9 epic things to do in Riyadh this weekend: July 15 to 17
Here’s what’s on this weekend…
Looking for activities to do with your friends and family this weekend? Gear up and grab your crew for a day of fun adventure and activities in Riyadh.
Thursday July 15
Learn about the history of Arabic calligraphy
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“Script and Calligraphy: A Timeless Journey”, which runs until August 21 at the National Museum, is a good place for newcomers to the art form to start, or for those who are already familiar with it, to learn more about its history, from its origins right up the present day. The 1,500-square-meter exhibition highlights the development of the Arabic script from its very beginnings. What’s even more interesting is that you’ll find an artificial intelligence machine, where you can produce a new generative pictographic language onto a digital screen.
National Museum, King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Sat, Mon to Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri 4pm to 8pm, Sun 8am to 2pm. Tel: 011 402 9500. @mocsaudi
Grab a popcorn and watch the latest movies
The Tunes are back for the biggest game of the year – ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. The reboot stars LeBron James as a fictionalised version of himself, with a supporting cast including Marvel’s Don Cheadle, Spider-Man actress Zendaya and Star Trek: Discovery’s Sonequa Martin-Green. The plot follows a quest by James to win back his son in a basketball tournament after a rogue artificial intelligence kidnaps him.
If you’re looking for an action flick that takes a femme-centric approach to the uber-assassin format, you’ll enjoy ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’. It’s about a mob assassin who runs afoul of her bosses.
Also hitting the screens is ‘Out of Death’, starring Bruce Willis and Jaime King. Retired cop Jack Harris’s (Willis) solace in the remote wilderness is hijacked when he encounters a lone hiker, Shannon (King), who’s on the run from dirty police. Determined to help her at any cost, Jack must tap into his killer instincts to survive the wilderness and the human predators within it. ‘Out of Death’ looks like it could be another great new thriller, which is likely to please fans of the genre.
Book your tickets here.
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow
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Challenge yourself to hit the bullseye from a 14-metre distance at this outdoor archery range at Ad Diriyah. If it’s your first time at archery, you’ll be surprised by just how much fun it can be. They also have qualified instructors to teach you how to send the arrows flying. Just make sure to book your slot.
Archery Range (Bow and Arrow), Mohammed, Al Faisaliyah, PHRM+6M, daily 5pm to midnight. Tel: 055 880 8617. @archery_range
Friday July 16
Magic show with Saleh Al Obaidy
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Meet Saleh Al Obaidy – he is a magician, hypnotism and illusionist who will blow your mind with his visual tricks. Expect comedy, magic, and tons of audience interaction. For one night only, don’t miss this fun and amazing two-hour show of laughs and illusion, geared to audiences of ages 15 and above. Oh, and every seat at Syrup Lounge is the best seat in the house.
Syrup Lounge, 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, An Narjis, Riyadh 11564, 8pm to 10pm. Sar100 per ticket. Book your tickets here. Tel: 011 228 8006. @syrupnow
Family fun at Al Watan Park
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Al Watan Park overwhelms with enough family-centric activities to fill a long weekend. Families descend on the park for the dozens of accessible rides for children. The theme park features some old-time classics like the miniature Ferris wheel, alongside some adventurous rides where kids pilot their own flying plane, revolving at their own elevation. You can also enjoy a great stay in one of its chalet rentals, which includes a swimming pool.
Al Watan Park, Riyadh Water Tower, King Saud Rd, Al Futah, Riyadh 12632, daily 4pm to midnight. Sar11 for an entry ticket, Sar40 for games wristband. Tel: 050 033 8844. @alwatan_p
Come for dinner and enjoy live entertainment
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There are two things that we love: good food and live music. And SOE Restaurant delivers just that. Enjoy its delicious rigatoni pasta served in homemade marinara sauce and fresh burrata while relaxing to live jazz showcase. If you’re looking for more places where you can sit back, relax, and listen to a little live music over dinner and drinks, check out our list here. No matter what type of night you’re looking for, these places have got it, with delicious menus, talented musicians, and a whole heap of fun.
SOE Restaurant, Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, Bin, Riyadh 11564, daily 2pm to midnight. Live music every Mon and Fri 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: 9200 09877. @soe.riyadh
Saturday July 17
Enjoy a ride in nature
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In need of a break from the stresses of everyday life? Then this family-friendly horseback trail ride in the stunningly rugged scenery of Dirab is ideal for you. Trustworthy horses, great local guides, and breathtaking views. There is riding to suit everyone from novices to experts and children, too.
D-Ranch Equestrian Centre, GPS Coordinates 24°25’19.0″N 46°36’40.3″E, daily 5am and 5pm. Tel: 055 243 7208. @d.ranch.ksa
Bounce around Riyadh’s largest trampoline park
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There isn’t a moment of stillness at Fizz Hawa, where you can jump off walls and fly through the air. After you get your muscles warmed up at the free jumping arena, show off your climbing skills and ability to dodge balls. Throw in some interactive challenges like the ninja course, and it’s truly a gravity-defying experience. However, only women and children aged three to 12 are allowed here.
Fizz Hawa, 3390 Dammam Road, Al Munsiyah, RQ9J+8H, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: 920 008 311. @fizzhawa
Explore the evolution of dinosaurs
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Travel back in time with Evolution: Meet the Dinosaurs. This exhibition combines engaging interactives with life-like animatronic dinosaurs and exciting educational content. You will feel as if you’re truly walking into the ancient lands and seas of 66 million years ago. So, say Hi to the mighty T-rex and many others and discover that dinosaurs are still with us today.
Evolution Exhibition: Meet the Dinosaurs, Riyadh Front (Gate 5), RPRM+H8, weekdays 4pm to 11pm, weekends 2pm to 11pm. Pre-booking is required, and the tickets are from Sar95. Riyadh.platinumlist.net
Images: Instagram / Movie stills