Fill up your calendar with musicals, gaming challenges and new eateries
It’s gonna be May A new month is here, and that means the pages of your calendar are waiting to be filled with the newest and best things to do in Riyadh in May There’s never a dull moment in the Saudi capital so if you’re looking for great ways to spend the next 31 days, you have over 20 awesome picks to choose from. From new restaurants to all round caffeine fun at the top cafés to Shrek-tacular plays, here are the best things to do in Riyadh in May
Wednesday May 3
Sing along at Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical is bringing the tunes to Riyadh for the first time ever until Saturday May 13. Grab your tickets starting from SAR150 for regular entry and SAR500 for VIP seats. Your friendly neighbourhood ogre is taking to the stage at The Arena Riyadh Venue alongside his best friend Donkey Ready to see a gingerbread try to run, run as fast as he can?
From SAR150 (general). Sun May 1-Sat May 13. Mon-Sat The Arena Riyadh Venue, Gharnatah, shrekthemusicalinriyadh.com
Thursday May 4
Fresh Italian faves at Monopoly
Up for Italian eats for things to do in Riyadh in May? Who isn’t? Monopoly has opened a new branch in King Abdullah Financial District following the original in the Diplomatic Quarter The eatery is game to whip up pizzas for hungry diners. Keep things classic with pepperoni or go for the signature Monopoly pizza with truffle.
King Abdullah Financial District, Al Aqiq, @monopolysaudi / monopoly.restaurant.com
Wednesday May 3
Check out Baco’s new menu items
Baco has just added some new items to its fusion Latin American-Asian menu, including crispy prawn Japanese salad, Japanese tots, chorizo tacos, and a cinnamon tres leches cake for dessert
Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu noon-2am, Fri 1pm-2am, Sat noon-2am. As Sulaimaniyah, @baco.sa.
Friday May 5
Turn up the volume at Desert Sound
Get in on the beats at Desert Sound’s Kevin de Vries and Konstantin Sibold’s performance on Friday May 5 at 7pm for the first time in Saudi. The musical event is perfect for things to do in Riyadh in May. Taking place at the Grand Canyon Resort, tickets are available from SAR350
From SAR350. Grand Canyon Resort, Al Ammariyah, @desertsound.co.
Saturday May 6
Nozomi Brunch
Guess what Nozomi‘s brunch menu is back The newly opened Japanese eatery is now welcoming you for that all-time favourite meal of the day for SAR375 on Saturday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm with menu items including edamame, robata beef, black cod and a cheesecake
From SAR375. 12.30pm-4.30pm. Olaya,
Sunday May 7
Sample cheesy, smoky shawarma at 9mile
Are you always up for shawarma? It’s a rhetorical question If that’s the case, then you might want to check out 9mile. The ‘smokewarm or house of smoke shawarma’spot recently opened in Al Malqa and is a perfect pick if you’re out on the search for some good eats for things to do in Riyadh in May Go for a late-night dinner or snack, and enjoy the outdoor seating. Make sure to save room for the hero sides, including the mac & cheese and smoky, cheesy fries
Open daily 5pm-5am. Al Malqa, @9mile_sa
Monday May 8
Cheer on the GOAT
Is it really a new month if we aren’t cheering on the GOAT? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy watching the fierce game, there’s no denying that the best way to watch any football match is in person. So, why not head to the Tuesday May 8 Al Nassr match to witness the action? Don’t miss a match with the Al Nassr game schedule
Tue May 8. SMU Park, alnassr.com
Tuesday May 9
Browse the Emerging Arts Exhibition at Naila Art Gallery
The free gallery is hosting the Emerging Arts Exhibition so keep your eye out for the next big artist
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri (closed), Sat 2pm-10pm. gallerynaila.com
Wednesday May 10
Browse at Souq Al Zal
Souq Al Zal is a treasure trove of antiques, textiles, incense and much more So, keep your eyes peeled. Located in Dirah, it is the oldest and largest antique marketplace in the city The name translates to ‘carpet market’, so if you’re after home furnishings, you are headed to the right place
Dirah (050 795 7644)
Thursday May 11
Sing a long with the Backstreet Boys at Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Everybody… Backstreet’s back, alright. Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson are making their way to Saudi for one night only as part of their DNA world tour. If you’re a fan, the gig is worth a trip to the Red Sea city to see the popular group live on Thursday May 11The bestselling boy band of all time will be giving all they have to give; we expect performances of some huge ’90s tracks like Everybody, “Shape of My Heart” and “I Want It That Way”. Get ready for all the nostalgia Tickets are available now from SAR199.
From SAR199 Thu May 11. Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, livenation.me
Friday May 12
Via Riyadh is officially opening on Thursday May 11, and the public will be able to explore all of the new restaurants from Friday May 12. With a new hotel, cinema, plenty of luxury shops and a range of eateries, there is lots to explore at the new dining and shopping destination.
