Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As the summer heat creeps in, Riyadh is keeping things chill with an incredible lineup of concerts and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for moments of zen or high-energy activities, here are the best things to do in Riyadh in August.
Friday 1 August
Tuck into the summer brunch at A.O.K Kitchen
Located in Diriyah and KAFD, the FACT award-winning A.O.K. Kitchen invites guests to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. Signature dishes on offer include Delica Pumpkin Soup with crunchy quinoa, hearty Veal Ragout pasta with aged Parmesan, and BBQ Local Aubergine with honey, zaatar and feta. The brunch menu is available from 11am to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Go: Visit www.aokkitchen.co.uk for more information.
Saturday 2 August
Experience the Esports World Cup afterparty concert
AFT_r is hosting the official after-party concert series as part of the EWC (Esports World Cup) festival, held at Boulevard City in Riyadh, at the ANB Arena. With a star-studded lineup of artists like Black Eyed Peas, Meduza, Zeyna, and Shancoty performing, the electrifying night is the grand finale to the month-long EWC celebration.
GI: Visit https://nofomo.com for more information.
Sunday 3 August
Enjoy dinner and live entertainment at Bagatelle
Bagatelle is a stylish French-Mediterranean restaurant located in Laysen Valley. The menu features Eggplant Parmigiana, Riviera Salad, Scallop Carpaccio, and their signature Whole Farm Chicken cooked tableside. Their viral standout dessert, Jivara Chocolate Pizetta, is a must-try. Blending crisp white linens, royal blue accents, and artful décor with cosy banquettes, expect a touch of Riviera chic.
GO: Follow @bagatelleriyadh on Instagram for more information.
Monday 4 August
Have lunch at La Petite Maison
Located in the heart of AL Olaya, the FACT award-winning La Petite Maison is renowned for its French Mediterranean fare. The new business lunch menu includes Bar Poêlé et Petits Pois, Filet de Rouget, Risotto aux Asperges and Salade de Chou Frisé. Guests can either opt for the Le Petit Menu (180 SAR) or Le Grand Menu (230 SAR), which includes starters, mains, side dishes and a delicious dessert. Available on weekdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm
GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for more information.
Tuesday 5 August
Visit the cult-favourite burger joint Pickl
The UAE-born burger brand is now available at two locations in Riyadh, Cenomi AL Nakheel Mall, and U Walk. Pickl’s menu features smash-style cheeseburgers, beef burgers, crispy chicken sandos, loaded fries, and house-made sauces. Their Signature items include the New York Cheeseburger and Nashville-Spiced Chicken Caesar Sando. Pickl’s bold interiors feature neon-lit and graphic walls, with cosy dine-in booths.
GO: Visit https://eatpickl.com for more information.
Wednesday 6 August
Escape to the Edge of the World
Explore the majestic clifftop at Jabal Fihrayn and take in the land stretching seemingly forever before you. It is one of Riyadh’s most stunning day-trip adventures, located 120 kilometres from the capital. Grab a guide for a full tour of the rugged desert landscapes and dried riverbeds below. Take a stroll along the old camel caravan route, following historic trails once walked by Bedouin traders.
GO: Visit www.edgeoftheworldtour.com for more information.
Thursday 7 August
Stay at Mansard Riyadh
The Mansard Riyadh, Radisson Collection Hotel is a five-star Parisian-inspired retreat located in the Ar Rabi District. The hotel features a distinctive Mansard-style roof, evoking mid-19th-century Haussmann architecture. Summer at Mansard means enjoying exclusive benefits and fun activities, including breakfast and barbecue delights at Sadelle’s, a Parisian afternoon tea at L’ami Dave or an Italian-American dinner at Carbone.
GO: Visit https://www.radissonhotels.com for more information.
Friday 8 August
Visit The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum is situated within the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre in Riyadh. It was designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, and the crescent-shaped, dune-inspired façade is a nod to the Saudi Arabian desert. The galleries are organised into eight thematic sections, which display the evolution of the Arabian Peninsula, from geological traces and early human history to pre-Islamic civilisation. The standout detail about the museum is the immersive Hajj & Two Holy Mosques Hall.
GO: Visit https://museums.moc.gov.sa for more information.
Saturday 9 August
Book a summer staycation at The St. Regis Riyadh
This summer, The St. Regis Riyadh, situated near VIA Riyadh, invites guests to enjoy its exclusive seasonal offer. The hotel has thoughtfully curated a soulful Summer Spa Package that includes a limited-time spa stay with treatments designed to restore balance, beauty, and calm. A solo retreat at the spa is available for single occupancy at SAR 1,850 and for double occupancy at SAR 2,250.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Sunday 10 August
Walk the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The Kingdom Centre sky bridge stands tall at a height of 300 meters, offering unrivalled views across Riyadh. The Kingdom Centre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It has 99 floors and houses the King Abdullah Mosque on the 77th floor, making it the world’s second-highest mosque. It is also home to several local and international luxury brands, including the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, VOX cinemas and exquisite fine-dining restaurants.
