A new week means seven new days to try something new, from brand new film releases to cool new exhibitions. We’re here to help you out, so here are our top picks of the best thing to do in Riyadh this week.
Arabica % opens a new coffee shop
All the way from Kyoto and after already opening in nearly the entire GCC, Arabia % have a branch that is finally here in Riyadh. 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
Check out the newly opened Loft Riyadh
Elegance and style come together at this new restaurant, Loft Riyadh. 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
Cycle through Nadha Park
As the weather gets a little cooler, it means you can enjoy yourself a little more outdoors. On the street opposite the gorgeous Nahda Park is the bike store, SPiN, where you can rent bikes by the hour and go on a wonderful ride through one of the biggest parks in Riyadh. Nahda has gorgeous views and incredible architecture. SPiN was one of the first official bike rental shops in the capital and offers stylish rides, plus group rides every Monday from 8pm-10pm from Diriyah.
From SAR60 per hour. Open daily 6pm-1pm. Alnahdha St, Jarir, instagram.com/spin.sa
(559 731 117).
Get your art fix at Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium
Saudis sure do love their art, and when it’s an international affair you best believe everyone’s going to be excited. This year’s theme of the festival is “The Poetics of Space”, and the art form of choice here is sculptures. Artists are coming from countries as wide-ranging as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Mexico and more.
Entry free. November 15-December 10. Open daily from 6pm. JAX district, Al Diriyah, riyadhart.sa/en/tuwaiq-international-sculpture-symposium
Grab a bite to eat at Dukan Burger
The name of this literally translates to burger shop. Dukan Burger specialises in simplicity, as their burgers (both chicken and beef) are easy on the stomach and amazing on the tastebuds. The house special? The Dukan Burger, of course. It has loyal customers coming back for more.
Open daily 12pm-2am. King Abdullah Branch Rd, Al Quds, instagram.com/dukanburgers
Go on a health kick with Prince Khaled
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, also known as the Vegan Prince, is all about living healthy. As the founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, he is partnering with Matthew Kenney to launch Folia for Riyadh Season and it’s set to continue after the festival. The restaurant launched on October 24 and its menu is exclusively vegan.
Open daily 6pm-2am. Al Murabaa, Center Point, 2239 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Arabia, fourseasons.com/riyadh/dining/restaurants/matthew_kenney (011 211 5000).
Indulge in guilt-free sweets at No Sugar Bakery
On a no-sugar diet? The No Sugar Bakery is here to save the day. They serve breakfast, pizzas and desserts. While the desserts, including cheesecakes, kunafas and churros, are what usually get people through the door, don’t dismiss the savoury treats.
Open Sat-Thu 8am-2am. Fri 12pm-2am. 4466 Oubay Ibn Mouaz Al Ansari, Ar Rabi, instagram.com/thenosugarbakery (011 236 5024).
Party the night away at a David Guetta gig
Riyadh’s music scene is hitting all the right notes, as the global DJ sensation, David Guetta, has announced a residency in Riyadh. What does this mean for us? Well, the international DJ is going to be hosting exclusive concerts around the capital and you can join all the fun.
November 19 and 26. tickets.mdlbeast.com
Stitch away at the Fashion Embroidery Workshop
As the trend to repair and upcycle items continues, the Fashion Embroidery Workshop is the place to go if you went to perfect your stitching skills. Here you’ll learn techniques, from stitching techniques to pretty ways to add embroidery to existing garments. If you want to attend, you must be fully vaccinated.
November 14-18. REFD Design Studio. instagram.com/r.sabhan (0530 77 9938).
Take the kids (or feel like one) at Riyadh Toy Festival
Riyadh Season has everyone covered, even your tiny tots. Marketed as the world’s biggest toy festival, it’s a chance to let the kids have some fun and let out your inner child. During this festival, you can play with and buy brand new toys from international brands.
From SAR50. To November 21. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Riyadh Zone, tickets.riyadhseason.sa
Try the bagels over at Bagel ‘N Bread
Riyadh’s newfound love for bagels has spawned a bagel trend, as there are bagel-centric restaurants popping up across the city. Bagel ‘n Bread served soft tasty bagel sandwiches along with fresh fruit juices. They’ve definitely got Riyadh’s favourites down and this is one of the tastiest things to do in Riyadh right now.
Open daily 6am-midnight. King Abdul Aziz Rd, Alyasmin, instagram.com/bagelnbread
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
