We feel you, Riyadh. You’ve worked hard all week and the weekend is your chance to unwind. Whether you’re looking to dine out at a new restaurant, get your culture fix or catch a movie, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Riyadh this weekend, so here are our top 10 top picks to get you started.
Celebrate Saudi art at Saudi National Museum
Hot off the celebrations for Saudi National Day, the Saudi National Museum is still waving the flag for the country. We don’t expect anything less. Visit the museum’s exhibition, Evidence of Art, which showcases Saudi talent.
Open Mon-Thu, Sat 8am-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sun 8am-2pm. Historical Center، King Abdul Aziz، Al Murabba, https://www.instagram.com/saudimuseum (011 402 9500).
Go on an adventure inside an Escape Room
At Game Over, put your problem-solving hat on, and get ready to enter three rooms inspired by three popular movies and characters: in The Philosopher’s Stone you must retrieve the stone, while in Walking Death you escape zombies and in Jack the Ripper, you uncover clues to capture the Ripper. Will you escape? If you do, you can head over to Planet X and continue the adventure through amusement arcades.
From SAR180 (per person). Open daily 4pm-midnight. Takhasussi St. The Zone Mall, Gate 2, riyadh.escapegameover.sa (0501148585).
Dance the afternoon away at an Afro-fusion class
Kore is one of the leading gyms in Riyadh and offer classes for everything from kickboxing to pilates. If you’re up for trying something more unusual, the Afro-fusion class gets you moving and grooving to African-inspired beats. For one hour, unwind and exercise. Don’t be shy, as all abilities (we’re looking at you, beginners) are welcome.
4pm. October 16. Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13515, kore.sa/aqiq (920 00 1434).
Dig into corn dogs at the newly opened Korn
Corn Dogs may be an American obsession – they took off a century ago, made by German immigrants who discovered that battering and frying their sausages made locals love them – but the rest of the world is catching up. So we wish a big welcome to Riyadh’s own Korn Dogs’, which just opened. Make ours a Cheetos Korn Dog.
Open daily 4pm-midnight. 2517 Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz, instagram.com/kornsaudi.
Dive into the pool at Burj Rafal
When only luxury will do, book a day pass at Burj Rafal Spa. What makes this different to many hotel pools is that you don’t have to wait for the female-only timings. The spa boasts separate pools for men and women, so you can indulge in the indoor plunge pools or catch some rays in the outdoor swimming pool.
SAR 150 for one hour. Open daily 8am-6pm. King Fahd Road, Sahafah District, marriott.com (011 511 7775).
Rock out to the alternative rock band No Business Plan
Love live music? Make a beeline to Syrup Lounge, a pioneering live entertainment venue in Riyadh. The venue hosts open mic nights and karaoke evenings throughout the week. But or one night only on its Faannan night, it’ll be hosting the band No Business Plan. Rock on, Riyadh.
SAR120. October 16. 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, syrup.sa (011 228 8006).
Shop at the first-ever Tory Burch (pop-up) shop in Riyadh
New York fashion label Tory Burch is launching its first-ever pop-up in Riyadh. Running until Wednesday October 27 in Riyadh Park Mall, the Tory Burch pop-up will showcase ready-to-wear items for women including dresses, handbags, footwear and jewellery. Most excitingly, the brand’s fall and winter collection will be available at the pop-up and will include exclusive products for Saudi customers.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 1pm-2am. Northern Ring Branch Road, Al Aqiq toryburch.sa (920 009 467).
Take your friends to check out Roka
Now that the rules have changed on how many people can gather around a table (note: it’s ten), take a group of your besties to check out Roka, which is now open for lunch. Running from Sunday to Saturday, the à la carte lunch menu includes Roka’s signature dishes with Japanese-inspired dishes. Want our verdict on the food? Read our review (spoiler: it’s outstanding and one of the top things to do in Riyadh).
Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-4pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm, Thu 12.30pm-4pm, 6.30pm-midnight, Fri 12.30pm-midnight. Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Road, rokarestaurant.com (920 012 327).
Visit Sami Al-Qathami’s new art exhibition
Naila Gallery is one of the top art galleries in Riyadh, which loves to shine a spotlight local talent. This weekend, you can check out a new exhibition showcasing the work of the artist Sami Al-Qathami. The artist creates beautiful Arabic-inspired artwork, ranging from horses to calligraphy.
To October 17. Al Takhassosi Street, Building 247, gallerynaila.com (11 880 5352).
Watch the new Marvel movie, Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Tom Hardy returns as the journalist Eddie Brock and continues to adjust to life as the host of one of Marvel’s more complex characters: the brain-eating alien symbiote Venom, who carries out vigilante activities. Directed by Andy Serkis – aka Gollum from the Lord of the Rings franchise – it also stars Michelle Williams and Naomie Harris.
From October 14. Various locations including near King Saud University, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
