As December gets underway, get out your calendar and add these events to your list. Whether you’re after cool spots at Riyadh Season or want to check out the newest art gallery, here are our the top things to do in Riyadh.
Battle it out at at Riyadh Season’s Combat Field
Here you’ll feel like you’re in your very own video game, as you can test out your skills on the field. Ride around in an actual war tank, shoot bow and arrows, or swing (and make) some swords. Game on.
riyadhseason.sa.
Celebrate the tennis superstar Fred Perry
Check out the Fred Perry pop-up store and you’ll be met with the famous T-shirt that started it all. Learn about the British tennis superstar, watch movie screenings and local musicians.
Open Sat-Thu 9.30am-11pm. Fri 4.30pm-11pm. Until March 2022. 8338 Olaya St, Al Olaya, instagram.com/fredperry.me.
Check out the new Lakum Art Gallery
We love local art, so are thrilled that Riyadh is welcoming a new art gallery. Lakum Art space will be opening in December and promises to be an exhibition space, multi-purpose library, a small coffee shop and a store with art supplies, limited edition books and prints.
3685 Al Urubah Branch Road, instagram.com/lakumartspace (920 012 083).
Fly away on a micro-flight in Thumamah
Flying outside of the country can sometimes be tough, but flying inside is a breeze. Take your pick from different flying experiences, from parachuting to a gyrocopter, and get a bird’s-eye view of the desert below. This one is definitely one for the bucket list.
From SAR250. Daily from 4pm. instagram.com/saudidzen (059 307 4731).
Join the Winter at Tantora festival
While this isn’t in Riyadh, this jam-packed festival has FOMO-inducing events and should definitely be on your radar. Enjoy musical concerts under the stars, a horse fashion event and flying experiences that show off the beauty of AlUla. The festival shows off one of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is worth the trip (albeit temporarily) out of the capital.
From December 21. AlUla, experiencealula.com.
Mosh it out to Immortal Pain at Syrup Lounge
Get ready to mosh out, as home-grown Saudi rockers Immortal Pain perform in Riyadh. The Jeddah-based group started out back in 2005, and they haven’t stopped jamming since. We are pleased that they’ve taken the time to come to the capital, and strum those guitars for us. Rock on.
From SAR120. December 10, 8pm-10pm. An Narjis, Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Road, syrup.sa (011 228 8006).
Picnic At Nofa Riyadh
This picnic package is worth the 45-minute drive outside the city. You’ll be wowed by the beauty of the desert, as well as the jungle chic interiors of the hotel Nofa Riyadh. All that’s left is to settle into the picture-perfect spot, where you can relax and tuck into your picnic. Make time for the resort’s wildlife park, where you can see elephants, zebras and giraffes.
Available Thu-Fri. SAR450 per person. Riyadh Makkah Highway, Exit 857, radissonhotels.com (011 521 2300).
Sing your heart out at karaoke
Every month, Al Mashtal Creative Space hosts karaoke nights and welcome all levels of performers. Since this is a popular place for musicians to hang out, expect a talented crowd. Look out for themed nights – this one is an 80s Arab night, so expect Saudi classics. If you want to get some practice in beforehand, book yourself a spot at the music studio – The Creative Labs.
Check for prices. 8pm-10pm. December 16. 8982 P Street, Diplomatic Quarter, almashtal.spaces.nexudus.com (055 444 7499).
Write your own story
Learn the art of writing a novel with Ithra. The eight-day course will teach you the specifics of being an author. You’ll hear from critics, novelists and publishers.
SAR3,500. December 18-25. 8386 Ring Road, Gharb Al Dhahran, Az Zahran 34461, ithra.com (800 122 1224).
