A Stylish Influencer Shares Her Little Black Book Of Riyadh
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My perfect day in Riyadh starts with a good coffee. I usually get my cup to go from a regional spot like Home Bakery or Coffee Bean (its Iced Dry White Mocha is my go-to). If the day feels special, I’ll head to Easy Bakery for a delicious breakfast.
I love the calm of Riyadh in the daytime. I usually take my sister with me and dive into my favourite routines, whether it’s a bit of shopping or something more active like a workout. Then, after that, it’s off to the office – which means wearing something that is versatile. Lately, I’ve been loving a look that balances comfort and polish: a long coat from my own design layered over a simple H&M t-shirt, paired with relaxed trousers from Abercrombie & Fitch, finished off with subtle metallic accessories.
There are a few local brands I’m very excited about right now. Abadia and 1886 really align with my personal taste and aesthetic, refined, modern and cool. I own quite a few pieces from 1886 – especially its pants and T-shirts. My everyday style is all about mixing casual pieces in a way that still feels polished, and the brand’s designs work perfectly.
I usually head to Harvey Nichols for its extensive selection of designer labels – it’s a reliable go-to. I’m also really looking forward to the opening of Primark and House of CB in Riyadh. For boutique shopping, I tend to explore the Al Olaya area. It’s home to some fantastic concept and multi-brand stores, but Pattern is my personal favourite with its well-curated selection and wide product range.
For those looking for some excellent retail shopping, I’d recommend Kingdom Mall and Nakheel Mall. Both offer a great mix of high-end international labels alongside standout regional designers – my most recent purchase was a Balenciaga Rodeo handbag. These malls are also family-friendly and have plenty of great cafés. When it comes to interiors in Riyadh, I love shopping at Daze Store and Antika. Both places offer unique homeware, ceramics and locally made design pieces.
One of the most treasured pieces I’ve ever bought in Riyadh is a gold antique called Kursi Jaber – a traditional piece of jewellery we wear on special occasions. As Arabs, jewellery holds deep cultural meaning, and I love how even a single gold piece can enhance a woman’s femininity. For unique fine jewellery, I usually go to the iconic Al-Baqshi, a well-known Saudi brand specialising in gold and diamond pieces. I also enjoy mixing in more high-street finds from H&M, ASOS and Ounass. Recently, I’ve even started designing and creating my own metal accessories.
Some of my favourite foodie spots in Riyadh are Ovun Bistro, Burj Al Hamam, San Carlo, Shrimp Shack, Zuma, Public, and Table Two. I love exploring a mix of cuisines, but I always go back to classics like pasta, pizza and vine leaves, especially from Burj Al Hamam – its spicy potatoes are an absolute must. Plus, Shrimp Shack’s shrimp is non-negotiable.
A Saudi restaurant which I think everyone should try is Aseeb. It is one of my favorite spots for traditional food. It has all the best comfort food – cheese tamis, lentil soup, sambosa, qursan and timan laham, a rice and meat dish with roots in Iraqi cuisine. I also highly recommend the grilled timan cooked over charcoal.
For anyone visiting Riyadh for the first time, there are a few musts. Start with the historic Diriyah and the National Museum (one of my favourites), both offer a deep dive into the city's rich cultural heritage. I especially love the museum’s ancient artifacts and rock inscriptions, they always inspire new ideas for my fashion designs, as I often look to heritage as a creative starting point. For a taste of modern Riyadh, head to Boulevard Riyadh for a vibrant atmosphere. Also, no trip is complete without experiencing the breathtaking Edge of the World and the iconic Kingdom Tower.
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A Saudi artist I’m loving now is Tagreed Bagshi, from Al Ahsa. Many of her powerful, expressive paintings can be found across Riyadh.
Two hotels I always recommend in Riyadh are Mansard Riyadh and the Four Seasons. Mansard blends European elegance with a modern, boutique feel, it’s both luxurious and intimate. The Four Seasons also has exceptional service and great views of the city.
My favourite spa to truly unwind is at The St. Regis in Riyadh’s Diplomatic quarter. Whenever I need a break from work and responsibilities, it’s my go-to escape. I love the atmosphere and calming décor, it’s one of the few places where I can fully disconnect and recharge. But when I’m looking to escape the city buzz, I usually head to InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa in Banban, just on the outskirts of Riyadh. It’s a beautiful, peaceful retreat – the perfect spot to unwind without going too far from the city.
For beauty treatments, my go-to spots are The Hair – great for hair, nails and massages; they really cover all the essentials. Rejuv is my pick for nails and therapeutic massages – I usually book with a Russian therapist who’s incredibly skilled. And Glow Day Spa is perfect for a traditional Moroccan bath.
My beauty philosophy is rooted in simplicity and elegance. I believe true beauty comes from within – it’s about confidence, inner peace, and caring for yourself both inside and out. When you feel good, it naturally shows. Some of the beauty products I’m loving right now reflect that approach: La Roche-Posay for both day and night creams, Armani and Makeup By Mario blushes for a healthy glow and Estée Lauder’s skincare range.
A new find I’m loving in the capital is more health and exercise rooted called Lov Pilates. It’s a fresh, inspiring workout studio that has such a refreshing energy to it.
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