Opens Thu May 11. Fri May 12 (restaurants).Via Riyadh, viariyadh.com
Saturday May 13
Bring on the bomboloni from Lena Lu
Make your way to bomboloni bar Lena Lu in Lumiere Mall. Enjoy a range of the filled Italian doughnuts from the Aussie spot. The venue is open on Saturday to Wednesday from 9am to 12.30am and Thu to Friday from 9am to 1.30am. Bite into those bomboloni.
Open Sat-Wed 9am-12.30am, Thu-Fri 9am-1.30am. Lumiere Mall, Hittin, @lenalu.ksa
Sunday May 14
The Art Library exhibitions
If you’re after creative things to do in Riyadh in May, immerse yourself in the world of arts and culture at The Art Library showcasing some of the most prominent works for Arab artists including Manal Al Dowayan and Hassan Sharif. The exhibition is on until Thursday June 15 at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall
Until Thu Jun 15. Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, miskartinstitute.com
Monday May 15
Aim at the Archery Range
Hit the target at the Archery Range for some friendly competitive fun for things to do in Riyadh in May. A great outing for the kids and adults. Enjoy three rounds of fun for SAR99 per person. Make sure to hit in the bullseye
SAR99. Open daily 4pm-10pm. Mohammed, Al Faisaliyah, @archery_range
Tuesday May 16
Saudi International Luxury Week
The largest jewellery exhibition is hitting the town from Tuesday May 19 until Sunday May 19 at Al Faisaliah Hotel. The event will showcase over 120 international fine and high jewellery brands and offer a range of workshops that the public can attend. Bling, bling.
Fri May 16-19. Al Faisaliah Hotel, Olaya, saudiluxuryweek.com
Wednesday May 17
Practise your singing at Dasha
Chinese food and a bit of sing-your-heart-out karaoke? Check, and check. The Esplanade’s new restaurant from Akira Back has both. Add this to your things to do in Riyadh in May calendar and see who can really hit their do-re-mi’s after digging into a menu of American-influenced Chinese dishes at the popular area of the city.
Open daily, 7pm-1am. The Esplanade, @dasha.ksa
Friday May 19
Eat at Huna Takhassusi’s 7Balkans Bistro
Huna Takhassusi is that community space that just keeps on giving. The newest addition to the space is 7Balkans Bistro. From Jeddah, the Time Out Jeddah Restaurant Awards shortlist nominee for Best European Restaurant in Jeddah, is introducing the city to Balkan cuisine through comforting favourites like a Bosnian burger, baked beans and stuffed roasted peppers
Open daily 8am-1am. Panorama Mall, Takhassusi, iamhuna.com
Saturday May 20
Play some games at Dxefuse
Gamers, it’s time to add some friendly yet fiercely competitive activities to your calendar for things to do in Riyadh in May. Dxefuse is a one-stop destination for all the gaming enthusiasts out there. The best part about the venue is that it offers an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. You can start playing for just SAR15 per hour. There are private rooms for SAR400
From SAR15. Open daily 4pm-3am. @dxefuse
Sunday May 21
Get your cake stand at Joud Lounge
The luxurious surroundings of the Al Faisaliah Hotel should provide the perfect backdrop for a special occasion or a relaxing afternoon with friends and family over high tea for SAR178 Joud Lounge especially strives to be one of the most stylish lounges in Riyadh. Be sure to snap plenty of photos as you enjoy scones, finger sandwiches and a range of picture-perfect sweets. Be ready for dry ice.
SAR178. Olaya, @alfaisaliahhotel
Monday May 22
Eat and play at Fury Center
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find something to suit your taste at this top-notch gaming café For SAR15, you can power up and immerse yourself in a world of gaming fun Your turn, player two.
From SAR15. Open daily 4pm-6am Castle Street, Al Rabi, @furycenter
Tuesday May 23
Throw some punches at Core Fitness
Stand up, find the target, take aim and go go go Core Fitness is not playing any games, and neither should you. Get on those boxing gloves and release some steam on the punching bag. You can take a dive in the pool post-punching session or enjoy further relaxation at the spa There are plenty of facilities to explore.
Al Safarat, corelife.fit
Wednesday May 24
Enjoy all the ice cream you can eat at Durma
The weather is warming up, so we’re starting to think of frozen treats For a quick dessert, look no further than the Durma drive-thru branch. Here, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream served up in a unique and eco-friendly pottery cup Try classic flavours like vanilla or Durma’s signature kunafah or baklava
Open daily 5pm-1am @durma.sa
Thursday May 25
Try horseback riding at Riyadh Stables
Riyadh Stables is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in the Saudi capital for horseback riding This venue offers a unique time where you can learn to ride a horse, irrespective of your age or experience level Newbie? No worries. The trainers are well-versed in dealing with little riders and beginners They aim to make sure that everyone has a great time while learning
Open Mon-Thu 9am-noon, 3pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 8am-noon, 3pm-9pm. Closed Sun. Ash Sharq, @riyadhstables
Friday May 26
Dine at Meez
From the sweet and savoury Saudi masoub to the hearty Egyptian kushari, there should be something for everyone to enjoy at Meez The restaurant recently came to the capital after having a branch in Jeddah With new twists on classic dishes like saleeq, visitors can expect unique MENA mash-ups
Hittin, @meezstreet
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