8 incredible things to do in Riyadh this week: August 14 to 17
What’s on this week…
Discover some of the best things to do in Riyadh over the next few days. There’s a new family-friendly film to catch in the cinemas, a gentle Hatha yoga class, and family-friendly attractions to check out.
Here are eight incredible things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday August 14
1. Catch this family-friendly movie
The lives of tunnel-dwelling friends Tootson, Ludiwood and Badger-oh are turned upside down when a mysterious train conductor shows up with a letter of eviction. Railway tunnels are for trains, not for people, and they must move out – immediately. Now only the legendary pirate Captain Tootson can help them. But where is he? The two buddies and their badger set out on a wild adventure to find the Captain and save the tunnel. But it turns out that salvation lies closer than anyone can guess. And it has one hundred heads and at least fourteen legs…
Two Buddies and a Badger: The Great Big Beast, Comedy/ Family/ Animation, Rating PG, 1h 17 min. Book your tickets here.
2. Stretch out and get zen
View this post on Instagram
Break away from the hubbub of your day-to-day routine and reset with yoga instructor Faisal Alawaji. He offers Hatha yoga for both males and females. You’ll leave feeling stretched out and refreshed, like you’ve just had a really good workout. It’s a great class for beginners and yoga pros alike.
Yoga with Faisal, Sun & Wed 7pm to 8.30pm, Sat 11am to 12.30pm, The Rooftop Yoga Studio, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13322. SAR115 per class & SAR444 for a package of five classes. Tel: 055 621 4998. @faisal.in.the.moment
Monday August 15
3. Enjoy midweek deals at Al Watan Park
View this post on Instagram
A couple more weeks to go before the new school term starts. So, why not bring the whole family to Al Watan Park for the dozens of accessible rides? The theme park features old-time classics like the miniature Ferris wheel and some adventurous rides where kids pilot their own flying planes. Better yet, you can enter for free from Sunday to Wednesday if you purchase a game ticket (SAR10) or the game’s wristband (SAR40). You can also beat the heat and enjoy a great stay in one of its chalet rentals, which includes a swimming pool, for just SAR180 from Saturdays to Thursdays.
Al Watan Park, Riyadh Water Tower, King Saud Rd, Al Futah, Riyadh 12632, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: 050 033 8844. @alwatan_p
4. Check out the new huna at Riyadh Park
View this post on Instagram
Community hub huna has just opened the doors to its second space in Riyadh Park. Like huna Takhassusi, you can expect a members-only private working space, stunning artworks, and dining concepts serving a variety of cuisines, from a locally sourced juice bar and bakery to sushi, burgers, and traditional Saudi dishes.
Huna Riyadh Park. @iam.huna
Tuesday August 16
5. Visit the Japanese village at the Gamers8 festival
View this post on Instagram
Love everything about the Japanese pop culture? JapaMura, a Japanese village at the Gamers8 festival featuring cool and creative spaces from the Land of the Rising Sun, has everything you’d expect. There are various shops and booths where visitors can try ramen and sip complimentary Japanese tea at the Matcha tasting, wear kimonos at the Yukata experience, and engage in activities such as calligraphy, origami, and belt out your favourite tunes at the Japanese karaoke nights. For those who’d like to learn more about the Kintsugi, there’s also a showcase on the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold-coloured lacquer.
JapaMura Village by Saudi Airlines, Gamers8 Festival, Boulevard Riyadh City, until Sept 8, 6pm to 1am. Book your tickets here. SAR40 for weekdays & SAR50 for weekends. @gamers8_en
6. Serenade all your senses at Hotel Cartagena
View this post on Instagram
Bring your appetite for live music to U Walk, where you’ll find Hotel Cartagena. Look out for Tania and Her Band, who will perform hits from 8pm to 11pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stay well-watered with the bar’s signature mocktails, paired with Colombian-style dishes like braised beef cheek empanadas.
Tania and Her Band, every Tues & Thurs 8pm to 11pm, Hotel Cartagena, U Walk. Tel: 9200 33801. @hotelcartagenariyadh
Wednesday August 17
7. Get crafty with pottery
View this post on Instagram
Gather your friends to try your hands at the potter’s wheel in a relaxed and fun environment. Keramos Studio specialises in the making and selling of clay arts and crafts and items that reflect Islamic art and Saudi folklore heritage. The studio also offers one-day and five-day workshops for men, women and children. The classes will leave you with a good mix of pottery techniques to make your own cup, bowl or vase.
Keramos Studio, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, An Narjis, Riyadh 11564, Wed to Sat 2pm to 11pm. Tel: 055 433 9469. @keramosksa
8. Cool summer nights at Pattis
View this post on Instagram
Offering sophisticated yet relaxed vibes, great jazz music and a Mediterranean-inspired menu, Pattis is quite possibly the place to go in The Zone if you’re looking to listen to some great jams. Performing every Wednesday night is Ahmad AlQassim, who’s quite the one-man show, where he sings and plays his seven-string bass guitar.
Pattis Restaurant, The Zone, Sun to Thurs 4pm to 1am, Fri & Sat 7am to 1am, Live Cooking & Live Music every Wed 9pm to midnight. Tel: 011 277 2700. @pattis
Images: Instagram / Social