7 incredible things to do in Jeddah this weekend: December 9 to 11
Happy Thursday…
Find some of the incredible things to do in Jeddah this weekend. Check out our picks, from a staycation and exciting dining experiences to family activities and fun events.
Thursday December 9
1. Weekend staycation at Rosewood Jeddah
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a staycation with picture-perfect views of the Red Sea at Rosewood Jeddah. Inside, you’ll find luxe interiors that evoke modern sophistication. Each guest room is outfitted with plush carpets and polished wood furnishings, combined with breath-taking views. If you’d like to pamper yourself with an indulgent spa treatment, the hotel currently offers the Retreat at Rosewood package until December 15.
Rosewood Jeddah, Corniche Street, Al Shatie District, Jeddah 23415. Tel: 012 260 7111. @rosewoodjeddah
2. Get your tickets to the Red Sea Film Festival
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The long-awaited Red Sea International Film Festival has finally rolled out the red carpet in the Kingdom’s beating cultural heart: Jeddah’s historic downtown area of Al-Balad. The event, set to run until December 15, will feature world premieres of selected films made by the Kingdom’s up-and-coming talent, with 138 films from over 60 countries. In addition, expect a buzz of activity, offering a curated slate of independent shorts, filmmaker talks, concerts, a film market, and networking events.
Visit: RedSeaFilmFest.com @redseafilm
Friday December 10
3. Check out the Bienalsur exhibition at Jeddah’s oldest palace
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Following the success of the Riyadh edition, the Jeddah edition of Bienalsur 2021 is now taking place at the historic palace and museum of Qasr Khuzam. The interactive exhibition “Echoes: A World between the analogue and the virtual” invites visitors to analyse thoughts from memory, history, and the inclusion of past and present imaginaries in video installations, as well as through photographs and interactive objects.
Qasr Khuzam, Al Nazlah Al Yamaniyah, Jeddah 22333. Until Dec 30. Fri 1pm to 10pm, Sat to Thurs 10am to 10pm. Entry is free, but registration is required. @bienalsurarte
4. Have a taste of Tokyo at Akiba Dori
There’s a cool Japanese eatery in town. Located at City Yard Jeddah, Dubai homegrown Akiba Dori serves up signature Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas, salads, sushi, and other Japanese street-food dishes. And just like its branches in the UAE, the concept is designed as a food hall-style alleyway, inspired by the neon-lit backstreets of Akihabara in Japan’s capital city of Tokyo. Watch this space for our review.
Akiba Dori, City Yard Jeddah, Obaydah Al Sallmaney, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23435, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. Tel: 012 605 5206. @akibadori.ksa
5. Challenge your friends and family to a fun kart race
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The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix may have been over, but thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies can still live out their F1 dreams at The Track go-karting circuit. Experience the twists and turns on the racetrack and see if you have got what it takes to come out as champion.
The Track Jeddah, Near King Saud Road, Al Sawari, Jeddah 23828, Mon to Sat 5pm to midnight. The price starts from SAR100. Book your tickets here. Tel: 050 997 1717. @thetrackjeddah
Saturday December 11
6. Head to Jeddah’s bespoke art complex, Hayy Jameel
Hayy Jameel is both an architectural and cultural landmark in Jeddah. Check out the opening exhibition “Staple: What’s on Your Plate?” taking place at Hayy Arts, which describes itself as a neighbourhood museum. The exhibition offers visitors food for thought through inspiring installations and artwork that involves chocolate sculptures and beehives. A visit to Hayy Jameel doesn’t stop at the gallery; guided tours, talks and workshops are also open to visitors. Find out more about Hayy Jameel’s opening season.
Hayy Jameel, Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah 23615. Sun to Thurs 10am to 6pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm & Sat noon to 8pm. Free entry. Tel: 053 722 2770. @hayyjameel
7. A relaxing evening cruise on a floating restaurant
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Step aboard the floating restaurant for a unique dining experience in Jeddah. You don’t just get to enjoy great food, the relaxing ambience, and the scenic view, but you will also experience a wonderful night of live music.
Pre-booking is required. SAR99 per person. 6pm. Tel: 056 662 4547. @yacht.albader
Images: Instagram