Happy eid holiday, Riyadhizens! By this time, most of you are probably out of Riyadh, or even out of Saudi Arabia, escaping the desert’s unforgiving heat. Kami na lang yata naiwan dito. Haha. All good though, we also have plans in the coming days. However, if you’re staying in Riyadh, here are some activities and events that might catch your fancy.
GAMERS 8, the biggest gaming event is coming to Riyadh! Watch the opening ceremony headed the legendary Amr Diab followed by DJ Balvin and Swedish DJ Sebastian Ingrosso from Swedish House Mafia with Bosnian-Swedish dance star Salvatore Ganacci and Riyadh-based DJ Elfuego. Game on!

- WHAT: GAMERS 8 OPENING CEREMONY
- WHEN: July 14, 2022
- TIMINGS: 7:15 PM – 1:00 AM
- TICKET: General – SR 299 / VIP – SR 2999
- BOOK HERE: https://tickets.gamers8.gg/en/d/1836/opening-ceremony
- MORE INFO: https://gamers8.gg
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/L2UGHqz76YTtukav6
The JAX ARTS FESTIVAL is happening next week. It will intrigue your five senses to feel, express, try and explore the cultural ambiance of the Jax District, now known as a venue to great arts and design events in Riyadh. The Jax Art Festival will display art works and installations.

- WHAT: JAX ARTS FESTIVAL
- WHEN: July 14-23, 2022
- AGE LIMIT: For 12 years old above
- TIMINGS: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- TICKET: FREE (Must book tickets below)
- BOOK HERE: https://www.ticketmx.com/en/d/1832/jax-arts-festival
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/N6WsLpLW1UimjdNm7
Of course, who doesn’t need a dip to some cool pools with the heat we’re experiencing in Riyadh right now? Most swimming pools in the city’s hotels are still for men only but we found some that caters to families and ladies too.
The ultimate spa treatments and a trip to their ladies only pool and hammam make AL FAISALIAH SPA by ESPA one of the best in the city. With an extensive menu of result-driven treatments and world-class amenities and facilities, this is where we should go for some well-deserved rR&R, ladies!

- WHAT: AL FAISALIAH SPA by ESPA
- SERVICES & PRICING
- MORE INFO: http://www.alfaisaliahspa.com / +966 11 273 3000 / spareception@alfaisaliahspa.com
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/CFx5KzTMMf3DA9rP8
DURRAT AL RIYADH RESORT AND SPA is the perfect combination of five-star resort, family holiday retreat and indulgent spa getaway. It has something for everyone! They have indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and even a greenhouse. Their “pool season” is opening soon so stay tuned for their updates at instagram.com/durrat_alriyadh_resort. Enjoy the kids club activities from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM every weekend. All you need to do is book a staycation!

- WHAT: DURRAT AL RIYADH RESORT AND SPA
- CONTACT: +966 11 411 8800 / reservations.icdurrat@ihg.com
- MORE INFO: https://www.icdurratalriyadh.com/en/home.html
- LOCATION: https://g.page/Durratalriyadh?share
Inquire at the MARRIOTT RIYADH DIPLOMATIC QUARTER for their pool day pass for families. Their outdoor swimming pool is a great way to enjoy the summer with your kids. They also started an Aqua in Pool (exercises) every Thursday at 4:30 PM.

- WHAT: MARRIOTT RIYADH DIPLOMATIC QUARTER
- CONTACT: +966 11 835 3000
- MORE INFO: instagram.com/marriottdqriyadh
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/p6kYHo6ztBrK1awVA
The ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH HOTEL is known for their ladies swimming pool located in their 27th pool, one of the very few swimming pool in Riyadh hotels dedicated for women. Take a refreshing dip to begin a great day or unwind and relax from a busy day during your staycation in this hotel.

- WHAT: ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH HOTEL
- CONTACT: +966 11 408 8700 / enquiry.riyadh@the-ascott.com
- MORE INFO: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-the-residence/saudi-arabia/ascott-rafal-olaya-riyadh
- LOCATION: https://g.page/AscottRafal?share
Here’s a recap of what went on The Pink Tarha last week, just in case you missed our posts.
We revisited some of our favorite restaurants and food shops last week. Hindi na kami masyadong busy because our holiday started last Monday. We had JOLLIBEE (which we have once or twice a month naman haha). We went back to the Qurtubah branch of CHINWA CHINESE CUISINE. Have you seen that place and have you tried their food? It’s like dining in a mysterious nook of Chinatown. Their lunch delivery offers are worth it! We also reminisced on this post we wrote in 2017 about some of Riyadh’s best kept food secrets. This prompted us to revisit them in the coming days, except for MARWAN ARABIC ICE CREAM, an icon, which we already went to the other night. Ahhh the creaminess and richness of their Locum ice cream rolled in crushed biscuits is unbeatable! Speaking of ice cream, we got your cravings whether that’s for the budget ice cream in bakalas or the boujee ice cream bars from the supermarkets or something healthy like frozen yogurt at GO GREEK. Not one to indulge in ice cream? Try this non-alcoholic “beer” at NO SOUND CAFE. This apple juice-based golden drink fizzes like the real thing. We also said hi to croissants from HI… try their amazing Truffle Croissant (my fave!) and we said hello to a new steak house in Riyadh’s Esplanade… OXAR PRIME STEAKHALL.

Don’t want to stay put in Riyadh and planning for a quick getaway in the provinces of Saudi Arabia? We finally gathered all the links to our travel posts (so far). You can check them here, here, here, and in our instagram account. We hope to see your travel photos too! Share us your experiences!
HAPPY EID AL ADHA HOLIDAY, TPT FAB FAM!