8 beautiful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: April 14 to 16
Happy weekend…
Whether it’s new eats you’re craving, a new café, a captivating shopping experience, or even learning some new skills, we’ve got it rounded up here. Here are eight beautiful things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Thursday April 14
1. Check out the Ramadan Souk
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Who would have thought The Saudi National Museum could be the newest addition to savvy shoppers’ itinerary? In celebration of the Holy Month, the museum is organising a Ramadan souk featuring an array of traditional merchandise for the home, Arabic sweets, and a host of Ramadan-inspired activities.
Ramadan Souk at The National Museum, April 14 & 15, 10pm to 1am. @saudimuseum
2. Pop by one of the most Instagrammable cafés in Riyadh
Bright pink floral decor and neon signage abound at the new EL&N standalone café. The brand’s signature look is sure to draw crowds now that it’s open at The Zone. It is also home to the largest and longest flower wall to date, with over 11,000 artificial silk flowers to dress the feature staircase. Menu highlights include EL&N shakshuka, Cheetos cheeseburger, dulce de leche milk cakes and its famed Spanish latte.
EL&N London, The Zone, Al Muhammadiyah, Ramadan hours: daily 6pm to 3am. @elan_cafe
3. Shop the Fred Perry x Nicholas Daley collaboration
Fred Perry and Nicholas Daley’s ongoing co-releases continue this season as the duo reconnect to further pay homage to the British Southern soul boy scene of the 1970s. Cultural icons like Isaac Hayes, Lonnie Liston Smith and Earth, Wind & Fire are referenced with various styles like the two-pocket polo and short-sleeved overshirt. The collection is designed in a rich palette true to the retro colours like ‘Milky Blue’, ‘Cabernet’ and ‘Roasted Pecan’, as well as ecru and navy. London-based artist Gaurab Thakali has also created exclusive artworks that have been featured through chain stitch embroidered details across the collection.
Available at all Fred Perry stores. @fredperry.me
Friday April 15
4. Get into the Ramadan festive spirit
مشاهد من اليوم الأول لفعالية #لمة_سلطان بتنظيم نادي @SCE_PSU #DSAPSU#جامعة_الأمير_سلطان pic.twitter.com/DcnWyAH4Qb
— عمادة شؤون الطلاب (@dsapsu98) April 14, 2022
Here’s to an evening for all to gather and celebrate that special time of the year. The Skills and Community Enhancement club from Prince Sultan University is organising an exciting Ramadan Bazaar, bringing you a wide variety of apparel, perfumes, jewellery, handicrafts, home decor, luxurious accessories, and much more. Feeling famished after all that shopping and walking? Be sure to check out the Entrecote pop up.
Ramadan Bazaar at Prince Sultan University, Salahuddin, Riyadh 12435, until April 16, 9pm to 2am. Ticket entry is SAR55 per person. Book your tickets here. @sce_psu
5. Learn to carve better
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Discover the world of wood carving with carpentry craftsman Abdulrahman Al Aboodi. You will learn all about the tools, the basic skills of carving, the decoration of wood and its various styles, and create your own carving.
Woodcarving Workshop, The National Museum, April 15, 10.30pm to 12.30am. Workshop will be held in Arabic. @saudimuseum
6. Sign up for the Ascott Star Rewards membership for free
Hotel loyalty programmes are the unsung heroes of travel rewards. And if you have not heard of Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), you should be. It encompasses 400 ASR participating properties globally, including Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Ascott Tahlia Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residences Jeddah, Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, and the newly opened Somerset Downtown Al Khobar. In celebration of ASR’s third anniversary, members can purchase ASR points and receive up to 35 per cent bonus points from now to April 30, 2022. The ASR membership comprises Classic, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers. With every tier upgrade, members will receive more benefits such as bonus points, complimentary room upgrades, airport transfers, and early check-ins and late check-outs. Star treatment is just a click away.
Registration for ASR membership is complimentary. To sign up for a membership or for more information, please visit here.
Saturday April 16
7. Visit the Ramadan Bazaar at Plenty
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Plenty is a year-round curated lifestyle marketplace, and this year, they’ll be holding their very own Ramadan bazaar on the terrace. Be greeted by rows of booths operated by local businesses selling handmade crafts and accessories. Trust us; you’ll be walking away with unique buys from the various vendors and everything you need for Ramadan and Eid this 2022.
Plenty, MEFIC Centre, Second Floor, Northern Ring Branch Rd, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12385, throughout the month of Ramadan, daily 8.30pm to 2am. @plenty_sa
8. Enjoy iftar at Al Faisaliah’s stunning Ramadan tent
The signature Fawanees Experience iftar tent at Al Faisaliah Hotel is back, and it’s even grander than before. The Prince Sultan Grand Hall has once again transformed into a massive gourmet theatre, complemented by unrivalled personalised service to create a generous feast for the senses at every turn. Enjoy a lavish buffet with your loved ones in the most stunning setting while you tuck into an array of speciality dishes, a variety of desserts and a wide assortment of traditional Ramadan beverages. There’s also a dedicated children’s playing area, plus those below seven years old get to dine for free.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Fawanees Experience, Prince Sultan Grand Hall, Daily 5.30pm to 9pm. SAR395 for an all-inclusive buffet & SAR495 for the Gold Package, which offers a bespoke food on the table experience. Price for children between seven and 12 years old starts from SAR195. Tel: 011 273 2005. @alfaisaliahhotel
Images: Social / Provided