10 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week: December 22 to 25
Consider Riyadh your cultural advent calendar…
Pop the Saudi champagne and say cheers to the final week of 2024. In this weekly roundup, we’ve gathered some of the most exciting activities for you to check out with your loved ones – from new Riyadh Season zones to indulgent feasts – that will make this week one to remember.
Here are ten wonderful things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday December 22
Check out a new reformer studio
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Setting up shop in An Nakheel just last month, the supercool Sculptō Studio is all about reformer Pilates. So, if you’re new to those springy beds with neck braces and straps, you’ve come to the right place. Their beginner classes will walk you through the techniques slowly, and once you’ve got a few of those sessions under your belt, you can slide on over to their regular classes. They also do a dynamic cardio class for master core blasters who love to feel the burn. The best part? Sculptō Studio also offers a 7am class – ideal for those commuting in and out of the city like us. Don’t forget to grab a selection of premium cold-pressed juices and nutrient-packed smoothies from its health bar before you leave.
Sculpto Pilates Reformer Studio, 7064 Al Amir Abdulaziz Ibn Thunayyan, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12393, Sun, Mon & Thurs 8am to 8pm, Tues & Wed 9am to 8pm & Sat 11am to 6pm. Price starts from SAR350 per class and you can book your spot here. @sculpto.sa
Have a cuppa at Dolce & Gabbana’s new store
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Dolce & Gabbana has opened a boutique and cafe in Bujairi Terrace. It offers ready-to-wear, bags, accessories, fine jewellery and homeware, as well as a new cafe area that serves branded coffee and food. Perfect for a pit-stop during your retail therapy session.
Dolce & Gabbana, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, daily 10am to 10pm. @bujairiterrace
For all Harry Potter fans
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Muggles, assemble. 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
Monday December 23
An excursion out in the desert
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Looking for a desert adventure? Head to Dunes of Arabia, the newest Riyadh Season zone, and dive into a world of culture, outdoor adventures, and loads of family-friendly activities. Wander through the vibrant cultural marketplace showcasing authentic Saudi products, from handcrafted delicacies to traditional crafts, enjoy live Saudi music and dance performances, and go for a camel and Arabian horse riding, as well as thrilling quad bike excursions across the sand dunes. Check out the luxurious camping experience and you can also dine under the starlit desert sky.
Dunes of Arabia, Riyadh Exit, Sun to Wed 3pm to midnight, Thurs 3pm to 3am, Fri 9am to 3am & Sat 9am to midnight. Tickets start from SAR15 and can be booked here. @dunesofarabia_
Dine 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
Tuesday December 24
Diriyah Season returns
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The Diriyah Season 24/25 is back with a display of Diriyah’s heritage, hospitality, and immersive cultural experiences. Under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” it kicks off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition, honouring the legacy of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, who founded the Second Saudi State 200 years ago. The much-anticipated Layali Diriyah also returns with innovative experiences, while Minzal invites visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Diriyah in a winter wonderland.
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Exhibition, Bujairi Terrace, 10am to midnight. @visitdiriyah
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 & Fri 1pm to 1am. @assouline
Get ready for takeoff at BLVD Runway
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Offering an innovative blend of aviation and entertainment, the Boulevard Runway features three giant Boeing 777 aircraft, where you can walk inside the planes, discover their unique interiors, and enjoy an authentic runway experience that immerses you in the atmosphere of real airports. Hungry? Savour the famous Mike Majlak burger at the control tower or enjoy a unique experience inside the “Uncle Hussein” airplane for an authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
BLVD Runway, daily 4pm to midnight. Entry ticket is priced at SAR15 and can be booked here. @riyadhseason
Wednesday December 25
Have fun at this new winter experience
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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
A brilliant brunch at 365 Restaurant
All day dining gets a seasonal twist with the festive brunch from 12.30pm to 5pm on December 25 at 365 Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh. Backdropped by scenic terrace views and live entertainment, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited trips around the buffet, where all your favourite seasonal dishes from around the world await. From fresh salads to carved meats and beautiful sweet treats, it promises something for everyone. The brunch is SAR320 per person.
Festive Brunch at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, 365 Restaurant, Dec 25, 12.30pm to 5pm. Book via Tel: (966) 118 262 629 or email [email protected]. @fairmontriyadh