< Previous60 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Art and Talent Party Centre I t’s that time of year where there are simply not enough days in the month, let alone the week. Our calendars are full, the group chats are pinging. It’s party season, with the biggest party of all coming up on Tuesday December 31 as we prepare to bid farewell to 2024 and say ‘marhaba’ to 2025. Whether you’re hosting a gathering at home, organising a party at a venue or a lucky guest at someone else’s bash, you’ll need some essential party supplies. From fun selfie props and glittery hats to giant balloon arches and table set-ups, we’ve found the best stores to make your party-planning go smoothly. We’ve not forgotten your all-important attire either, with recommendations for costumes and fancy dress shops. Just make sure you check the dress code first. AMAZON Where would we be without Amazon and all its excellent last-minute party supplies? Browse the festive lighting and hanging decorations and don’t forget to drop a few gifts in your basket for your guests. O amazon.sa. ART AND TALENT If you want to really impress your guests, kit out your party with a trip to Art and Talent. You can hire chairs and tables in all sorts of themes and even go all out with a mini carou- sel and a candy bar. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm. Ar Rabi, artandtalent.com. NOON For some great value party props, noon is worth a visit. There are glow in the dark balloons, paper flowers, party crowns and complete party supply kits in all sorts of themes, including items specifically for the festive season. O noon.com. PARTY CENTRE Known for its huge party supplies offering, this is one of the best picks in the Saudi capital for festive decorations to make it a season to remember. From themed cups and balloons Shopping Party props From balloons to confetti cannons, it’s time to go big on your next celebration to silly glasses and celebratory hats, there’s everything you need to add bucket loads of festive cheer to any gathering. Visit the Blue- path store or make it easy and order online. If it’s your first order, you can even get a 10 percent discount online if you subscribe. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm. Khurais Road Exit 26, Al Manar, partycentre.sa (011 236 9992). PARTY YARD Whatever type of party you are organising, you’ll be able to find a theme and all the decorations you need for it at Party Yard. Baby showers and birthday parties are big business here, with an entire balloon bar to select from. There’s plenty for the festive period too especially if you’re looking to jazz up a New Year’s Eve bash, with banners and bunting TOR_EN032_60_61_Shopping Leader_13430406.indd 60TOR_EN032_60_61_Shopping Leader_13430406.indd 6030/11/2024 16:1830/11/2024 16:18timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 61 through to straws and sparkly toothpicks. It’ll be a bash to remember. O Open daily 1pm-midnight. Al Malqa, @partyyardsa (055 506 3815). POTTERY BARN Planning to host a party at home? You’ll want to ensure your décor is perfectly themed for the holidays, so plan a trip to Pottery Barn. From beautiful ornaments and trees to festive cushions and throws plus the most stunning tableware, you’ll end up with new designs you’ll want to use all year round. We’ve got our eyes on the gingerbread stoneware. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri 1.30pm-11pm, Granada Centre, Eastern Ring Branch Road (011 510 2347), Open daily 9.30am-11pm, Sahara Mall, King Abdulaziz Road Exit 5, potterybarn.com.sa (011 452 0280). SHO PARTY Make party prep easy with a visit to Sho Party, an absolute treasure trove for party planners. Pick up essentials like invitations, paper plates and napkins, plus a heap of fun stuff from silly string and glow sticks to photo booth props and confetti cannons. What New Year’s Eve party is complete without a sudden, very loud sprinkling of shiny stuff? With four loca- tions in the city including Alyasmin, Al Aqiq, Al Rabi and Al Mohammadiyyah, get everything from your table layout to décor sorted here. If you’re into fancy dress (and we know you are), you might even pick up an outfit too. Prep a shopping list and get ready to tick everything off of it. