12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend: December 19 to 21
From brunches to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list…
Not sure what’s on in Riyadh this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got a festive wonderland, a heavyweight showdown, a lavish brunch, and much more; here’s your handy guide to 12 amazing things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday December 19
Our new afternoon tea spot
If you haven’t heard, the Assouline experience has landed in Riyadh. The publishing house has opened a flagship replete with a restaurant and piano lounge at Bujairi Terrace. We love that the space is both local and international, reflecting a fusion of cultures and influences. Take a seat at the zero-proof bar or head upstairs for a more intimate experience to tuck into bites from a menu showcasing a delightful array of Mediterranean cuisine. Look out for their afternoon tea (SAR170), which offers enticing finger sandwiches, scones and handmade pastries. Of course, be sure to browse through the Assouline collection, including their branded books, candles and vintage pieces.
Maison Assouline, Bujairi Terrace, 7227 King Faisal Rd, Al Bujairi, Unit #11, Riyadh 13711, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 1am & Fro 1pm to 1am. @assouline
Muggles, assemble
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The Harry Potter experience at Boulevard City might just be our new favourite Riyadh Season attraction. So if you still haven’t been, what are you waiting for? Picture all the locations from the Harry Potter films, complete with interactive technology in a Great Hall, a wonderful sorting experience, a Quidditch Pitch, a Forbidden Forest, and exclusive merchandise at The Wizarding World Shops. Feeling rundown after all the dun? Head on over to The Three Broomsticks Food Hall to try a refreshing Butterbeer and so much more.
Harry Potter Experience at Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City, daily 4pm to midnight. Tickets start at SAR60 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Dinner at ZUMA
The long awaited Zuma Riyadh is the latest addition to the dining scene in KAFD. The two-floor restaurant is all sleek and sophisticated, oozing the same modern Izakaya cool that you’ll find in Zuma restaurants around the world. Guests are welcomed into the ground floor restaurant, where you’ll find interactive sushi and robata counters. Then you’re invited to dine in the vibrant restaurant, one of three private dining rooms, and enjoy sips at the sophisticated bar or signature lounge. As is customary of Zuma venues, music plays a big part – and as such the DJ counter is the place to see and be seen for a high-octane evening of enjoying the beats.
Zuma Riyadh, 2.09 King Abdullah Financial District, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (+966) 92 0014 597. @zumariyadhofficial
Party it up at Beast House
The sound of Romania’s dynamic electronic scene comes to Beast House on Thursday December 19, as Gescu headlines with his signature house selections, along with UAE-based house selector Maks.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR109 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Friday December 20
Brunching at the new Flour & Firewood
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An utter gem up on Sulimaniyah, Flour & Firewood has quietly been offering one of the best brunches in Riyadh for a while now. Plus, it now has moved to a new space; you can’t help but feel quite smug sitting in the airy courtyard on a Friday. The coffee provides a good caffeine kick, and the menu with the egg dishes are spot on. Don’t forget to order their signature French toast, too – it’s fluffy and tender on the inside, gloriously browned on the outside.
Flour & Firewood, 7717 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12232, Mon to Sat 8am to 3.30pm & 6.30pm to midnight. @flourandfirewood
The Courchevel zone at BLVD World is now open
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If you’ve been dreaming of a winter holiday in Courchevel, you’ll be pleased to know that Riyadh Season will bring the famous French Alps ski resort to you – right here in the capital city at Boulevard World. It will come complete with a ski school that offers lessons for all ability levels with a professional instructor. We’re most excited about this new zone so we can look forward to skiing, dining on French cuisine, and enjoying Après-ski, of course.
Boulevard World, Prince Turki al-Awwal Road, Hittin, daily 4pm to 1am. Book your tickets here. @blvdworldsa
Beast House Part 2, anyone?
This Friday (December 20), one of Egypt’s top electronic music exports, Fulltone, brings his uniquely cinematic electronic sounds to the stage, on a line-up that features two rising local talents: deep tech duo, Future Loop , and rising house aficionado, NeverCame.
Beast House, every Thurs & Fri, 9pm to 3am, Beast House, JAX District, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR109 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Saturday December 21
Take your yoga session to new heights
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Want to stretch it out while taking in KAFD’s beautiful skyline? Then get yourself along to this female-only Hatha yoga session at the Rooftop Wellness Garden at KAFD – a wonderfully serene spot to do some yoga. Because it’s an open level class, anyone can go with the flow, from rookies to expert yogis. Yoga mats and water will be provided for participants.
Rooftop Wellness Garden at KAFD, Dec 21, 9am to 10am, Building 2.12, Metro Boulevard. Book your spot here. SAR170 per person. @kafd
Take part in the traditional games festival
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Explore and enjoy traditional pastimes and attend workshops to learn toymaking and home decoration inspired by the Kingdom’s traditional games. There’s also a Year of the Camel pavilion and a crafts area featuring products by artisans from Saudi Arabia and beyond, highlighting the richness of folklore.
International Festival of Traditional Games, until Dec 25, 5pm to midnight, Opposite KAFD, Al Ghadir, Riyadh. SAR10 per person. Book your tickets here. Free entry for 12 years and below.
Shop at Riyadh Market in downtown Tahliah Street
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Open every Saturday, the Riyadh winter market is not new to the scene. It is a popular choice amongst locals for its quality and diversity in fresh produce and artisanal goods. There’s a fun, convivial atmosphere at the market, with delicious street food, a petting zoo and games for children.
Riyadh Winter Market, every Sat, 2pm to 10pm, Tahliah Street.
Catch the highly anticipated Usyk-Fury rematch
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The build-up is underway for one of the biggest fights of the year as Tyson Fury looks to get revenge against one of his biggest rivals. The huge heavyweight rematch, ‘Reignited 2’, will take place on Saturday December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, and tickets are now available on the WeBook platform. The fight card is set to light up the ring, with some of the biggest names in boxing. Of course, the main event will see Ukrainian heavyweight champion Usyk once again face British powerhouse Fury. Don’t miss this exciting chapter of Riyadh Season 2024.
Reignited 2: Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury, Dec 21, 4.30pm onwards, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Tickets start from SAR50 and can be purchased here. @riyadhseason
Celebrate the festive season at Via Riyadh
From Thursday December 19 to Friday December 27, Via Riyadh will be transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with stunning decorations, live entertainment, and an inviting atmosphere that caters to all occasions, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings with loved ones. You can choose to dine at Spago, Chi SPACCA, Les Deux Magots, Scott’s, Raoul’s, Gymkhana, or Madeo as these renowned restaurants will be elevating the season with specially curated festive menus.
Via Riyadh Festivities, Dec 19 to 27. @viariyadh