7 interesting things to do in Riyadh this weekend: May 27 to 29
Happy weekend…
Check out our pick of the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend, from a staycation, fantastic dining options to fun family activities.
Thursday May 27
Watch Emma Stone as a menacing Disney villain
Disney is giving yet another of its animated classics the live-action treatment, with a movie about 101 Dalmatians villain, the legendary Cruella de Vil. However, this version, played by Emma Stone, has a more punk-rock energy, and the movie’s set to be an anarchic comedy. ‘Cruella’ is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution and follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together, they build a life for themselves on the London streets.
Cruella, Comedy, 2h 15min, Rating PG13. Book your tickets here.
Indulge in a leisurely afternoon at Yauatcha
Yauatcha’s Afternoon Tea experience fuses the beloved traditions of high tea with its signature Cantonese flair. Featuring a range of mouth-watering sweet and savoury menu options alongside flavour-complementing beverages and teas, Yauatcha’s Afternoon Tea introduces a delightful new take on food and beverage pairing. Expect to discover classic dim sum platters and indulgent sweet treats, such as the Pecan Coffee Cube, Crunchy Raspberry Profiterole and Mango White Chocolate Cake, as you sip on a perfectly brewed cup of tea or a cool, refreshing Red Cha mocktail.
Yauatcha Afternoon Tea, Plaza Level, Mode – Al Faisaliah, Prince Sultan Bin Abdelaziz Street, Olaya District, daily noon to 8pm. Tel: 920 006 555. SAR250 per person. @yauatchariyadh
Friday May 28
Take a long lunch at Villa Palma
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There’s nothing like a long and luxurious lunch to make you feel like you’re living your best life. Villa Palma’s Mediterranean vibes will have you feeling like Amalfi has arrived in Riyadh. Expect refreshing drinks and a space you’ll never want to leave; all backed up by their mouth-watering dishes that are perfect for sharing over lengthy lunches. Grab a seat in the courtyard so you can soak up the sunshine, order a round of Spritz mocktails and settle in. You’ll be here ’til sundown.
Villa Palma, Abdullah Bin Hamdan, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223, Fri & Sat 1pm onwards. Tel: 920 035 500. @villa_palma
Enjoy a home-away-from-home with a staycation
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Nestled within 154,000 square metres of lush tropical landscaped gardens, the Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa is a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Located about 30 minutes drive from the city centre, the resort is home to 121 rooms, 31 luxurious suites and ten private villas, each with an outdoor swimming pool. Add in the mini-golf, outdoor pool for men and children, a ladies’ indoor pool, access to the surrounding nature areas surrounded by beautiful ponds, and you’ve got yourself a weekend winner. Who knew hotels in Riyadh could feel like such a holiday?
InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa, King Fahd Road, Exit 6, Durrat, Riyadh, Coordinates: XGX6+W6. Tel: 011 411 8800 @durrat_alriyadh_resort
Challenge your kids with high flying fun
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Experience the excitement of Riyadh’s outdoor obstacle course. Let your children navigate their way through an adventure course with elevations of about 15 feet above the ground and featuring over 30 elements to conquer, including ziplining. Test their balance as they work their way through the course, which mum and dad can easily monitor.
Riyadh Adventure, Qasim Park, 2848 Az Zubair Ibn Al Awam, Ar Rawabi, Riyadh 14215 7261, daily 3pm to 11pm. SAR46 per hour or SAR60 for two hours per person. Open to kids aged eight and above. @riyadhadventure
Saturday May 29
Level up your tea game
At Yauatcha, they believe in tea that is as delicious as it is uplifting to the spirit. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. Master the art of tea in an afternoon with Yauatcha’s tea sommelier at the exclusive Art of Tea Masterclass. The 45-minute experience includes an introduction to Yauatcha’s extensive tea menu and a session on the different kind of teas, their origins, flavour profiles, philosophies, and brewing techniques. After, enjoy a bespoke tea and food pairing – it opens up a whole new way to enjoy exceptional tea.
Art of Tea Masterclass, Yauatcha Riyadh’s rooftop bar, Plaza Level, Mode – Al Faisaliah, Prince Sultan Bin Abdelaziz Street, Olaya District, daily 3pm to 7pm (exclusively via booking). Tel: 920 006 555. SAR250 per person. @yauatchariyadh
Get ready to take off in the Saudi desert
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Paragliding may not be for the faint of heart. But when you’re swooping through the hills, any sense of fear is quickly replaced by one of awe. Take a tandem paragliding flight or powered paragliding, also known as paramotoring, which has gained in popularity here, for an exhilarating experience paired with breathtaking views.
Contact Abdulkarem Abu Karam, a paragliding instructor, for more details. Tel: 056 722 1299. @o_max1
Images: Provided / Instagram