Saudi Arabia

EMAAR RESIDENCES AT THE FAIRMONT MAKKAH

Live a Few Steps Away From the Holy Heart of the Universe

10 THINGS

WE LOVE ABOUT RAMADAN Q & A WITH SHEIKH KHALID ABDULKAFI, IMAM AT AISHA MOSQUE

HOW TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY DURING THE HOLY MONTH AROUND THE WORLD IN 10 MOSQUES OUR GUIDE

TO THE BEST DATES IN SAUDI ARABIA

ISSUE 17 JULY 2014

REGIONAL Editorial manager Jou Pabalate Editor-at-Large Johara Al Mogbel Associate EDITOR/PHOTOGRAPHER MOHAMMED DUGHAISHM Editor Bassma Al Toaimi Associate EDITOR/web admin Swalah Eshki Contributing Writers Carolyn Heaton Johara al mogbel LAMA ALEM Lotifa Begum MOHAMMED MIRZA Reina Vidad Tejano Tharik Hussain fashion editor Mazin Al Maimani Photography MOHAMED FAWZY Tharik Hussain INTERN Yara Bana

SALES & ADVERTISING RIYADH OFFICE sales@rummancompany.com +966-563578291 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.) +966-556899914 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

JEDDAH OFFICE +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

GENERAL INQUIRIES drinfo@rummancompany.com DISTRIBUTION distribution@rummancompany.com

FROM THE EDITOR Ramadan Kareem!

The Holy Month is upon us once again and it’s bringing a lot of sunshine. While there’ll be longer fasting periods and heat to match, we hope that you will discover and focus on the true meaning of this season.

Ramadan is our opportunity to embark on our spiritual journey, as an individual, a family and as a community.

Destination Riyadh made sure to be part of it. We have prepared stories that will awaken your nostalgia, help you be your best this season and well, who says you can’t make it a fun and festive time while at it?

From surviving, if not living normally, during Ramadan, Saudis are revisiting their childhood memories, we are helping you create your own memorable Ramadan nights and Eid celebrations. We also take you on a special urban exploration of Riyadh by showcasing the magnificent mosques around the city that have inspired and encouraged many to come together. For new Muslims, we offer healthy lifestyle tips for your first Ramadan.

While it shouldn’t be the focus of your month, there’s no denying, food is definitely going to be part of it. We have traditional treats to satisfy your cravings and a starter guide to trying out the Iftars that are popping up across the city.

And check out our guide for the best dates to eat during the holiday.

But truth be told, even if we list the top reasons why we love Ramadan and spend all year long showing you why we think Riyadh is an awesome place; it’s really up to you to discover why you would love Ramadan in Riyadh.

From your Destination family, we wish you a meaningful Ramadan and Happy Eid!

*Destination Riyadh Magazine is a Rumman Company Publication.

License No. 7862 - 8/8/1431

Destination Riyadh Team Editor@rummancompany.com

PUBLISHER

Destination Magazine UK, Coventry, CV14DH N5719

my picks this month

EDITORIAL JULY ISSUE # 17

Editor-in-Chief Enas Hashani managinG editor Rob L. wagner

Sarah's Bag, P. 50

Talah Aljood, P. 54

Fairmont Makkah, P. 62

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FEATURED CONTENT

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A Guide to Knowing Your Dates This Ramadan

68

16

Around the World in 10 Mosques

14

Events & Happenings Themar Ramadan

Themar Ramadan

64

Portugal

20

Business

The Upcoming World’s Tallest Building Sheikh Khalid AbdulKafi

26

Through Our Lens

54

Dining Around Town

Riyadh Wonderful Mosques

Talah Aljood: Constantly Innovating the Date A Guide to Knowing Your Dates This Ramadan Twisted Fool

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62

Special Features

Ramadan Now & Then 10 Things I Love About Ramadan

34

Spirituality

Tips for a Productive Ramadan How to Do Good and Keep it a Secret Rewards from Allah

40

Arts & Entertainment

Ramadan Fun with the Little Ones Make Eid More Festive!

6

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Travel Trends

Emaar: Residences at the Fairmont Makkah Portugal: Re-examining its Islamic Heritage Around the World in 10 Mosques

72

Explore KSA

Eastern Arabia’s Illustrious Ibrahim Palace

76

Healthy Living

Ramadan Healthy Eating Tips Work, Eat, Exercise Throughout the Year 10 Things You Need to Know about Mers

60

Twisted Fool

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T H OUG H TS TO PONDER

WORK IN PROGRESS MoH Readies for Hajj with Health Awareness Program In preparation for the Haj and Umrah season, the Ministry of Health has increased health awareness to ensure the safety of citizens and pilgrims.

Precautions were mainly put into action in order to prevent the MERS-CoV (Corona virus) from spreading at a faster and greater rate.

The MoH will keep emphasizing the precautions and safety measures as a part of its program. Pilgrims are asked to avoid 10 THINGS YOU NEED direct contact with others and practice general hygiene, while citizens TO KNOW ABOUT MERS page 79 are advised to follow the given health guidelines in order to be protected against the virus. The ministry also advises taking the necessary medicine and vaccines as well as maintaining a fresh and healthy diet.

Thumbs Up to Uber and Careem Launch in RIYADH

o code: use prom onRyd ti a n ti Des SR 80 on and GET ride first your

Saudi Arabia is considered as a country with poor public transportation. Now that Uber and Careem launched their services in Riyadh, transportation should no longer be an issue.

Both Uber and Careem are app-based services that allow people to request rides for hire. Social media has been buzzing with pictures of well-known Saudi YouTubers trying the services and recommending them. The services provide a professional driverin a clean and comfortable car within minutes after the request has been accepted. Users can view the available cars and the estimated arrival time. Once the order is accepted the user can track the car on the map and be able to check when it arrives. The fact that the service is app-based makes it faster and easier for everyone to use. It is safe to say that Uber and Careem have rescued the busy schedules of many residents.

Thumbs DOWN to Students destroying school property

Everyone gets a rush of extra excitement as soon as summer begins to knock on the doors. However, some students thought of that as a chance to behave recklessly by tearing up books, ripping papers and damaging school property.

No matter how stressful school gets, it is never an excuse for this type of behavior. These students not only waste paper that could have been usefully recycled, but also displayed disrespect to their schools and teachers. It was said that these students only behaved this way because they weren’t provided with the proper type of guidance and awareness that should have been given earlier. The thought that would occur after understanding this matter is that even if the students were captivated, stressed and uncomfortable this is still no excuse for that type of behavior. We hope that teachers would raise enough awareness to their students and help create a comfortable school and that the students would understand how to respect their environment.

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CITY AND COUNTRY FACT S H EET

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DR NEWS

Ford Brings

F5WC Finals to Dubai Ford Middle East announced its partnership with Football Five’s World Championship (F5WC) to bring this global initiative to Dubai for the first time. F5WC aims for mass participation amongst amateur football players, who play in 5-a-side games for fun while bringing together countries to celebrate the beautiful game.

THIS

JUST IN! VERTU Canon OFFERS SIGNATURE Middle East TOUCH INTRODUCES Signature Touch is the new Legria Mini in KSA high-performance smartphone from Vertu, the English manufacturer of luxury mobile phones. Signature Touch blends best-in-class technology with superior handcrafted materials, including grade 5-titanium and hand-finished calf leather. It is available in Khayyat Center.

Canon Middle East has announced the launch of the LEGRIA mini camcorder in Saudi Arabia. Combining an ultra-wide angle Canon lens, multifunctional variangle LCD and built-in stand, with a first-class HD video imaging system and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, the LEGRIA mini is a new way to tell - and share amazing stories.

Patchi Releases 'Ramadan 1435 Catalogue' On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid, Patchi, a leading chocolate maker in Saudi Arabia, issued “Ramadan 1435” catalogue, which contains the trendy colors.

Catalogue 1435 has contemporary touches mixed with Arabic decoration and blended with exquisite designs with stylish colors.

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Flower Power

Rules Giordano’s New Collection Flowers power is making a bold statement as Giordano launches its new Summer collection in the Middle East. The exclusive and limited edition women’s wear collection embraces one of the season’s dominating fashion trends – floral prints, while staying true to the brand’s casual and essential style philosophy.

GIRARD-PERREGAUX LAUNCHES

CHRONO HAWK PINK GOLD Whatchmaker Girard-Perregaux adds a new addition to the Hawk collection. The noteworthy timepiece boasts a powerful, technical chronograph with a pink gold case, and is reinforced with ceramic and rubber components. The dial of the Chrono Hawk Pink Gold displays a motif inspired by the shape of the famous GirardPerregaux Tourbillon Bridges.

The watch is available in KSA.

Sony To Engage In More Initiatives Sony Corporation, an official FIFA partner, announced that it will accelerate strategic initiatives that leverage the strengths of all Sony Group companies and its partnership with FIFA. Leading towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, which began in June, Sony is focusing on the areas of 4K, entertainment, network services and CSR.

Linen is in the Spotlight

In Giordano’s Summer Collection Giordano, the fashion retailer for everyday essential wardrobe, has rolled out its new collection for Summer 2014. Made using natural fabrics, the new linen collection features a variety of styles perfect to create a complete summer look.

Al Futtaim and Saudi Partners

Develop the Kingdom’s Largest Shopping Mall Dubai-headquartered Al Futtaim group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Riyadh-based Kayannat Real Estate Company to create KSA’s biggest shopping mall, Al Diriyah Festival City, in a landmark agreement designed to redefine the capital city’s retail landscape.

Jaguar Land Rover

Moves to Riyadh Showroom Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the authorized dealer for Jaguar Land Rover in Saudi Arabia, moved to a new state-of-theart showroom in Riyadh. The new showroom is located on King Abdullah Road close to Altakhasosi Street. This new showroom is the first in the world to be established based on the latest JLR Corporate Identity theme.

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01

Basicxx launches

‘Fashion For Less’

WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON!

Basicxx, one of the leading fashion and home needs retailer in the GCC region, launched “Fashion For Less” in all its stores in Saudi Arabia, one in Riyadh located at Riyadh Gallery.

Basicxx disclosed plans to build 50 stores in strategic locations.

02

Riyadh+Acumen Holds DIGNITY RIYADH Photo Exhibit and Auction Over 200 art lovers came together at Alaan Artspace on June 3 to appreciate the fine art of Saudi photography and to raise money for a worthy cause. Riyadh+Acumen, a volunteer chapter in support of Acumen, organized the Second DIGNITY exhibit. Twenty-one collectible photos, offered by seven award-winning Saudi photographers were held on auction, producing SR 87,000 and breaking last year’s record for the same event.

03

EMC Hosts Second Edition of the Public Sector Mega Workshop in Saudi Arabia EMC hosted the second edition of its Arabic Public Sector Mega Workshop to showcase latest technologies and discuss how they can help redefine the future of public services and national administration.

Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the Public Sector Mega Workshop brought together over 100 IT professionals representing key government entities in the kingdom.

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04

Zohoor Al Reef Unveils Vergers De France Zohoor Al Reef hosted an exclusive gala dinner at the Paris Ballroom of the Four Seasons last June. The event showcased the newest line of scents and products of Vergers De France as well as the two new technologies being integrated by the brand. Guests were able to get a first hand experience of the augmented reality and whispering windows that will be used in all the Zohoor Al Reef stores.

05

The Ritz Carlton Riyadh Opens Sports Lounge The indoor pool area of the Ritz Carlton Riyadh has been transformed into a Sports Lounge to accommodate football fans in the city. Matches will be aired live on a 9-by-6 meter LED screen throughout the World Cup season. The culinary gentlemen of the Ritz Carlton complete the guest experience with a unique football themed menu made especially for the event.

06

L’Odore holds Art Perfume Talk at the Naila Art Gallery Attendees received an interactive introduction to the world of scents and olfactory art at the Naila Art Gallery last June. Nicola Pozzani, lecturer on Fragrance at Kingston University and University of Art in Berns, gave an interactive lecture giving guests the chance to discover scents as a science and an art form.

07

Kempinski Launches Football Fever Festival The long-awaited World Cup 2014 football season has finally launched, and so did the opening of El Capitolio lounge and Le Bijou Café's outdoor terrace at Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski. Matches will be played daily on widescreen LEDs in the lovely atmosphere of Riyadh’s outdoor terrace that overlooks a water fountain. Football enthusiasts can enjoy watching the matches in a luxurious atmosphere.

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THEMAR RAMADAN

By Jou Pabalate

Moroccan-inspired theme gives guests a scrumptious buffet and food for thought for a new fashion shopping exeperience.

Themar Ramadan had their official grand opening on May 24. While we had anticipated an arabesque theme, we were immediately dazzled by their summer fresh and colorful take on the Holy Month.

Speaking to Layla Shehri, co-founder of Maison Bo-M gallery, she explained the inspiration behind this year’s installment: “We wanted to give our guests a refreshing and light experience, since Ramadan will be at the height of summer. As you can see, we’ve put a lot of attention to the details. We took time to really make it come together, 16 DESTINATION RIYADH

the flowers, the lighting, from the floor up to the ceiling; we had a vision to what this night should be like.”

The Moroccan-inspired gallery gave guests a holistic experience with a scrumptious buffet offering the culture’s best cuisines. Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, Amina Al Jassim and Mariam Morbet treated us to wonderful exclusive live performance while we sipped on some traditional Moroccan tea.

In Riyadh, annual events can sometimes become rather predictable as time goes by.

Hence, we are very much delighted to see Maison Bo-M upping their ante.

While the essential elements that have made Themar Ramadan a sought after shopping experience in the past is maintained, we highly appreciate the spring-summer festive vibe it fashioned itself in this time around.

Themar Ramadan will be home to a fine selection of fashion brands, home dĂŠcor and art de la table, small furniture, gift items, handcrafts, artworks and food all throughout Ramadan and Eid celebrations. The wide variety of Ramadan collections makes the bazaar a one-stop shop this season.

You know how you like asking us if your favorite local designers are in town? Here’s a list of the ones featuring their Ramadan Collection at Themar: Ada By Anjalee

Kayu Design

H&A

Alternatifs

Le Voile

Shehana

Amina Gallery

Marmise

Sleysla

Amina Al Jassim

Marou

Waela

Anfal Design

Memash

Thob

Atyabi

Mlml

Rawiah

Bazah

Nashel

Satami

Bianco

Nazeeka

Jelbab Danah

By Noon

Non Stop Dzign

Jenan Alfaris

Candella Craft

Pretty Detailed

Raqi By Tasnimullah

Dar Trtr

Qumar 14

Funkar

Raqi By Tasnimullah

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

1 JULY 1 - 2 Al Khozama Fashion Art & Design 2014 It aims to shed light on the pool of talented art, design and fashion personalities across the kingdom.

JULY 1 - 3 Ramadan Nights Exhibition Ramadan Exhibition “Layali Ramadan Fi Biladi” is one of the most famous and successful exhibitions during the holy month of Ramadan in the region.

Location: Al Khozama Hall for events and conferences.

Tel: +966-11-2829020 Mob: +966-555553033

Tel: +966-11-4806655Ext. 300 Mob: +966-505524130 Location: Nayyara Email: sales3@nayyara.com

4

JULY 4 Riyadh Triathletes Biathlon #5 The Riyadh Triathlon Club organizes different events during the summer season from April to October.

Taking place mainly on Friday mornings and is geared towards both adults and juniors of varying abilities

28

Eid Mubarak!

It's that time of the year where people are gathering withtheir loved ones to celebrate Eid.

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Type: Biathlon Schedule: Swim & Run Swimming: 500 m Running: 2 km Time: 7 a.m.

Email: trimembers@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.riyadhtriathletes.com

JULY 4 - 6 Al Khair Nights Festival The festival provides what interests women need during the holy month of Ramadan.

Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Tel: +966-11-2000614 Location: Al Khozama Hall, Al Khozamal Hotel.

Email: info@me-sa.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH!

+

DR magazine is not responsible for any event cancellation.

To add your event here, contact us at dr@rummancompany.com

JULY 1 - 13 Sixth Al Rabwa Gathering Islamic Propagation Office in Al Rabwa District invites you to attend 6th Al Rawba Gathering.

JULY 1 - 15 Riyadh Municipality Football Match Riyadh Municipality invites you to attend football match in Al Jazeera Quarter that will be for youngsters, ages 15 and over.

Time: 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Location: Riyadh Exhibition Center in Al Morouj Quarter.

Time: 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Location: Outdoor enclosed Courtyard in Al Jazeera Quarter.

6

JULY 6 - 17 PMP Exam Prep Workshop Put your career on the fast track with the PMP certification, which is aimed at experienced business professionals looking to bolster their resume with this lofty designation.

Mob: +966-502154911 Email: training@bse.com.sa Web: www. bse.com.sa

Duration:10 Days Timing: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Charges: SR 4,500 (35% Ramadan Discount) After Discount: SR 2,950 Only * PMP Certified And Experienced Trainers * PMP Exam Approval Guidance. FREE * 3000+ Practice Q&A And Audio Lessons.

FREE * PMP training videos (Prep Cast) for all concepts

25 JULY 25 Riyadh Triathletes Biathlon #6 Type: Biathlon Schedule: Swim & Run Swimming: 2.5 km Running: 2.5 km Time: 7 a.m.

Email: trimembers@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.riyadhtriathletes.com

Zip Code:

P.O.Box: 4113 Jeddah 21491, Saudi Arabia

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7 THINGS Dubai’s Burj Khalifa 2,716 feet (827 meters)

YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPCOMING

WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING

By Mohammed Mirza

Big things are coming to Jeddah. The upcoming world’s tallest building may very well bring back the city’s lost glory. The Kingdom Tower, also known as Burj Al Mamlakah, will soar into the skies of our coastal city and become a benchmark for all future skyscrapers across the globe. With construction having already begun, here are seven things you need to know about it: 1. The building will measure 3,280 feet (1km), around 568

feet (173 meters) taller than the current Guinness world record holder, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,716 feet (827

meters).