Go: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Monday 11 August
Shop until you drop at Solitaire
Riyadh has a new lifestyle destination: Solitaire. The destination offers a diverse range of experiences, including shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and sports. The retail section offers high-end fashion and a dedicated jewellery quarter. The food and beverage section features fine dining, fast food, and a rooftop food hall. The brands already open for business include Bateel, Lavazza, Paul Le Café and The Butcher Shop. Additionally, it will feature Arcade Food Hall, which is set to open on the rooftop later this year.
GO: Visit https://solitaireksa.com for more information.
Tuesday 12 August
Beat the heat at Snow City
Snow City at Al Othaim Mall offers a winter-themed escape in the heart of the desert. It’s the first of its kind indoor snow city, maintaining a chilly temperature of -3 degrees all year round. The snow city offers a range of fun activities, including ice tubing, bumper cars, rope courses, a suspension bridge, sledges, climbing walls, and ski zones, all designed for families and children to enjoy. Visitors can experience a cool retreat to escape Riyadh’s scorching summer weather.
GO: Visit www.ootlah.com for more information.
Wednesday 13 August
Explore the Murabba Historical Palace
Murabba Historical Palace in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic heritage landmarks. This palace was built in the 1930s by King Abdulaziz and was a royal residence and administrative centre during the early years of the Kingdom’s unification. The name “Murabba” means “square”, reflecting the traditional Najdi design elements such as mud-brick walls, wooden ceilings and spacious courtyards. This palace includes several buildings, gardens, and historical artefacts.
Go: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Thursday 14 August
Visit the city’s oldest market
Souk Al Zal is located in Riyadh’s historic district and is known as one of the city’s oldest traditional markets. Explore the market and shop for aromatic spices, handcrafted jewellery, intricately woven carpets and oud perfumes. The Souk’s vibrant atmosphere reflects the traditions of the Kingdom.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Friday 15 August
Check out the FACT favourite Jon & Vinny’s
Jon & Vinny’s is a celebrated Los Angeles-based eatery known for its fresh, flavourful Italian-American cuisine. Now available in Ithra and Jeddah and recognised as a FACT Dining Award winner in Riyadh, it’s loved for its innovative approach to dining, including pizzas and pasta.
GO: Follow @jonandvinnys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Saturday 16 August
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated to the northwest of Riyadh, At Turaif is a 15th-century mud-brick citadel that served as the capital of the First Saudi State from 1727 to 1818. This stunning fortress showcases Najdi architecture, featuring fortified palaces, towers, and mosques, with breathtaking views overlooking Wadi Hanifah. At its heart stands the impressive four-storey Salwa Palace, along with the historic Saad Bin Saud Palace, which features a bathhouse, and the Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Mosque. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing social life, military history, and trade.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Sunday 17 August
Enjoy a contemporary Japanese dinner at Zuma
Zuma is a two-floor izakaya located in KAFD. The menu features signature dishes like Barley Miso Baby Chicken, Miso-marinated Black Cod, Salt Grilled Seabass, and for dessert, an exclusive Ajwa Date & Miso Toffee Cake. The striking design combines stone, wood, copper, and a dramatic spiral staircase that links the restaurant, robata grill, sushi counter, bar, lounge, and a DJ booth.
GO: Visit www.zumarestaurant.com for more information.
Monday 18 August
Caffeinate at Ralph’s Coffee
Ralph’s Coffee has opened its first café in KAFD. The fashion-forward café from Ralph Lauren exudes classic preppy-Americana with its signature green and white palette, vintage décor, and equestrian-inspired artwork. The menu features classic cold brews, matcha lattes, and gourmet pastries – think Carrot Cake, New York Cheesecake and Ralph’s Brownie. The café also includes a retail corner with branded mugs, tumblers, tote bags and even dog bowls.
GO: Visit www.ralphlauren.global for more information.
Tuesday 19 August
Discover a secret speakeasy
Tucked away inside the Kenzo Trade Airline Building in Olaya, Kimyona is a speakeasy-style Pan Asian restaurant. Guests can discreetly enter through a secret door behind the gallery, leading to a cosy dining room with dim lighting. Kimyona’s menu boasts modern Asian cuisine across eight sections, including Bang Bang Prawns, Burmese Fermented Tea Leaf Salad, Duck Bao, Javanese chicken curry and more.
GO: Visit www.kimyona-sa.com for more information.
Wednesday 20 August
Dine in the sky at Al Faisaliah Tower
The Globe restaurant is situated inside the golden sphere on top of Al Faisaliah Tower, offering a breathtaking backdrop of panoramic views of Riyadh’s skyline. The modern European cuisine is a refined dining space featuring some of the exquisite meals, from Salmon gravlax and steak tartare to lobster truffle risotto. The restaurant also offers High Tea from Friday to Saturday, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Whether you’re looking to admire the twinkling city lights or indulge in expertly plated dishes, The Globe offers a memorable dining experience.
