It’s a new month and a brand new year (Happy 2023!) and that means we’ve got a bunch of first-time things to do in Riyadh in January to keep you busy. If you’re looking for new foodie spots to enjoy, Bujairi Terrace and some serious steak options will have you covered.
There are also so many events and live entertainment headed to the capital in 2023, with stellar performances by Imagine Dragons and K-pop start BLACKPINK, we can’t see a dull moment in sight. Here are all the fantastic things to do in Riyadh in January.
Monday January 2
Take a sniff at the Perfume Expo
Do you smell that lovely scent? It’s the Perfume Expo at Riyadh Season. The largest exhibition of its kind is on until Monday January 9 at Riyadh Front. Yes, the Perfume Expo is all about scents. If you’re after a new fragrance for the new year, you’ll likely find it here. There’s even the opportunity to create your own fragrance. Be is woody, floral or light, you sniff away at them all for things to do in Riyadh in January.
SAR30 (weekday), SAR45 (weekend). Sat Dec 24 – Mon Jan 9, 2022. Riyadh Front, riyadhseason.sa.
Tuesday January 3
Go on a journey at The LINE exhibition
If you truly want to be amazed, add this free NEOM exhibition to your plans for things to do in Riyadh in January. THE LINE is one of the incredible ambitious visions for Saudi, and this is your chance to learn even more about it in person at JAX District. The exhibition will take you through what the city of the future aims to be. Tickets are free, but be sure to book your time slot in advance of heading over.
Free. Until Sat Apr 29. JAX District, Diriyah, neom.com.
Thursday January 5
Get eating at Bujairi Terrace
After foodie things to do in Riyadh in January? What better than a brand new foodies destination that recently launched in the historic town of Diriyah. Take your pick from a wide selection of eateries from Brunch & Cake, Angelina, Maiz, Joe and The Juice and so much more to eat your way across this January.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-2am, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Sunday January 8
Go on a guided tour of Turaif
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is officially open to visitors. Turaif opened along with Bujairi Terrace, so go exploring as part of your things to do in Riyadh in January. You’ll need to purchase a Diriyah Entry Pass to pre-book a 75-minute guided tour of the birthplace of the Kingdom. Then head back to Bujairi Terrace for some eats.
From SAR100. Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-1am. From SAR100, Diriyah, diriyah.sa.
Wednesday January 11
Dine outdoors at Il Baretto
Il Baretto recently opened its outdoor terrace so you can the cool breeze of the season with eats from the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards winner. The Italian eatery’s new terrace offers both dining and lounge areas. Take a seat and try one of the new bespoke drinks on the menu.
Open daily, 12.30pm-11.30pm. King Abdullah Financial District, ilbaretto.sa.
Thursday January 12
Unleash you inner designer at Saudi Design Week
Saudi Design Week launched in 2014, and is returning this week. The event aims to support local talents and provide a community-like platform for each Saudi talent to showcase to the world. Get inspired from Thursday January 12 and will continue until Monday January 23.
Thu Jan 12-Mon Jan 23. @saudidesignfestival.
Sunday January 15
Reminisce at the Tales of Nostalgia exhibition
Take a walk down memory lane at Misk Art Institute’s Tales of Nostalgia exhibition. The exhibition has 12 local and international artists reflecting on on time, memory and nostalgia. It sounds like a perfectly timed event as we start the new year. Are you ready to get nostalgic?
Until Sun Jan 15. Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall, miskartinstitute.org.
Tuesday January 17
Dine at the Le Relais de l’Entrecôte pop-up
Listen up, foodies. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte has a pop-up at Boulevard Riyadh City until Sunday January 22. Dig in over steaks and fries on the signature menu. Carnivores, rejoice, the homemade buttery secret sauce is yours for the taking.
Open daily, 4pm-2am. Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, riyadhseason.sa.
Thursday January 19
Feel the sparkle at Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition
Are you ready for some major sparkle? Van Cleef & Arpels know all about it, and the jewellery brand has an exhibition starting today. From Thursday January 19 until Saturday April 15, you can marvel at over 250 high-end luxury pieces from the brand’s archives at the National Museum. Bling, bling.
From Thu Jan 19 to Sat Apr 15 2023. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Al Murabba. @saudimuseum, moc.gov.sa.
Friday January 20
Sing along with BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is coming to Riyadh on Friday January 20 and will be performing at Mrsool Park near King Saud University. The superstars are super popular in the Kingdom with the K-pop genre on most playlists, it’s time to sing your hearts at and add some much-need music to your things to do in Riyadh in January.
From SAR249 (general admission). Fri Jan 20, 2023. 8.30pm. Mrsool Park, King Saud University, blackpinkofficial.com.
Sunday January 22
Go to the Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons are set to bring the thunder for the band’s Riyadh Season performance on Sunday January 22 at Mrsool Park. The concert is part of their Mercury world tour. Tickets are on sale now. Prep those vocals because it’s likely getting real loud for things to do in Riyadh in January.
From SAR249. Sun Jan 22, 8.30pm (show), 6pm (doors). Mrsool Park. riyadhseason.sa.
Wednesday January 25
Dig in at ROKA’s Izakaya Nights
ROKA is hosting Izakaya Nights every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm to midnight. Izakaya is a traditional Japanese dining experience full of sharing and gathering with friends and family. The recurring event also has a live DJ and percussionist. What midweek slump?
Open Tue-Wed 6pm-midnight (Izakaya Nights). As Sulimaniyah, @rokariyadhofficial.
Friday January 27
Zoom away at Diriyah ePrix
Zoom, zoom. The Diriyah ePrix is zooming back into town for a speedy showdown. The championship will take place in the historical town with racers cutting the curbs across a 2,495-kilometre circuit with 21 turns. Helmets on tight, who’s taking the win?
Fri Jan 27-Sat Jan 28, 2023. Diriyah, fiaformulae.com.
Sunday January 29
Level up at VOV Gaming
Let the games begin. What’s better than some competitive action for things to do in Riyadh in January? You could have a faceoff with friends at VOV Gaming. Choose the package that suits you from one hour to three hours to a full-day pass. It’s time to level up.
SAR35. Open Sat-Wed 4pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 4pm-2am. The Zone, vovxp.com.
Tuesday January 31
Light up at the From Spark to Spirit exhibition
Noor Riyadh has an ongoing exhibition at JAX Diriyah that will continue until Saturday February 4. So, if you’re looking to add some artsy things to do in Riyadh in January, this is likely a great pick. The From Spark To Spirit exhibition has artworks from 30 local and international artists and three themed galleries. Best of all, it’s free.
Free. Until Sat Feb 4. JAX, Diriyah, noorriyadh-raj.platinumlist.net.
Want even more? These are the best things to do under SAR100 with the family.