2. The project is spearheaded by Saudi Arabian Prince Waleed bin Talal. The prince also

owns what used to be the country’s tallest building, the Kingdom Center.

Burj Rafal is now the tallest building in Riyadh.

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3. Initially planned to be 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) high, the height of the tower had to be reduced as the

geology of the area proved unsuitable for a tower of that height.

4. Situated in the north of Jeddah,

the tower will overlook the Red Sea and feature a fivestar Four Seasons hotel, luxury condos and numerous office spaces. It is expected that a ride to the

top penthouse in an elevator will take an estimated 12 minutes.

5. An observation deck will also be

built in the kilometer-

high tower, at a height of 1,640 feet, which when weather allows, will offer views

of the Red Sea.

This will also be the

world’s highest observation deck in a man-made structure.

6. The building will require roughly 5.7 million square feet of concrete, 80,000 tons of steel for its 200 floors and will take around five

years to complete.

7. Expected to cost SR4.6 billion (US$1.23 billion),

the tower will be the centerpiece and first phase of the SR75

billion (US$20 billion) proposed Kingdom City.

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Sheikh Khalid AbdulKafi

– An Inspiration

By Bassma Al Toaimi

Occupation: Imam at Aisha Mosque and teacher at Al Faisaliah School for the Talented (Tahlia Street) Website: www.aisha-mo.com

22 DESTINATION RIYADH

Sheikh Khalid AbdulKafi is an admirable Muslim who possesses a set of unique characteristics that have allowed him to become the ultimate go-to Sheikh for all matters related to Islam and life in general. His ability to deliver inspirational speeches has gained him followers not only in Jeddah but also in Riyadh and other cities in Saudi.

How long have you been Imam at Aisha Mosque?

Jeddah Reader’s Reunion

Six years now.

What did you do before becoming Imam at Aisha Mosque?

In 1415 (1995), I was an Imam at Al Sharbatly Mosque and I gave speeches there as well, then in 1428 (2007) I became the Imam at Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Mosque.

A year later in 1429 (2008) I moved to Aisha Mosque and I’ve been there ever since. I am the Imam there. I give speeches and lessons there and conduct my social services from there as well.

“Al Qur’an Lak - Noor Hayati” Campaign

Aisha Mosque is known for its cleanliness. How do you maintain that?

Our vision at Aisha Mosque is for the mosque to be the neighborhood’s center for everything Islam represents and that includes cleanliness.

Through cleanliness and organization, we aim for Aisha mosque to shine until the light of Islam reaches all of our society.

“Security and Safety” Campaign

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What services does Aisha Mosque offer?

It gives me great pride to say that we conduct a lot of services and activities.

To mention some, there’s the annual Eid gathering (Mu’ayada), iftar during the holy month of Ramadan and on Ashoora day. We offer people with the option to join us on the last 10 days of Ramadan for e’etekaf, which is when people spend all their time at the mosque. During those last 10 days of the holy month, I increase the number of lectures in order to benefit as many people as I can. Last but not least, we also have a weekly sports activity every Saturday after Isha prayer.

What do you do at the mosque apart from the prayers and Friday sermon?

Oh, where do I begin! I always try to have something going on at the mosque. There’s the Developing the Neighborhood Project, weekly lessons by myself every Saturday after Isha prayer, titled Soora Min Hayat Al Tabe’een (meaning A Picture From the Life of the Followers). There are also weekly lessons by Sheikh Abdullah Al Maghrabi every Tuesday after Isha prayer, titled Min Wahy Al Qur'an Al Kareem, (meaning From the Inspirations of the Qur'an). We offer training courses as well, with the cooperation of Al Naeem District Center.

Do you have Qur’an interpretation/ memorizing sessions at the mosque?

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Yes, of course. Everyday after Asur prayer, we have two sessions for boys in the elementary level. After Maghreb prayer, we have a session for middle school and high school level boys, and for grown-ups the session is after Isha prayer. We also have Qur'an memorizing contests and prizes on a weekly and monthly basis.

How do you reach out to young people?

My approach is simplicity. I like to be simple, real, active and I’m always on the move, looking for new ways to attract people to Islam. I like to get involved in social events and

attend special occasions, and that’s in addition to being active online where I can communicate and reach a lot of people.

Do you give informal discussions about spirituality in places other than the mosque?

Yes, whenever I get the chance. In addition to the mosque and social activities, I took part in TV programs on Iqra’a channel, and Saudi Channel 1. I have also been an active participant in summer programs for more than 15 years now.

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OUR WONDERFUL

Mosques

Photogrpahy and text by Mohammed Dughaishm

Side by side the skyscrapers rising across Riyadh are architectural testaments of the city’s Islamic affinity. The mosques of Riyadh is an integral part of the Saudi culture and heritage. Each one has a story waiting to be told. Join us as we take you to a visual tour of these wonderful places of worship that continue to bring Riyadhis together as a faithful community.

Princess Latifa bint Sultan Mosque The youngest mosque on our list has become a favorite in the community because of its brightly lit prayer halls, always clean and well maintained surroundings, marvelous exteriors, prime location and commitment to serving Muslims. During Ramadan, the mosque inspires everyone through the exceptional efforts they give to the underprivileged by providing continuous charitable assistance throughout the month.

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The Al Rajhi Grand Mosque The largest mosque in Riyadh is both an architectural marvel and considered to be one of the most significant Islamic institutions in the city. Juma’ah Kotbah (Friday prayers) are translated into over seven different languages and for the hearing impaired through multiple LCD screens. The mosque holds two libraries, forensic science courses, an automated utilities system, an 18,000-person capacity for the men’s hall and 2,500 for the women’s area.

28 DESTINATION RIYADH

King Khalid Grand Mosque The King Khalid Grand Mosque first became well known through Sheikh Adel Kalbani. People to this day consider it a spiritual sanctuary. There is a strong connection and unity among worshippers whenever we gather here to pray. It is not the most sophisticated or the most elegant, but it brings the community together.

Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque It is one of the oldest mosques in the city that is a reminder of Diriyah (old Riyadh). Imam Turki is part of the local Najdi heritage; its cultural history and religious significance makes it a mosque often visited by worshipping members of the Al Saud family during Ramadan and Eid.

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S pecial F eatures

RAMADAN: NOW & THEN

By Reina Tejano

Every year, millions of Muslims engage in one of Islam’s holiest months, Ramadan. As a religious tradition, it is undeniable that the practice of fasting and praying are here to stay. However, with a changing generation, it lead me to wonder whether the cultural aspect of Ramadan is shifting and what do Saudis today have to say about the traditions that have come and gone and what is here to stay?

I interviewed five Saudis who shared their memories and experiences of Ramadan and their insights are interesting, profound and even funny.

Q. Do you know of any old

By Reina Vidad Tejano Saudi traditions that are practiced during Ramadan and are hardly or no longer practiced today?

Al Alim Y: The religious traditions are still very much practiced.

Joharah: Let’s see…there was this lovely tradition when all the neighbors in an area would block off the road and set up a tablecloth in the middle of the street. Each neighbor would then bring one dish with him and everyone sits together over the same-shared iftar. It is such a 30 DESTINATION RIYADH

beautiful, communal thing to do, but I feel sad that it seems to have died out in these recent years.

Mohammed S: There’s what we call “Gurgaian” wherein children of each neighborhood would go around carrying pouches that their mothers had made or paper bags and knocking on doors; once a door is open they would sing the “Gurgaian” song of which after they would receive a mixture of nuts/sweets mixed with some coins.

Amal G: I’ve heard stories about the Musaharati (men

who wake up people in their community during Ramadan by beating drums and singing songs before suhur). They are usually followed by children singing along with them. I’ve also read about the Ramadan Canon, which was used in the early 1800s to help announce that it was time for iftar. I believe during those days they did not have the technology of speakers so a cannon would do the trick. Nowadays, the canon still exists but only for symbolic purposes.

Q. Are there new traditions/ practices during Ramadan nowadays?

Omar H: Back in the day, we would conduct small football contests between different teams. We used to play it after Taraweeh for almost two hours. Nowadays, young people play it using PlayStation instead.

Al Alim Y: It seems like hanging out with either friends or family in coffee shops is at a rise.

Mohammed S: There’s the “tribal size” (not just family size) of packed items that you’d find in supermarkets and the Iftar outings to hotels and restaurants are commonplace now.

Joharah: Fashion bazaars.

Q. Is there a difference on how Ramadan is practiced now to that of your younger years (childhood)?

Amal G: Yes, some people seem a little bit distant now because of the constant use of electronic gadgets like iPads and mobile phones. I feel like people in the past were more personally engaged, but there are still some like that I guess.

Mohammed S: I think nowadays, instead of us receiving the gifts (as children), we are now the ones giving out “Eidiyahs” during the Eid so the difference is that I’m going broke.

Omar H: From a religious point of view, I believe the traditions are still practiced in the same manner because of the strong religious influence throughout our society.

Q: What is the true meaning of Ramadan for you?

Joharah: The spiritual essence of the month. It’s beautiful.

Al Alim M: It’s a month of forgiveness, giving, peace, love, faith, hope, patience and harmony.

Mohammed S: For me, it could be summed up in three words: Where’s The Food?!

Seriously, with fasting, one doesn’t need to get high to have the munchies.

Amal G: Ramadan is not about skipping meals, but it has a strong spiritual value.

I see it as a time to renew our commitment and reestablishing our relationship with our creator, Allah.

Omar H: If there was one word to describe Ramadan, I think it is spirituality.

It is clear that the central theme of Ramadan thrives on.

Certain cultural practices may have died a natural death due to the modern, technological advances and these are only normal over the course of time. The important thing is that the true essence of Ramadan remains in the hearts and minds of every Muslim.

Through fasting, sacrifices, prayers and exhibiting generosity and kindness to others, Muslims achieve a closer and more meaningful relationship with Allah.

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S p e c i a l F e at u r e s

10 Things

I Love About Ramadan

It’s that time of the year again! Time to roll up the samboosa and dust off the decorations! It’s Ramadan!

By Yasmine Halawa

I’ve lived in Saudi Arabia my entire life before moving to Egypt recently, and the thing I miss the most about it is spending Ramadan in Saudi.

There are a lot of reasons why I love it so much, but here is my top 10.

1. The First Night of Ramadan We all know what I’m talking about. It's that night where we all wait for the announcement of the sighting of the crescent moon, or the athan calling the Taraweeh prayers, signaling the beginning of the blessed month. And then the calls and messages and broadcasts start pouring in. Ramadan Kareem!

It’s finally upon us!

2. The First Day of Ramadan I don’t know why, but fasting in Ramadan is always easier than any other time outside of it, no matter what the weather is like or how long the day is. Although the first day is always the toughest, I almost never notice as I’m either getting ready for the family iftar, or taking a sneaky nap right before maghrib athan.

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3. Family Gatherings Ramadan is nothing without a big family gathering. You get to hang out with your cousins, play with the kids and as always, listen to your grandma worry about how you’re not eating enough!

Food is abound, and there's a wonderful atmosphere of community.

4. Everybody Flies In After graduation, all your friends go their separate ways in about a hundred different countries, but none of them ever fail to fly back home to visit during Ramadan, and I love reunions. And the frequent parties and meet ups come in handy because...

Ramadan is a personal experience and spiritual journey we get to share with our family, friends and the community. I’m sure everyone has a list of what they love about the holy month. Tell us about it! @DestinationRyd

5. Everything Comes to Life at Night Cafes, restaurants, malls, and even the streets all seem to wake up at night. They all light up and suddenly everything is crowded and full of energy.

It's a beautiful sight to behold, and especially useful when Ramadan falls on the hottest month of the year.

6. Samboosa Yes, samboosa is a point on its own, because who doesn’t love samboosa? Not to sideline all the other Ramadan goodies, like Gamar-al-deen, kunafa and atayef and everything else that fill the shelves in the supermarkets and our kitchens, but samboosa has a special place in our hearts. Remember to share though! Be it with the neighbors (I love it when a neighbor sends over food) or the less fortunate, because food is always better when shared.

7. Taraweeh

9. Umrah!

I may not go every night, but this is definitely what defines Ramadan for me. The spirituality and the fact that we’re all gathering in one place to pray is the best thing in the world.

Umrah in Ramadan, need I say more? It’s not just Umrah though; I’m talking about the religious aspect of Ramadan (which is actually what Ramadan is all about).

Think of the extra effort everybody starts to put in to kick the bad habits and bring in better ones like reading more Qur’an or giving more to the poor. Isn’t that what we all love and miss the most about Ramadan?

8. The Shows Ramadan is one of the biggest seasons for television shows in the Arab World. My all-timefavorite-never-to-be-missedmust-see-every-Ramadan is Ahmad Al Shugairi’s Khawater. I love his show, I think it defines the spirit of Ramadan and the spirit every Arab should have the entire year.

10. Eid is Just Around the Corner Okay, technically it isn't Ramadan. But that doesn't matter. From buying new clothes to making plans for even bigger family gatherings, and getting ready to gift your loved ones, Eid preparations are just as exciting as Eid itself!

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S PI R I T U ALI T Y

Tips for a Productive Ramadan

By Lotifa Begum

Whenever we think of Ramadan, we are overcome with a desire to set high goals for ourselves spiritually, socially and physically. These noble intentions are all well and good, but most of us then spend the rest of the year struggling to keep up with the energy burst, which comes from this spiritually charged month. As women we often find that we are burned out from focusing on serving others in Ramadan so I want to share some useful tips and advice in this article to help boost your Ramadan as a Muslim.

There are many things you can do to ensure you have a well-balanced and spiritually charged Ramadan, but as with everything consistency is key. Over the last few years, Ramadan has undoubtedly been one of the best months of spiritual retreat for me and it's only worked because I've been able to apply some key lessons of learning along the way as outlined below.

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1. Plan Your Diet As we all know, our body is an amanah from Allah. However, unfortunately we do not spend enough time learning about the ways in which we should protect and nourish our bodies.

During Ramadan, it is essential to gain some basic knowledge on what to eat and drink to keep you energized. Islam taught us that Prophetic foods, which I call super foods, are filled with sources of energy.

For that reason, they should be a part of your regular diet for iftar and sohoor. If you plan to have the following foods in Ramadan each day, you'll feel much lighter, energetic and insha’allah more productive in striving to achieve your Ramadan goals.

Green olives, pomegranates grapes, melon, cucumber dates, milk , lemon water honey (used in green tea or as spreads) nuts and dried fruits and green vegetables

2. Get Charitable!

The Prophet (PBUH) would be the most generous and charitable throughout the blessed month of Ramadan.

Set yourself a social productivity goal to take part in a fundraising initiative by getting involved with charities.

Perhaps you can think about hosting an iftar party and raise funds for charities. Perhaps this Ramadan you can finally commit to sponsoring an orphan or contributing to local mosques. You can be charitable in so many ways so think about how you will donate your time, money, efforts and most importantly, your skills to better the people around you!

4. Plan Your Dua'as The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Three types of people's dua’as are not rejected: 1) At the time of iftar the person who has fasted, 2) A just ruler's dua, 3) The dua of the oppressed.” [Tirmidhi]

3. Keep a Ramadan Journal For a couple of years now I have regularly kept a Ramadan journal and it is one of the most powerful ways to reflect spiritually on your state in Ramadan. All you need is a blank notebook and a pen.

Schedule a time at the end of the night or early in the morning to jot down what you have found went well about the day, reflect on your actions, and if you are reading Qur'an you can also combine your Ramadan journal to reflect on verses from the Qur’an, which I often found to be a useful way of using my journal to develop myself spiritually. After Ramadan, you can look back on the 30 days of the Holy Month and read over how connected you felt to Allah to inspire and motivate you to carry on doing the same throughout the months following Ramadan insha’allah!

One of the most profound courses I did last year was the Online Visionaire course where I learned how to make dua’as that are effective and planned my dream duas for every prayer. Since that Ramadan, I have had some immense milestones and prayers achieved, including moving to a new house and traveling to a place I had been longing to visit, alhamdulillah. So here is the secret formula for having your duas planned (make it a daily habit and stick to it after Ramadan as well).

1. List 6 short sharp dua’as to achieve by end of the year.

2. Memorize them and add Allah's Names to each dua.

3. Make the same dua’as a daily habit everyday.

4. Choose a time where dua’a is likely to be accepted! Such as in prostration or after obligatory prayers, when you are about to break your fast and in the last third part of the night.

5. Make them tangible and specific.

6. Be sincere and have conviction every time you make dua’a it will be answered!

Web: www.productivemuslim.com - Twitter: @AbuProductive - Facebook: /ProductiveMuslim

I ask Allah to bless us all in this blessed month, grant us the ability to worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped and that He makes us live through a productive Ramadan!

Ameen.

S PI R I T U ALI T Y

How to Do Good and Keep it a Secret

By Johara Al Mogbel

Charity, or sadaqah, is a huge part of Islam. It also happens to be one of the core values in Ramadan. Muslims are spurred to be generous with less unfortunate people year round, but during the holy month, which generally generates a high level of spirituality, sadaqah is generally concentrated.

You know what’s another thing that Islam encourages?

Modesty and humility.

And charity and humility coupled together produces one of the most beautiful concepts in religion, as it rewards those who are so discreet in their giving that their left hand does not know what their right is giving.