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 2pm-11pm. Ar Rabi, @shopartysa. FIND YOUR FANCY DRESS KINGDOM OF COSTUMES If you like to shop online, this is the first online costume shop in Saudi offering regional and international shipping. With a vast variety of fancy dress options to choose from for little ones and adults, you’ll be able to find something for your vibe and budget. Browse wigs, masks and makeup too. O cos2umes.com. THE GOOD SHIP LOLLIPOP This Al Olaya spot is worth a visit if you like to dress up on New Year’s Eve, or on any occasion. There are great ready- made themes for kids’ parties. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 4pm-10pm. Al Olaya, @lollipop_ksa. TOR_EN032_60_61_Shopping Leader_13430406.indd 61TOR_EN032_60_61_Shopping Leader_13430406.indd 6130/11/2024 16:1830/11/2024 16:1862 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Wellbeing Feeling good starts from the inside and while we know that’s all about making sure we get a healthy, balanced diet, sometimes we need an extra boost of goodness. Even more so at this time of year when those pesky winter bugs can tend to get the best of even the most robust of us. The next time you’re out and about, swap that coffee or mocktail for a germ-busting, immunity-boosting beverage. We’re talking juices, smoothies, shakes and shots packed full of heart-healthy vitamins and nutrients, gut-friendly bacteria and hopefully, a whole lot of flavour too. More than your average OJ, these drinks will tickle your tastebuds and put a spring in your step. FEELS This Dubai-born beach-side juice bar has been eagerly adopted by Riyadh-based juice fans and it’s easy to see why. You’re spoilt for choice with vegan milkshakes, protein shakes, smoothies, pressed juices and shots. When it comes to the latter, there are 16 variations to choose from, including the immunity bolt, with fresh turmeric, orange, manuka honey and cinnamon. Swig and feel smug. What to order: It’s got to be the Riyadh Feels, exclusive to the city. Sip on a tropical mix of passion fruit, pineapple, coconut, maple, Greek yoghurt and spirulina – an algae that is a source of everything from protein and iron to all those lovely B vitamins. O SAR34. Open daily 8am-midnight. Hittin, @wearefeels.sa (056 046 2964). GREENS A café designed to perfectly blend good food with feeling good, Greens offers healthy, protein-packed bowls, tasty sandwiches, build- your-own salads, hot main courses and slight- ly-less-naughty versions of your favourite sweet treats too. Grab and go if you’re in a rush, taking a turmeric juice shot – a spicy hit of ginger, carrot, red apple and turmeric – with you. What to order: Tick your daily recommended veggies as you order the cleanse. The juice is packed with kale, lettuce, spinach, parsley, celery, green apple, cucumber, ginger and lemon. The greener the better, right? O SAR20. Multiple locations, incuding Al Nakheel and Al Olaya, @greens.sa. JOE AND THE JUICE This Danish import has more than 350 stores worldwide, so it’s fair to say the concept An apple a day… Nourish your body this winter with these incredible immunity-boosting juices Joe and The Juice Greens TOR_EN032_62_63_Wellness Leader_13412134 copy_13436339.indd 62TOR_EN032_62_63_Wellness Leader_13412134 copy_13436339.indd 6230/11/2024 16:1930/11/2024 16:19timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 63 “These are nutritious juices that taste as good as they look” – it’s open 24/7 so there really is no excuse for not achieving your five-a-day. Fruits include cantaloupe, guava, kiwi, mango, orange and pomegranate. There are various mixed and layered concoctions available. What to order: Keep it as powerful as possible with a pure beet juice. The beautiful red drink is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant as well as rich in nitrates that help increase blood oxygen levels. Now you know. O SAR26 (large). Open 24/7. Prince Mamduh Bin Abdulaziz St, As Sulimaniyah, @abushakerjuice (054 255 9343). TREE HOUSE Want your juice as fresh as possible? Head to this farm-to-table café, which uses organic, sustainable produce picked daily. In partner- ship with SafeFood Farms, Tree House aims to use locally sourced ingredients and support the local community at the same time. That’s something we can get behind. What to order: Carrot apple orange juice does what it says on the tin – nothing but fresh fruit and veg blitzed up right in front of you. You’ll feel better before you’ve even finished it. O SAR21. Open Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 12.30pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight. Ar Rabi, @treehousecafe.sa (055 652 1220). knows a thing or two when it comes to levelling up your juice game. With fun, quirky names like prince of green, stress down and go away doc, these are juices