It’s the start of another week in this glorious city. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do, don’t despair. We are here to help ease you into the week and make sure it’s filled with fun events. Whether you want to watch the latest film releases, check out new restaurants or join an open mic night, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best things to do in Riyadh this week.
Be wowed by Hans Zimmer classics
Hans Zimmer has composed music for more than 150 films, so you’re bound to recognise some of these Oscar-winning scores, from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Lion King. As part of the Riyadh International Book Fair, The World of Hans Zimmer is a symphonic celebration of the composer’s most famous hits.
From SAR350. 9pm. Oct 10. Red Venue Princess Nourah, https://tickets.riyadhbookfair.org.sa/en/d/635/the-world-of-hans-zimmer.
Dig into modern Saudi cuisine at Mirzam
Love local Saudi food? We do too, so we were pleased to see that the recently opened Mirzam offers a modern take on classic dishes. Dishes include a halloumi dibyaza, zaatar and honey cheese and beef hummus. Definitely one of the more authentic things to do in Riyadh.
Takamul Plaza, instagram.com/mirzam_sa/?hl=en (053 418 7431).
Discover the local artists at Misk Art Institute
Here, Now is the title of this year’s Misk Art Insitute. Now in its third year, it sees local and international artists responding to the theme of identity. There are plenty of Saudi artists, from Ayman Yossri Daydban to Filwa Nazer, in the line-up and we are excited to see their experimental work in different mediums, from sculptures to immersive installations.
Free (booking essential) Oct 3-Jan 31. Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, miskartinstitute.org.
Eat more wings for less at Buffalo Wild Wings
Calling all meat lovers: make sure you’re hungry when you come to Buffalo Wild Wings, as they are offering all customers fifty percent off boneless wings on Mondays and fifty percent off traditional wings on Wednesdays. Save some riyals, as the wings are also served with French fries and coleslaw.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Northern Ring Branch Rd, Al Aqiq, buffalowildwings.sa (011 410 3209).
Enjoy a chocolate workshop with Ghugran Al-Romaihi
If you want to know more about the ever-popular snack – chocolate – join this one-off workshop with chef Ghufran Al Romaihi. As part of the Riyadh International Book Fair, you can learn some culinary techniques and impress your friends with your chocolate making skills. Just try not to eat all your creations before the end of the workshop.
SAR50. 1pm. Oct 10. tickets.riyadhbookfair.org.sa/en/d/680/live-cooking-show-with-ghufran-al-romaihi
Get a free cup of coffee at Dr Café Coffee
Riyadh knows how to make a good cup of coffee. To celebrate International Coffee Day, Dr Café Coffee is giving away free cups when you buy African magic beans. The menu, which has a forensic list of drinks, breaking down the humble coffee with cookie frappes, pistachio franillas and spiced pumpkin lattes to suit every taste.
To Oct 15. Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Sulaimaniah, Abi Al Arab St, https://www.drcafe.com (0800 122 8222).
Satisfy your pizza cravings at the new Lalo Ristorante
The newly opened Lalo Ristorante serves classic Italian fare, from lasagnes to ravioli. While the pizzas are freshly cooked creations and toppings include truffle, margarita, pesto and beef bacon. The restaurant has a rustic vibe, thanks to its exposed bricks, curved arches and pretty chandeliers.
Open daily 1pm-midnight. King Abdullah Branch rd, Al Mohammadiyyah, https://www.instagram.com/lalorestaurant/?hl=en (054 747 1274).
Sing your heart out at Draft Café’s open mic night
We love supporting local talent, so are thrilled to see that Draft Café has bought back its open mic nights during October. Past performances are more on the musical side, attracting both English and Arabic singers. If you’re a budding performer – don’t be shy – there’s a supporting vibe, so send a clip of yourself to the organisers over Instagram and you may well be on the next line-up.
Open Sun-Wed 7am-1am, Thu-Sat 7am-2am. Al Ayinah, As Sulimaniyah, draftthoughts.com (011 426 4660).
Try the lunch menu at Roka
When you have the time to indulge in a long lunch, go all out and head to the newly opened Roka, which recently opened for lunch. Running from Sunday to Saturday, the à la carte lunch menu includes Roka’s signature dishes with Japanese-inspired dishes. Want our verdict on the food? Read our review (spoiler: it’s outstanding and one of the top things to do in Riyadh).
Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-4pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm, Thu 12.30pm-4pm, 6.30pm-midnight, Fri 12.30pm-midnight. Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Road, rokarestaurant.com (920 012 327).
View falcon-inspired artwork by Mawhub Art Gallery
While the Saudi International Falcon and Hunting Exhibition celebrates the best of falconry, with hunting and camping equipment, there’s also a chance to see the artwork of the beautiful birds. Mawhub Art Gallery is participating at the festival with exhibitions of bird art by artists including Aniqa Shah, Baber Ahmed and Fatima Zia.
To 10 Oct. Saudi Falcons Club, Malham, sfhe.org.
Watch A-listers in The Last Duel
Watch the all-star cast including Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in The Last Duel. Set in 1386, the film tells the story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France’s history, which took place between King Charles VI and Knight Jean de Carrouges. Affleck and Damon have helped pen the script, while Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator) is behind the epic drama.
Various locations including VOX Cinemas at Riyadh Front, ksa.voxcinemas.com.
Work on yourself at Al Mashtal Creative Space
If you want to get in touch with your creative side, but are not sure where to start, head to Al Mashtal Creative Space. The space has everything from photography to music studios. This month sees the launch of Flourish, its programme, which includes meditation sessions, storytelling evenings, role play classes and more. One of the top things to do in Riyadh this week.
From SAR420. Oct 10-11, 17-18. 8982 P St, Diplomatic Quarters https://almashtal.spaces.nexudus.com/events (055 444 7499).