Anonymity helps both the person in need to receive the help and curbs the possibility of the person donating to do so for fame or a reputation.

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Now, we understand that it may seem hard to do but we’ve researched a few tips for you to help make it easier. Without further ado, here they are. Don’t forget us in your prayers!

Simply lend a hand.

www.charitywater.org

Websites are one of the best ways to donate secretly.

Most valid Saudi charities have working websites and all of them list a number of bank account numbers with information and instructions on transferring. Tarahum (for the care of the families of prisoners) have a webpage with detailed poverty cases (rent payment, paying off debt or electricity/water bills) that allows you to choose a case to back and the amount you’d like to contribute. You can donate as little as SR 1 up till paying off the entire case, should you like to do so. And that’s only an option. There’s a ton of other charities that allow you to do something similar. Do your research first, though, and choose a cause you feel strongly about that’s being dealt with by a charity that’s transparent about where the money’s going.

Find someone within your circle of existence to help.

Sometimes the janitor at work or school might be in a bit of a tight spot or knows someone who is. Maybe a neighbor’s in a bind with regards to cooking for Ramadan or perhaps you’ve heard the local mosque is in desperate need of retiling.

You can share your food with the neighbor without them realizing who it is, a bonus can be left for the janitor or hire a worker to patch up the mosque with the instructions to keep his employer to himself. Be creative, and don’t underestimate how far a little help can go, no matter how silly it seems.

Acts of kindness is a sadaqah in Islam, but so very few view it that way. You’ll still be putting in towards charity but at the same time make it seem as if it’s a normal average task. Doubly so, if it’s for a stranger who will probably never know who you are. Smile to people on the street. Help an old man with his grocery cart. Pick up litter other horrible people have left.

Pay for someone’s gasoline at the station. Buy something for the person behind you at a fast food counter. Hand a Ramadan Kareem card to a cleaner in the street. Buy a friend a lantern for them to light up at home.

Share your food. Yes, even that shawarma you’ve been craving all week. Somehow in Ramadan good deeds are so much easier to accomplish, so make the most of it as you can.

Keep in mind, however, that good deeds don’t start and stop with Ramadan. There are another eleven months in a year and causes never take a break, so do your worst!

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S PI R I T U ALI T Y

Rewards from Allah

By Bassma Al Toaimi

Getting rewards from Allah is so much easier than we think. In fact, there are so many little things we already do in our daily lives without knowing they’re good deeds or how many rewards we got for it.

Sunnah Prayers:

For some strange and sad reason, sunnah prayers are often neglected. There’s no way people know how important they are and still don’t pray them, so I’m assuming most people don’t know the benefits and rewards of praying sunnah after the obligatory prayer. So below are just a few of the many benefits, as outlined by Sheikh Hamed Al Ali, an instructor of Islamic Heritage at the Faculty of Education, Kuwait.

“Sunnah prayers bring more reward to Allah’s servant, as increasing voluntary prayers is the best of supererogatory acts after Jihad.”

“Sunnah prayers compensate and make up for any shortcoming or incompleteness in the obligatory prayers.”

The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said: “Whoever prays twelve raka’at during the day and night will have a house built for him in Paradise.”

(Reported by Al Tirmidhi)

“Sunnah prayers increase the light of Iman (faith) in the heart, as each prayer brings light to the heart of a Muslim.”

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Reading the Qur’an:

“Whoever recites one word from the Book of Allah will be rewarded for a good deed and ten more like it; and I don’t say that Alif Lam Mim is a word but Alif is a word and Lam is a word and Mim is a word.”

Good Manners:

“The person of good manners will get the same reward as the person who prays during the night and fasts during the day.”

(Sahih Al Jami)

Looking for Useful Islamic Apps? Try these!

Al Quran al Kareem HD

Making Dua’a:

“The most virtuous act of worship is supplication.”

(Sahih Al Jami)

This Qur’an app has easily marked parts for when to perform a certain acts at parts of an aya. The app has options like translations and explanations that are very useful.

Khitma Khitma is an excellent app for reading the entire Quran. It has features like how to be able to finish reading the Quran, and the dua’as used. It also allows the user to easily bookmark the last page read.

Muslim Kids Series: Dua’a

Guiding People:

“Whoever guides one to a good thing will get the same reward as the person who performs the deed.” (Sahih Al Jami)

The Muslim kids series app is a great app to keep on any child’s device. All the dua’as a child may need to use are shown with simple illustrations as well as guidance referring to what the other person should reply when hearing that dua’a.

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A R T S & ENTERTA I N M ENT

Ramadan Fun

with the Little Ones

By Lama Alem

Kids can easily get restless and anxious as the long, hot Ramadan days start, especially if they had started to practice fasting. Here, you will find some activities and ideas to get the children into the Ramadan spirit while keeping them entertained.

1- Try sighting the crescent signifying the start of Ramadan.

10- Bring out some beads and threads and make your own sobha.

2- Learn about the different phases of the moon.

11- Play a Ramadan trivia game to teach the kids about Ramadan.

3- Create paper lanterns, cut out crescents and stars, and paint banners to decorate the house.

4- Make greeting cards wishing family and friends a “Ramadan Kareem.”

5- Read parts of the Qur’an and tell your children the stories behind them (e.g.

Surat Al Kahf).

6- Learn the 99 names of Allah.

7- Learn the dua’a for breaking fast.

8- Read the stories of the Prophets before bed.

9- Make a charity (sadaqa) jar and collect change from family members, then donate the money to charity.

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12- Help out prepar iftar and suhoor, from grocery shopping to setting the table.

13- Taste and learn about the different kinds of dates.

14- Make crescentand star-shaped cookies.

15- Give out bottles of water and dates to workers and the poor around maghrib time.

16- Take your children on a tour through old neighborhoods.

17- Pray taraweeh with your children.

18- Collect their unwanted toys and clothes and donate to charity.

19- For the older kids, keep a Ramadan journal in which they write down the good deeds they perform and their fasting experience.

28- Let your child pick out the menu for a meal.

20- Bake together, or make homemade pizza.

30- Tell your children stories about Ramadan when you were a child.

21- Host play dates.

22- Have a picnic!

You don’t have to go out. Use your living room floor for a nice Ramadan iftar picnic.

23- Memorize one soora from the Qur’an per week.

24- Gather the family and have board game night.

25- Dedicate a few hours to clean out your room.

26- Have a family talent show.

27- Start a gratitude journal with your child. They can draw the things they are thankful for.

29- Watch one of the World Cup matches together.

27

1

14 3

9

2

5

13 4

24

10

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A R T S & ENTERTA I N M ENT

Make Eid More Festive!

By Johara Al Mogbel

Eid away from your family or country can be difficult sometimes. The customs are different or perhaps you can’t find anyone to celebrate with, and all the joy in the holiday seems hard to capture. But you’re in luck if you’re spending it in Riyadh! There’s loads of ways to make it more festive here, all you have to do is plan it properly Here’s five easy ways to help you get on the right track!

1- Decorate Put up banners, hang lanterns and stick fairy lights everywhere! It’s amazing how much a few sparkly lights can make a place look happier. Arabic style lanterns are gorgeous and found anywhere, from the SR 2 shops (that don’t actually sell anything for SR 2, but still manage to be an emporium of all sorts of odds) to IKEA. And mostly anything can be printed off the Internet. Just Google “free Eid printables” and a number of helpful results will pop up!

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2- Arrange a Meal with Friends This is something my parents used to do when we were abroad. Every Eid not spent in Saudi Arabia, they’d hold a large evening dinner at our house and invite all our close friends who were in a similar situation (i.e. without family).

It made it much better, as celebrating Eid is centered on doing so with family.

3- Attend Eid Prayer Eid prayer is a “fardh kifayah,” meaning that as long as there are people attending it, it is not obligatory for the rest. Which means that a number of people usually skip it, especially since they’re used to living on a Ramadan schedule and leaving the house at Fajr prayer is exhausting. But for me, Eid prayer basically constitutes all that is beautiful about Eid. There’s a sense of community as you show up at the masjid, and see your neighbors and their prettily dressed up children wishing each other well and passing out sweets. So pick up a box of candy and go to your nearest masjid! I’ll guarantee it’ll make your Eid better.

4- Dress Up! The lure to spend the days in sweatpants is strong after the speeding train that is Ramadan, I understand. But sometimes just the mere act of putting on your best clothes can change the general atmosphere from Average Day into something festive.

Your sweatpants tells your brain it’s just another day, while your shamagh or suit or dress and heels jumpstarts it into thinking it’s a special day. Even if you just dress up and visit your local fast food chain, it’ll make it more exciting for you (and your kids if you have any)-.

5- Go to City-Planned Events

6- Give Gifts Instead of Money

The best thing about Riyadh is that the city’s Amanah (municipality) always brings out the big stops every year.

Traditional dances, plays and fireworks are held for all three days of Eid and copies of the schedule are normally handed out with local newspapers.

My personal favorite is the traditional dance show that showcases all the dances from each of the 13 regions. It’s held at the old part of Riyadh (Diriyah) on the first evening of Eid and normally spans an hour or two. The energy of the show is brilliant, and although it’s broadcast live on Saudi 1 every year, attending the live performance would be a more fun experience.

Eidiyat, small amounts of money given to children on Eid day, is a widespread Muslim tradition. But when you’re abroad, there’s generally no one to give to (or receive from) money, and it takes away a little joy from the holiday. So why not send out gifts instead? Find inexpensive thoughtful items to send to coworkers, your neighbors, your family, any help that you might have, even the landlord if you have one. It doesn’t have to be all of them either, just choose the people you’d like to make happy by showing them you remembered them this Eid. You could even use your Ramadan mornings more effectively and DIY a couple of gifts! Just keep in mind, it’s the thought that counts, really.

+

And that’s it!

We hope you have a great Eid.

Drop us a line @DestinationRyd if you have better ideas or experience on how to make Eid more festive, and let us know if you tried any of the above!

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FA S HI O N & S H O P P I N G

By Jou Pabalate and Johara Al Mogbel

Gift shopping becomes a competitive sport in Riyadh just before Eid. You’ll be bravely navigating through jam-packed malls and rushing through aisles of stores. So, here’s our gift to you, Riyadhis, a guide to gifting this festive season.

TOP 5 GIFTING TIPS: 1 Make a List

2 3

While we try to veer away from stating the obvious, there are some tips that require a constant reminder year after year. Write down the people you’ll be gifting and what you’d want to get them. Start with your immediate family and the dearest loved ones. Then you can consider what you can get for extended relatives or others (if you’re working on a budget).

It IS the thought that counts

Be thoughtful enough to remember that your brother is over his Ben10 phase and now into Minecraft or that Mom has been hinting on that awesome baking pan. If you’re giving out candies and small toys for the kids, place them in named loot bags.

Give within your Means

The most expensive gifts won’t make you the favorite aunt-unclecousin-mother-father of Eid. It’s not a competition in the first place. If you can afford to go the extra mile then great but if not, don’t break your wallet over it.

4

Here’s an Eidiya

Standing in line while the elder family members hand out Eidiya during Eid breakfast is ingrained in every Riyadhi’s childhood memory. Keep the tradition alive and add your own creative twist.

Oh, and change that SR 100 into smaller bills, kids would get more excited to get one-hundred SR 1 notes.

5

Be a gracious Giftee

So the shirt you got is a fashion faux pas waiting to happen.

Maybe you already own three of the same cutlery. The gift might even be so lousy you’d like to bury it in the closet. Nonetheless, be grateful. Don’t be a whiner, be a good example to the youngsters – smile and be gracious (repeat in your head, “It’s the thought that counts”).

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Don’t know what to get whom?

Here’s our top gift ideas for…

The Photography Enthusiast: An instant camera! There’s nothing more fun than getting a hard copy of your images and an instant photo is the best thing ever.

Since Polaroid dropped out of the game a number of replacements have cropped up, the cheapest option being the cameras that take Fujifilm Instax film. You can get your loved one the Instax Mini 90!

Where to find: Qomra, Khurais Rd. (www.qomra.pro)

The Artist:

The TV Fan:

Art supplies are always expensive; so a little something from the craft to the artist on your list goes a long way. We think art should be everywhere, and what better way to do that then buy a box easel? An artist can prop it anywhere to work, and it doubles as great storage space. We spotted some great (at a slightly higher price) options in Curio Art Supplies along Takhassussi Rd.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had Netflix? It would make gifting so much easier. But as it is, we have to look for other options to satisfy the TV fan in our lives. If they have a favorite show, a poster or t-shirt might do the trick! If they’re the sort who watch without bias, why not get them a hard drive? For all the extra shows they’re planning on, er, saving.

The Foodie:

The Music Lover: Headphones are always a good idea. A music lover will already have a pair (or five), though, so get them something unique! Like this “speaker monocle” from Native Union.

It’s pretty looking AND it’ll fit the bill if the person you’re buying for also happens to be a hipster.

Win! http://www.nativeunion. com/us/speakers/monocle. html

Oh, how can we narrow it down? Food is one of the simplest joys in life and there’s an abundance of it in Riyadh! Buy a dinner at your favorite restaurant, or perhaps cook your specialty and wrap it up nicely. Or buy a few gourmet items, arrange them in a nice basket, and gift away! Danube has an extensive collection in their specialty shop. A number of items can be found in Panda as well. Our favorites are Maille or Edward Fallot Dijon mustard from Danube, chocolate bars from Godiva, brioche toast from Carrefour, and- who are we kidding?

Everything. We love eating everything.

The Reader: People with clear hobbies make gifting so much easier.

For readers, steer clear from buying them books, unless you’re 100 percent sure of their taste or have a copy of their wish list. A much better option is to buy them a gift card so they can choose their own books! Amazon offers them, as do Jarir Bookstore.

And if you’re looking to splurge, an e-reader is a great option. We’re fans of the inexpensive versatile Kobo. http://www.kobobooks.com/ wifi_tech

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FA S HI O N & S H O P P I N G

L’Odore:

Where Perfumes Are Works of Art L’Odore, named after the Italian word for scent, was brought to Saudi Arabia by Sultan Al Sheaibi, a man on a mission to share his passion for luxury niche perfume and artisanal scents. At L’Odore Boutique, guests can enjoy Italian classical music, the fine works of Canaletto, and most importantly, find the fragrances that define them.

L’Odore, now available at Harvey Nichols Riyadh, is the ultimate destination for niche perfumes in Saudi Arabia and is like a window to what L’Odore Boutique will be. L’Odore offers customers an opportunity to discover exclusive collections of unique European fragrances blended by dedicated perfumers from Italy, France, England and Switzerland. The perfumes available at L’Odore can only be found there and in very selective retailers worldwide.

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P ROMOTION

“L’Odore is my tribute to the power of perfume: liquid emotions in a bottle.”

– Sultan Al Sheaibi, L’Odore Founder

Coming soon to Burj Rafal in Riyadh is L’Odore Boutique, where guests can relax at the perfume lounge and enjoy a personalized consultation with one of their specialized, highly trained team members in order to find their signature scent.

During your consultation, you will be given a brief introduction about the art of appreciating fragrances, then your fragrance specialist will help you choose certain fragrances, depending on your taste and personality, from the perfume menu.

L’Odore Boutique (Burj Rafal) is coming soon, but don’t hesitate to stop by L’Odore in Harvey Nichols today to find your own unique scent.

Tel: +966-11-2611687 Email: info@lodore.com Web: www.lodore.com Facebook: /lodore Instagram: @l_odore

L’AIR DU DÉSERT MAROCAIN

By Andy Tauer Inspired by the fragrant world of Moroccan desert nights.

Ta’if by Ormonde Jayne London An intoxicating rose scent from the town of Ta´if - a real belle of the ball.

NERO ‘Dhin Oud’ by Bruno Acampora, Italy A strong oriental wood connotation, notes of citrus and amber, and notes of cedar wood and patchouli.

P ROMOTION

DESTINATION RIYADH 47

FA S H I O N

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

one on one with Saudis youngest fashion entrepreneur LAILA HASHANI

Whats her favorite...?

P r i n t : Floral

I t e m o f c l o t h i n g : Monsoon dress J e w e l r y : Necklace S t o n e : Diamond S o n g : Classic

N a i l p o l i s h : Blue/Black

Laila is a 10-year-old girl (YES! 10) who designs her own thobes; for girls ages 3-14, and she sells them at bazaars.

Soon enough her collections are going to be available in some real cool boutiques (we'll keep you posted). Currently you can grab her designs for your loved ones during Ramadan at Tashkeil from June 23-25. For now let's get to know Laila a little bit better...

D i s h : Pizza

M o v i e : 27 Dresses and Bride Wars F l o w e r : Daisy

Actor/Actress: Rachel McAdams and Angelina Jolie F a v o r i t e c i t y : London, England

EYE SPY

M O R E

F A S H I O N Riyadh is set for elegant Ramadan nights and celebrating Eid in style. Local designers Nora Al Shaikh, Mishael Al Rajhi, Haifa Fahad and Amal Goblan are leading the fashion pack in the city with their resort/seasonal collections.

Be prepared for a festive trend of flowing gowns in light hues and pastels that matches the summer Holy Month we’re having. The collections are set to be unveiled in the Ramadan bazaars happening around Riyadh and flowing on over to Jeddah this July! Stay tuned to our instagram for updates!

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BUZZING

E A R R I N G S

BE THE EARRING girl

Clockwise: Vickisarge SR 1,350, Givenchy SR 3,350, Moschino SR 1,450, J. Crew SR 450, Christian Dior SR 1,660, Givenchy 2,330

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By Sarah's Bag SR 1,900

Chambrey linen mix perfect for summer!

