timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 3 Riyadh Discover the best of the city this month FEATURES AND REGULARS 6 City Life 8 Things to do 36 Winter camping 46 Budget-friendly Riyadh Season 52 Food 56 Sport 58 Family & Kids 60 Shopping 62 Wellbeing 64 Attractions 66 Hype dish Najd Village PAGE 12 Always blooming So long desert, hello Wonder Garden. The fave Riyadh Season zone has made a beautiful return PAGE 18 Turn up the volume The city’s loudest weekend is here. Don’t miss a moment of MDLBEAST Soundstorm PAGE 26 Wonderful winter warmers Comforting dishes and hot drinks are calling. These are the nourishing plates you will want to eat again and again over the next few months – no cooking required TOR_EN032_3_Contents_13430401.indd 3TOR_EN032_3_Contents_13430401.indd 330/11/2024 15:5730/11/2024 15:574 May 2023 timeoutriyadh.com Time Out Riyadh Riyadh Gallery Mall, 1st Floor, Offi ce 21, King Fahd, Riyadh, P. O Box 12262 Tel +966 11 279 5115 www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Managing Editorial Director Rob Corder Chief Content Offi cer Holly Sands Riyadh Offi ce Executive Director Majed Telmesani Time Out Riyadh Editorial Head of Content McKenna Grant email: mckenna.grant@itp.com Editor in Chief (English) Heather Cichowski email: heather.cichowski@itp.com Editor (Arabic) Lamis Farhat email: lamis.farhat@itp.com Senior Writer (Arabic) Marie Hosry email: marie.hosry@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño email: jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad email: rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Social Media Executives Dara Albosaili, Jodie Alsasi, Razan Baradan Contributors Louise Charlesworth Events & Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton email: events@itp.com Art Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Contributing Designer Richa Khonde Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Videographer Mohamed Labidi Production Production Manager Anand Sundaram email: anand.sundaram@itp.com Distribution & Circulation Head of Distribution and Newstrade Abdulrahim Alparambil email: abdulrahim.a@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai email: rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Officer Sally Whittam email: sally.whittam@itp.com General Manager - Sales Elie Kassis email: elie.kassis@itp.com Advertising Director Niall Meegan email: niall.meegan@itp.com Senior Sales Manager Rayan Omran email: rayan.omran@itp.com Commercial Manager Tareq Abdel Wahhab email: tareq.abdelwahhab@itp.com Advertising Manager Abdulrahman Khider email: abdulrahman.khider@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia email: janet.comia@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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JOIN THE CONVERSATION @timeout_riyadh @timeoutriyadhar facebook.com/ timeoutriyadh @ timeoutriyadh @ timeoutriyadhar @timeoutriyadh @timeoutriyadhar A sure sign winter is here? Your cravings. For many of us it’s out with sushi and iced matcha (don’t worry, they’ll be back). ’Tis the season for comfort food – the good stuff that gives you cosy, homely feels. Stews, soups, Saudi’s traditional dishes (with extra spicy sauce, please), we’re all about nourishing bowls that are the right side of stodgy. The best news? There’s no need to head to the kitchen because we have the city’s best savoury and sweet options – and where to find them – in this issue. Craving outdoor adventures too? If you already have your tent packed for the weekend, flip to our camping guide on page 36. Now is the time to take in the beauty of the great outdoors after all. Sprinkle in the best of Riyadh Season and you’ve got yourself a full plate of fun. Whoever said winter is for hibernating clearly hasn’t experienced Riyadh. It’s safe to say we’re craving it all. Hello, Riyadh (ﻢﻜﻟ رﺎﻴﺨﻟاو ،ينﺘﻐﻠﻟﺎﺑ توأ ﻢﻳﺎﺗ ﺮﻓﻮﺘﺗ ؟