Riyadh’s Diriyah Nights event attracts music lovers, foodies

Short Url
Updated 11 January 2023
Follow

Riyadh’s Diriyah Nights event attracts music lovers, foodies

  • DGDA project set to transform Riyadh’s cultural and entertainment landscape by 2030

RIYADH: Diriyah Nights is attracting swathes of music and art lovers, foodies, and shoppers at its local and high-end international stores at the heart of the historic area.

The second edition of Diriyah Season, which will run until Feb. 22, features a wide range of activities for all age groups including artistic performances and live music from some of the top stars in the Arab world.




Explore a range of local and international brands for food, jewelry, clothes, and more at Diriyah nights. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)

One of the visitors, Muneera Mohammed, told Arab News: “I just bought this abaya from a local store called The Loum, and I’m going to visit again for sure. I’m in love with the atmosphere.”

Kholoud Al-Qarni, another visitor, was impressed by the art and Eastern music.

“I’ve been everywhere in Riyadh, but this place is magical. What I like is that they have local Saudi brands, like this place called Jeed, which has beautiful, rare jewelry pieces that can compete with international brands. I promised myself to buy a New Year’s gift, and I’m glad that I found Jeed,” Al-Qarni said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Diriyah Nights, the second edition of the Diriyah Season, will run until Feb. 22. Residents of Riyadh are spending their evenings enjoying food, music and retail therapy under the night sky of Diriyah. The festival has given a boost to local Saudi businesses.

• By 2030, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s plans for the historical site are set to transform Diriyah into a cultural and educational hub for all. It is expected to create at least 55,000 jobs for Saudis and include a series of museums and cultural and academic institutes.

• The Diriyah Season’s calendar includes the Spanish Super, from Jan. 11 to 15, and the Italian Supercup on Jan. 18.

Another local Saudi store, Toques Elegantes, is here for the second season. “We have gold-plated accessories and natural gems, and we have leather goods. It’s our second time in Diriyah, and it has been wonderful so far,” Manal Ibrahim, a sales representative for the brand, said.




Explore a range of local and international brands for food, jewelry, clothes, and more at Diriyah nights. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)

Rotana Audio Co. is hosting musical evenings called, “Diriyah Nights Sessions.” The dates and names of the artists who will participate will be announced soon.

Tickets can be bought at https://diriyahseason.sa/ar.

What I like is that they have local Saudi brands, like this place called Jeed, which has beautiful, rare jewelry pieces that can compete with international brands.

Kholoud al-Qarni, Visitor

Other interesting events at Diriyah include the Spanish Super, which will take place from Jan. 11-15 and will see Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Real Betis locking horns with each other, and the Italian Supercup (EA Sports Supercup), on Jan. 18, which will see AC Milan and Inter Milan compete.

 


‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)
Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies

  • From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality

RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.

Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.

Guests will be welcomed with premium coffee — a timeless symbol of Saudi hospitality. (File photo/X: @MOCCulinary)

The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.

Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.

Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.

A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.

A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.

This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.

 


Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (File)
Updated 37 min 1 sec ago
Follow

Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders

  • Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.

The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.

Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said. 


Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. (SPA)
Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh

  • During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday. 

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.


Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.

Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.


Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

Updated 14 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.