SUBTLE

NEON

By Nawal Store SR 1,900

pastel? love.

By Nawal Store SR 1,900

By Sarah's Bag SR 1,700

By Stella McCartney SR 1,850

FA S H I O N

RAMADAN + EID

By Diane von Furstenberg SR 1,360

Who said you can't wear neon for iftar? (although we'd suggest instead of looking like a moving neon blob, go for these subtle options). Above are some nice ways of accessorizing your Ramadan look and owning some timeless classics at the same time (and NEVER EVER accessorize all neon with some more neon, you think its matching... but we're sorry 95 percent of the time it's not).

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Fa s h i o n Ed i to r : M a z i n A l M a i m a n i

NEW

WHITE

Top: Carven x Ancient Greek Sandals collaboration SR 1,100, By Dan Ward SR 1,200,

By Adieu SR 2,500

By Lomar SR 600

By Lomar SR 800

By Lanvin SR 800 (each set)

Handkerchiefs by Derek Rose SR 120 (set of 2)

Jamjoom Center SR 40-150 (depending on your bargaining skills)

Guys are in thobes most of the time during Ramadan. Stock up on thobes and these key items will keep you looking cool and feeling comfortable all day long (and dapper for Eid).

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GADGETS

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

iPad Sleeve—Majda SR 250

Be the center of attention among your peers and colleagues by flaunting this stylish new range of iPad sleeve from the house of Funk De Tote. Handmade from the finest material, this chic and stylish sleeve comes with eye popping detailing in the form of a bowtie embroidery work.

Available at dokkanafkar.com

Selfie Stick Monopod SR 229 This Selfie Stick Monopod is based on the HID communication technology and suitable for smartphone users to take self-portraits.

Easy to use: Charge the Monopod—Pair your cellphone and the Monopod (Bluetooth)—Slip the phone to the clamp—Focus yourself—push the button.

Available at souq.com

AlFajr Azan Digital Clock SR 413 A high-quality digital Azan sound for all prayers (including complete Fajr azan). Azan times are calculated accurately for all cities around the world. Temperature display wall mounted and a stand for sitting on the table. Gregorian or Hijri calendar can be displayed. The Hijri calendar follows the Gregorian date and is based on the astronomical moon sighting at Makkah.

Available at amazon.com

52 DESTINATION RIYADH

Locks Bags Together SR 49.94 Brand new and high quality, ideal for carrying multiple oversized bags, soft squeeze grip design, supports ease of carrying heavy-weight items.

High-strength, with a capacity to carry up to 50 pounds. Made of ABS plastic, which is durable with light weight.

Available at souq.com

Black & Decker Hand Vacuum SR 199 The design of the hand vacuum makes it the most stylish way you can clean your house. The suction nose and arm is kept within the unit and released with a button on the top. It is so compact that is sits easily in the palm of your hand. This unit comes in a smart black with a premium metallic finish.

Available at Extra.

Jelly Lens

SR 40

Tiny detachable stick-on lens.

Creates wide-angle panoramic shot or a fish-eye effect when used up close to an object. Great portable accessory for your camera, cellphone or web camera. Works well on lenses that are no bigger than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Available at souq.com

DESTINATION RIYADH 53

DINING AROUND TOWN

Talah Aljood: Constantly Innovating the Date

Sukkari with Sesame & Tahini

Talah Aljood is known as the ultimate date shop in KSA. The widest variety of dates are always found there, appealingly wrapped and packaged. For the past 15 years, people living in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Riyadh have been heading to Talah Aljood for premium quality dates that are guaranteed to satisfy. One of their many admirable strengths is their ability to innovate the date.

Segie with Corn Flakes

Yaser Bakker, CEO of Talah Aljood, is the man behind this brilliant Saudi brand. Talah (meaning baby palm tree in Arabic) represents a world of dates, creatively presented and constantly developed.

With the date being their main ingredient, Talah’s products branched out to goods such as cakes, cheesecakes, milkshakes, kunafa and the traditional ma’amoul.

The ke a D te Ca ith w e is mad free gluten t mille flour

Traditional Homemade Ma'amoul

Mini Date Cheesecake

This is in addition to their creativity in regards to date fillings. Some of their ingenious fillings include but are not limited to mocha cream and coffee beans, almond paste, cashew paste and tahini. They also sell dates covered in pistachios, sesame seeds, coconut shavings, cinnamon, almonds, chocolate and much more.

Their Date Cake, made with millet gluten free flour & dates, along with their Date MilleFeuille, have quickly became a hit with fans.

Talah's mini date cheesecake, date sweet pastries

54 DESTINATION RIYADH

P ROMOTION

Single Date Giveaway Creative Date Display

with nuts, chocolate and other toppings have also climbed up the popularity ladder in a short period of time. They are also known for the many dips they offer, which include almond cream, toffee cream, hazelnut chocolate, tahini and honey.

Apart from their innovative creations, Talah is also a local favorite because of the way they treat their customers, and how much they care about customer feedback and opinions. When you enter the shop, you are warmly greeted with friendly faces and a cup of Arabic coffee and dates. Staff members are always eager to assist customers and ensure that they find what they are looking for.

+Don’t miss out

on all their special treats, and let them help you sweeten your month!

Corporate Gifts

Customer feedback is taken into consideration during the process of launching new products.

After many trials and tasting sessions, a decision is made and a unique product is launched. For the holy month of Ramadan this year, Talah Aljood has a distinctive must-not-miss product: their special date kunafa infused with cream.

That’s not all. This kunafa lays on a crunchy tart base!

Tel: 920008252 - Mob: +966-506565544 Web: www.talahaljood.com - Instagram: @talah_aljood

P ROMOTION

DESTINATION RIYADH 55

DINING AROUND TOWN

Dating Season A Guide to Knowing Your Dates This Ramadan

By Jou Pabalate

Some like them sweet, some want them soft and some enjoy getting past that tough exterior and discovering a succulent surprise at the center. This month is what we’d like to call dating season—a time when you can guiltlessly munch on these nature’s candies with no judgment whatsoever.

Saudi Arabia is one of the main producers of dates in the world. There are over 300 kinds to choose from, varying in terms of texture, taste and the region where it grows. To get you started though, here are the most popular ones you’ll find:

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1. Soft

3. Dry

Made up of the Al Khalas varieties that usually come from Qassim or Al Kharj.

• Sukkari – People love the crispy outside and balanced sweetness of Sukkari dates.

It comes from the Eastern province and not as expensive as its counterparts.

Al Khalas dates are elongated and light brown in color when freshly harvested from the palm tree. They’re sweet and usually sold in vacuum-sealed and pressed packaging. Most of them have a toffee flavor and are a great match to gahwa (Arabic coffee).

2. Soft and Semi Dry

• Segae – This two-toned variety is a favorite in Riyadh, since it’s cultivated there.

There’s a mild sweetness to it and while it’s wrinkled like the Sukkari, the skin isn’t as dry and flaky.

The popular kinds are Ajwa, Barhi and Medjool, which are mainly cultivated in Madina Al Monawarah.

1

• Ajwa – has a fruity taste and fine texture. Ajwa dates have Islamic significance, having been mentioned in a number of hadiths. Culturally, some people believe that the only genuine Ajwa dates are those grown in Madinah.

• Barhi – Butterscotch and caramel are the flavors often associated with this variety.

With its chewy surprise wrapped by a semi-crunchy exterior, people have dubbed it as Nature’s candy.

• Medjool – We’ve seen the ads calling it the perfect date and the king of dates (oh the pun).

However, for hundreds of years it was actually nicknamed the date of Kings. It’s succulent, rich and caramel taste was for a long time, only reserved for royalty, sheikhs and their guests. Medjool, with its large size, is usual stuffed with nuts, fruits and chocolate.

2

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Have a Date with Dates: 1. The Date Souk at the Al Rabea Open Market Exit 14 The date market within this area has just about every date you can think of and at a bargain. The friendly stall keepers will give you a discount or throw in a hadiya (gift) in your bag. Best go with someone who speaks in Arabic or know the name of the date you want to buy, otherwise, point and bring out a calculator, it worked for me at least.

TIP: Make the most of the long drive and checkout the vegetable and fruit sections.

They have organic produce, fresh crops on the (really) cheap—top that off with being able to support our local farmers.

2. Talatheen St. and Olaya St. If you’re looking for nicely packaged luxury dates or Ramadan themed gift boxes you need to go to either Olaya or Talatheen. The latter has the first and original branch of Bateel, a pricey favorite. In Olaya St. is where you’ll find Kingdom Dates, it’s one of the oldest stores in Riyadh and is popular among locals.

3. Date Treats at Groceries and Local Bake Shops Ramadan is the perfect time to try out the different variations of dates. If you’re not a fan of the fruit itself, give these ones a try and hopefully they’ll change your mind — Maamoul (date stuffed pastry), date cookies, date pies and my own favorite, the (white) chocolate flavored ones, you’ll easily find at the grocery racks.

Benefits of Dates Promotes better digestion

Strengthens bones

Energy Booster

Reduce risk of Stroke and other heart ailments

Decreases allergic reactions

Cholesterol free and low fat

Used for weight loss

Improves Eyesight

Improves bowel movement

Increases sexual stamina

58 DESTINATION RIYADH

DESTINATION: IFTAR Deciding to do a bit of Iftar hopping? Why not take the fam bam out for a little Ramadan night treat? Here’s a starter list to some season promotions happening around Riyadh (prices are per person):

The Ritz Carlton Riyadh

The Four Seasons

Riyadh Marriott Hotel

Al Hada, Makkah Road Reservations: 011 802 8333

Kingdom Tower, King Fahd Rd. Reservations: 011 211 5544

Al Ma’ather Street Reservations: 011 477 9300

• Sports Lounge - SR 285 inclusive of beverages

Special • Ramadan Tent, Kingdom sport lounge Ballroom– SR 345

Enjoy a football themed menu while watching the matches happening during Iftar and Suhoor timings at the indoor pool.

• Ramadan Tent and Al Orjouan Restaurant – 325/ person inclusive of beverages

The Hilton Garden Inn Olaya St. Reservations: 011 293 5533

• Oasis Grill – SR 99 • Free 25 SR voucher for dining in on the first or last week of Ramadan free 25 SR r e vo u c h

Carawan Al Fahad Hotel Oruba St Reservations: 011 217 2345

• Iftar Buffet – SR 160 running from 19 June – 26 July

list of n so m e s e a so promotions happening around Riyadh

• Elements Iftar Buffet – SR 325 • The Grill – SR 345

Watch World Cup matches in tents at their outside pool area while having your Iftar

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski

• Mosaic Buffet – SR 235 (Iftar) and SR 145 (Suhoor) • Children from 6-12 years can dine at half the price tak your kie for 1/ ds 2 price

Sheraton Hotel

King Fahd Rd. Reservations: 011 511 7777

Corner King Abdullah and King Fahd Rd. Reservations: 011 454 33 00

• The Grand Restaurant – Iftar buffet, rates to be announced

• SR 210 during the first five days of Ramadan • 240 SR on the remaining days of Ramadan

Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel King Fahd Rd. Reservations: 011 273 2222

• Al Fawanees Tent, Al Faisaliah Tower – SR 320

Orchid Al Mansour King Abdulaziz St (Old Airport Rd.) Reservations: 011 479 4288

• Iftar Buffet – SR 120

Golden Tulip Olaya St. Reservations: 054 875 7215

• Andalusia Restaurant – SR 110

Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Diplomatic Quarter

• Olea Café – SR 185 (Iftar) and SR 125 (Suhoor)

*Rates and promo dates may be subject to change by mentioned establishments, best to call for reservations DESTINATION RIYADH 59

DINING AROUND TOWN

Twisted Fool!

Although fool (fava beans) originated in Egypt and Northern Sudan, it is a popular dish worldwide, not just in Saudi and the Arab world. Ok maybe it’s a bit more popular in the Middle East, but still, everyone loves fool! There are so many different ways fool can be cooked, so we settled on six to share with you.

Get creative and let us know if you have different recipes @Destinationryd

Fool Salad: Cook the canned fool for a few minutes then pour into the serving plate. Add cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, Afia olive oil and parsley. Then add salt, pepper, and squeeze some lemon (to taste).

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Fool Iskandarani: Cheesy Fool: Use your favorite type of fool. Add feta cheese or cheese you prefer. Add mint, zatar and olive oil.

Lebanese Fool:

Put oil in the frying pan first, and then cook onions and tomatoes. Then add fool, tahini, vinegar, salt and pepper (to taste).

Garnish with tomatoes and hot chili pepper, and top with olive oil.

Cook the canned fool with garlic, add half a can of hummus, and then top it with the other half can of hummus, green onions and tomatoes. Garnish with mint, and add Afia olive oil.

Fatat Fool: Deep-fry pita bread (or bake if you prefer). Cook fool with tomatoes, salt and pepper. Add the fool mix on top of the bread, and then top it with yogurt mix (yogurt, salt, pepper and some tahini and lemon – to taste).

Fool Shakshooka: Cook the canned fool with onions and tomatoes, and then pour it in a baking dish. After that, add eggs, and place the dish in the oven until eggs are cooked.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

A Spiritual Experience:

spacious serviced apartments are ideal for pilgrims and families who desire a home in the Holy City

Emaar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah Located directly on the Haram Plaza, the elegantly designed and luxurious serviced apartments, Emaar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah, bring a surreal spiritual feeling to residents.

Serving as a gateway to residents and visitors especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Emaar Residences at Fairmont Makkah offers breathtaking views of the Holy Kaaba, Haram and the Holy City of Makkah. It also serves as a focal point of the “Abraj Al Bait complex” and part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment of The Two Holy Mosques.

One of the world’s tallest hotel towers, the 601-meter high tower is also distinguished by the majestic landmark, the 62 DESTINATION RIYADH

P ROMOTION

40-meter (130-foot) clock, visible from 17 kilometers, announcing daily prayers, and a Lunar Observation Center and Islamic Museum that aims to preserve the Muslim heritage for future generations.

Designed to Emaar’s worldclass standards, the serviced apartments have a dedicated spacious lobby for residents, offering them direct access to their homes as well as to a modern shopping mall, which directly leads to the Haram.

The lobby is specially designed for the convenience of Emaar’s residents and has dedicated areas for prayers offering

direct views of the Holy Kaaba and Haram.

All 316 serviced apartments in Emaar Residences at Fairmont Makkah are spacious and feature the highest level of finishes reflecting Emaar’s quality standards. They are aesthetically designed with advanced lifestyle amenities, and with direct access to the Haram.

Emaar Residences at Fairmont Makkah include spacious serviced apartments of various designs and sizes including studios and one- to threebedroom residences. Ideal for pilgrims and families who desire

breathtaking views of the Holy Kaaba

additional opportunity for the customers to enter them into the Fairmont Rental Pool Program.

These 5-star serviced apartments – a first of its kind in the Kingdom - are truly designed to provide an inspiring experience for residents who visit or stay in the Holy City of Makkah.

a home in the Holy City, the spacious residences range in size from 40 to 230 square meters.

The design elements reflect the true luxury, and most homes have a kitchen, living area, dining area, built-in wardrobe, bathroom and spacious bedrooms. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will provide its exceptional brand of housekeeping, maintenance, concierge, bell, valet, security and owner’s services to residents.

A shopping mall, restaurants and modern medical center located within the Abraj Al Bait

complex will meet everyday necessities while residents in Emaar Residences at Makkah Clock Tower will also benefit from a dedicated floor for prayer, gymnasium, business amenities, preferential access to a range of dining outlets, and conference and banqueting facilities within the hotel.

In Saudi, Emaar Middle East is developing Jeddah Gate, a master-planned community in Jeddah; and Al Khobar Lakes, a luxury waterfront development in the Eastern Province.

Tel: 920022566 Web: www.emaar.com/makkah

Visitors to the Holy City of Makkah during the Holy Month of Ramadan can also book the serviced apartments through Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

A limited number of serviced apartments in Emaar Residences at Makkah Clock Tower are available for sale with the P ROMOTION

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

Portugal Re-examining its Islamic heritage

By Tharik Hussain

There is a Portugese legend that says on bright moonlit nights, if you wander through the Serra di Sintra or the dark woods of Bucaco, you will come across an enchantingly beautiful Moorish maiden, dressed all in white.

She will emerge from a rock opening carrying a water pot before walking over to a nearby freshwater spring to fill it. The legend says that she is silent, but as she walks past with the vessel on her head, the wind can be heard carrying a low, ghostly mourning for a time that is now gone and will never again return.

For the past 700 years, since the banishing of the Moors on the middle of the 13th century, the ghostly moans that drift through the green hills of Sintra have fallen on deaf ears with few people in Portugal aware of their country’s Muslim past.

The Moors (Muslims) arrived in Portugal in 714 and stayed in the area known then as Al Gharb Al Andalus for over 500 years changing the way people farmed, ate, spoke, dressed and behaved; their impact is still visible in the art and architecture of the Iberian Peninsula. Yet until recently this impact has been largely ignored. With attitudes and 64 DESTINATION RIYADH

Alhambra

opinions towards Moorish history finally starting to change Travel Trends believes there has been no better time to set off on the trail of the enchanted Moorish Maiden.

WHY GO NOW? Like neighboring Al Andalus (Spain), Al Gharb Al Andalus flourished under Muslim rule. Innovative agricultural techniques were introduced, changing the landscape and eating habits of locals forever, major centers of learning were established in places like Al Ishbun (Lisbon), where great medieval luminaries like Ibn Arabi came to study. In addition, Al Gharb gave birth to her own brood of poets, intellectuals and mystics such as Ibn Qasi and Ibn Ammar.

