7 superb things to do in Riyadh this weekend: March 24 to 26
Happy weekend…
Looking for some activities to fill your weekend? We’ve got you covered. Riyadh’s social calendar is packed with things to do, from culinary festivals to an immersive tiara exhibition.
Here are seven superb things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday March 24
1. Watch a high-octane blend of juggling and mixology at Yauatcha
Nothing shakes up a good cocktail like a bit of camaraderie. Yauatcha and Lyre’s, the award-winning zero-proof spirits brand, have invited four-time world flair bartender champion, Marek Posluszny, to get behind the bar as Yauatcha’s guest bartender of the night and craft something unique for diners to sip. And if you’ve never seen a flair bartender at work, then here’s your chance. Flair bartending involves, yes, making customers’ drinks, but it also involves dazzling displays where everything from bottles and shakers to glasses and ice are tossed and twirled in the air. Drinks aside, you’ll also enjoy delicious Chinese food and a non-stop party mashup by DJ Don Edwardo.
Yauatcha Riyadh, Mode Mall, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, March 24, 7pm to 10pm. Book your table here. @yauatchariyadh
2. Visit the first truffle festival
The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City are hosting the first Desert Truffle Festival. Check out the truffle market and the various culinary activities to support local truffle hunters and sellers.
Desert Truffle Festival, AlKindy Plaza, Al Safarat, Diplomatic Quarter, until March 26, 5pm to 11pm. Free entry, but you need to book your tickets here. @mocculinary
Friday March 25
3. Take part in AmChamKSA’s first annual field day
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Most of us remember Field Day as an exciting end to the school year and kick-off to the summer – but who says it has to be just for the kids? Join the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia for an afternoon of laser tag, obstacle course, softball, cornhole, and field day events for all ages. For those who appreciate a slower start to the day, there is an option for golf. There will even be a live band, BBQ and a raffle for some exciting prizes. Members and non-members are welcome.
AmChamKSA Field Day & Golf, Arizona Golf Resort, Qurtabah, Prince Mohamed Bin Salman Road, Exit 8, Riyadh 13244, March 25, noon to 6pm. SAR70 per adult & SAR20 per child. Book your tickets here.
4. See a slice of Japan at the newly opened Akiba Dori
Akiba Dori, Dubai’s favourite Japanese street-food restaurant, has just opened its second international outpost in the Kingdom. Located within the stunning Boulevard Riyadh City, the food hall-style restaurant is inspired by the backstreets of Akihabara in Japan’s capital city of Tokyo. The space will also be home to a pizzeria named Tokypolitan, serving signature Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas. Check out our review of Jeddah’s Akiba Dori here.
Akiba Dori, Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, Riyadh 13343, daily 2pm till late. @akibadori.ksa
5. Enjoy glorious Moroccan food
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For those who have yet to experience Casablanca Night at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya’s 56th Avenue Diner, book a table because March 25 is the last night for this Friday’s specials. Experience exotic and traditional spices and seasonings – from garlicky hummus and plenty of sweet mint tea to flavourful tagines and fall-off-the-bone, tender lamb shank. Moroccan-style lanterns, rugs and cushions are scattered throughout, creating an atmosphere comparable to an old home in Morocco.
56th Avenue Diner, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Every Friday till March 25, 6.30pm to 10.30pm. SAR256 per person, half price for children six to 12 years. Reservations can be made via online booking. Tel: 053 341 1234. @56thavenuediner
Saturday March 26
6. Check out the French gastronomy festival
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Alliance Française of Saudi Arabia and the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Embassies of Belgium, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Switzerland, Najd Schools, Maison Des Français, and Carrefour, will be organising the Gastronomy Festival. Come and spend a fun afternoon discovering new cultures and tasting new flavours of food from these French-speaking countries. You’ll also find an assortment of local crafts at the festival.
Gastronomy Festival, Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, March 26, 1pm to 4pm. Free entry, but registration is required. @alliancefrancaise_ksa
7. Discover Chaumet’s tiaras like never before
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Here’s your last chance to visit the ‘Tiara Dream Exhibition’, Chaumet’s first patrimonial exhibition in the Middle East, where a collection of tiaras are available for viewing in Riyadh. Under the themes of Immersion, Unity, Power of the Past, Power of Today, Fashion, Eternity, Love, and Virtuosity, each of the dreamy tiaras in the exhibition demand attention towards their wearer, exuding an aura of elegance that will never fade over time. Bringing together elements like white gold, diamonds, and Colombian emeralds, the exhibit features exceptional Chaumet tiaras from 1780 to the Maison’s most recent designs, including tiaras that belonged to Empress Josephine, the wife of Emperor Napoléon.
Tiara Dream Exhibition, King Fahad National Library, 6757 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12211, until March 26, 11am to 10pm. Free entry, but you need to book an appointment to visit. @chaumet_arabia
Images: Provided / Instagram