that taste as good as they look (if you haven’t seen the cute pink logo, where have you been?). What to order: The creaminess and fresh- ness of Joe’s green mile (thanks to smooth avocado) is unparalleled. For a real immunity hit, go for the herb tonic, with turmeric, ginger, pineapple, red bell pepper, olive oil, black pepper and apple. O From SAR34. Multiple locations, including Bujairi Terrace and Al Mohammadiyyah, @joeandthejuiceksa. JUICES ABU SHAKER Resembling a market stall jam-packed with delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, Juices Abu Shaker is where to get pure freshly squeezed juices any time you want. Literally SUPER SHOTS CLEANSE&GLOW Stock up on all manner of wellness shots at this online juice specialist, from garlic and wheatgrass to kombucha and goji. There’s also the aptly named flu shot (SAR23), which includes echinacea, believed to stimulate the immune system to fight infection. O cleanseandglow.com (054 488 4992). JUICE PRESS With cold-pressed and hand-crafted drinks, Juice Press products aim to pump the body with as many nutrients as possible. Packed with apple, pineapple, parsley, cucumber, lemon, ginger and blue spirulina, the vitality shot (SAR9) will boost your energy and support heart health and immunity. O juicepress-sa.com (011 244 4044). KAYANEE All your macros are counted at wellness destination Kayanee, so you know exactly what you’re consuming. Try the immunity booster shot (SAR9) made with warming ginger, turmeric, lemon, honey, cayenne pepper and oregano oil. That’ll keep the colds at bay. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 3pm-10pm. Abdullah Alshahmi St, Al Safarat, kayanee.com (092 002 0342). TOR_EN032_62_63_Wellness Leader_13412134 copy_13436339.indd 63TOR_EN032_62_63_Wellness Leader_13412134 copy_13436339.indd 6330/11/2024 16:1930/11/2024 16:1964 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com Boulevard buzz The hottest tickets at Boulevard City, plus all the events coming soon House of Hype Attractions TOR_EN032_64_65_Attractions Leader_13430404.indd 64TOR_EN032_64_65_Attractions Leader_13430404.indd 6402/12/2024 14:1602/12/2024 14:16timeoutriyadh.com December 2024 65 SAVE THE DATES Here are three big ticket events coming soon to Boulevard City: DECEMBER 18, 2024: SNOOKER Watch 12 top players compete over three days at the World Masters Snooker Championship, with a new 20-point Golden Ball in play. O Wed Dec 18, 2024. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. JANUARY 24, 2025: HANS ZIMMER See the musical maestro bring his famous compositions to life at this epic concert. With his legendary film scores including Dune, Gladiator, Inception, The Lion King and more, this is a show expected to rouse every emotion. O Sat Jan 25, 2025. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. FEBRUARY 3, 2025: PADEL The second edition of the Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1 tournament will pit the world’s best players against each other in a week of competition. O Mon Feb 3, 2025. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. O ne of the must-visit zones this Riyadh Season, and one of the few that you can enter without a ticket, Boulevard City has an attraction for everyone. This huge sustainable entertainment hub offers everything from stunning gardens and a dancing fountain to theatres, musical performances, global gaming centres and plenty of places to eat and shop. Top tip – check it all out from above via the famous cable car ride that transports guests from Boulevard City to Boulevard World, then plan your visit. While the cable car is probably in our top 10 must-do experiences across the whole of the Riyadh Season line-up, the buzz at Boulevard City is already building for the various special events it has lined up over the next few months. So, get ready. Quite possibly the most talked-about new attraction is the Harry Potter experience, coming very soon. It’s the first of its kind in the region, and while details are being closely guarded at the time of writing, we’re expecting it to be inspired by the magical Wizarding World theme parks in Japan and Orlando. Until then there’s plenty to keep you amused – and lots of it very good value too. For families, check out the Bluey Dream Land and Detective Conan attractions, and catch your favourite characters in the new Pokémon Go experience. Stay tuned for the Warner Bros. launch, another under-wraps attraction. Rest assured that this will be the biggest ever pop-up retail location for Warner Bros., so tell the