Happened to be in JAX District and looking for something outside of the Diriyah Contemporary Arts Biennale? The beating heart of art in Riyadh is packed with gems just waiting to be discovered and explored by you. Art
galleries, live music venues, restaurants, and preserved culture galore, the sprawling district has a bit of something for everyone.
Exploring the entire space is an ambitious feat, but these picks are must-visits. So, put on your most comfortable shoes and prepare to get a-walking.
Things to do in JAX District outside of the Biennale
Ahmed Mater Studio
Ahmed created this hub as a multidisciplinary artistic space that offers a space for artistic creation, cultural research, and exchange with community engagement, aiming to enhance contemporary Saudi art with science and heritage. Tip? Check out his illumination series for a mix of Islamic/x-ray when visiting this studio as one of the things to do in JAX District.
art.
Jax District D04, Diriyah, @ahmedmater.
Atrum
Originally an online platform specialized in consulting buyers, their new initiative is a collection where visitors and collectors choose the art on instinct (no artist name, signature, or preconception until the art piece is bought).
This place offers the opportunity to buy an original art piece at whatever price range you want. Pro tip? Check their collection online before going to this location of things to do in JAX district.
Sat-Fri: 5pm-11pm, Jax District C07, Diriyah, @artum.sa.
Beast House
It’s ambitious to declare, “No two days are the same in this venue,” but this place got it right. From corporate events to meals, workshops, and celebrations, this place has the ultimate social calendar, making it an unmissable spot on the things to do in JAX District map. Tip: check out their social media for events. Price depends on the occasion.
Sun-Wed 9am-11pm, Thu 9am-3am, Fri 6pm-3am, Sat noon-9pm. JAX District, Diriyah, @_beasthouse.
Hafez Gallery
The second branch of the Jeddah-born art gallery, this gallery offers curated collections ranging from modern to contemporary Arab art. From diverse mediums like photography to sculpture, this space leaves no stone
unturned. When it comes to things to do in JAX District for art lovers, Hafez is always a recommendation.
Mon-Fri: 12am-8pm, Sat: 4pm-8pm, Fri: closed, Jax district H19, Diriyah, @hafezgallery.
Lift Studio
A classic pick for things to do in JAX District, this studio is a beautiful multidisciplinary space offering modern artworks with multimedia effects and workshops in topics ranging from Color exploration to Modeling Paste Magic (seriously, check their calendar on instagram every
month) to fashion events with local Saudi brands; this place is the ultimate cool girl experience.
Sat-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Jax District I02, Diriyah, @lift.ksa.
Moath alofi
For the anthropology lovers looking for things to do in JAX District, this art studio is a beautiful gift. Installation Art is how this studio shows a collection of earthly material (dried colocynth, anyone?) to collect bones and beautiful aerial photography of the artist’s native Madinah. Tip? Some plants are poisonous! Take safety measures by not getting too close.
Sat-Fri 4pm-10pm, Jax District F04A, Diriyah, @Moathalofi.
Noura bint Saidan
The Boulevard World Flower Girl mural creator, this studio is the hub for beautiful murals around JAX District, offering workshops to children. Don’t forget to keep up with their Instagram to book a spot.
Personage
A neighborhood of arts needs a concept store and personage is here to deliver; from Saudi streetwear to international footwear and fragrances with stationary and literary products, this space aims to create a dialogue
On the way, we fashion our life through workshops and masterclasses every now and then.
Sat-Fri 3pm-11pm, Jax District C11, @personagesa.
The Warehouse
The hipster is back! Physical media thrives in this place; from vinyl to CDs and cassettes to buy, this live music will feed your soul with like-minded people like no other. Grab a popcorn with your drink, book your ticket, and enjoy the show. Tip? Check out their social media constantly to see what they are offering!
Tue-Wed 5-1pm, Mon: closed. Jax District J08, Diriyah, @twh_ksa.