ﺔﻴﺑﺮﻌﻟا ﺔﻐﻠﻟﺎﺑ ةءاﺮﻘﻟا نﻮﻠﻀﻔﺗ ﻞﻫ*) Published by ITP MEDIA SAUDI LTD © 2024 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK.Who’s ready for a memorable lunch? SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is now open from 12.30pm every day of the week. What’s more, the glamorous Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian restaurant has launched its new Hayai Lunch. There’s no need to wait until dinner to experience the inventive combination of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours at this glitzy KAFD destination. You can enjoy the Hayai Lunch menu from Sunday to Thursday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. It’s a perfect option Don't miss the new lunch at SUSHISAMBA for a midday break or business meeting. Pick from a two-course menu for SAR170 per person or SAR195 for three courses. You’ll be able to enjoy all the signature flavours of SUSHISAMBA with a starter platter that includes wagyu gyoza, shrimp tempura and green bean tempura, followed by a choice of mains like beef anticucho or chicken a la brasa, and desserts such as mochi or sata andagi (aka Japanese doughnuts). Best of all, no matter what deal you pick you’ll be able to dine for under SAR200 per person. The set lunch menu is the perfect way to sample SUSHISAMBA’s vibrant flavours. Do you have an event? You can also book the plush private dining room, located on the mezzanine floor, for events or private business meetings. You might just find yourself staying for supper too. Lunch or dinner, it’s always the right time to have SUSHISAMBA. So, make your reservation today at the hotspot. O Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 12.30pm- 1am, KAFD, sushisamba.com. Partner Feature Feast on the new Hayai Lunch menu at the KAFD restaurant 6 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com A MAJOR RIYADH monorail project has been given the go-ahead, with a view to improving connectivity in the capital. A 3.6-kilometre monorail will be integrated with the Riyadh Metro to offer more seamless transportation around King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), which spans 1.6 million square metres. The KAFD monorail will consist of six driverless trains travelling along a circular track with six stations intended to connect key areas within the district. The exact launch date is yet to be confirmed. The landmark project will be brought to life by King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), CRRC Hong Kong, CRRC Nanjing Landmark Riyadh monorail project inked Puzhen and Hassan Allam Construction Saudi. Chief operations officer of KAFD DMC Stephen Thomas said: “With this project, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for KAFD’s residents and visitors, but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of Riyadh. The monorail is a symbol of progress, seamlessly connecting the district while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” Expected to carry up to 3,500 passengers per hour during peak times, the new monorail is part of KAFD’s vision of being ‘a 10-minute city’. You’ll enjoy easy access to various residences and apartments, offices, facilities, and restaurants, all just a short stroll away. KAFD is the city’s financial district and the area is famous for its futuristic architecture and cutting-edge technology. It is home to offices, residential and retail developments alongside hospitality and entertainment amenities. The area is already known for its transport. The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station is already an iconic part of the city’s skyline. O KAFD, kafd.sa. “The monorail is a symbol of progress” City Life TOR_EN032_6_7_City Life_13430405.indd 6TOR_EN032_6_7_City Life_13430405.indd 630/11/2024 15:5830/11/2024 15:58timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 7 YOU CAN NOW book direct flights from Riyadh to Hong Kong thanks to a new thrice-weekly passenger service from Cathay Pacific. The non-stop flights will be operated via the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, featuring business, premium economy and economy cabins. Flights will take just under eight hours, departing Riyadh on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.35pm and landing in Hong Kong at 12.30pm the following day. Return flights will depart Hong Kong on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4.25pm and arrive in Riyadh at 9.35pm the same day. At a ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight, Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said: “This is truly an exciting occasion for all of us at Cathay Pacific. We are committed to making our home city a leading international aviation hub that connects people to the most amazing cities around the globe. Riyadh, as the capital and financial centre of Saudi Arabia, is a fantastic addition to our network. “We can’t wait to see how our new flights will spark more trade and cultural exchanges between our two vibrant cities, and indeed the rest of the Middle East.” O cathaypacific.com. A NEW HILTON hotel has opened in Al Olaya, bringing with