kids to start saving that pocket money now. In the meantime, here are more brilliant things to book now at Boulevard City. A LOT LIKE LIFE Fancy being in a horror movie? That’s what this immersive experience feels like, as you enter a city infected with an epidemic that has turned its inhabitants into thirsty zombies. The rush to escape is on. This experience is perfect for brave adventurers. O From SAR50. Open daily 5pm-11.55pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. DOOS KARTING Whether you’re a keen go-karter or have never been on the track, everyone needs to try Doos Karting at least once. The indoor electric karting track is about 350 metres long featuring multi-level spiral ramps, and you can race other drivers as you go round. There’s also arcade games and a lounge with drinks and snacks. Tickets must be booked in advance and three time slots are available: 6pm-9pm, 9pm-11.55pm and 11.55pm-2am. O From SAR140. Open daily 6pm-2am. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S In this all-new version of the escape room- style immersive experience, Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach Chapter 2 is set to terrify and challenge participants on a whole new level. Watch out for the live actors as you work to overcome the different challenges in order to stay alive and escape the mall safely. O From SAR50. Open daily 5pm-11.55pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. HOUSE OF HYPE Discover 50 immersive experiences in one at House of Hype, a family-friendly world that’s as bonkers as it is brilliant. Play games, become a star, shop exclusive products and win prizes as you explore, create and play. Inspired by trending video games, fashion, music and social media, there’s plenty to do so allow for around two hours per visit here. Individual tickets are priced from SAR99, but if you’re bringing the fam, get The Squad Pass, from SAR299 for four people. O From SAR99. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-2am. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. WWE EXPERIENCE Wrestling fans will spend their entire day camped out here. Feel the drama of a live wrestling match, create your own WWE superstar and check out four decades worth of memorabilia, on show for the first time. O From SAR37.50. Open daily 5pm-11pm. Boulevard City, Hittin, webook.com. Doos Karting TOR_EN032_64_65_Attractions Leader_13430404.indd 65TOR_EN032_64_65_Attractions Leader_13430404.indd 6502/12/2024 14:1702/12/2024 14:1766 December 2024 timeoutriyadh.com SAR68 IS THERE A more classic and beloved pairing than strawberries and cream? The combination is as good as peanut butter and jam or chocolate and hazelnut. Fresh strawberries with just-whipped cream is a simple delight, but Flamingo Room by tashas has given it a stylish twist. The Bujairi Terrace restaurant oozes beauty from its colourful décor to its dishes, and the HYPE DISH DISSECTION What goes into the Riyadh plates that everyone bangs on about dessert is certainly no exception. You have to try it at this fusion spot. Fresh strawberries, cream, sugar, vanilla extract and a surprising addition of balsamic vinegar elevate this classic dish without making it feel too different from the minimalist original. “Fresh strawberries are sliced in half and macerated with balsamic syrup then lightly toasted with sugar,” explains the team at Flamingo Room. “The dessert is then garnished with crushed meringue, a dusting of raspberry powder and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a rich, flavourful finish.” Are you hungry yet? This is a sweet to save room for. We spoke with the team to find out more about this elegant dessert. O Open daily noon-1am. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, flamingoroombytashas.com / @flamingoroomksa. THE CREAM “The Chantilly cream adds an airy consistency that lightens the dish. It coats the strawberries beautifully, enhancing each bite with a delicate sweetness” THE VINEGAR “The tangy acidity and subtle sweetness of balsamic vinegar contrasts with the natural sweetness of the strawberries, making the fruit taste even sweeter” THE MERINGUE “The dessert is garnished with crushed meringue, which adds a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the cream’s softness and the fruit’s tenderness” THE SYRUP “The strawberry syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the fresh strawberries. When drizzled over the berries, it intensifies and concentrates their flavour” Strawberries and cream at Flamingo Room by tashasNext >