Looking for fantastic things to do in Riyadh this week? You’ve got to the right place, friend.
Start the new week and the new month on a high note. Riyadh has new restaurants opening, from the much-anticipated LPM to the funky doughnut spot Captain Hanson, while there are also exhibitions aplenty, covering everything from falcons (yes, the bird) to local Saudi artists.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Riyadh this week, so here are 12 top picks to get you started.
Admire falconry at Saudi International Falcon Hunting and Exhibition
Falcon enthusiasts are flocking to the kingdom for Saudi International Falcon Hunting and Exhibition. Did you know that falconry is labelled by UNESCO as a living human heritage in Saudi Arabia? Join 400,000 visitors who are celebrating everything to do with falconry, from hunting to veterinary equipment.
1-10 Oct. Saudi Falcons Club, Malham, sfhe.org.
Get your culture fix at the newly opened Gharem Studio
It’s not just a new slick of paint in this art studio, but it’s nabbed itself a whole new location. Gharem Studios, named after the superstar artist Abdulnassar Gharem, is a space for creatives to develop their work. Check out the exhibitions, workshops and talks, plus students can sign for internships.
3518 Samahat Ash Shaikh, Muhammed ibn Salih Al Uthaymen, West Umm Al Hamam District, ajlangharem.com/gharemstudio (059 079 4479).
Dig into fun flavoured doughnuts at Captain Hanson
The newly opened Captain Hanson has given doughnuts an upgrade. Bite into crazy concoctions, which include a cotton candy doughnut decorated with a lolly and candy floss – why not? There are plenty of doughnut toppings to choose from, which include pretzels, pineapple slices and marshmallows.
Open Sat-Thu midday-1am, Fri 1pm-1am. 4140 Prince Muqrin Ibn Abdulaziz Street, Al Nuzha District, instagram.com/capt.hanson.
Discover the local artists at Misk Art Institute
Here, Now is the title of this year’s Misk Art Insitute. Now in its third year, it sees local and international artists responding to the theme of identity. There are plenty of Saudi artists, from Ayman Yossri Daydban to Filwa Nazer, in the line-up and we are excited to see their experimental work in different mediums, from sculptures to immersive installations.
Free (booking essential) Oct 3-Jan 31. Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, miskartinstitute.org
Eat healthy veggie food at Terra’s Table
There’s a real trend for vegetarian restaurants opening in Riyadh right now. The brand-new Terra’s Table, with its plant-based menu, proves that veggie dishes don’t have to be boring. Book a table at this sleek restaurant and then take your pick from a menu that includes pumpkin toastie, sweet potato masala wrap and BBQ cauliflower bites.
Open daily 1pm-10pm. 4823 King Abdul Aziz Rd, Ar Rabi, 7018, terrastable.com.
Enjoy a decadent weekend brunch at Nobu
The recently opened Nobu knows how to do brunch in style. Spend a long leisurely and luxurious afternoon at the swanky restaurant. Brunch favourites include breakfast favourites with a Japanese twist, from smashed avocado on toast with dry miso to banana caramel soy French toast.
Open Fri-Sat 1pm-midnight. Nobu Hotel Riyadh, King Fahd Road, Al Anoud Tower 2, noburestaurants.com/riyadh (011 297 8300).
Sing while you spin at Wild
We’ve all heard of spin classes with music, but how about one where you ride and sing? At Wild Ride Musical, you can join a one-hour class and do some power moves while singing power ballads. Best of all: it’s free. Keep an eye on its ever-changing calendar, as it often has fun things to do in Riyadh.
Free. Thu Oct 7, 5pm-6pm. King Abdul Aziz Road, Alyasmin, wildgym.space (055 477 9937).
Try French food at the newly opened LPM
LPM, the fine-dining French restaurant, has swung open its doors and is ready for customers. With restaurants in London, Dubai and Hong Kong, it’s finally opening its first in the kingdom. It may be located near the Al Faisaliah Hotel, but the food is ambience is so on point, that you’ll feel like you are in the South of France. One of the top places to eat and things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Fri 1pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11pm. King Fahd Road, Street No. 38, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, lpmrestaurants.com/riyadh (920 011 794).
Take the kids to Evolution Exhibition – Dinosaurs
Come face to face with dinosaurs (well, life-size models) at Evolution Exhibition – Dinosaurs. This fun, family exhibition takes you on a journey through 66 million years of history. Kids will love the interactive games and the ancient jungle. Walk through a re-creation of a jungle, complete with hot temperatures and heavy rains. One of the top things to do in Riyadh this week.
SAR97 (adults), SAR61.80 (kids). Open daily 2pm-11pm. Riyadh Front, evolution-dino.com.
Visit Riyadh International Book Fair
Calling all bookworms. Riyadh International Book Fair 2021 has kicked off its latest festival. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah fin Farhan opened the fair on the weekend, which welcomes writers and publishers to the capital town. You can join the fun through conferences, workshops and seminars.
Free (booking required). Oct 1-10. Riyadh Front, riyadhbookfair.org.sa.
Watch the new James Bond film
It’s already got top marks from us (five stars, to be precise), but Riyadh cinemas are packed with people wanting to see Daniel Craig in his final outing as James Bond. So much so, that No Time to Die is expected to make $112.9m in its opening weekend at the international box office. For the blockbuster movie experience, watch it at the VOX Cinemas MAX screen, which has spacious seats and a larger than life screen. One of the top things to do in Riyadh this week.
From SAR90 (per person). Various locations including VOX Cinemas at Riyadh Front, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
Work on yourself at Al Mashtal Creative Space
If you want to get in touch with your creative side, but are not sure where to start, head to Al Mashtal Creative Space. The space has everything from photography to music studios. This month sees the launch of Flourish, its six-day programme, which includes meditation sessions, storytelling evenings, role play classes and more. One of the top things to do in Riyadh this week.
From SAR420. Oct 3-4 10-11, 17-18. 8982 P St, Diplomatic Quarters https://almashtal.spaces.nexudus.com/events (055 444 7499).
