Door Exhibition, until Feb 4, daily 3pm to 11pm, At-Turaif Park, Diriyah. Book your tickets here. @diriyahseason
Unwind at Iris for the best views and vibes
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Like moths to a flame, Iris’ trendiest clientele from all over Riyadh flock to this pretty rooftop bar at Ramla Terraza. Cool off with eclectic cocktails, and food-wise, there’s fried calamari, chicken and shrimp wontons, beef quesadillas, and chicken tacos, all of which make for great finger food while taking in the sunset views. Plus, on Friday (February 2) night, Iris will be hosting Nabad, a symphony of vibes and a fusion of cultures. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Oriental and Afro-House music as Jad Halal takes the stage.
Iris, Ramla Terraza, 7713 King Fahd Rd, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321, daily 8am to 1am. Tel: 053 777 6452. @irisriyadh
Rave in the ruins of an abandoned hospital
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ERGA takes place every weekend in the now-defunct Irqah Hospital and is an audio-visual spectacular where the music takes you on a mental sonic trip across various sounds and styles. Featuring two separate dance floors known as The Ward and The ER, its location is the most dystopian one ever seen. So, step into the dancefloor and pump up the volume for ERGA’s sick curators, Cap, Dan Andrei, JOJ, H.O.A, and Nomad.
ERGA, Feb 2, 9pm to 2am, Irqah Hospital, Riyadh 12586. The ticket price starts from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Saturday February 3
Strawberry picking at a local farm
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What’s better than eating red, juicy strawberries? Picking them yourself. At Hanging Strawberry Gardens, you get to hand-select what you bring home while making memories and enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience.
Hanging Strawberry Gardens, Al Amariah, Riyadh 13726, Tues & Sat 7am to sunset, Fri 7.30am to 10.30am & 1.30pm to sunset. SAR30 for each box of strawberries. Tel: 053 791 3881. @hanging_strawberry_gardens
Discover the ‘Panthère De Cartier’ exhibition at Via Riyadh
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Titled “Into the Wild”, this Cartier exhibition pays homage to the Maison’s legendary feline, the Panthère, and takes visitors on an enthralling journey through the evolution of the iconic symbol throughout the past century. Featuring a mesmerising blend of Cartier’s exquisite craftsmanship and innovative technology, the exhibition showcases the Panthère’s many facets through four enchanting stages, starting with a series of archival sketches, photographs, and videos of the Maison’s feline. The exhibition is open to the public until February 5, and visitors can enjoy refreshments at the Panthère cafe, where the Maison’s signature feline patterns take over a themed pop-up space. Experience the extraordinary luxury and beauty of Cartier’s Panthère at Into the Wild today.
Into the Wild: Panthère De Cartier Exhibition, Via Riyadh, Until Feb 5.
Have a meal with the world’s tiniest chef
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Dining concept Le Petit Chef, the spontaneous, nomadic, and smallest animated chef in the world, is back at Le Meridien Riyadh to share another gourmet adventure: “Le Petit Chef & Friends.” The immersive dining experience takes place every Wednesday to Saturday until September 30 at Kazo restaurant, located on the ground floor of the hotel. There are two sittings for dinner: 6pm to 8pm and 9pm to 11pm.
Le Petit Chef & Friends, Mon to Sat, 6pm to 8pm & 9pm to 11pm, Kazo, Le Meridien Riyadh, Riyadh 11544. Make your reservation here. SAR299 per person, SAR180 for a Junior Chef menu & SAR220 for a vegetarian menu. Tel: 059 837 0780. @lemeridienriyadh