The vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia is home to a diverse and thriving community that caters to both locals and expats alike. Beyond the city’s renowned landmarks and towering skyscrapers, a world of exciting social gatherings and recreational activities is waiting to be explored. From lively music nights and game-filled community spaces to adrenaline-fueled motorcycle rides, the sprawling capital offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to the city, these dynamic communities provide ample opportunities to connect, unwind, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant social scene.
Riyadh communities 2024
Alsaqeefa
Looking to have some fun with your friends while flexing on others? Alsaqeefa is the place to be. The gaming café offers a wide variety of games including Jenga, Jackaroo and IceCool but it is the workshops that take the cake. From trivia nights about generational comedy shows to fashion pop-up, the An Najris board game café has it all. You can also try to pull of the Queen’s Gambit in an attempt to outmaneuver your opponents at chess.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Fri 10am-1am. Sikkah, An Narjis, @alsaqeefa.
Arizona Golf resort
Fore! The nine-hole course at Arizona Golf Resort is the best spot to go if you want to improve your game and meet new people. Located in Qurtuba, the club boasts immaculate greens, well-bunkered courses, and a gorgeous lake and lush palm tree backdrop. You can play the resort’s renowned par three, par four, and par five courses, regardless of your skill level. The 2,050-yard green golf course has other attractions in addition to a driving range, pro shop, drink cart, and other amenities.
Open Sun-Thu 8am-5pm. Closed Fri-Sat. Qurtubah, agr.com.sa (011 248 4444).
Beast House
One of the most exclusive clubs in Riyadh, Beast House is all about music. The members-only club is the first-of-its-kind in Saudi and serves as a space for up-and-coming artists and music enthusiasts to mingle in a creatively charged space. It is also the place to be if you are looking to network with industry professionals. Located in the heart of Riyadh’s art scene JAX District, the creative hub brings bopping parties every weekend.
Beast House, JAX District, Diriyah, @_beast.house / mdlbeast.com.
Belly Dance Saudi Arabia
Get ready to shake it off at Belly Dance Saudi Arabia. The dance school offers workshops instead of weekly classes and the belly dancing company can be seen performing at events, parties and even festivals. The school does three-day workshops at different studios across the city once or twice a month. Each workshop is led by renowned dance instructor Anusch Alawerdian. So grab your waist beads and make reservations by calling 053 594 1755.
Multiple workshops across the city, 053 594 1755.
Blend Culinary Arts
Tend to crumble under the pressure of decorating cakes? Can’t seem to master kimchi no matter how many online recipes you try? Want to roll out just one plate of delicious sushi without it falling apart? If you answered ‘yes, chef’ to all, Blend Culinary is the answer.
Opened in 2017 and one of the more diverse selections when it comes to the best Riyadh cooking classes, Blend Culinary offers workshops where you can try your hand at a little bit of everything. Whether its making pasta from scratch or perfecting the glaze on your mousse cake, this spot has got you covered. The Alyasmin space announces its workshops via its Instagram so keep an eye on its socials.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Alyasmin, @blend_culinary.
Brotherhood MC
If you are an engine-head, this club should be in your sights. Brotherhood MC is taking to the streets on high-powered bikes and zipping through traffic while looking incredibly cool. One of the most organised motorcycle clubs in the capital, Brotherhood has a set look, logo and a registration form that you need to fill out in order to enter. The club does weekly bike rides through the capital and also offers local as well as international trips ridden on the mechanical steads. Don’t know how to ride yet? Brotherhood MC also offers training.
Riyadh, @brotherhoodmc.sa / registration link.
Riyadh Combat Club
Right hook, left hook, uppercut, jab. Perfect your martial arts prowess at the Riyadh Combat Club. Started by Hani Bukhairi, a two-time gold medalist in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the martial arts school will have you whipped into shape in no time. With multiple locations, you can try your hand (and feet) at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing and MMA. The school offers a massive number of classes where you can meet other combat enthusiasts too.
Various locations across Riyadh, @ry.combat.
Sociale Cafe
One of the most popular communities in the capital, Sociale Cafe is a two-fer. You can enjoy the delicacies of the cafe while exploring the art gallery attached to the venue. The space does monthly discussion groups where you can engage with others on relevant topics. There are also improv and storytelling classes for you improve your craft. Sociale also does weekly pop quiz nights on Sundays. Always on the look out for budding musicians, you can also catch performances by bands and artists just starting out.
Open daily. 8am-12.45am. As Sulimaniyah, socialecafe.com / @sociale.cafe.
Synergy Art Club
If you wish to flex your creative muscles and try new artforms Synergy Art Hub is the place to be. Under the direction of Saudi artist Alia AlDiqis, this global collective of female talent leverages its members’ abilities to provide an impressive range of programs. The Synergy Art Hub is always creating entertaining activities, such as painting and sipping coffee or creating your own ceramic sculptures. You can reserve your classes using Instagram direct messages, which are announced on social media.
From SAR250. Al Mousa Complex, Al OIaya, @synergy_art_hub (055 030 1103).
The Writing Club
Founded by Hala Abdullah a few years ago, The Writing Club is all about the power of the mighty pen and words. The club specializes in all things written word. Whether you are a feminist poet or a budding fantasy author, you are bound to find support and inspiration at The Writing Club. Meeting information is released on X, @TheWritingClub.
Riyadh, @TheWritingClub.