it several new restaurants, a spa and multiple amenities for both business and leisure guests. Located on King Fahd Road, Hilton Riyadh Olaya features 239 guest rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites and residential apartments. Its design is inspired by the world of publishing, with features that incorporate quills, pens, texts and calligraphy. The hotel is home to Riyadh’s first eforea Spa & Health Club, which combines traditional and innovative treatments in bespoke spa journeys. For example, the Essentials Journey New Hilton has arrived Fly direct to Hong Kong from Riyadh includes a range of facials and massages, while the Escape Journey features luxurious hamman experiences. Other facilities include an Executive Club Lounge with panoramic views of the city, a 24-hour business centre and digital key system, available using the Hilton Honors app. Hilton Riyadh Olaya also brings with it new restaurants. Described as a rustic Greek brasserie, Parea offers a menu of Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on the use of sustainable ingredients. Meanwhile, Regale Bistro & Bar on the lobby level is a great meeting spot by day that transforms into a jazz lounge come evening, with mocktails prepared tableside as part of a daily ‘sunset ceremony’. Close to Kingdom Tower, the hotel is situated just 18 minutes from the King Abdullah Financial District and 25 minutes from the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre. It’s staycation time. O King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, hilton.com. TOR_EN032_6_7_City Life_13430405.indd 7TOR_EN032_6_7_City Life_13430405.indd 730/11/2024 15:5830/11/2024 15:588 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Things to do Dancing shoes on MDLBEAST Soundstorm descends on the city this month, turning the volume up to the max on all things music and nightlife. Witness epic live performances from Eminem, Muse and Thirty Seconds to Mars as you dance under the stars in Banban. Don’t miss gigs from Saudi superstar DJs including Anmarz, Baloo and Dorar. For all the details on this mega festival, turn to page 18. O Thu Dec 12-Sat Dec 14. 7pm-4am, Banban, nofomo.com. TOR_EN032_8_10_TTD_13430399.indd 8TOR_EN032_8_10_TTD_13430399.indd 802/12/2024 13:4802/12/2024 13:48timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 9 Hot new restaurants TRY GREEK FLAVOURS at Olaya’s newest eatery Parea Greek Brasserie at the recently opened Hilton Riyadh Olaya is a great new spot for fans of Mediterranean cuisine. Expect authentic dishes paired with specially crafted condiments, like the Greek organic extra virgin olive oil. O Open Mon-Thu 6.30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 6.30am-1am, Sun 6.30am- midnight. Hilton Riyadh Olaya, Al Olaya, hilton.com (011 272 8800). HEAD TO SPONTINI for real Milanese pizza Craving a thick, cheesy slice of pizza? Spontini is bringing classic pizza from Milan to Riyadh. Enjoy slices oozing with cheese and tomato sauce, made from Italian ingredients and a recipe that’s stayed the same since the ’50s. O Open Sat-Thu 12.30pm-midnight, Fri 2pm-midnight. ROSHN Front, @spontini.saudi. PAGE TURNER Calling all bookworms Step into a serene atmosphere and meet book-lovers just like you at Salwa Bookstore. An irresistible fluffy cat will greet you on entry, but don’t get too distracted as there’s lots here to browse. You can exchange books at the stand outside or find new and used books inside. O Open daily 9am-11pm. King Salman Neighbourhood. Let’s get artsy Don’t miss the chance to explore contemporary Chinese art for the first time in Saudi at the Writings of Today are a Promise for Tomorrow exhibition at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA). This new Riyadh show brings together 31 artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, showcasing over 50 artworks that reflect the evolving Chinese society. Yet another reason to while away a day at SAMoCA. O SAR25. Open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm. Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, JAX District, webook.com. Winter wonders Looking for those festive feels? Explore one of Diriyah’s oldest historical districts at its most captivating under a canopy of beautiful lights. At Al Samhania, you can see amazing art, enjoy a cuppa or have a meal at one of the cafés and restaurants after a stroll. O Al Samhania, Diriyah. TOR_EN032_8_10_TTD_13430399.indd 9TOR_EN032_8_10_TTD_13430399.indd 902/12/2024 13:4802/12/2024 13:48Next >