< Previous20 SPRING 2025 TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM in 2019 by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Royal Highness King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, it’s one of Saudi’s most ambitious projects, designed to tame the heat by turning the desert green. An initiative aimed at transforming the capital into a cooler and more liveable city (one of the top 100 most liveable cities in the world, to be exact), it will see a whopping 7.5 million trees planted across Riyadh by 2030 by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), with a goal to reduce the average temperature by 2°C across the city and, in areas with heavy tree coverage, lower temperatures in some parts by up to 15°C. Using recycled water from a new irrigation network, the trees will be planted in parks, gardens, streets, schools, mosques and healthcare facilities, increasing the city’s green space per capita from 1.7 to 28 square miles and boosting overall green coverage from 1.5 per cent to nine per cent. Riyadh will also be home to four new parks as part of the Green Riyadh project, including one of the largest in the city, Al Urubah Park. Currently under construction near Laysen Valley, which is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, when complete it will cover an impressive 754,000 square metres. What’s more, with a panoramic path three kilometres long and 12 metres high, you’ll be able to gaze upon some of the city’s most famous landmarks as you stroll, while there will also be a 14km-long trail dedicated to walking, jogging and recreation. Green Riyadh’s three other parks, which together will span an area of 550,000 square metres, are also underway, located TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM SPRING 2025 21 in the neighbourhoods of Al Munsiyah, Al Rimmal and Al Qadisiyah in the eastern part of the capital. Designed to complement the natural landscape of Wadi Sulai and connect with the Sports Boulevard through green pedestrian streets and corridors, experts will be planting more than 585,000 trees and shrubs throughout, which will cover around 65 percent of the parks’ area. In total, we can expect another 18km of walking trails, 8km of running tracks, 8.5km of cycling paths and 22 children’s play areas that will also serve as educational spaces. Expect plenty of future concerts and events to be held in the grounds, too. Watch this space. Currently over 72 native tree species are being carefully selected for their resilience to extreme heat and wind and, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, it’s “one of the most ambitious urban forestation projects in the world.” If all goes to plan, by the end of the decade there will be almost one tree for every person living in the city. It’s also hoped that as a result the amount of dust in the air will be reduced and make the city more resilient to flooding. A win-win. Qiddiya Riyadh is set to become home to the world’s largest entertainment city with Qiddiya, a multibillion-dollar project that will be three times the size of Walt Disney World in Florida. Designed by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) with the help of the Bjarke Ingels Group, the development is set to offer over 400 facilities including theme parks, water parks, sports complexes and cultural attractions alongside nature and adventure activities, shopping, dining and entertainment options like theatres, cinemas and even motorsports. In line with Vision 2030, Qiddiya will also have a strong focus on sustainability and cultural appreciation. Set against the dramatic Tuwaiq Mountains, it will incorporate eco-friendly practises and sustainable building methods to ensure it respects the natural landscape. The developers aim to also achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, with initiatives such as recycling wastewater, repurposing organic waste as fertiliser, sustainable transport and providing electric vehicle charging stations at parking lots. Abdullah Nasser Al-Dawood, the managing director of QIC, said the city will be a “powerful advocate and driver of the national aspirations set out in Saudi Vision 2030, actively supporting global initiatives including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” House Urban Eco Resort If you’ve been searching for a contemporary property with an eco-friendly twist then your dreams could soon become reality. Global hotel operator Kerten Hospitality, in partnership with RIKAZ and RAFAL, and with the support of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, is launching a pioneering new urban eco resort in the capital, The House Urban Eco Resort Riyadh. Aiming to bring eco-friendly, sustainable and luxe residences and hotels into the heart of the city – it will be a destination designed to offer a slice of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle, with a firm focus on wellness, greenery and work-life balance. Guests and residents will be able to unwind with modern spa treatments or therapeutic therapies, all within lush green spaces, complete with plenty of outdoor and indoor spaces for both work and play. There will be dining and event venues that’ll host everything from intimate gatherings to local chef showcases, all while staying true to its green living ethos. We’re in. What sets this project apart is its location. Instead of being tucked away in a remote area, the resort brings a vision of sustainable urban living right to the city. Khalid Algahtani, chairman and CEO of RIKAZ, sums it up: “At RIKAZ, we firmly believe in the power of strategic partnerships. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with RIKAZ’s expansion strategy by fostering partnerships with highly respected institutions like Kerten Hospitality and Rafal. Hello, garden city. Hello, green living. Green Riyadh Garden cityArchiCool drinks TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM SPRING 2025 23 Beat the heat Beat the heat No matter your tipple of choice, we’ve found the perfect cold drinks to chill out your taste buds. By Naomi Chadderton N ow that summer is on the way, we can definitely feel the heat in the capital. And let’s be honest, it’s leaving us feeling pretty parched. As we start to plan our free time around where has the best air conditioning, it’s definitely time to start sipping on some nice cool beverages, and thankfully there’s no shortage of superb cafés in Riyadh serving up some stunning innovative concoctions. They also happen to look stunning on our Instagram feeds. From iced matcha and ice cream floats to viral cracked coffees, here’s a handy list full of every iteration of delicious cold drinks served throughout the city that will perk you up and cool you down. Ube milkshake at Mat Cookies Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed that violet-coloured desserts are all the rage right now, with purple ice cream, brownies and macarons making it out of the group chat. What you might not know is that that gorgeous hue is down to one ingredient: ube. Pronounced ooh-beh, it is a purple yam which comes straight from the Philippines. And while they share similarities with purple sweet potatoes, there are some noticeable differences – namely that ube is generally sweeter and nuttier with a thicker, bark-like skin, and often draws comparisons to vanilla, pistachio and chestnut. It’s no surprise then that ube has found a particularly sweet spot in ice cream and other cold delights. The best bit? The vibrant hue is all natural too. For our pick of the bunch, you can find a delicious ube milkshake at Mat Cookies which, hailing from Al Khobar, is not only a master at thick and chewy cookies. In fact, this creamy cold drink is the perfect accompaniment on a hot day, so be sure to get stuck in. O SAR25. Open Sat-Wed 8.30am-midnight, Thu-Fri 8.30am-1am. Al Olaya, @mat_sa. Passion fruit mojito at SCRMY What is SCRMY? According to the sign on the door, “it is cosy, warm and wild. Your favourite hangout spot, your special come over place, your secret, made up story”. We’re into it. Located in Al Aqiq, this spot features bright décor, colourful art and a fun ice cream cart. With a chic yet functional vibe, SCRMY offers plenty of plugs and open WiFi for working, as well as cosy seating for catching up with friends. Don’t miss their standout cold drinks, and the one we find the most scrmy is the passion fruit mojito. With the tangy sweetness of ripe passion fruit and the classic minty flavour of a mojito this is the perfect drink for summer. O SAR22. Open Sat-Wed 7am-midnight, Thu-Fri 7am- 1am. Al Aqiq, @scrmy.sa. Thai tea at Whoa Tea A tea shop that originated in China, and now has a home on Tahlia Street, this favourite one-stop shop offers a vibrant array of Asian beverages and desserts. And while we can’t get enough of its delicious mochi, it’s the authentic Thai tea that wins us over. This refreshing cold drink is traditionally made from strong black tea, milk and sugar, however, Thai sellers eventually began to modify the recipe to appeal to different palates. Fun fact: when making their own Thai tea, street vendors in Thailand place the tea blend in a pot lined with pantyhose, which act as a filter. Thankfully baristas at Whoa Tea take a more modern approach, combining the original ingredients with plenty of ice and chewy tapioca pearls for an inventive twist on a cultural favourite. Trust us, it works. Order one and we guarantee you’ll be back for round two (and three). O SAR24. Open daily 10am-3am. As Sulimaniyah, @whoa_tea. Ice cream latte at Convoy Café While you’re probably a regular at Convoy Café for its viral kunafah white chocolate bars (no judgement here), why not take it up a notch and indulge in one of its moorish ice cream lattes? Part pudding, part pick-me-up, this magical mix of rich, roasted brew, sweet, melty ice cream and a special in-house Convoy sauce always hits the spot on hot and sticky Saudi days. We call this one a game-changer, and one that most certainly beats a flat white this time of the year. O SAR21. Open daily 7am-1am. Al Izdihar, @convoy.coffee. Iced crème brûlée latte at Rocky House Bakery Curious about Riyadh’s latest craze? You’ve got to try the iced crème brûlée coffee that’s got everyone buzzing. This trending drink combines your favourite dessert with a caffeine kick, delivering a delicious caramel flavour. The best part? That satisfying crack of the caramelised top. Head over to Rocky House Bakery to indulge in this sweet treat and SCRMY 24 SPRING 2025 TIMEOUTRIYADH.COMCool drinksCool drinks enjoy the delightful experience of cracking and sipping your way to coffee bliss. Don’t miss out. O SAR24. Open daily 6am-midnight. Al Aqiq, @therockyhouse. Iced Kultúra latte at Kultúra Kultúra, tucked away in Al Ghadir, is quickly becoming one of Riyadh’s go-to spots for anyone craving a unique coffee experience. The sleek, industrial-chic design (think exposed ceiling pipes painted in soft hues of beige and brown) sets the perfect backdrop for sipping on its impressive range of drinks. And the signature iced kultúra latte is a true highlight. We’re certain you will have seen it all over Instagram – influencers love its viral cloud effect, with the creamy, dreamy drink combining ice, milk, coffee and a touch of chocolate, all topped with a fluffy dollop of sweet cream that practically melts in your mouth. It also comes in a delightful matcha flavour, if you’re that way inclined. O SAR26. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Ghadir, @kultura.sa. Peach iced tea at ½ Million Thanks to Pantone, peach was all the rage in 2024, with peach fuzz taking pride of place in both our homes and our wardrobes. Thankfully we can all still get our fix at ½ Million, which serves up a banging peach flavoured iced tea that is perfect for the hotter months. ½ Million, which has branches around Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Jeddah, Sharqiyah and now even in London, is a vibey home- grown brand that has now expanded to not only craft some of the best coffee in the region, but also iced mocktails, sweets and, of course, fruity iced teas. They taste exactly like summer (trust us on this one, you’ve got to try one). O From SAR14. Open 24/7. Various locations, including Al Olaya, @halfmillion_sa. Strawberry cream matcha at So Matcha For Riyadh residents, it’s our morning lattes (and not Uber) that get us into work every day. But if you’ve had your fill of Colombian ground and pumpkin spiced concoctions, have you considered switching it up with matcha? These pretty green drinks have surged in popularity as of late thanks to their unique earthy flavour that offers a refreshing alternative to a traditional coffee. But beyond the taste, there are health benefits ½ Million Rocky House Bakery26 SPRING 2025 TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM Cool drinks DripCool drinks TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM SPRING 2025 27 with every sip. You’ll find our most adored matcha drink at So Matcha (go figure) which, founded by social media star Yara Alnamlah, is an Insta- worthy hangout famous for its tasty whisks of everyone’s favourite powdered green tea. Not only is it super pretty with its two-tone green and pink layers, it comes topped with blended strawberry sweet cream that tastes absolutely delicious. Be sure to snap a selfie under the “I love you so matcha” neon light before you leave... because why not? It’s fun. O SAR24. Open daily 6am-3am. Various locations including Al Olaya, @somatcha.me. Mojito at Archi There’s nothing quite like a refreshing mocktail to help us cool down in the heat, and you’ll find a whole host of punchy options at homegrown café Archi. Hailing from Khobar, it first opened its doors in 2020 and now boasts 12 branches throughout Saudi Arabia, and thankfully a few right here in Riyadh. Blending various different flavours, including blueberry, strawberry and lemonade with fresh limes, mint leaves, sugar and club soda, its fruity mojitos make for the perfect hot weather drinks. Prepare to feel refreshed. O SAR 24. Open daily 6am-2am. Various locations including Hittin, @archi.saudi. Cracked at Drip Okay, you must be familiar with this one. It’s been... everywhere. You’ve no doubt seen heaps of TikTok influencers making their own cracked lattes at home. Going viral is an understatement. An iced coffee surrounded by a hard chocolate shell, this drink literally cracks as you squeeze the plastic cup it’s in. There’s no denying it tastes delicious, and it’s so satisfying to hear the *crack* of the shell (IYKYK). That said, a DIY version sounds like a lot of effort, so if you’re after a barista to do the hard work for you, head down to Drip. A luxurious space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, cosy lighting and stylish modern furnishings that are ideal to sink into with friends, this Al Olaya-based café makes the drink to perfection. So how does it work? First tempered chocolate coats the coffee cup, then the iced mocha is poured into the cup and topped with chocolate flakes. The perfect combo for that satisfying crack. It’s one of those you must see (and taste) to believe. It’s absolutely banging. O SAR24. Open daily 7am-3am. Al Olaya, @dripcoffeesa. So Matcha “For Riyadh residents, it’s our morning lattes (and not Uber) that get us into work every day”From fabulous fireworks to dining hotspots, here’s your guide to making the festive season extra special. By Lamis Farhat Eid Al AdhaEid Al Adha TIMEOUTRIYADH.COM SPRING 2025 29 I n Riyadh for Eid Al Adha? It will be here before we know it, expected the end of the first week of June. We have all the insider tips to help you celebrate in style. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city during the festive season, Riyadh will be buzzing with endless celebrations, events, shopping and, of course, epic feasts. Looking for the best spots to indulge in delicious kabsa or a Lebanese meal? Want to dine with the family at a trendy European hotspot? In search of the perfect Eid look, fabulous fireworks or a cosy place to soak in the festive vibes? We’ve got the scoop on it all. Where to shop Almajed for Oud Known for its stunning range of high-quality oud and fragrances, Almajed for Oud is a treasure trove for unique gifts. From luxurious oud oils to beautifully crafted incense, you’ll find something that captures the spirit of the season. Their elegant gift sets are perfect for friends and family, making gifting feel extra thoughtful. O Open Sat-Thu 9.30am-11pm, Fri 2.30pm-11pm. Various locations, @almajed4oud. Anamill Let’s hear it for stylish coffee cups, chic serving plates and hosting essentials. At Anamill you’ll find thoughtful gifts that will actually get used. With modern takes on the traditional dallah and fenjan, loved ones will be serving tea and coffee with flair. Plus, find unique bowls for dates and nuts, featuring elegant designs that add a touch of sophistication. But don’t stop at the kitchen. There are gifts for every room. O Online, @anamill.wi. Bateel Eid is the perfect occasion to connect with loved ones, and sharing dates is a time- honored tradition. Bateel offers a huge variety of premium dates, sourced for quality and flavour. Opt for Segai dates with pistachio, organic options or Eid gift boxes. If you want something extra special, there are customisable gift boxes too. O Open daily 9am-2am, Various locations, @bateelgourmet. Eastway Market This multi-brand retailer, located next to Kingdom Tower, offers everything from clothing and jewellery to art pieces, including sculptures and ceramic trays. Next >