After the Reconquista, when the Catholic Church took control of the region, an aggressive reimagining of the nation’s history deleted much of this from the minds of the natives. It was so successful that as recently as the 1990s, Portuguese schoolbooks were still describing the Moors as “evil invaders.”

In spite of this, the impact of Moorish culture is evident in every aspect of Portuguese life. Many of the names of places are still Muslim, such as Alfama, the old quarter in Lisbon and the Algarve, the popular holiday region in the south, which pays homage to Al Gharb. The country’s folk music Fado can trace its ancestry back to Arab music as well as nearly a thousand modern Portuguese words including azeitona (olives) and garrafa (bottle).

Even Portugal’s colonial achievements wouldn’t have happened without the Moors for it was the arrival of the Astrolabe and the Lateen

sail that made possible the Portuguese “Age of Discovery.”

This is just the tip of a huge iceberg now slowly being acknowledged. In 2002, the city of Silves – the former southern Muslim capital – opened Portugal’s first center of Portuguese-Arabic studies, school children are no longer taught the evils of the Moors and as recently as 2012, the city of Tavires unveiled a new Islamic center in the Municipality Museum. The local government tellingly said this was to bring “residents closer to their heritage.”

It would appear the lamentations of Sintra’s Moorish maiden are now echoing across the land.

Portugal is finally embracing its Muslim ancestry and that’s why Travel Trends believes it is the ideal time to set off on the Moorish trail in the land that not only gave us Vasco de Gama and Cristiano Ronaldo but also the poet Ibn Qasi, and there is no better place to start the trail than in the nation’s capital, Lisbon, a mere 30 kilometers from Sintra.

WHAT MUST I DO? You could spend hours looking through the museums of Lisbon for Moorish artifacts or trying to identify the remaining wall of the Moorish castle that once stood overlooking the city, but Travel Trends suggests you’d be better off heading literally for the hills, the lush hills of nearby Sintra that is – home of the mythical Moorish Maiden. In Sintra a wealth of romantic reimagining awaits alongside one of the most atmospheric and best-preserved Muslim forts in Portugal, if not Europe.

Built in the 10th century, the Moorish fort was strategically located to protect the important city of Al Ishbun. Today only the outer wall of the castle survives where as you walk the length from the Royal Tower to the Castle Keep you’ll find yourself stopping every few yards to gape, open mouthed at the stunning vistas.

This route is marked by 11 flags, 10 of which show the evolution of the country’s national flag starting with

DESTINATION RIYADH 65

Battlements of Moorish Castle Khan Al Khalili

its 12th century origins as the simple blue cross used by Alfosno Henriques. The 11th flag is placed right in the center and is more reminiscent of the Saudi national flag; green with white Arabic lettering that reads “Sintra” – an idealized reminder of the Moors who built it. There are other barely decipherable remains on the site that the hardened historian can explore including the castle’s stables, cisterns and arms square, but most people will be heading straight for the views. Be warned though, especially if traveling with children, as this is an open wall with very narrow parts and little in the way of barriers.

There are several postMoorish palaces in Sintra where you could stick your head in to admire the romantic imagining of Moorish art and architecture, but it is the where it seems the Moorish maiden’s moans were heard the loudest.

King Don (Dom) Fernando II purchased the former monastery in 1838, and

66 DESTINATION RIYADH

literally went to town with it.

Regarded the finest example of Moorish-influenced Manueline design, the palace is littered with Islamic art and architecture. Entry to the complex is via a stunning Moorish gate that wouldn’t look out of place outside the medinas of Fez or Meknes, after which elegant arabesque arcades lead into buildings where rooms are filled with Islamic art and walls are tiled using geometric patterns seen in palaces like the Alhambra.

There is even a riyad-like open courtyard behind the Queen’s terrace and perched on the corner of one building is a Mughal-style turret complete with onion dome; exquisitely designed it stands alone as if awaiting the return of an enchanted Moorish Maiden.

The palace tells you just how eccentric Don Ferdinand was and is not exclusively Moorish, at times awkwardly bringing together seemingly incompatible styles. How else does one justify placing a floor to roof Moorish-tiled facade complete with arabesque

arcades next to an allegorical gateway atop which sits a mythical half-man, half-fish creature straight out of Greek mythology? The Pena Palace has to be seen to be believed.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Few places offer the “chilled” atmosphere of a backpacker’s hangout and the style and buzz of The Poet’s hostel, but then again it is the brainchild of local poets and artists.

Sat in Lisbon’s Chiado neighbourhood, The Poet’s Hostel is uniquely designed and extremely hospitable.

The highlight of your stay will be the uber-cool lounge where you can relax on huge beanbags and retro-chic armchairs as you exchange notes on astrolabs and Moorish poetry with the most interesting travellers in town.

The dormitories are among the cleanest of any hostel in Lisbon and with the Baixo Chiado Metro station a stone’s throw away, The Poet’s Hostel is the ideal location to explore the capital city.

Sintra's Pena National Palace

Lisbon

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? For food, kill two birds with one stone at the Central Lisbon Mosque’s restaurant, here you will not only fill your belly with a taste of delicious modern Portuguese Muslim cooking but also be able to admire the country’s most important modern Islamic monument. Begin by wowing at one of the most intriguing minarets you are likely to come across in the west – a modern take on the spiralling 9th century Samarra mosque minaret in Iraq – before cooling off in the shade of the open courtyard, which has been inspired by traditional North African riyads. Inside

the main domed hall, the mihrab suggests Persian and Andalusian influence in a large, airy space where a balcony for women hangs overhead. Everywhere traditional Islamic styles, inspired by the Muslim communities that live in Portugal today have been blended with modern ideas.

The highlight however is the simple yet lip-smackingly delicious restaurant on the lower floor, which is entered from the right of the mosque.

Set in a plain hall with basic chairs and tables, again the inspiration is the modern Muslim community. This time it is Lisbon’s Indo-Pakistani folk who serve up deliciously authentic food straight from the sub-continent. Just don’t leave without trying the Biryani!

How do I get there?

Every major airline flies to Lisbon from Jeddah stopping

in their native countries en route (e.g. Etihad via Abu Dhabi and British Airways via London). In Lisbon, a 24-hour card (approx SR 26) allows you on buses, trams and the impressive metro system.

Getting to Sintra is via Rossio Metro station where you buy a return to Sintra (approx 21SAR). In Sintra the hop onoff tourist bus (approx SR 26) does a circular route covering the castle and the palace as well as the other sites in Sintra.

Alternatively use the very reasonable local yellow taxis in either place.

The Author:

Tharik Hussain is a freelance travel writer, journalist and photographer living with his family in London, UK. Tharik is a qualified post 16 lecturer of Sociology and Media Studies and also the Director of a sixth form centre.

Follow him at: www.thewanderingmusulman. wordpress.com Twitter: @_TharikHussain Facebook: TharikHussainUK

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

Around the World in

10 Mosques

By Lama Alem

We take you around the world by introducing you to mosques in 10 different countries, with each mosque representing a unique architectural style or a piece of the country’s history.

1 68 DESTINATION RIYADH

2

3

named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz.

its dome is covered in pure gold

1. Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Also known as Masjid Kristal, the structure is made mostly of steel, glass and crystal.

Built in the 16th century

2. Shah Faisal Masjid in Islamabad, Pakistan

The biggest mosque in South Asia, it is situated at the western foothills of the Himalayas. It was designed to look like a Bedouin’s tent, and named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz.

4

3. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The mosque is in the capital of Brunei, and is distinguished by its dome that is covered in pure gold.

4. Qolşärif Mosque in Kazan Kremlin, Russia Built in the 16th century and was named after Qolşärif, who died defending Kazan along with his students from Russian forces in 1552.

5. Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali

5

The biggest mud-brick building in the world

This mosque is the biggest mud-brick building in the world, and is a fine example not only of ecofriendly architecture, but also of SudaniSahelian architecture.

DESTINATION RIYADH 69

7

THE OLDEST MOSQUE IN COLOMBO

6

Named after the wife of the 14th century ruler Amir Timur

6. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka

8

One of the oldest mosques in Colombo and serves as an example of Moorish architecture.

The biggest mosque in India

7. Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The mosque is named after the wife of the 14th century ruler Amir Timur, and has a large marble Qur’an in the center of its courtyard.

8. Jama Masjid in Delhi, India

The biggest mosque in India, it is named “Jama” after the Friday (“jum’aa”) prayer and congregation that take place there.

CREATED BY THE FIRST FEMALE ARCHITECT

10

9. Masjid Sultan in Singapore

One of the unique aspects of the mosque is its dome base, which is made of bottles donated by devotees.

10. Sakirin Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

The interior is designed by Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, the first female interior designer of a mosque and the first woman to design a mosque in modern Turkey.

70 DESTINATION RIYADH

the dome base was made of bottles that were donated by devotees

9

DESTINATION RIYADH 71

EXPLORE KSA

Eastern Arabia’s Illustrious

Ibrahim Palace

By Mohammed Mirza

The palace of the former governor of Al Ahsa region continues to be the most famous landmark of the city of Hofuf. And rightly so, being a fort like palatial complex, mud-built yet strong like other grit structures it sits right in the heart of the city.

The armory with the dome of the underground vault

This palace was built at a time when hofuf was a small oasis village.The city then started expanding beyond it and eventually Ibrahim Palace managed to become one of the most formidable complexes in eastern Arabia with the city growing around it as the region continued to flourish.

over 16000 meters this fortified palace was the biggest of its kind in the eastern part of the country.

Time permitted us to see only one place in Hofuf and we chose to visit Ibrahim Palace.

After rushing through the crowded streets of Hofuf, our GPS led us straight to the remarkable palace.

We entered through a small door that led us into an arched chamber from where we entered the courtyard of the palace. We started exploring from the right, walking through the corridor crossing numerous rooms that run all across the palace – all for a different purpose of course. The corridor consisted of semicircular arches, which were decorated by gypsum and had roofs that were fortified by palm trees.

Construction began on the palace in 1577 and was completed in 1591. Sprawling

At the Southwest corner of the palace was the palace mosque known as Masjid Quba, whose

72 DESTINATION RIYADH

Eastern Part of the palace

enormous dome can be seen from outside the walls of the complex.

In fact, the dome covers the entire mosque. White washed, the mosque stood grandly in the large courtyard. Across Saudi Arabia there are very few old mosques that still exist in their original form, this happens to be one of the lucky ones. The architecture was particularly remarkable unlike anything I have ever

Royal Rooms

Corridor

Restored Exterior

seen with arches running all across its columned exterior.

Unfortunately it wasn’t open and we were only left to guess on how its interior looks.

Adjacent to it is the armory that has an underground vault.

We proceeded through the narrow opening and steep stairs that led into it. After waking through a maze like tunnel we reached the underground vault that had a domed roof.

After enjoying the echo in the vault for a while we proceeded towards the guard’s dorms.

The dorms are divided in two portions that run from north to south and consist of long open wards. The dorms had numerous doors and each door had arched wooden windows on top, which were decorated by colored glass triangles. Currently the dorms house a small museum, which showcases items dating back to the palace’s golden days, which include articles such as armor, kitchenware and numerous photographs.

It was only after seeing these photos of not such a distant past I realized how great a job has been done in restoring the palace. In the photos the mud walls of the palace had severe cracks in them revealing the stone foundation underneath.

Ibrahim Palace has been restored using splinters and planks of wood that have been affixed with mud.

Rows of LED screens were pinned to the museum walls that were displaying nothing other than our reflection through their black screens. In DESTINATION RIYADH 73

A close up of the minaret at the mosque

front of the museum a grand entrance leads up to the royal rooms on the upper floor, which unfortunately remain closed for tourists. There is also a communication room that stands behind the stairs to the upper floors. This room is the last structure that was built in the palace during the reign of King Abdul Aziz. Next to which are the horse stables, which were closed as well. The horse stables were particularly big and occupied most of the northern part of the fort. The small numerous doors of the stables dotted the northern wall.

After walking past the locked doors of the horse stables we reached the remnants of the Hammam (traditional bath).

It was a glimpse of regality that the governor enjoyed.

Unfortunately only one room survives which is the cold room that has been decorated with small glass windows that create a half-light and has a pool in the center with several corridors surrounding

74 DESTINATION RIYADH

The famous mosque

Different types of vases in the museum

it. Next to it was a deep well that was the source of water to the palace; it has pipes that connect it to the Hammam and the mosque.

As we were walking away from the place I felt that while the exterior of the palace fails to impress, it is the inside that makes up for it, the most remarkable structure in it being the centuries old mosque.

Colored glass in the guards dorms

DESTINATION RIYADH 75

H E A LT HY L I V I N G

NEW TO

RAMADAN? HERE are SOME HEALTHY EATING TIPS

By Carolyn Heaton

I was waiting to board the plane for another exciting trip to Jeddah in July last year, yes Ramadan season.

A fellow passenger got chatting and asked me why on earth was I going to Jeddah in July, and why not stay in UK. The fact is I live between London and Jeddah and love the mix of two cultures. Living two cultures seems to enhance the experience of both in each country like bringing life to a wooden floor with the correct oil, which is one of my projects at home in London. New cultures are some things that I embrace with pleasure and experiencing Ramadan is another positive addition to my learning on culture, lifestyle, wellbeing and health. I didn't know what I was letting myself in for traveling to Saudi Arabia at this time, looking back on it I'm enjoying doing it again!

From my point of view as a nutritionist any fasting time for the human body is a good thing. see what this does for you: Allows your body time to rest and recover from food and drink.

Your mind will become more clear and actions will be focused.

Space from thinking about food and drink creates energy in other areas of life.

The key to your eating program in Ramadan time is to eat light at each meal before and after sunset. Rather than overeating choose high energy smaller portions that will burn in your system for longer. Protein is always a good choice. Selecting nuts, seeds, eggs, fish and lean meat is always a good option to keeping hunger at bay. Plenty of fruit and vegetables is also complementary. Try not to eat more than three pieces of fruit per day and if you juice your fruit, remember no more than a glass serving at a time, no more than 300 mls.

Fruit juice is high in sugar, although natural it can also cause havoc with your blood glucose levels. I have noticed at this time people tend to choose water as a beverage which is a good thing.

Ramadan is a good time of the year to change your eating patterns to provide a positive platform for the rest of the year.

Perhaps a time to eliminate processed carbohydrates for instance croissant, bread, pasta, wheat crackers, candy and bars, fries, potato chips to name a few. If you fry food try changing to grilling, which is a much healthier option and this decreases your consumption of dangerous cooking fats that can potentially lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and more. A time to look at your meat consumption from convenient fast food suppliers and changer to leaner options for example fish and sea food. A time to rethink your stimulants like coffee, tea and smoking.

In essence come out the end of Ramadan as a "cleaner you" by Cutting back on carbs Avoiding those dangerous trans fats Choosing top quality protein sources

The key to your eating program in Ramadan time is to eat light at each meal before and after sunset.

Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake Keeping well hydrated with water

+

Fasting two to four days every six months causes stem cells to awake from their normal state and regenerate. This process destroys damaged cells and cause the birth of new ones, which means renewing the immune system.

76 DESTINATION RIYADH

Read at least four to five pages of the Qur’an Make it a must. No Buts!

Newfound Habits – Make Them a Way of Life

By Bassma Al Toaimi

Every year, we begin Ramadan with the goal to finish reading the Qur’an at least once, dedicate plenty of time to make dua’a and conduct charitable acts. For the first few days we stick to the plan and we do well.

Then for some reason we start to read less, and spend less time on the prayer mat.

Don’t do that this year – Make it happen this time.

Here’s how.

1. Commitment:

2. Consistency:

3. Simplicity:

4. Motivation:

Four to five days is the time you need to make something turn into a habit (if you’re determined). After the first week it’ll keep getting easier and will begin to feel like the norm.

No matter what you have planned for iftar or suhoor, force yourself to read athkar after each prayer, and read at least four to five pages of the Qur’an also after each prayer. Make it a must.

No Buts!

Don’t set difficult goals.

Make them simple and realistic. You know yourself, so set goals you know you can accomplish.

Encourage people around you to do the same. That way you’ll have constant reminders and motivators. That’s in addition to the main motivating factor being your love for Allah.

Now, by following these steps throughout Ramadan, by the end it’ll be easy to make these newfound habits stick. So why stop? Why is it that when Eid comes, the Qura’n is placed back in the drawer where it’s not visible, and we go back to praying just the obligatory prayers rather than the sunnah as well?

Consider making these newfound habits a way of life, and see what a huge difference it will make on all aspects of your life.

DESTINATION RIYADH 77

H E A LT HY L I V I N G

Work, Eat, Exercise – Throughout the Year

By Dawi Al Githami

The holy month of Ramadan is no excuse to be lazy. This year, be more productive during the season with keeping a schedule of working hours, fasting hours, resting hours and of course don’t forget sleeping hours.

Schedule all personal errands and appointments before noon and you’ll have the streets to yourself. Avoid going out around iftar, or sunset, since this is the time where people are usually jittery from fasting all day. Sleep early, and wake up early. Nothing should change with a drop in your food and fluid intake. The whole point of the ritual is discipline.

Your most important intake during the entire month is water, water and more water.

Keep hydrated at all times after sunset. Avoid sodas, fast food restaurants, foods with high sugar content, and most meats. Empirically and scientifically these have been proven to hinder the fasting process. Remember, more food will probably make you more hungry when you fast.

g Drinkin r near e t a w f t o plenty e is good, bu a im t g r in o drink suho ood as very two g s a t no re f wate r glass o between ifta s r r. hou o o h and su

Exercise regularly and maintain your usual hours during the holy month!

