Looking for some inspiration on how to start planning the week ahead? We’ve got you covered. Be it a cool design festival or a great meal at Wabi Sabi, here are some amazing things to do in Riyadh this week.
Celebrate local designers at Saudi Design Festival
Celebrate local artists at Saudi Design Festival, as the festival brings together shopping experiences with cool concept stores and local fashion designers, as well as exhibitions and food trucks.
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-10pm. Thu-Sat 3pm-10pm. JAX Diriyah, saudidesignfestival.com
Chill out at Aseel Garden
Aseel Resort is one of the prettiest places in Riyadh. It has gorgeous palm trees, lush greenery and amazing lighting. Its guest lounge is one of the most Instagrammable locations on the list so you can take a sip and a pic and get away from it all. It serves amazing burgers and steaks, so you can eat well too.
Minimum charge SAR50. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am. Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. Wadi Hanifa Rd., Riyadh, aseelresorts.com/ (055 7022 222).
Dance the night away at the Assala and Ayed concert
Riyadh, get ready to have some fun as Assala and Ayed serenade you into the night. The Saudi singer Ayed will be performing hits like Lematha and Meskien. While the much-loved Syrian artist Assala will be singing her popular hits like Ah Meen Ana and Thak el Ghaby. From SAR500. January 26.Riyadh Oasis.
Enjoy authentic Greek food at Opa Riyadh
If you’re a fan of Greek food, we have some great news. Opa is one of Dubai’s most popular Greek food joints, and it is now bringing a little bit of the cheer over to our neck of the woods. Opa will be coming to Riyadh Oasis, one of Riyadh Season’s zones, until February.
Open daily 7pm-2am. Riyadh Oasis, instagram.com/opa_riyadh
Flex your Disney knowledge at Syrup Lounge
Always had a knack for remembering all things Disney? Well, Syrup Lounge has just the thing for you. Get tested on your knowledge and walk away feeling all smug (well, as smug as you can be when it comes to Disney trivia).
SAR45. January 24. 8pm-midnight. 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, An Narjis, syrup.sa
Get away from it all at the FloriCulture Tour by Maalim
Riyadh is a gorgeous city, so full of life, it’s so thrilling, but sometimes you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. That’s where Maalim comes in. Maalim is offering a tour of flower farms 40 minutes away from central Riyadh, where you can recharge and refuel yourself after a long day. Private bookings are available so you can make a family day out of it too.
Groups of 18-20. instagram.com/maalimsaudi (053 933 9222)
Go shopping at Es’Pace
Es’Pace is bringing you 100 different homegrown fashion brands that are putting a creative spin on traditional Saudi looks. Mahalatkom, previously an online-only company, is behind the store and aim to provide exclusive luxury. In-store, it carries brands like TorbaStudio, Vega Styles, Angel Dust, and so many other high-end luxury Saudi brands for your wearing pleasure.
tickets.riyadhseason.sa
Live the Squid Game experience with Riyadh Season
Riyadh Season just keeps on giving. This time around we have an amazing Squid Game event happening at Boulevard Riyadh City. Squid Game is the global smash that became one of Netflix’s biggest hits of all time and is one of Saudi Arabia’s top watched shows of all time. Dress in the iconic green tracksuits and enjoy. This experience gets the green light from us.
SAR230. Until March 31. 1pm-1am. Boulevard Riyadh City, riyadhseason.sa
Sip coffee at Riyadh’s new favourite spot Ashjar
As the weather finally cools down, Riyadh has found a cool new hangout spot that everyone has been raving about. They have gorgeous outdoor seating with wick chairs, beautiful tables, delicious coffee and sweet treats.
Open Sat-Wed 6am-1am.Thu 6am-2am. Fri 4pm-2am. Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar-Rabi, ashjar.sa (050 237 8262)
Slurp up some ramen at Wabi Sabi
Who says vegan has to be dull? Wabi Sabi is fast becoming one of the capital’s most popular veggie hotspots, and it’s easy to see why. Down with millennials, it has plenty of personality. And with the cold spell hitting Riyadh right now is the perfect time to grab some of the healthy (and deliciously vegan) bowls of ramen to warm you right up.
Open daily 9am-11.30pm. King Muhammad V, As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/wabisabiksa
Warm yourself up with hot chocolate over at System
System is one of the most popular places when it comes to hot drinks in Riyadh and its hot chocolate is absolutely divine. It’s very chocolatey and rich in flavour, and it’s topped with delicious whipped cream and served with a little chocolate bar on the side (because you can never have too much chocolate).
Open Sun-Thu 7am-3am. Fri 1pm-midnight. Sat 9am-3am. 8054 Al Takhasussi, instagram.com/systemksa (011 206 4055).
Watch Harry Potter in the cinema
Catch the re-release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the cinemas, as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the film. The anniversary is throwing us back into childhood and we’re absolutely here for it.
January 20. ksa.voxcinemas.com
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