We see you, Riyadh. We know that you’ve been working hard all week, and that the weekend is your time to truly unwind. So, we’ve got you covered, with the best things to do in Riyadh. Whether you’re after new coffee shops to the latest film releases, here’s how to make the most of the next 48 hours.
Ask for a coffee at the new Arabica % coffee shop
All the way from Kyoto and after already opening in nearly the entire GCC, Arabica % have a branch that is finally here. The coffee shop has some of the best coffee in the Gulf region and we are super excited to have them around. Try them out and see what the hype is about.
Open daily 4pm-2am. The Zone, Al Mohammadiyyah, instagram.com/arabica.saudiarabia
Catch artists in action at Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium
Sculpture fans are in for a treat because poetry is in motion across the city. We’re not exaggerating: the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium got underway this week. Participating sculptors will be working on a brief that requests “poetry in motion”. No pressure, then – but at least visitors can rest assured that the results will be spectacular.
Open daily from 6pm. To December 5, December 7-10. JAX District, Al Diriyah. riyadhart.sa/en/events/tuwaiq-international
Check out the newly opened Loft Riyadh
Elegance and style come together at this new restaurant, Loft. It claims to bring the world to your plate, and the menu has burgers that make our stomachs rumble just by looking at them. While the desserts look Insta-ready. After steam on your plate or desserts that need to be smashed open? Make a beeline here.
Open daily 6pm-midnight. U Walk. instagram.com/loft.riyadh
Drive into the Riyadh Car Show
Calling all car fanatics, Riyadh Season has something special in store for you. Hailed as one of the biggest car exhibitions in the Middle East, The Riyadh Car Show is all geared up to show off some of the world’s rarest and classic cars, from Jaguars to Aston Martins.
From SAR450. November 18-28. Open daily 2pm-11pm. 4379 King Khalid Rd, 7230 Ad Diriyah 13717, tickets.riyadhseason.sa/ riyadh-car–show
Eat at the the newly opened Salt Bae location
Here’s your chance to experience social media star Salt Bae, Nusret Gökçe’s latest venture. Opening in U Walk, the new restaurant Nusr-Et Steakhouse is named after him and is a steakhouse with a difference, plus a pretty expensive menu.
Open daily 12pm-1.30am. Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, U Walk, nusr-et.com
Enjoy ice cream at Creamery SA
We don’t about you, but enjoying a good cone of ice cream is somewhat of a must here at Time Out Riyadh. Creamery SA boasts delicious soft ice cream that comes in basic flavours like chocolate, vanilla, but they can be upgraded with some next-level selection of toppings and sauces.
Open daily 4pm-12pm. Shorofat Park, instagram.com/creamery_sa/
Experience VR in the French Digital Touch
Ever fancied a trip to the City of Love? French heritage is bought to digital life at the Pure Art Gallery. Put on the VR headsets and you will feel like you are walking along the streets for France. Take in the sights (virtually) of the Seine and Eiffel Tower, and then enjoy your own private viewing of the Mona Lisa.
To November 23. Open daily 4pm-9pm. At Takhassusi Branch St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12333. af-ksa.org (0552 717 758).
Get your art fix at the Maris Shepherd’s exhibition
The artist Maris Shepherd is renowned for capturing history on her canvas. Having first visited Saudi Arabia in 1999, she is back with an exhibition at Naila Art Gallery. The exhibition offers you the chance to view art that carries an unexpected backstory and has never been viewed in public.
Open Sat-Thu 2pm-10pm. Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, gallerynaila.com (011 880 5352).
Let your inner child out at Riyadh Toy Festival
What’s your favourite game? Whether you like video games or board games, chances are you’ll find your new favourite toy at Riyadh Toy Festival. As a part of the cultural extravaganza that is Riyadh Season, the Riyadh Toy Festival has kicked off and covers the all-encompassing theme “Explore, Play and Shop”.
From SAR50. To November 21. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Riyadh Front, enjoy.sa/en/events/riyadh-toy-festival-1
Watch the story of Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard
The title King Richard refers to Richard Williams, who was instrumental in propelling his two daughters into the sporting stratosphere. It follows the rise of the Williams sisters from LA’s violent city of Compton to the zenith of tennis. Clearly, there could be several interpretations of such a colourful character, but the title role is played by Will Smith, one of cinema’s most likeable stars.
Out November 19. ksa.voxcinemas.com
Looking for more awesome things to do? Check out our latest updates on everything Riyadh here.
