Ready for the new week, Riyadh? Great, we have exciting new plans for you too. Be it new Riyadh Season plays, or Fashion Future strutting into town, we have you covered for things to do in Riyadh this week.
Attend Saudi’s first music conference XP
The organisers at MDLBeast Soundstorm announced the first musical conference in the region. While the word conference sounds like work, you may well be booging your way through this one. Coming to Riyadh, MDLBeast’s XP features workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses and the chance to network (okay, mingle) with music industry professionals.
Book tickets in advance. December 13-15. Jax, Diriyah. mdlbeast.com
Cheer on football players at the Maradona Cup
The match will be played between FC Barcelona and Boca Juniors in remembrance of one of the greatest football players Diego Maradona. Watch as the two former clubs of the superstar footballer, Maradona, compete during the special event.
Book tickets in advance. December 14. Mrsool Park, tickets.riyadhseason.sa
Enjoy live entertainment at Billionaire Riyadh
Billionaire Riyadh is one of the first venues in Riyadh to offer a fine dining experience paired with entertainment. To kickstart the line-up of events, Billionaire Riyadh collaborated with MDLBeast, for a sold-out event with global DJ, David Guetta. The event was the start of more entertainment experiences to come from the masters of extravaganza.
Daily 6pm-1am. Open daily. Dabab Street, Sulaimaniya billionairesociety.com (092 001 1916).
Grab a coffee at the newly opened Loud Café
Another week, another new coffee shop, are we right Riyadh? Loud Café opened up during the week and it looks very promising. With its minimalist-inspired futuristic decor, it’s definitely a visit.
Open daily 4pm-midnight. Hittin, instagram.com/loud.sa
Have fun in the desert at the recently opened Riyadh Oasis
Give your winter nights an upgrade and check out this newly opened zone in Riyadh Season. With new concerts, art shows, and fine dining experiences, this zone is set in the desert. So get ready for some outdoors fun and entertainment.
Until February 28. Open daily 3pm-3am.
Head over to the newly opened Lakum Artspace
We love local art, so are thrilled that Riyadh is welcoming a new art gallery. Lakum Art space has finally opened its doors, 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. Enjoy the Ahmed Mater exhibition Prognosis that is currently on at the space right now.
Open daily 10am-10pm. 3685 Al Urubah Branch Road, instagram.com/lakumartspace (920 012 083).
Immerse yourself in art at Diriyah Biennale
Held in the JAX district of Diriyah, which is just outside of Riyadh, the Biennale will showcase works from national and international artists who are all responding to the theme “Feeling the Stones”, and the event hopes to create a dialogue around contemporary art.
Until March 11, Diriyah Biennale, biennialfoundation.org.
Listen to music supsterstars at MDLBeast Soundstorm
The musical extravaganza, MDLBeast Soundstorm, is back. It is, quite simply, the biggest music event in Riyadh, as it is unrivalled when it comes to its sheer scale and impressive line-ups. It’s the Glastonbury of the Middle East, just without the camping and rain. So expect back to back gigs and full-on party vibes at this four-day event, which happens to be slap bang in the middle of the Banban desert.
Tickets start from SAR399. Dec 16-19. mdlbeast.com.
Paint the town (and the canvas) with AlShahla Portable Studio
Looking to pick up a new art form? AlShahla has you covered. They have a portable art studio that hosts painting workshops and activities all over Riyadh. This one, in particular, aims to take inspiration from the works of none other than Picasso. Pick up your paintbrushes, Riyadh and get crafty.
7pm-10pm. December 13. Tanafas, alshahlaastudio.com
Stop by the new Alo Yoga store at Kingdom Centre
Yoga is proven to release stress and calm you down, and to do it properly it helped if you have the proper equipment for it. The store offers high-quality athletic wear like yoga pants, biker shorts, and sweatshirts. And if you’re into skincare, they also have amazing essential oils and moisturisers.
Open daily 9.30am-10.30pm. Kingdom Centre, aloyoga.com.
Visit the glamourous Fashion Futures events
Unlike events of old where you had to prove your fashion creds to get an invite, whether you’re engaging with the series of talks and workshops at the two-day Fashion Futures Live Summit – either in person at the Cultural Palace or virtually – or sashaying along to any one of the “fashion moments”, as Cakmak is dubbing them, everyone’s invited.
December 11-18, Saudi 100 Brands Exhibition. December 11-12, Riyadh Swap Shop. fashionfutures.live.
Watch the new Riyadh Season play The Wish
Ever watched the movie, Matilda by Roald Dahl? Well, Riyadh Season will be bringing it to life on stage. The story is about a young girl who adores reading and is born into a family who hates it. It’s a hilarious movie and we’re sure the musical play will be just as if not funnier.
Until December 15. 5.30pm-7pm. Bakr Al Sheddi Theater – The Boulevard, tickets.riyadhseason.sa
