In Riyadh, expats and locals engage in a wide range of hobbies. From molding clay into exquisite pottery, to reading, crafting, and curating a collection of oud perfumes — there are many platforms to explore your interests in the capital. Join me as we explore different hobbies, some of which are seasonal while others can be enjoyed all-year-round.
Books and Languages
For bookworms, I recommend the Wadi Book Club (@wadibookclub), which is a great platform for connecting with fellow literary buffs and fostering engaging discussions. If you’re eager to refine your writing prowess or simply showcase your creative works, the vibrant community of Writers in Riyadh (@riyadhwriters) awaits your participation. Additionally, learning traditional Arabic calligraphy at the Saudi Diwani Calligraphy School (TRITA, @trita_sa) is a great way to immerse yourself in the Saudi culture. I personally have loved engaging with diverse cultures by attending multi-lingual events hosted by Riyadh Language Exchange (@riyadhleorg). To further your linguistic curiosity, you can also partake in language-focused sessions like Sprachcafe at Goethe Institute (@goethe_in_saudiarabien) for German, Arabius (@arabius_ksa) for Arabic, and rendezvous at Alliance Francaise (@alliancefrancaise_sa) for French.
Art and Music
Art hobbies are a great way to express creativity and relieve stress. There are many types, and each one offers unique opportunities for self-expression and enjoyment. Some popular art hobbies include drawing, painting, sketching, and photography. The Misk Institute (@miskartinst) also offers workshops and talks on varied topics, fostering the wonders of artistic expressions. Their public programs include watercolor painting, live portrait drawing, and use of charcoal and pastels. Enchanted Art Center (@enchantedartcenter) provides workshops on art and performance education. Lift KSA (@lift.ksa) is a social art club where art lovers and creative minds can gather and enjoy a community of like-minded individuals. Beehive Café (@beehivecafe_sa) and Synergy Art Hub (@synergy_at_hub) present an array of captivating workshops, inviting you to delve into the world of sculpting, pottery, and the mesmerizing strokes of oil and acrylic painting.
For drawing and painting supplies, there are bookstores in the city like Jarir Bookstore and Alshark Bookstore. For specialty stores for art supplies, check out Colour Theory (@colortheoryksa), Artigiani Art and Craft Store (@artigianiartstore), and Canvas (@canvasksa).
If your heart beats to the rhythm of music, venues like Ahlam Art Gallery (@ahlamstudio.sa) set the stage for enchanting live musical evenings. If you prefer to put on the musician’s hat, head on over to Music Home: School of Art (@musichome_ksa) to learn instruments like the piano, guitar and the Arabian oud. The capital also unfolds as a canvas for photography enthusiasts – whether it’s the intricacies of Najdi architecture or the ornate doors adorning Saudi homes.
Crafts
Crafting as a hobby is a wonderful way to express creativity and make unique, personalized items. It involves creating handmade goods using various materials and techniques which you can keep, sell, or give away. They can be done at your own time and pace. There are countless crafting options to explore, such as knitting, sewing, and jewelry making. Check the following stores for your sewing, cross-stitching, and knitting supplies: The Crafts Hub (@thecraftshub) and Adel Stores (@adelstoresdmc).
Health and Fitness
You can enjoy golf at Riyadh Golf Club (@golfclubriyadh) or Arizona Resort (@arizona_golf_resort), climb walls at the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (@climbing.sa) and unleash your competitive side with football, boxing and martial arts. For those embracing the trending sport of padel, gather your friends and secure a spot at Game Point (@gamepoint.ksa), Padel Arena (@padel.arena.sa), or Padel Rush (@padelrush). If you seek a dynamic yet welcoming community, delve into the world of ultimate frisbee at King Faisal School grounds on Friday mornings to kickstart your weekend. If you prefer a more restorative form of exercise, check out Pure Yoga (@pureyogasa), To The Moon Studio (@tothemoon.sa), and Slow Flow Yoga (@slowflowyogastudio) for a holistic approach to nurturing your well-being.
Food and Coffee
“Does trying out different foods count as a hobby?”, asked an expat friend. Of course, it does! I believe the international culinary scene in the capital makes it a very exciting city to live in. I’ve often seen bespoke Michelin star restaurants with only other locations in London and Paris serving gourmet cuisine here, in the heart of Riyadh. Not to forget the infinite options of cafes on every other street. If you are a coffee connoisseur, you’re welcome to join the Riyadh Coffee Club (@riyadhcoffeeclub) to delight in the city’s vibrant coffee culture. If you’d rather have the chef’s hat on, be sure to check out The Ultimate Saudi Cookbook by Slavka Bodic.
Gaming
Gaming as a hobby has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of online gaming communities. It offers a unique and immersive experience that allows players to explore virtual worlds, engage in strategic gameplay, and connect with others who share similar interests.
One of the main benefits of gaming as a hobby is its ability to provide entertainment and enjoyment. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, puzzle-solving challenges, or immersive storytelling, there is a wide variety of game genres and styles to suit your preferences. Virtual World (@virtualworldsa) is a friendly local gaming store that caters to a community of players and enthusiasts for table top games from Dungeons and Dragons, Dragon Ball, Pokemon, Magic the Gathering and more. VOV Gaming (@vov.xp), meanwhile, creates experiential gaming venues for gamers to compete, learn, and socialize.
A Cross-cultural Consultant by profession, I’ve been able to pursue my passion of learning about world cultures, especially with Riyadh’s vibrant local and international community. I’ve truly made the most of the city’s multicultural spirit. Moving to Saudi Arabia has also fueled my passion for travel as the geographic location makes it convenient to explore the best of both, east and the west. Needless to say, the Kingdom itself offers a treasure-trove of history and culture to explore. On weekends, you’ll find me either road tripping, reading a recommended book, having brunch with friends or hosting ‘melting pot-lucks’, where diverse flavors and conversations intermingle to create memorable experiences.
I’m curious, have you discovered a new hobby during your time in Riyadh? If not, I hope this article serves as a gentle reminder that this city has boundless opportunities to find a pursuit that resonates with your passions.