78 DESTINATION RIYADH

One banana for suhoor

will help you feel less thirsty during the day.

When you exercise regularly and maintain your usual hours during the holy month, chances are your schedule will be maintained. Start now with light cardio exercises to remain focused. Based on the Mayo Clinic website, to get started with your exercise regimen, start slowly, like simply walking on a treadmill and build your customized program as you go along. Always warm up before each workout and take your time stretching, there’s no rush.

Keep increasing your pace as well as the duration of the exercise as you improve your stamina. You must reach 30 to 60 minutes of cardio on most days of the week. Make your session short and frequent rather than long, tedious and infrequent. Try 15 minutes a bunch of times a day before and after breakfast in the holy month so you wouldn’t get too tired. Search online for a program with a variety of activities that could fit your schedule and physical abilities. Also, monitor your progress.

May all your efforts in the holy month be accepted, and don’t forget to have fun.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO

KNOWABOUT

MERS

By Mohammed Mirza

MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory System), or coronavirus, has without a doubt become the most discussed topic across the country. There is a lot of misinformation out there, so we hope to sort things out with 10 things everyone residing in Saudi Arabia should know about the virus.

1. Coronaviruses are part

of a large family of viruses that cause anything from the common cold to MERS. This strain of coronavirus that causes MERS was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

2. MERS is caused by a

relatively new-to-human virus that’s a close cousin of SARS, a virus that infected thousands of people mostly in East Asia in 2002-2004.

3. It is not as widespread as

you might think. Even though the deadly virus has been making headlines since the first

reported case in in April 2012, there have only been just over 400 confirmed cases globally.

4. MERS is considered to

be more deadly than SARS; however the former is less contagious than the latter.

5. There isn’t a vaccine for

SARS or MERS. Public health efforts to stop the spread of SARS succeeded, but there is still no vaccine for the disease.

There isn’t a vaccine for MERS although researchers are searching for one.

6. Since 2012, the MERS

virus has spread to as many as 18 different countries including to countries on the other part of the globe. With a constant flow of pilgrims and

expats traveling back to their countries, MERS is expected to continue to spread beyond the Middle East.

7. Saudi Arabia is the worst

affected country by the deadly virus, claiming 282 new and unreported deaths in the first week alone in June.

8. Up until now the disease

has killed an estimated one in three of those infected. It typically starts with flu-like symptoms and can escalate into pneumonia, organ failure and death.

9. There have been reports of

infections to humans directly from camels, with the nasal discharges of infected animals capable of transmitting the disease. It is still unclear what proportion of infections are camel-to-person transmissions.

10. According to the World

Health Organization, the majority of human-tohuman infections occurred in healthcare facilities. Onequarter of those have been healthcare workers. Though the disease can pass between humans, so far that’s only happened in instances of extreme close contact.

DESTINATION RIYADH 79

FASHION & SHOPPING DIRECTORY

BALLOONS World of Balloon Art Safwa Center Mob: +966-542233838

BALLROOMS Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2732000 Hotel Al Khozama Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4654650 Holiday Inn Olaya Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4612000 Madareem Crown Hotel Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-2758888 Marriott Riyadh Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-4779300 Nayyara Al Raed St. Tel: +966-11-4806655 Sheraton Riyadh King Fahd St. Crossing King Abdulla St. Tel: +966-11-4543300

BOUTIQUES Baco Design Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2935633 www.bacodesign.com Balenciaga Centria Mall www.balenciaga.com Bijou Boutique Tel: +966-11-2882601 http://beautebijou.com Blank Boutique Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-2010033

80 DESTINATION RIYADH

Brioni Olaya St. Harvey Nichols Al Faisaliah Mall Tel: +966-11-2734444 www.harveynichols.com Hoss Intropia Tel: +966-11-4658122 Jacadi Boutique Garanada Center Hayat Mall Sahara Mall www.jacadi.us La-Boutique Al Nahda Rd. Facebook: La-Boutique Riyadh La Coquette Kingdom Centre Modern Us Designers Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4612079 www.riyadhdress.com Montblanc King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2111080 www.montblanc.com Queen of Spades Al Faisaliah Mall www.queenof spadesstore.com Sada Shop (online) Tel: +966-11-4411940 www.sadashop.com Stache Tel: +966-11-4656333 Terra Eclat Jewellery

by Ranyah Seraj Mob: +966-543768585 Mob: +966-542988187 info@terra-eclat.com www.terra-eclat.com The Art of Living #4 Serecon Building Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4610533 www. theartofliving1999.com Z Boutique Garanada Center Olaya Mall

BRIDAL & EVENING DRESSES

Ghala Events Tel: +966 55 5597951 www.ghalaevents.com

Al Falah Tel: 920001678 Airebarcelona Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-2884807

FLORISTS

Basma Al Jazaery Orouba St.

Al Gaba Flowers Orouba St. Mob: +966-502017058

Mystique Kingdom Mall Tel: +966-11-2112592

Arawla Musaed Al Angari St. Mob: +966-508085546

Princess Fashion Olaya St. Rusais Center Mob: +966-562289459

Lamar Safwa Center Mob: +966-555505441

Pronovias Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4163410 Rosa Clara Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4652677 Silver Dew Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4197153

Nardeen Mob: +966-507976733 Spring Rose Tel: +966-11-2167777 Spring’s Wedding Musaed Al Angari St. Tel: +966-11-2791024 Style Flower Musaed Al Angari St. Mob: +966-504237071

CUSTOM THOBES Ajlan & Bros Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4665555 www.ajlanbros.com

HOME FURNITURE @ Room Tel: +966-11-2298457

Lomar Thobe Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2170094 www.lomarthobe.com

Ayar Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4612757

EVENT PLANNERS

ChenOne Home Olaya St. Cities Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-2180007

Lollipop Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz St. Mob: +966-508916441 Luxury Events Mob: +966-567893966

Dar Al Hadaya Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2155550 Hoshan Furniture Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2933939

Jazira Interiors King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4632631 Jazira Projects King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4632631 KA International King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920001216 Miladora Furniture King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920003277 Morocco Line Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2816612 Razin Tahlia St.

Garanada Center East Ring Rd., Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-2534990 www.granadacenter.com.sa Supermarket: Carrefour Hayat Mall King Abdul Aziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-2057401 www.hayat-mall.com Supermarket: Danube Hypermarket Kingdom Center Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2112222 www.kingdomcentre.com.sa Localizer Mall Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-2178999

The Classics Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4611888

Panorama Mall Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2814950 www.panorama-mall.com Supermarket: Danube

The White House King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4615332

Rimal Center East Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2441004

Traditionals King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2012300

Riyadh Gallery King Fahd Rd. Tel: +966-11-2078111 www.riyadhgallery.com Supermarket: Hyper Panda

SHOPPING CENTERS

NOTES

FASHION & SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Ikea East Ring Rd. Exit 16 Tel: +966-11-2442233

Sahara Mall National Guard St. Tel: +966-11-4520300 www.saharamall.com.sa Supermarket: Tamimi Market

Al Faisaliyah Mall Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2730000 www.alfaisaliahmall.com Al Qasr Mall Al Swaidi St. Tel: +966-11-4515600 www.alqasrmall.com Supermarket: Hyper Market

STUDIOS

Azizia Mall Off of King Fahad Rd.

Glamour Shots Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-2814326

Centria Mall Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2161111 www.centria.com.sa

AD Advertising Sulaimaneya St. Safwa Center Tel: +966-11-4665111

Souvenir Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2199919

81 DESTINATION RIYADH 81

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

AMERICAN Chili’s Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2934849 Grilled Bell Pepper Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2814747 Johnny Rockets Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2016667 Outback Steakhouse Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2174633 Steak House Al Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4649638

Chocolate Studio Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4657476

Diwan Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4833595

Buffalo’s Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2792123

Chocoline Olaya Main Rd. Tel: +966-11-4641172

Java Cafe’ Old Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-4773582

Burgerizzr King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4874477

Ganache Faisaliyyah Mall Tel: +966-11-2734337

Maui Wowi Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4616363

Burger Hut Al Munisiyah, Al Thumamah Rd. Mob: +966-545356463

Papparoti Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2936452

Burger King Al Ahsaa Rd. Tel: +966-11-4732506

Pardon Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4 160933

Elevation Burger Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2885859

Kalimat Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-2885511 La Bouchee Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2190099 Lateen Tel: +920011999

The Pancake House King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2016816

Le Notre Boutique Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4651465

Tony Romas Hayat Mall Tel: +966-11-4649178

La Reine Chocolate Ubadah bin Samit St. Tel: +966-11-2272000

BRAZILIAN

Patchi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834464

IL Terrazzo Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

ARMENIAN Al Mayass Oasis Complex, Orouba Rd. Mob: +966-503753333 Lusin Restaurant Centeria Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2939800

CHOCOLATES Alpina Chocolate King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2013452 Cannelle Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4664491 Chocolate Dream Candy Bouquet Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4197237

82 DESTINATION RIYADH

So Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4629229 Synphytun Chocolate Tel: +966-11-2931813

COFFEE & TEA SHOPS Areej Art Cafe’ Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-4162990 Bateel Across Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2936240 Cafe’ Blanc Prince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4633426 Cafe’ Pascucci Tahllia Tel: +966-11-4620555 Colony Coffee Sultan Bin Salman St. Mob: +966-597452311

Richony Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-8801062

Fatburger Bustan Center, Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2154176

Shangai Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2934734

Golden Saj Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4807441

Tea Lounge Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115000

Hardee’s Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-2929900

The Diamond Cafe’ Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2170125 Tutti Cafe’ Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2160666 Versai Cafe ‘ Exit 4 Tel: +966-11-4703853 YmmY Riyadh Gallery Mob: +966-553333998

FAST FOOD Al Tazaj King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2254769 Baby Burger Imam Rd. Tel: +966-11-4941129 Breakfast to Breakfast Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2178233

Herfy Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4816826 Hotdog Express Al Ahsaa St. Tel: +966-11-2912565 Hungry Burger Tel: +966-11-5485999 Jan Burger King Abdul Aziz St. Tel: 920006765 Johnny Rockets Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2016667 Jollibee 2nd Floor, Al Rajhi Building Tel: +966-11-4057420 KFC Takhasoussi St. Tel: 920021111 Kudu Al Muhamadiyyah Dist.

Tel: 920006999

Centro Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4658488

Mama Noura Dabab St., Suleimania Tel: +966-11-4628144

Cocos Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939444 Cristal Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

Manoosha Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2190491

Elements Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500

McDonald’s Al Ahsaa Rd. Tel: 920000001

Hediard Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2173933

My Burger Imam Mohamed bn Saud Road-Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-4503324

La Brasserie Al Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222

My Way Uruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643824

Living Colors Faisaliyah Tower Tel: +966-11-2734410

Panini Prince Turki Al’awl Rd. Tel: +966-11-4809909 Panino’s Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2734388 Penguin Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4829843 Quiznos Sub King Saud University Tel: +966-11-4824741 Saj Al Balad Jaber St., King Saud University Shuneez Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-4648989 Texas Chicken Turki bin Abdulaziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-2545454 The Sandwich Co. King Abdullah Rd. Mob: +966-558442255

FRENCH Apetit Kitchen

Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4656491

Lobby Lounge Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115591

Cafe’ Lenotre Centria Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2791108 L’ecluse Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648 Le Relais de l’Entrecote Almas Plaza.

Tel: +966-11-4615058

FUSION Pizza Fusion Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4633329

ICE CREAM Baskin Robbins Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4801138

Marble Slab Creamery Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4538746 Pink Berry Garnada Mall Tel: +966-11-2534783

INTERNATIONAL Al Bustan Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300 Al Dana Holiday Inn Hotel Tel: +966-11-4612000 Al Diwan Al Sahara Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500

Fresh Berry Garnada Mall Tel: +966-11-2535587

Al Orjouan Makkah Rd., inside The Ritz Carlton Tel: +966-11-8028020

Fresh & Tangy Hayat Mall Mob: +966-559333344

Cafe Ceramique Sahara Mall Tel: +966-11-4520677

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

Little Caesars Al Ahsa St. Tel: +966-11-4765112

Mirage Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127 Oasis Grill Hilton Garden Inn Tel: +966-11-2935533 Panoramic Makarem Riyadh Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500 Pavillion Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +966-11-4655000 Russian Corner Olaya, Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4658387 Senses Luthan Hotel Tel: +966-11-4807799 Sizzler House Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661133 Spazio Kingdom Tower77th Floor Tel: +966-11-2111180

DESTINATION RIYADH 83

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

The Globe Al Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222

La Campagna Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4624339

Rosso Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500

Al Mansaf Al Sulamaniyya Tel: +966-11-4630345

The Lounge Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300

La Casta Al Rahmaniya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4198016

Rossopomodoro Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939565

Al Nakheel Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-4654650

La Cucina Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

Santino’s Hayat Mall Tel: +966-11-2057497

Al Naseem Marriott Hotel Tel: +966-11-4779300

Trader Vics Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-2814782

La Piazza Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300

Cafe Blanc Prince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4633426

Waterlemon Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2194444

Liolimpo Al Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4166222

SPAZIO 77 77th floor in Kingdom Tower-Riyadh Tel: +966-11-2111888 Tel: +966-11-2111181

IRANIAN

MBCo Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-2936506

The Windrose Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

Sheraz Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Bin Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4655886

Nino Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2016662

Squisito King Fahad Rd., Across Ovotel Tel: +966-11-2160111 The Pizza Company Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4642952 Vecchia Roma Al Sulamaniyyah

ITALIAN

Piatto Exit 5, Northern Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2006868

Z Pizza King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4881199

Al Forno King Abdullah Rd. Mob: +966-558442255

Pizza Era King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4542233

MEXICAN

Amore Tahlia St., Olaya Intersection Tel: +966-11-4653082

Pizza Inn Dabbab St., Opposite Medical City Tel: 920001601

Anthurium Abdulla Alhamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4661473

Pizza Roma Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4629032

Azzurro The Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +966-11-8028020

Pizza Stockholm King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2811888

Cento Per Cento Olaya Rd., Behind Jarir Tel: +966-11-4644159

Pizzeria Napoli Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-2172288

Da Pino Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-2732222 Il Gabbiano Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4616066 L’Olivio Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4634240

84 84 DESTINATION RIYADH

Quattro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115599 Roma Mussa Bin Nusair St. Tel: +966-11-4641133 Roma Way Al Rabwah, Othaim Mall Tel: 920000129

Buffalo’s Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2792123 El Chico’s Exit 5 Tel: +966-11-4640385 Fajita Avenue Al Hamra Tel: +966-11-4644999 Tako Hut Faisaliyyah Mall Tel: 920000129

Eatzah Al Ghaz St. Mob: +966-531224433 Fairouz Garden King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2167171 Gad Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4641212 Garden Barbecue Hotel Al Khozama Tel: +966-11-2732222 Ghouzi Al Rawdah, Khuraish St. Tel: +966-11-4934162 Karam Beirut Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4161717 Koshary Express Jarir St. Tel: +966-11-4728881 Lebanese Corner Olaya (Talateen St.) Mama Noura Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4622195 Mareez King Abdullah St. Tel: +966-11-4508877

MIDDLEEASTERN

Shawerma House Prince Mamdouh St. Tel: +966-11-2191999

Abdul Wahab Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2934111

Shawermama Abdullah Bin Rawaha St Tel: +966-11-2936644

Al Haj Dawood Imam Saud St. Tel: +966-11-4943691

Sit Al Sham Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920000399

Marhaba Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4622070

KOREAN:

Samurai Faisaliah Mall and Kingdom Mall Tel: +966-11-2734386

Korean Palace Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4198878

Shogun Radisson Blu Hotel Tel: +966-11-4791234

INDIAN:

Sushi Yoshi Al Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-8120055

ORIENTAL

Aladdin Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2112150

Tokyo Ouruba St. Tel: +966-11-4605672

Avadh Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4654109 Copper Chandni Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4167000

SAUDI Al Sudda Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4800111

Crown Garden Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4616334

Shawaya House Khalid Bin Al Waleed St. Mob: +966-557819214

Darbar Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2930249

Sheikh Al Mandy Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4644099

Indian Garden Riyadh Gallery Tel: +966-11-2161112 Indian Style Sheikh Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966-11-4561138 Indian Summer Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4652328 Red Onion Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2176644 Tamarind Prince Faisal Bin Turki St. Tel: +966-11-4738770 Tandoor Al Ahsa St. Tel: +966-11-4734531 Tulaitelah Al Wazarat Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4082968

CHINESE: Canton Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4520584

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

Yamal Al Sham Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4613292

SEA FOOD Chinese Golden Palace Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4655127 Golden Dragon Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4645136 Gulf Royal Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4631622 Mirage Restaurant Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127 Noodle House Centria Mall, Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2939969 Peking Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4765250 Seasons Madina St., Exit 28

Taal Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2734383 Yummy Wok Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4889166

JAPANESE: Furusato Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648 Hayat Prince Mansoor bin Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4042655 Khan’s Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-2937880 La Sani King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4655666

Amo Hamza Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2316148 Doe King Abdullah St. Tel: +966-11-4887080 Dr. Ocean Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4708647 Fountain Fish Al Malaz Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2158888 London Fish & Chips Tel: +966-11-2102480 Jasmin White Palace White Palace Hotel Tel: +966-11-4787800

85 DESTINATION RIYADH 85

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

SWEETS/ DESSERTS & BAKERIES Al Hallab Tel: +966-11-4725559 Anoosh Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4609588 Al-Rabwa Tel: +966-11-4971649 Al-Hamra Tel: +966-11-2784297 Al-Bade’ah Tel: +996-11-2679689 Khurais Rd. Tel: +996-11-2080833 Ben’s Cookies Exit 7 Tel: +966-11-2084862 Cookies N’ Cream Faisalyah Mall Crepaway Bustan Center, Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2010505 Diplomat Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4652411 Dixie Cream Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661192 Edible Arrangements Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4643131 French Corner Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4645322 Golden Brown Bakery Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz St. Mob: +966-569337314 Kabbani Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4816892 Kitsch Cupcakes Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4633838 Krispy Kreme Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4610409

