15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend: May 16 to 18
Hello, weekend…
Get ready to strap in for another busy weekend with plenty of unmissable events and experiences around the capital. Here is our shortlist of 15 brilliant things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday May 16
Stop and eat the roses?
Yes, you can – with Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s Taif Rose promotion. If you’re looking for a menu with a level of flair like no other, make a trip to Obaya Lounge for an exploration of floral flavours. Think warm goat cheese and Taif rose salad, and the tantalising Taif rose-infused beetroot velouté to start. For main courses, the enticing selection includes pan-fried tiger prawn and the Taif Rose and pistachio-crusted lamb loin, each infused with the delicate fragrance of Taif roses.
Taif Rose Promotion, until May 31, Obaya Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. Tel: 011 211 5500. @fsriyadh
Be mesmerised by classical music and gorgeous candlelight
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Mozart is perhaps one of the most influential composers in the history of music, having inspired artists across the world. His timeless compositions will forever be part of our collective memory and will live on for generations to come. As candles dance and flicker, pianist Aldo Dotto will recreate the eternal melodies of the prolific composer that have mesmerised audiences for centuries. On Thursday May 16, enter a world of wonder and be swept away by the power of music inside the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace Hotel.
Candlelight: Mozart’s Masterpieces, May 16, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, Prince Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz St, Ministries Area, Riyadh 11461. Tickets are priced at SAR325 for Zone A, SAR275 for Zone B & SAR225 for Zone C, and they can be purchased here. For eight years and above, and those below 16 must be accompanied by an adult. @candlelight.concerts
Your weekend is set at Beast House
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Spinning the finest beats all night on Thursday night at Beast House are Shadi Megallaa – hot from Dubai’s dance floors, alongside Saudi House masters Mishal and Tarek Antabi. The vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House, May 16, 9pm to 3.30am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person. Book your tickets here. @_beasthouse
Friday May 17
Breakfast at Avindar is a feast for all senses
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Avindar Old Town, nestled in ROSHN Front, is a verdant retreat, featuring rich and lush decor, complete with an abundance of plants, eclectic knick-knacks, and sumptuous furnishings. Designed to transport you into a whimsical, forest-like setting, Avindar Old Town wraps you in a fairy-tale ambience. Think an enchanting woodland scene straight out of a storybook. The breakfast menu is a thing of beauty, with something for every appetite and mood. We recommend the Yemeni breakfast platter – perfect for sharing with a group of friends.
Avindar Old Town, ROSHN Front, Airport Road, Riyadh 13413, daily 8am to 1am.
Take the kids to the Big Fun Museum
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Visit the Big Fun Museum for a whole world of fun and illusion waiting to be discovered. This new attraction features three immersive adventures in one place – Fairy Forest, Museum of Emotions, and Museum of Illusions. The right place to have a great time with friends and family.
Big Fun Museum, Park Avenue, Gate 4, Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 2am, Fri 3pm to 2am, Sat 1pm to midnight. Tickets start from SAR80 and can be purchased here. @bigfun_family
Beat the bars at Prison Island
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While you’re at Park Avenue for the Big Fun Museum, why not take 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
Meet Wolfgang Puck at Spago
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Embark on a culinary journey curated by the great Wolfgang Puck himself: An evening of exquisite cuisine and unparalleled atmosphere at Spago in Via Riyadh. For one day only, you can look forward to an exclusive set menu at a fantastic value.
Wolfgang Puck at Spago, May 17, 5pm, Spago, Via Riyadh. Reservations can be made here. @spago.sa
Dance the night away at Anghami Lab
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Head to Anghami Lab in Boulevard Riyadh City for the highly anticipated BeatNation Launch Event. Immerse yourself in a line-up of international, regional, and local electronic music stars, meticulously curated for an unforgettable night. Featuring Caleesi, Bachir Salloum, Boheeman, NarkBeat, and TalalJK, this event celebrates the birth of BeatNation and the heart of Riyadh’s underground scene.
BeatNation Launch Event, May 17, 8pm to 2am, Anghami Lab, Boulevard Riyadh City. Tickets are priced at SAR250 for ladies and SAR350 for gents, and they can be purchased here. @anghamilabriyadh
Prepare to have your funny bone tickled
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Get ready to laugh at One Mic, the ultimate weekly stand-up comedy show featuring Saudi Arabia’s local talents. Prepare for an evening filled with hilarious Arabic punchlines, witty observations, and side-splitting humour that will leave you in stitches.
One Mic: Stand Up Comedy Show – African Night, May 17, 9pm, One Mic, 6745 Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, 4288, Riyadh 13524. SAR115 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @onemicsa
Watch the Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal
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Football fans, this one’s for you. Top-flight games are on this weekend, with Al-Nassr Club going head-to-head against Al-Hilal Club in Round 32 of the Roshn Saudi League at the iconic Alawwal Park Stadium. As two of Saudi Arabia’s top teams collide, expect nothing less than an unforgettable spectacle that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final whistle blows.
SPL 32: Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal, May 17, Kickoff at 9pm, Alawwal Park Stadium. Tickets start from SAR70 and can be purchased here.
Day 2 at Beast House
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Can’t get enough of Beast House? For those ready to continue partying at this private members’ club, Friday May 17 at Beast House will be serving international flavours with Germany’s Mira, Lebanon’s Agha, and local lady Haffs. It’s going to be the perfect mesh of nightlife and music.
Beast House, May 17, 9pm to 3.30am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person. Book your tickets here. @_beasthouse
Saturday May 18
Brunching… the ROKA way
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ROKA is one of the city’s most perennially popular hotspots for Japanese food. Its new semi-buffet brunch concept features 16 of the restaurant’s irresistible signature dishes and live stations. Expect a variety of bites, including yakisoba noodles, variations of gyozas, sushi, sashimi and skewers, hearty robata favourites for mains, as well as a dessert platter to finish. All of this is accompanied by a fantastic live DJ on the decks and a totally fun vibe, which ROKA is renowned for.
ROKA Riyadh Saturday Brunch, 1am to 5pm, 5140 Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243 7053. SAR295 per person & SAR95 for children aged six to 12. Tel: 9200 12327. @rokarestaurant.ksa
Experience true zen at this new Thai spa
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No one would know that hidden all the way out at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa lies luxe Thai wellness brand, HARNN Heritage Spa, a calm haven to totally unwind in. Escape Riyadh’s frantic energy and crowds and head down to Banban to fully immerse yourself in the state-of-the-art spa.
HARNN Heritage Spa, InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa, District Durrat Arriyadh Area, Banban, Riyadh 11566. Tel: 011 411 8800. @intercontinentaldurratalriyadh
Boxing history in the making
The ‘Ring of Fire: Fury vs Usyk’ fight night is ready to finally take centre stage. For all the fans who have waited so long for this fight, the undisputed showdown will take place on Saturday May 18 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. All the heavyweight belts will be on the line when two of the world’s greatest boxers, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, clash.
Ring of Fire, May 18, 4.30pm, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.
Play fun board games at Sociale
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Looking for a fun activity to enjoy with your friends and family? Spice up your Saturday night with a fun evening of exploring and learning to play some new board games. Get ready to get your game on with this amazing experience.
Board Games Night, May 18, 8pm to 10pm, Sociale Café, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. @sociale.cafe
Images: Supplied / Instagram