It’s almost time to say goodbye to the weekdays, and a big hello to the weekend. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to spend the next 48 hours, check out our list of the best things to do in Riyadh, which covers everything from MDLBeast Soundstorm to must-visit restaurants. The weekend awaits.
Enjoy the new winter menu at Chunk
Chunk is loved for its pastries and desserts. This week, it introduced a new winter menu, which includes the winter box with cinnamon rolls, caramel sauce and pecan. The box contains an impressive 65 pieces as well as a little heater to get all the warm, melty goodness going so you can dip your rolls into the sauce.
Fiorenza Plaza Complex, Al-Muhammadiyah District, Takhassusi Street, hellochunk.com (055 220 2042).
Get your Covid-19 booster shot
While it’s not exactly the coolest thing to do in Riyadh, it’s certainly important. From February 1, 2022 it will be mandatory for people in the kingdom to have their Covid-19 booster jab. Read our guide – it answers all of your questions and shows you where to get your booster shot in Riyadh.
Grab dessert at the recently opened Chocomelt
Not all dishes are created equally. That’s certainly the case when you see the Baby Dynamite at Chocomelt. The dessert is a showstopper, and the kind of dish you will want to Insta before you eat. Click here to learn more about the knockout dish.
SAR62. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Riyadh Park, Al Aqiq, instagram.com/chocomelt.ksa (9200 09467).
Immerse yourself in art at Diriyah Biennale
In the artsy JAX district of Diriyah, which is just outside of Riyadh, the Diriyah Biennale is well underway and showcases work from national and international artists who are all responding to the theme “Feeling the Stones”.
Until March 11, Diriyah Biennale, biennialfoundation.org.
Laugh the night away at a comedy show
Riyadh Season is the festival that keeps on giving. Packed with plays, Farhan Nassib Zaalan is a comedy show, which is presented by the artist Tariq Al-Ali. Ali is a Kuwaiti comedian and actor, who is famous for his satirical sketches.
Party the night away at MDLBeast Soundstorm
Festivals don’t get much bigger than this in Saudi Arabia. The music festival is returning to the capital and brings together world-class acts, from international to local names. The impressive list includes Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Deadmau5, DJ Snake, Eric Prydz, Martin Garrix, Paul Kalkbrenner, Tiësto and Steve Aoki, in addition to home-grown artists including Birrdperson, Cosmicat and Vinyl Mode.
See the new Spiderman movie
Have your spidey senses been tingling? Did you anticipate that it was time for a new Spiderman movie? Spider-Man: No Way Home is finally opening and brings together Tom Holland, Zendaya and Benedict Cumberbatch. In a world where everyone knows that Peter is actually Spiderman, he wants nothing more than to turn back time. So he requests help from Doctor Strange (Cumberbatch) who turns back time but with enough disastrous consequences to fill 150 minutes.
Out December 16. ksa.voxcinemas.com
Sing your heart out at Syrup Lounge
Tis the season to let out your inner Mariah Carey, so head out to these karaoke nights and show off your do-re-mis. For those who love the spotlight, put Syrup Lounge on your radar, as it was one of the first entertainment venues to open in Riyadh. Don’t be shy, as it creates a supportive environment for performers.
9pm-1am. December 17-18. From SAR120. Open Wed 9pm-midnight. 9038 Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, syrup.sa (011 228 8006).
Stop by the new Alo Yoga store at Kingdom Centre
Half the battle when it comes to exercise is just turning up to classes. If you’ve got some of the swanky gear from Al Yoga store, you’ll want to show it off. Check out the high-quality athletic wear, which includes leggings, biker shorts and sweatshirts.
Open daily 9.30am-10.30pm. Kingdom Centre, aloyoga.com.
Watch an indie movie at Wadi Cinema
Grab the popcorn, there’s a new cinema in town. Wadi Cinema will be ditching the superhero films for arthouse films and will be showcasing filmmakers from the Middle East. It has launched as a pop-up experience at the art festival, Diriyah Biennale, and is located in Riyadh’s JAX District.
instagram.com/wadicinema/
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