86 DESTINATION RIYADH

TURKISH

Laduree Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-2885075 Le Croissant Shop Sulaimania, Al-Ameer Mamdouh St. Tel: +966-11-4655328

Anatolia Turkish Grill Granada Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2535527

Maya Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2113311

Assaraya Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4649336

Contact us at

Tel: +966 - 563578291 Email: drsales@rummancompany.com

Pane Piatto Al Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4168882 Rotiboy Arabia Jarir Mall, Omar bin Abdulaziz Road Tel: +966-11-2886546 www.rotiboyarabia.com Salehia Dates King Fahad Rd. Tel: 8004308888 Sugar Dreamin Khurais Rd. Mob: +966-553383749 Sugar Sprinkles Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2290505 Talah For Dates Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-2173303 Tmreya Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920000652 Torta & more Al Hassan Ben Ali St. Tel: +966-11-2080003

Yummy Tummy Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4538720

Köşebaşı Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2886418

TO ADVERTISE

Munch Bakery Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: 920015010

Wooden Bakery Intersection of Saleh El Din Al Ayoubi St. Tel: +966-11-4725559

Caravan Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4658856

Al Maktaba Bookstore Sitteen St. Al Raqeem Bookstore Olaya Main St. Al Shagrey Bookstore Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4611717 Al Sharq Bookstore Al Malaz Tel: +966-11-4720538 Al Wataniyah Bookstore Aswaq Al Majd Tel: +966-11-4450619

Reema Bookstore Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4705228 Tuttie Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4613976

FUN & RECREATION Alem Al Ibdaa King Abdul Aziz Rd. Alfa Cassettes Batha Commercial Center Anamel Arts of Ceremics Olaya Main St. Arts Al Andalus Center

Dar Al Hdrama Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-4788510

Art Line Gallery Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4622573

Dar Al Qasem King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4092000

China Town Euromarche

Dar Al Minhaj for Used Books Prince Abdullah Rd. Dar Al Shawaf Library Thalatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4622667 Dar Elem Bookstore Prince Abdullah Rd. Golden Pages Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4631917 Islamic Book Center Sitteen St. Jarir Bookstore Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4626000 Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2645807 Medical Bookstore Prince Abdullah Rd. Najd Bookstore Jareer St. Obekan Bookstore King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4160018

Cool Prince Abdullah Rd. Dar Al Maskukat Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4651166 Eastern Gift House Oruba Plaza Fantastic World Thalatheen St. Gift House Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661316 GIft Village King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4620219 Heritage Touch Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan Tel: +966-11-4612930 Konouz Tahlia St. Luxury Events Mob: +966-509421214 Magic Art Sahara Mall

My Home Flower King Abdul Aziz Rd. Occasions Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4654555 Papermoon Sahara Mall Tel: +966-11-4520393 Party Time Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4659101 The Final Touch King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4641023 The Gift Thalatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4615859

LIBRARIES Al Sewaidi Sudair St. Tel: +966-11-4251263 Dar Ben Jawzi Prince Saud bin Mohammed St. Tel: +966-11-2107228 King Abdul Aziz Library King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4050188

The Art Of Photography Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Rd. Tel: +966-11-4944614 The Bazaar Akkariya Buildings The Orientalist House Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4634228 Tunisen Antique House Euromarche Village Gallery Thalatheen St. Wonder Castle Corporation Dabbab St. Zamani Art Gallery Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4613057 Zekrayat Frames Tahlia St.

STUDIOS Luxury Pictures Mob: +966-56595669

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORY

BOOKSTORES

King Fahad National Library King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4891455 The Centeral Talking Liberary Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4020997

MUSEUMS & ART VENUES 7 Star Art Gallery Akkariya Buildings Art Vision Kingdom Centre Tel: +966-11-2112412 Lamsa Exhibition Al Faisaliah Tel: +966-11-2734239

87 DESTINATION RIYADH 87

AIRLINES

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

Air Arabia Tel: 920013322 www.airarabia.com Air Canada Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.aircanada.ca Air France Tel: +966-11-2885218 www.airfrance.com Air India Tel: +966-11-4786409 www.airindia.com Air Nigeria Tel: +966-11-4626165 www.myairnigeria.com American Airlines–AA Tel: +966-11-4625993 www.aa.com Biman Bangladesh Airlines Tel: +966-11-4623537 www.biman-airlines.com British Airways Tel: +966-11-4645550 www.britishairways.com Cyprus Airways Tel: +966-11-4640391 www.cyprusair.com Delta Airlines Tel: +966-11-4613688 www.delta.com Egypt Air Tel: +966-11-4784004 www.egyptair.com Emirates Airlines Tel: +966-11-4655485 www.emirates.com Ethiopian Airlines Tel: +966-11-4782140 www.flyethiopian.com Etihad Airways Tel: +966-11-4197722 www.etihadairways.com Garuda Indonesia Tel: +966-11-2937690 www.garudaindonesia.com German wings Airlines Tel: +966-11-4632004 www.germanwings.com

88 DESTINATION RIYADH

Gulf Air Tel: +966-11-4626666 www.gulfair.com

Royal Air Morocco Tel: +966-11-47741100 www.royalairmaroc.com

TRAVEL AGENCIES

Japan Airlines–JAL Tel: +966-11-4645056 www.jal.com

Royal Jordanian Tel: +966-11-2180850 www.rj.com

ABC Travel Agency & Cargo Tel: +966-11-4631600

Kenya Airways Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.kenya-airways.com

Saudi Arabian Airlines Tel: 920022222 www.saudiairlines.com

Ace Travel Tel: +966-11-4648701 www.ace-travel.com

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Tel: +966-11-4771026 www.klm.com

Singapore Airlines Tel: +966-11-4734102 www.singaporeair.com

Korean Air Tel: +966-11-4658222 www.koreanair.com

South African Airways – SAA Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.flysaa.com

Kuwait Airways Tel: +966-11-4631218 www.kuwait-airways.com

SriLankan Airlines www.srilankan.lk

Lufthansa Tel: 8001245550 www.lufthansa.com Malaysia Airlines Tel: +966-11-4784039 www.malaysiaairlines.com Middle East Airlines Tel: +966-11-4614670 www.mea.com.lb Nas Air Tel: +966-11-2171800 www.flynas.com Olympic Air Tel: +966-11-4644596 www.olympicair.com Oman Air Tel: +966-11-4733133 www.omanair.com Pakistan INT’L Airlines Tel: +966-11-4659600 www.piac.com.pk Philippine Airlines Tel: +966-11-2160530 www.philippine airlines.com Qantas Airways Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.qantas.com.au Qatar Airways Tel: +966-11-21180424 www.qatarairways.com

Sudan Airways Tel: +966-11-4720040 www.sudanair.com Swiss Air Tel: +966-11-4789745 www.swissair.com TAM Brazilian Airlines Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.tam.com.br TAROM Romanian Airlines Tel: +966-11-5788935 www.tarom.ro Thai Airways Tel: +966-11-4766766 www.thaiairways.com Tunis Air Tel: +966-11-4626165 www.tunisair.com Turkish Airlines Tel: +966-11-4000287 www.turkishairlines.com United Airlines Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.united.com Yemenia Airways Tel: +966-11-4039282 www.yemenia.com

Al Abbad Travel Tel: +966-11-4778736 Al Ahmadiah Travel Tel: +966-11-4656668 Al Mouwasat Travel Tel: +966-11-4160580 Al Naiem Travel & Tourism Tel: +966-11-4655698 Al Rajhi Travel Tel: +966-11-4566900 Al Rasheed Awnings Factory Tel: +966-11-4059031 Al Romaizan Travel Agency Tel: +966-11-4652100 www.romaizan.com Al-Sarh Travel & Tourism Tel: +966-11-4941111 www.alsarh.com.sa Al Sager Travel Tel: +966-11-4827979 Al Sarah Travel Tel: +966-11-4647480 Al Sarh Travel Tel: +966-11-4627000 Al Tashelat Travels Tel: +966-11-4034477 Al Tayyar Travel Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.altayyargroup.com Amjad Travel & Tourism Tel: +966-11-41161737 www.amjadtravel.com Fursan Travel Tel: 920000442 www.fursan.com.sa Haya Tour Al Nozha Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4507176

Kingdom Wings Travel Agency Tel: +966-11-4625544

Rixon Tour Network Tel: 920029993 www.myrtn.com Travel Port Tel: +966-11-4163810 www.travelport.com The Orientalist House Tel: +966-11-4634228 Top Travel Tel: +966-11-4641969 Tunisen Antique House Tel: +966-11-4825247 Village Gallery Tel: +966-11-4631089 Wonder Castle Corporation Tel: +966-11-2790482 Zahid Travel Group Tel: +966-11-4602829 www.zahidtravel.com Zahran Air Travel & Cargo Co. Tel: +966-11-4659614 Zamani Art Gallery Tel: +966-11-4613057 Zekrayat Frames Tel: +966-11-4661196

HOTELS Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2732000 Al Khozama Hotel Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4654650

Coral Gulf Riyadh King Abdul Aziz St., Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4121000 Corp Executive Deira Hotel Al Batha St. Tel: +966-11-4141500 Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Al-Hada Dist., Abdullah bin Hothafa St. Tel: +966-11-2817300 Crowne Plaza Hotel Riyadh Minha Old Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-8749200 Four Seasons Hotel Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2115000 Golden Tulip Andalusia Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4611000 Holiday Inn Riyadh Izdihar Abdulwahab Bin Abdullah St., Unit One Tel: +966-11-4625000

Mena Grand - Khaldia Khazzan St. (Immam Faisal bin Turki) Tel: +966-11-2682222 Mercure Value Hotel Exit 9, Eastern Ring Rd., Close to Granada Center.

Tel: +966-11-2773300

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

My Holiday Travel & Tourism Tel: 920010087 www.myholiday.com.sa

Al Mashreq Boutique Hotel Orubah Road Tel: +966-11-2834777

Novotel Alanoud King Fahd Rd. Tel: +966-11-2882323 Radisson Blu Hotel Al Mubarakiah Plaza King Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4791234 Riyadh Marriott Hotel Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4779300 Riyadh Palace Hotel Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4054444 Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers Olaya Junction of King Fahad & King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300 The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh Hada Area, Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-8028020

InterContinental Riyadh Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4655000 Luthan Hotel And Spa A Women Only Hotel Orubah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4807799 Madareem Crown Hotel King Khalid International Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-2758888 Makarim Riyadh Hotel Near To King Khalid International Airport Tel: +966-11-2204500

DESTINATION RIYADH 89

BEAUTY CLINICS

HEALTH DIRECTORY

Al Manihal Center Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069 Al Safeer Tel: +966-11-2050810 Apollo Tel: 920027070 Ayan Consultative King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2725555 Ayma Consultative King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2635555 Beauty Corner King Fahad Rd. Mob: +966-543300557 www.beautycorner.co FOUR Salon & Nail Spa Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-2014444 www.www.four.com.sa Malesa Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4888831 Med Art Clinics Olaya Main St. Tel: 920000045

Mayiez Medical Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169999 Pearl’s Smile Sulaimaniya Tel: +966-11-4646334 Riyadh Medical Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060 Saudi Sugeons Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4653030 SSC Tel: +966-11-2335000 Uranus Medical Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4657000 White Wing Medical Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834286

DENTAL CLINICS Aagi Dental Center Tel: +966-11-2080107 Dima Dental Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661200

FITNESS CENTERS KIDS

My Gym Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-42814870

MEN

Apple Fitness Tel: +966-11-4538800 Body Masters Tel: 920000626 Tel: +966-11-4875531 Fitness Time Tel: 920003131

Dallah Hospital Tel: +966-11-4720777

Up Scale Club King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4871502

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Mishari Hospital

WOMEN

Tel: +966-11-4657700 http://drabdulrahman almishari.com.sa

Al Manihal Center Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069 Curves Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4633219

Noble Smile Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966 11 4197740

The British Center King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2795555

Ramah Dental Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4800931

Lumiere Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169030

CLINICS

Sanaya Dental Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2174888

Scented Tel: +966-11-2112003

Czech Center Infront of King Saud University Tel: 920002737 ENT Center Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4802229

90 DESTINATION RIYADH

Al Jafel Hospital Western Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-4322222 www.aljafelhospital.com

Life Fitness Tel: +966-11-2061133

Platinium Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2097777

Consulting Center Tel: +966-11-4555545

Al Hammadi Hospital Khalid ibn Yazid Muawiyah St. Tel: +966-11-4643312 www.hammadi.com

Al-Mouwasat Hospital Western Ring Rd., Exit 114 Tel: +966-11-4455555

Gama Dental Clinic King Abdulaziz Road Tel: +966-11- 4542929 Mob: +966-534542929

EYE CARE

Al Falah INT’L Tel: +966-11-4463737 www.alfalah.com.sa

Gold’s Gym Tel: +966-11-6912077

Obagi Hospital Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4627111

Attadawe King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2780211

Alamal Complex for Mental Health Al Khuzami Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4804548 www.alamal.med.sa

Kinetico Tel: +966-11-2815595 Mob: + 966-530034010 Luthan Hotel & Spa Tel: +966-11-4807799

Yibreen Off of Takhassusi St.

Tel: +966-11-4411115

Al Hokama Mallaz Tel: +966-11-4797777

HOSPITALS

Menshaf Eye care Al Rawda Mob: +966-565869059

ABAS Medical Group Rawda-Hamra-Dabab Tel: 920000172

The Eye Center Tel: +966-11-4623094 www.eyecenter.com.sa

ADMA Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4660000

Olaya Dist.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Olaya Medical Complex Tel: +966-11-4622224 www.drsulaiman alhabib.com Green Crescent Abdul Malik Bin Marwan St. Tel: +966-11-4644434 www.gch.com.sa King Abdulaziz University King Abdul Aziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-4775524 www.medicine.ksu.edu.sa King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) Makkah Rd. Tel: 8001277000 Kingdom Hospital Tel: +966-11-2751111 King Faisal SHRC Al Zahrawi St. Tel: +966-11-4647272 www.kfshrc.edu.sa King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital Oruba Branch St. Tel: +966-11-4821234 www.kkesh.med.sa

Maghrabi Hospital Tel: +966-11-4455049 www.maghrabi.com.sa National Guard Health King Abdulaziz Medical City Tel: +966-11-8011111 www.ngha.med.sa OBIED Specialized Al Farazdaq Rd. Tel: +966-11-4767222 Prince Sultan Cardiac Center Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4783000 www.pscc.med.sa Riyadh Care Hospital Tel: +966-11-4933000 www.riyadhcare.com Riyadh Military Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4791000 www.rmh.med.sa S.B.H King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4636666 Saudi German Hospitals Group King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2685555 www.ryd.sghgroup. com.sa Specialized M.C.H King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-41164000 Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City Exit 6 Tel: +966-11-5620000

PHARMACIES Adhwaa Al Seha Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887455 Al Dimishqi Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4707887 Al Farabi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880843 Al Hozaimi Ibn Sulaiman Commercial Center Tel: +966-11-4722054 Al Jaza Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4642072 Al Lizam Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4655595 Al Mowasa 3 Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4568598 Al Mutanabbi Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-2910981 Al Olaya Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-46411501 Al Raja No 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942 Al Rawabi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4828028 Al Riyadh Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643108 Al Saggaf Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4640716 Al Saggaf 25 Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645274 Al Shameeah Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880595

Al Teriaq Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4828289 Al Thalatheen Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4623529 Al Shamsia Jamal Center Tel: +966-11-4057296 Arac Health Care Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645107 Asir Pharmacy Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4811629 Dar Al Dana Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan Tel: +966-11-4643373 Mazin Pharmacy Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4624562 Medical & Pharmaceutical Service Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-4629680 Medicine Time Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4569140 Mohammmed Al Hozaimi Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4628758 Nabra Pharmacy Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887329 Nazaar Pharmacy Al Awais Market Tel: +966-11-4541408 NEO (Neointernational) Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4615089

Noorana Pharmacy Al Malaz Tel: +966-11-4785006 Olaya International Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4160349 Prince Pharmacy Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4611418 Rajaa Pharmacy 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942 Riyadh Corner Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-4780759 Sara Spectrum Medical Pharmacy Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4601018 Shrazad Sitteen St. Tel: +966-11-4787047 University Pharmacy Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4191944 University (2) Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4626338 Wardat Al-Oroba Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4622904 Whites Pharmacy Tel: +966-11-2886877 / 4895994/ 4897750/ 4897751 www.whites.net Zahrat Al Rawda Pharmacy Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4804935 Zahrat Sami Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060

Nissah Pharmacy Al-Rajhi Five Buildings Tel: +966-11-4041573

0544408585 DESTINATION RIYADH 91

HEALTH DIRECTORY

King Saud Medical City Al Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Saud St. Tel: +966-11-4355555 www.ksmc.med.sa

Accommodations Close to the Two Holy Mosques:

RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY

MADINAH Al Ameen Crom Hotel Markazeyah Al Gharbiyah Tel: +966-14-8198000 Al Ansar Golden Few steps away from Al Haram Tel: +966-14-8290177 Al Ansar New Place Al Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8207770 Al Haram Hotel Abi Zar Road Tel: +966-14-8182300 AL Karam Hotel King Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-14-8155500 Al Madinah Crom Markazeyah Al Gharbiyah Tel: +966-14-8192020 Andalus Classy Hotel King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8290000 Andalus Dar Al Khair Hotel Few steps away from Al Haram Tel: +966-14-8181114 Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick The Courtyard of Al Haram Tel: +966-14-8181000 Barakat Andalus Al Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8208884 Dallah Taibah Hotel King Fahad St., crossing Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8290180 Dar Al Hijra InterContinental King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8207777 Dar AL Iman InterContinental Off Al Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8206666

