Welcome to the weekend. It’s the part of the week that you’ve been working long and hard for – 48 hours for you. Whether you want to catch up on some culture, watch the latest film releases or shop for some designer gear, we’re here to help. Here are the top ten amazing things to do this weekend in Riyadh.
Go on a pirate adventure in an escape room
The Last Hour offers you the chance to work with a team of up to 11 people, where you all have to work together to solve all kinds of puzzles. You will have limited options, and you and your team are the ones that will have to determine your fate. During the session, you’ll find a pirate-themed adventure. Only the bravest pirates will survive, as you and your team have to find the treasure and return it to the Aztec.
From SAR120 (per person). Open daily 4pm-midnight. Abi Bakr As Siddiq Branch Rd, Al Wadi, lasthour.sa (057 097 3006).
Get your culture fix at Bienalsur
At the Bienalsur (the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South), it asks artists to explore the theme “‘Echoes: A World Between Analogue and Virtual”. Now returning for the third time to Riyadh, the exhibition opened on October 15 and takes place in the JAX District, Diriyah, just on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Until Nov 15. Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 1pm-10pm. JAX District, Diriyah, engage.moc.gov.sa/bienalsur
Discover cool items at a secret little shop
You may know Wabi Sabi as a veggie hotspot, but go upstairs and you’ll find a secret shop selling funky notebooks, stylish abayas, modern artwork and essential oils. It’s all very zen, but we’d expect nothing less from a hip restaurant like this.
Open 9.30am-11.30pm, 8256 3851 King Muhammad V, As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/wabisabiksa (011 239 9991).
Cheer on WWE Wrestlers
Riyadh Season has officially begun. WWE Crown Jewels is throwing on its singlet once more, so you can watch the greatest wrestlers in Riyadh. The Undertaker and other legendary names are set to appear at the event.
Starting from SAR50 (per person). Oct 21. 7 pm. Mohammed Abdo Arena, The Boulevard, Riyadh. tickets.riyadhseason.sa
Last chance to shop at the Tory Burch pop-up
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).
Relive the drama of The Sopranos
The Sopranos was never really crying out for a prequel, but as prequels go, The Many Saints of Newark is better than most. While it’s inessential and a bit of an expansive footnote, it contains plenty of well-judged moments for fans and never does anything to harm the legacy of one of TVs greatest shows.
Various locations including near King Saud University, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
Fire real bullets the new shooting range
Fancy yourself a bit of a thrill-seeker? At the newly opened Top Gun there are 39 shooting ranges, varying from close distance to long-range, both indoors and outdoors. Test your aim with snipers and pistols, as you collect points along the way and can see how well you’ve performed.
From SAR250. Open daily 11pm-4pm. King Fahd Road, Malham, topgun-sa.com.
Spook yourself out at Statue Café
If you’re wondering why there are cobwebs in the corner of Statue Cafe, don’t be alarmed. They are getting into the Halloween spirit early. Enjoy your flat white in a spooky setting, which remains this way until October 30. Spot skeletons hanging from the ceiling, coffee served in cups shaped like skulls and pumpkins scattered around.
Open Sat-Thu 7am-1am, Fri 5pm-2am. 7089 Abi Bakr, Assidique Road, instagram.com/statue_cafe.
Try the new electrical muscle stimulation classes at Al Manahil
Looking to get fit? Al Manahil is a one-stop shop with a gym, swimming pool and, for when you’ve done your workout, a spa. The venue has introduced a new EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) class, which helps improve your strength twice as fast as normal training. Book yourself a personal slot, so you
Sat-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri: 2pm-8pm. Diplomatic Square, Ibn Zahr Street, (011 488 1069).
Power up at the gaming festival Rush
Rush brings together top gaming talent, brands, game publishers, and ardent fans. If you love dressing up in your favourite cosplay at home, you’re more than welcome to don your cape and come down.
From SAR50. Oct 22-Oct 26. 4pm. Riyadh Front, Riyadh tickets.riyadhseason.sa
