10 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 25 to 27
Have a good one…
Get ready to strap in for another busy weekend with plenty of unmissable events and experiences around the capital. Here is our shortlist of ten amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday July 25
Have scones (and tea) at A.O.K
Lovers of afternoon tea and sweet and savoury nibbles, check out the new summer scones party at A.O.K. Kitchen. The tantalising new menu features eight unique and exciting flavours and offers an unexpected Saudi twist, with scones made using local and homegrown ingredients. Creative savoury flavours like tangy Jalapeno and Aged Cheddar Cheese, Roasted Peppers and Feta Cheese, Blue Cheese and Orange Blossom Honey and Caramelised Onion Beef Bacon and Thyme – offering a tantalising mix of salty and sweet to pique diners’ interest. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in a Lotus Biscuit and Banana scone, Pistachio Praline and Dried Cranberries, Cocoa with Dark Chocolate and Pecan and a Golden Raisin, Orange and Cinnamon scone. A special moreish ice cream scone will also be available, perfect for beating the hot summer weather. All scones will be served with indulgent clotted cream and homemade preserves like juicy strawberry jam, championing local Saudi ingredients.
A.O.K Kitchen, KAFD Wadi, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 8am to 2am. @aokkitchensaudi
A fun-filled cooking masterclass for kids
This summer, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences is organising kid’s cooking classes at its all-day dining restaurant, Jones the Grocer. Let your kids explore, create, learn, and make a mess while having fun. They’ll be flipping pancakes on July 25, and making good ol’ spaghetti and meatballs on August 1.
Little Chef’s Kitchen, July 25 & Aug 1, 5pm to 6pm, Jones the Grocer Ramla Terraza, 7713 King Fahd Rd, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321. SAR180 per child. To register, email [email protected] Suitable for ages five and above. @fairmontramla
Get ready for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup aftershow
View this post on Instagram
Game ends and the party begins. Head to Mohammed Abdo Arena for AFT_r, the Esports World Cup (EWC) after-party. Enjoy international, regional, and local artists every week after the Esports World Cup competitions. Headliners on Friday July 25 are G Eazy, DJs Morten and Shaolin.
AFT_r, 9pm to 1.30am, Mohammed Abdo Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City. Tickets start from SAR149 and can be purchased here. @mdlbeast
Party it up at Beast House
View this post on Instagram
The countdown to the weekend has officially begun… and tonight, Beast House is gearing up for an incredible night of global Afro-beats. Prepare to be transported into the world of DJ Rancido, known for his mesmerising beats. Joining him is Mr Joe, a master of Afro-electronic sounds, along with Igniter, the creative force behind Riyadh’s premier Afro-house party series ritual. Trust us when we say the vibe, atmosphere, and talent here make this one of the hottest gig venues in the city.
Beast House, July 18, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, J12, JAX District, Riyadh 13732. The price starts from SAR250 per person and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday July 26
Tuck into Sadelle’s new menu
View this post on Instagram
Our favourite brunch spot, Sadelle’s, has launched its new menu. Dig into indulgent plates like the penne regatta alla Amatriciana, fresh penne pasta with a flavourful sauce made from tomatoes, onions, bacon, and air-dried beef, or try out the Athena pizza featuring tomatoes, feta cheese, oregano and olive oil. Hungry for desserts? Look no further than the tall chocolate cherry cake and the classic Mississippi mud pie.
Sadelle’s, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 7am to 11.30pm. @sadellesriyadh
A fun family day out on an adventure farm
If you’re looking for a family adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh, requires minimal effort in planning, and don’t mind a two-hour drive out of the city centre, then the Alshebah Resort is the place for you. Look forward to live animal encounters such as deers and emu, camel and horse rides, and a kid’s play area – this really is an action-packed day for all ages. There are also food stalls, a café and picnic areas – perfect for a day out with families and friends.
Alshebah Resort Hotah bin Tamim, Al Islamiah, Howtat Bani Tamim 16511, Saudi Arabia, Thurs & Fri 7am to 3am, Sat to Wed 7am to midnight. SAR30 for adults and SAR10 for kids.
Continue to dance the night away at Beast House
View this post on Instagram
Can’t get enough of Beast House? Veteran German duo, Luna City Express, graces the Beast House stage on Friday night, bringing a little taste of the Berlin club scene. Joining them on an eclectic lineup is none other than Ronin, founder of party collective and label somewhere, one half of the popular Lebanese DJ duo, Ronin and Nesta, while local breakout star, JOJ sets the tone with her mellow selections.
Beast House, July 26, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. The price starts from SAR250 per person and tickets can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday July 27
Dim sum cravings: activated
View this post on Instagram
Get your chopsticks ready; it’s time for a dim sum feast. If you’re a fan of Cantonese food, the Yum Cha brunch at Yauatcha is where you’ll want to be on weekends. Starting off with a selection of starters from the delectable four-course menu is the classic platters of steamed and fried dim sum: har gau, scallop shu mai, wild mushroom dumpling, venison puff, mushroom spring roll, and good ol’ sesame prawn toast. Following the dim sum is the crowd-favourite crispy golden prawn. For mains, choose from the classic sweet and sour prawn, wok-tossed rib eye beef, or Mongolian chicken, which comes with sides of pak choi and egg fried rice. Be sure to leave room for desserts with a crisp and refreshing apple and ginger Spritz mocktail in hand.
Yauatcha, Plaza Level, Mode Al Faisaliah Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, Fri & Sat noon to 6pm. SAR270 per person for a four-course set menu (minimum of two persons). Tel: 920 006 555. @yauatchariyadh
Give horse riding a go
Ladies, saddle up for a leisurely horseback ride at Al Farisa Equestrian Club. Led by an all-female staff, you’ll get to explore the surrounding trails and canter across the acres of land that surround the equestrian club. Great for all levels, from experienced to beginner.
Horseback Riding for Women at Al Farisa Equestrian, Alfursan, Ash Sharq, Riyadh 13635, Mon to Sat 5pm to 11pm. The price for a horseback riding session starts at SAR79 per person. Book your spot here.
Get a little crafty over a cup of coffee
Looking for an eclectic all-day cafe in an airy space that also stages craft classes? Enter Cosefan in Diriyah. This hidden gem is a space for different creative activities, such as painting, clay-making and acrylic colouring for children and adults.
Cosefan, Diriyah, 3726 Prince Abdullah Abdul Rahman, Al Diriyah, Al Jadidah, Diriyah 13732, Sat to Wed 7am to 1am, Thurs & Fri 7am to 2am. SAR 79 for painting, SAR134 for clay-making & SAR179 for acrylic colouring. @cosefan1