GO: Visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Thursday 21 August
Eat at the newly-opened Table;To
Located in the Al Takhassousi district, Table;To is a stylish new restaurant currently in its soft opening. The progressive menu showcases Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, including Crispy Hawasi Rice, Josper Bone Marrow, Wagyu Asian Beef Shawarma Tacos, and an innovative’ Funk’, which is a 48-hour marinated chicken. Enjoy hot clay pots of Beef Rice or Hawasi Rice, alongside wood-oven baked Bread Bombs. The interior features a display of playful custom captions, dark wood, and a whimsical setting.
GO: Visit https://tableto.redro.menu for more information.
Friday 22 August
Enjoy a beautiful brunch at Sarabeth’s
Situated at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Sarabeth’s is a New York-style brunch spot with a stylish and airy interior reminiscent of classic Manhattan cafés. The menu includes breakfast favourites like Smoked Salmon Benedict, Ricotta Pancakes, French Toast and Granola Bowls.
GO: Visit www.diriyah.sa for more information.
Saturday 23 August
Have afternoon tea at Chorisia Lounge
Chorisia Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is one of the finest afternoon tea experiences in the capital. It delivers the most royally presented scones, savouries, and homemade cakes in a lounge beside centuries-old olive trees and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. Sit back and relax in luxurious surroundings as signature treats like mushroom-miso tartlets, roast-beef croissants, cream-filled pastries, and fruit scones with cream and lavender jam are served.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Sunday 24 August
Enjoy summer nights at Mr Chow
Located in KAFD, Mr Chow has recently launched its superb summer menu. The offering features exciting new desserts and three set menus: the Lunch Set Menu, the Dim Sum Menu, and the Golden Hour Set Menu. Expect Mr Chow’s signature dishes, such as Fiery Beef, Prawn Toast, and Sweet & Sour Chicken. The summer menu is extended with DJ-fuelled nights, culminating in a Mango Ice Bowl.
Go: Visit www.mrchow.com for more information.
Monday 25 August
Tuck into a steakhouse dinner at Porterhouse
Located in Al Olaya, Porterhouse is an upscale steakhouse renowned for its dry-aged, premium steaks, all grilled over wood and charcoal. The restaurant offers signature accompaniments, such as foie gras, blue cheese butter, and onion marmalade, to customise guests’ plates. Popular dishes include Montreal-style cured Wagyu Brisket, Roasted Veal Bone Marrow and Wild Mushroom Tarts.
Go: Visit https://porterhouse-sa.com for more information.
Tuesday 26 August
Explore the Kingdom Centre Tower
The Kingdom Tower stands tall at 992 feet high, and it is one of Riyadh’s most striking landmarks. It is an elegant inverted catenary arch crowned by a panoramic glass skybridge on the 99th floor. Home to 13 floors of offices, a Four Seasons Hotel, Al Mamlaka Food Hall and over 150 retail outlets and dining venues.
GO: Visit https://kingdomcentre.com.sa for more information.
Wednesday 27 August
Grab a meal at the Dutch Brunch
Located in the Al Andalus district, Dutch Brunch is a stylish café offering a delightful brunch experience. The café is praised for its pastries and stuffed croissants. However, the standout dishes include Eggs Benedict, Mushroom Toast and Shakshuka.
GO: Visit www.dutch-brunch.com for more information.
Thursday 28 August
Enjoy French dining at Le Maschou
Le Maschou is a French restaurant situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, featuring a rustic, cottage-style ambience within a stone-walled building. The menu features wood-fired grilled French classics, including grilled rib-eye, dry-aged Angus and Wagyu steaks, tenderloin carpaccio, and seafood such as grilled prawns and salmon fillet. LeMaschou delivers exquisite cuisine and a charming atmosphere.
GO: Visit https://www.lemaschou.sa for more information.
Friday 29 August
Explore one of Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems
Heet Cave, also known as Ain Heet Cave, is a hidden geological marvel situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Riyadh. This natural limestone cavern features a dramatic eye-shaped entrance, leading to a narrow descent to an underground lake. Adventurous hikers and experienced cave divers will enjoy this memorable subterranean desert adventure.
GO: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Saturday 30 August
Explore Ushaiger Heritage Village
Situated at approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, this restored Najdi settlement brings Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage to life. It was originally built over 1,500 years ago by Bedouins and was known as a rest stop for pilgrims travelling towards Mecca. Encircled by thick adobe walls and high wooden gates made of tamarisk, the village consists of roughly 400 mud houses, 25 mosques, narrow winding alleys, triangular-roofed homes, and carved wooden doors.
Go: Visit https://welcomesaudi.com for more information.
Sunday 31 August
Check out a cosy café
Chérie is a stylish standout located in Al Olaya, with views of Faisaliah Tower. The café’s minimalist décor, featuring concrete textures, muted tones, and an abundance of natural light, creates a relaxed setting. This Instagram-worthy café is known for its expertly brewed V60 and iced Spanish lattes, as well as its desserts.
GO: Follow @cherie.sa1 on Instagram for more information.
