12 top things to do in Riyadh this week: December 1 to December 4
Mark your calendars…
There’s never a dull moment in Riyadh. There’s always so much to do, from quiz nights to monthly dessert specials, the city is constantly lit up with incredible activities. Here are the top things to do in Riyadh this week: December 1 to December 4
Sunday December 1
Last day to get free access to Diriyah
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A landmark destination in Riyadh for many reasons, Diriyah is the perfect place to be if you’re looking for that mesh between the past, present, and future. It’s been quite the hub for dining too, thanks to Bujairi Terrace. And while entrance to the destination is usually ticketed, you can currently get free access (only until today Sunday December 1).
Free entry to Diriyah, Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif, 5pm to midnight. @bujairiterrace
Have a working lunch
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Settling on somewhere for lunch in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) can feel overwhelming, but you will not regret booking a table at this Nikkei and Brazilian fusion spot. Really, though, SUSHISAMBA’s popularity is owed to the buzzy atmosphere where, on any given night, everyone in the room feels like they are loosening up. That vibe is now extending to lunchtime service; it definitely makes our restaurant list to grab midday eats for one heck of a day. Yes, you read that right. SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is now open for lunch, where you’ll be treated to a delicious À La Carte menu offering an array of signature dishes.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, KAFD, Sat to Wed 12.30pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 12.30pm to 1am. Business lunch is available from Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Tel: 011 269 5347. @sushisamba.riyadh
Watch Wicked in cinemas
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After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Catch the movie while its still around.
Monday December 2
Explore Noor Riyadh
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Noor Riyadh is back, and this time around, the festival is set to display over 60 stunning artworks under the theme of ‘Light Years Apart,’ which explores the relationship between Althara (the earth) and Althuraya (the sky). Drawing on the symbolism of the Thuraya star cluster, also known as the Pleiades star cluster, which is considered a beacon of guidance and inspiration. The theme reflects the power of creativity to bridge vast distances, both literal and metaphorical. The best part? The tickets are all free.
Noor Riyadh 2024, various locations. Book your tickets here.
Catch The Dog Festival
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There are a few things that are better than seeing cute doggos running around and having fun, which is why we’re excited about the return of The Dog Festival in 2024 for Riyadh Season. The festival features exciting races like the Saluki Race, Agility Dog Race, and Working Dog Race, in addition to the Dog Beauty Contest and wonderful K9 performances. You can even take in wonderful dog fashion shows and the Dog Park, along with accompanying events such as the Cat Lounge, Harley shows, and classic car displays.
Dog Festival in 2024, Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center Malham, daily 4pm to 11pm. Book your tickets starting for SAR15 here.
Check out Ana Arabia
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Translating to I am an Arab Woman, Ana Arabia is an exhibition hosted every year as part of Riyadh Season, where you can experience a world of fashion design and art. Get ready to have some fashion-forward fun at the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, Ana Arabia 2024. The major event is strutting into the capital until Wednesday December 4 and celebrates Arabian identity, design, and art.
Ana Arabia, Via Riyadh. ana-arabia.com
Tuesday December 3
The Groves is returning
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Returning with an all-new permanent venue, The Groves is back for Chapter Three as part of Riyadh Season 2024 zones. Get ready for an extraordinary and fresh blend of dining, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. The zone will be opening in the Al-Rafiah neighbourhood, featuring a theatre overlooking a lake with new lounges and experiences.
The Groves opening, JMPC+6Q8 Ar Rafiah, daily 6.30pm to 1.30pm. Book your tickets starting at SAR65 here.
Make a gingerbread house
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What’s a better way to welcome in the festive winter season than with a gingerbread house? Grab your friends, head to Sociale, and get your hands a little dirty. Make your way into the gingerbread hall of fame and enjoy messing around with frosting, sprinkes and more.
Gingerbread house-making, Sociale Cafe, 8pm to 10pm. @sociale.cafe
View Barns Saudi Padel League
Check out the biggest padel event of the season in Saudi Arabia. You’ll have the chance to see the best players compete in the first edition of the Barns Saudi Padel League Finals. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable sports experience.
Barns Saudi Padel League, Padel Rush. Book your tickets starting at SAR25 here.
Wednesday December 4
Book a table at the L˜ARIA pop-up in Riyadh
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’tis the season. For what you may ask? Well, alfresco season for starters. While we already have a glorious selection of restaurants in every cuisine, we’re always more than happy to welcome another. Especially when it’s an Italian one (okay, I’m biased). Without further ado, let’s dive right into Lake Como’s best-kept secret, the culinary delight that is L˜ARIA in Riyadh. The restaurant will be coming to Riyadh as a limited-time pop-up from Wednesday December 4 until Wednesday February 26, 2025.
L˜ARIA in Riyadh, Al Olaya, Mon to Sat 6pm to 11.30pm & Sat 1pm to 4pm. mandarinoriental.com
Explore a new arts centre
Imagine a centre where technology and art scholars gather alongside established and emerging New Media and Digital Artists to explore and develop future possibilities together. A place where they produce new work and implement research developed in-house, guided by a regional perspective, with a global view. Welcome to Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, where digital dreams are transformed into reality.
Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, Nov 26 to Feb 15, 2025, Diriyah Art Futures, 3029 King Faisal Rd, Al Bujairi, 7719, Riyadh 13712. @DAFmoc
Enjoy the weather at ROKA
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Enjoying the meal on the cosy terrace upstairs at the glorious ROKA Riyadh. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene cityscape views, the terrace creates the perfect setting for a relaxed evening under the stars. The terrace is a prime people-watching spot for when you want to enjoy a delicious meal in an ambience like no other. And what’s more, is that the restaurant is introducing incredible Shabu Shabu nights every Wednesday.
Shabu-shabu Night at Roka, every Wed, from 6pm, Roka Riyadh & Roka Jeddah. @rokarestaurant.ksa