92 DESTINATION RIYADH

Dar Al-Taqwa InterContinental Off Al Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8291111 Durrat Andalus Hotel King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8291114

Green Palace Hotel Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8269040 Hilton Madinah King Fahad Road Few steps away from Al Haram Tel: +966-14-8201000 Hotel Elaf Taibah Saad Bin Maaz St. Tel: +966-14-8180050 Le Meridien Madinah Khalid Bin El Waleed St. Tel: +966-14-8460777 Marriott Madinah Omer Ibn Al Khatab St. Tel: +966-14-8180000 Movenpick In front of Al Safeya Bridge, Opposite Al Haram Tel: +966-14-8188888 Ramada Al Hamra Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8208084 Ramada Al Qibla Islamic Court St. Tel: +966-14-8160008 The Madinah Oberoi Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8282222

MAKKAH Ajyad Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5720500 Al Jaad Crom Hotel Naqa Al Sulaimaneyah St. Tel: +966-12-5705555 Al Shohada Hotel Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5744401 Dar Al Manasek Hotel Ibrahim Al Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5394444 Elaf Ajyad Hotel Al Masafi St. Tel: +966-12-5722200 Elaf Al Sud Hotel Ajayad Al Sud St. Tel: +966-12-5708586

Mercure Grand Um Al Qura Al Jamaiza St. Tel: +966-12-5702212 Mercure Hibatullah Hotel Um Al Qura St. Tel: +966-12-5498855 Raffles Makkah Palace King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5717888 Swissotel Makkah King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5718000 Zam Zam Grand Suites Adjiad St. Tel: +966-12-5715555

Elaf Kindah Hotel Al Messyaal St. Tel: +966-12-5745555 Hilton Makkah & Towers Hijrah St. Tel: +966-12-5340000 InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid Ibrahim Al Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5411111 Le Meridien Makkah Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5751111 Le Meridien Towers Hotel Rawabi Ajyad Road Tel: +966-12-5399999 Makkah Clock Royal Tower King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5717777 Manazel Al Ain Mesrcure Al Azizia St. Tel: +966-12-5578000

Hajj & Umrah Visa: www.hajinformation.com

Useful websites:

1- www.biblioislam.net 2- www.tvquran.com 3- www.rasoulallah.net 4- www.islamonline.com 5- www.quranexplorer.com 6- www.islam-guide.com 7- www.islamweb.net 8- www.islamicity.com 9- www.theholyquran.org 10- www.al-mawrid.org

CAR AGENCIES

Al inma Bank Tel: +966-11-2185000 www.alinma.com

Audi Tel: +966-11-4660044

Al Jazira Bank Tel: +966-11-4317474 www.baj.com.sa Al Rajhi Bank Tel: +966-11-4603333 www.alrajhibank.com.sa Arab National Bank Tel: +966-11-4029000 www.anb.com.sa Bank Al Bilad Tel: +966-11-4971905 www.bankalbilad.com Banque Saudi Fransi Tel: +966-11-2899999 www.alfransi.com.sa National Commercial Bank Tel: 920001000 www.alahli.com Riyadh Bank Tel: +966-11-4013030 www.riyadbank.com SABB Tel: +966-11-2764356 www.sabb.com Samba Tel: 8001242000 www.samba.com Saudi Hollandi Bank Tel: +966-11-2548500 www.shb.com.sa

CAR ACCESSORIES 3M Tel: +966-11-2884135 Auto Gard Tel: +966-11-2924343 Llumar Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2912929 Red Cap Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4913212

BG Khurais Rd. Exit 30 Tel: +966-11-2300000 BMW Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000 Cadillac Tel: +966-11-4924048 Chevrolet Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454040 Chrysler Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222 Dodge Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222 Fuso Tel: 8002440060 GMS Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454040 Harley-Davidson North Ring Rd. Exit 5 Tel: +966-11-4554499 Honda Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454646 Isuzu Tel: +966-11-2300000 Jeep Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222 Lexus King Fahad Rd. Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-4566600 Mazda Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4968888 Mini Cooper Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000 Mitsubishi Khurais Rd. Tel: 8002440060

Solar Control Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4966633

Mopar Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

Unique Your Car Mob: +966-566225544

Peugeot Tel: +966-11-4666614 Porsche Tel: +966-11-4667788

RAM Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

Uber Application: Uber.com/app support.riyadh@uber.com

Renault Khurais Rd. Tel: 8002445050 Rolls Royce Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000 Seat Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2301515 Skoda Tel: +966-11-2301515 Subaru Tel: +966-11-2300000 Toyota Tel: +966-11-2486777 Volks Wagen Tel: 920000380 Volvo Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4923539 Unic Tel: +966-11-2300000

CAR RENTALS Al Falah Tel: 920001678 Al Moddarraj Tel: +966-11-4779902 Avis Tel: +966-11-4884887 Best Rent A Car Tel: 8001249955 Diplomat Khurais Rd. Tel: 920008008 EuropCar Al Ahsaa St. Tel: 920000153 Faz Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2912679 iCar Tel: +966-11-4561099 Sajil

Tel: +966-11-4935222 Theeb Rent a Car Khurais Rd. Tel: 920000572

COMPOUNDS Ishbilia Tel: +966-11-2406000 Mob: +966-593111389 www.ksacompounds.com Al Hamra Oasis Village Tel: +966-11-2490440 www.alhamra.com.sa Al Issa Compound Tel: +966-11-4918400 Al Jazeera Bader Tel: +966-11-4921135 www.badercompound.com Al Manar Tel: +966-11-2460100 Al Mohaeya Tel: +966-11-4821222 Al Mostaqbal Homes Tel: +966-11-4816666 www.almostaqbal homes.com Al Nakheel Residence Tel: +966-11-4704191 Al Ola No 7 Tel: +966-11-4608095 Al Rabwa Al Rabwa Area, Exit 14 close to Nahda Rd. Mob: +966-544096296 www.almutlaq.com Al Rayan Residential Tel: +966-11-2089027 Al Waha Village Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4864711

DESTINATION RIYADH 93

GENERAL DIRECTORY

Bank

Al Yamama Village Tel: +966-11-4012550

GENERAL DIRECTORY

Arab Investment Tel: +966-114823444 Arizona Golf Resort Tel: +966-11-2484444 www.agr.com.sa Asasco Village Tel: +966-11-4199000 Barada Village Arabian Homes Tel: +966-11-4541888 www.arabian-homes. com Bonita Village Mob: +966-597721361 www.alwakkan.com Cordoba Oasis Village Tel: +966-11-24834711 www.cordoba.com.sa Delta - 11 Estate Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4803201 Delta - 2 Estate Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4804084 Eid Villas Tel: +966-11-2483366 www.eidvillas.com.sa Euro Compound Tel: +966-11-4780718 FAL Compound Tel: +966-11-2490091 www.falcompound.org Granada Village Tel: +966-11-2488387

Ranco Village Tel: +966-11-4924411 www.ranvil.com Riyadh Village Khurais Road, off exit 36 Tel: 08111010101 Mob: +966-541362462

Awal Tel: +966-11-4600111 www.awal.com.sa CYBERIA Tel: 8001248124 www.cyberia.net.sa DigiNet Tel: +966-11-4192009 www.digi.net.sa

ROC Compound Tel: +966-11-2412800 www.roc.com.sa

GO Tel: 8111011180 www.go.com.sa

Sahara Towers Tel: +966-11-4625666 Seder Village Tel: +966-11-2280000 www.sedervillage.com Star Compound Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4881139

Gulfnet KSA Tel: +966-11-4628562 www.zajil.net Nesma Tel: +966-11-4633100 www.nesma.net.sa

CAMEROON Tel: +966-11-4880022 CANADA Tel: +966-11-4882288 CHINA Tel: +966-11-4832126 CZECH REPUBLIC Tel: +966-11-4503617

NTG National Technology Group Tel: +966-11-4763777 www.ntg.com.sa

DJIBOUTI Tel: +966-11-4543182

COURIER

Oger Tel Tel: +966-11-4889826 www.ogersystems.com

Arabian Hala Tel: +966-11-4884887 www.hala.com.sa Aramex Tel: +966-11-4160353 www.aramex.com DHL Worldwide Express Tel: +966-11-4654200 www.dhl.com.sa FedEx Tel: +966-11-4633999 www.fedex.com/sa Overseas Courier Service Tel: +966-11-4647193 www.ocstracking.com www.ocscouner.com

PrimeNet Tel: +966-11-4193000 www.prime.net.sa Saudi Internet Company Tel: +966-11-4603031 www.sol.net.sa/en Saudi Net Tel: +966-11-2180300 www.saudi.net.sa Shabakah Net Tel: +966-11-4193193 www.shabakah.net.sa

ETHIOPIA Tel: +966-11-4824055 FINLAND Tel: +966-11-4881515 Ext 9 FRANCE Tel: +966-11-4881255 GABON Tel: +966-11-4567173

ALGERIA Tel: +966-11-4887171

GERMANY Tel: +966-11-4880700 GHANA Tel: +966-11-4545122

Advance Telecom Company (ATC) Tel: +966-11-4601877 www.atc.com.sa

AUSTRALIA Tel: +966-11-4887788

Atheer Tel: +966-11-4198000 www.atheer.net.sa

ERITREA Tel: +966-11-4801731

GAMBIA Tel: +966-11-2052158

Jadawel Compound Tel: +966-11-2406000

Arabic Computer Systems (ACS) Tel: +966-11-4763777 www.acs.com.sa

EGYPT Tel: +966-11-4810159 Tel: +966-11-4831458

EMBASSIES ARGENTINA Tel: +966-11-4652600

94 DESTINATION RIYADH

BURKINA FASO Tel: +966-11-4652244

Villas Rosas Al-Wadi Tel: +966-11-4881139 http://villasrosasco.com

DSL Net

Palm Court Tel: +966-11-4850288

BRUNEI Tel: +966-11-4560814

DENMARK Tel: +966-11-4880101 Ext 111163

Green City Olaya - Rahmaniah Dist.

Mob: +966-559623393 www.gccompound. tripod.com

Najd Compound Tel: +966-11- 2481040

BRITAIN Tel: +966-11-4880077

Nour Net Tel: +966-11-4728900 www.nour.net.sa

UPS Global Tel: +966-11-4626655 www.ups.com

Kingdom City Tel: +966-11-2750275 www.kingdom-city.com

BRAZIL Tel: +966-11-4880018

AUSTRIA Tel: +966-11-4801217 BAHRAIN Tel: +966-11-4880044

GREECE Tel: +966-11-4801975 GUINEA Tel: +966-11-4881121

BANGLADESH Tel: +966-11-4195300

HUNGARY Tel: +966-11-4546707

BELGIUM Tel: +966-11-4882888

INDIA Tel: +966-11-4884144

Little Rosas Tel: +966-11-4865128

OMAN Tel: +966-11-4823120

IRAN Tel: +966-11-4881444

PAKISTAN Tel: +966-11-4884111

IRELAND Tel: +966-11-4882300

PERU Tel: +966-11-4822474

ITALY Tel: +966-11-4881212

PHILIPPINES Tel: +966-11-4823559

JAPAN Tel: +966-11-4881100

PORTUGAL Tel: +966-11-4826964

JORDAN Tel: +966-11-4880071

QATAR Tel: +966-11-4825544

KENYA Tel: +966-11-4882484

RUSSIA Tel: +966-11-4811432

KOREA Tel: +966-11-4882211

SENEGAL Tel: +966-11-4880146

KUWAIT Tel: +966-11-4883500

SIERRA LEONE Tel: +966-11-4643982

LEBANON Tel: +966-11-4804060

SINGAPORE Tel: +966-11-4803855

MALAYSIA Tel: +966-11-4887100

SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +966-11-4429728

London Cab Club Tel: +966-11-4966670 http://londoncabclub .com

MALI Tel: +966-11-2290753

SPAIN Tel: +966-11-4880606

SAPTCO Tel: +966-11-2884400

MINISTRIES

MALTA Tel: +966-11-4615315

SRI LANKA Tel: +966-11-4608232

KINDERGARTENS

Agriculture Tel: +966-11-4016666

MAURITANIA Tel: +966-11-4646749

SUDAN Tel: +966-11-4887979

MEXICO Tel: +966-11-4808822

SWEDEN Tel: +966-11-8806700 Ext 204

MOROCCO Tel: +966-11-4826382 NEPAL Tel: +966-11-4645170 NETHERLANDS Tel: +966-11-4880011 NEW ZELAND Tel: +966-11-4887988 NIGERIA Tel: +966-11-4823024 NORWAY Tel: +966-11-4881904 Ext 300

SWITZERLAND Tel: +966-11-4881291 SYRIA Tel: +966-11-4887481 TANZANIA Tel: +966-11-4542833 THAILAND Tel: +966-11-4881174 TUNISIA Tel: +966-11-4887900 TURKEY Tel: +966-11-4820101

UAE Tel: +966-11-4881227 UGANDA Tel: +966-11-4544910 UKRAINE Tel: +966-11-4508536 URUGUAY Tel: +966-11-4620739 USA Tel: +966-11-4801831 YEMEN Tel: +966-11-4881769

My Home Mob: +966-569598011 Play House Mob: +966-556365035 Play n Learn Mob: +966-564684094 SM Nursery Mob: +966-558391591

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Super Kids Mob: +966-564460167 www.superkidseducation center.com

AILAF Tel: +966-11-2713377

Tarbia Pre-School Tel: +966-11-4199017

Blue Connect Tel: 920004948 www.the-blueconnect .com

Tiny Tots Mob: +966-580473602

Baby Day Care Mob: +966-582657594 Birds of Hope Mob: +966-569754506 British Islamic Tel: +966-11-4649666 www.britishislamic school.com Busybee Tel: +966-11-2193900 www.busybee.com.sa Dazzling Stars Mob: +966-545682945 First Step Mob: +966-500320566 Kids World Tel: +966-11-4006000 www.kidsworldschool.net

Twinkle Kindergarten Mob: +966-559268188 White Rose Play Mob: +966-563296205

Civil Service Tel: +966-11-4026900 Commerce Tel: +966-11-4012220 Communications and Information Technology Tel: +966-11-4637225 Culture and Information Tel: +966-11-4014440 Defense Tel: +966-11-4785900 Education Tel: +966-11-4042888 Finance Tel: +966-11-4050000 Foreign Affairs Tel: +966-11-4067777

DESTINATION RIYADH 95

GENERAL DIRECTORY

INDONESIA Tel: +966-11-4882282

Hajj Tel: +966-11-4022200

GENERAL DIRECTORY

Health Tel: +966-11-4012220

American INT’L Mob: +966-567990096 www.aisr.org

SOCIAL UNIVERSITIES SERVICES ORGANIZATION Al Faisal University

Higher Education Tel: +966-11-4644444

British International Tel: +966-11-2482387 www.britishschool riyadh.com

Industry Tel: +966-11-4772722

Dar Al Maarefah Tel: +966-11-2314010

Interior Tel: +966-11-4011944

Al Bir Charity Tel: +966-11-4056666

École Française Internationale de Riyad www.efi-riyad.com

Al Nahda Tel: +966-11-4650029 www.alnahda-ksa.org

EDUCON STUDY ABROAD Tel: 920001338

Al Wafa Tel: +966-11-4650029

Justice Tel: +966-11-4057777

Elite International Tel: +966-11-4627224

Labor and Social Affairs Tel: +966-11-4771480

Fursan Al Jazeerah Tel: +966-11-5457505

Charity Committe For Orphans Care www.ensan.org.sa

Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Tel: +966-11-4730401

Municipal and Rural Affairs Tel: +966-11-4415434 Transport Tel: +966-11-4042928 Water and Electricity Tel: +966-11-4016666

Future Window Tel: +966-11-2063371 http://fwis.edu.sa/ International Indian Boys Section Tel: +966-11-4934688 www.iisriyadh.com Girls Section Tel: +966-11-2323248

Non-Profit Organization

King Faisal School Tel: +966-11-4820802 www.kfs.sch.sa

AFTA Society for ADHD (Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit) Tel: +966-11-4815455 Mob: +966-554559086 Mob: +966-530034981

King Saud INT’L Tel: +966-11-4633180 www.ksischool.com

SCHOOLS & INSTITUTES Al Alameen INT’L Tel: +966-11-4649666 Al Amjad National Tel: +966-11-2494188 Al Andalus National Tel: +966-11-4936585 Al Khaleej National Tel: +966-11-2012112 Al Olaya National Tel: +966-11-4538867 Al Rowad INT’L www.rowad-is.com

96 96 DESTINATION RIYADH

Kingdom School Tel: +966-11-2755555 www.kingdomschools. edu.sa Manahel Al Elm Tel: +966-11-4770419 Manarat Al Riyadh Tel: +966-11-4509916 http://maarif.com.sa Middle East Modern Education Tel: +966-11-4622815 Najd National Tel: +966-11-4914434 Nour Al Maaref Riyadh Tel: +966-11-4028411 www.riyadhschools .edu.sa Saudi Arabia Multinational Tel: +966-11-2751751 www.mns-r.com

Aberr Charity Society Tel: +966-11-5448654

Charitable Society for Memorization of the Qura’an Tel: +920011799 www.qk.org.sa Charity Ibn Baz Organization Tel: +966-11-2293333 www.alzwaj.org

Tel: +966-11-4401626 www.alfaisal.edu

Arab Open University Tel: +966-11-2742277 www.arabou.org.sa Dar Al-Uloom Tel: +966-11-4949000 www.dau.edu.sa Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic Tel: +966-11-2580000 www.imamu.edu.sa King Saud University Tel: +966-11-4670000 www.ksu.edu.sa King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Tel: +966-11-2521300

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Rawdah Street, Jeddah 012 2844266 Nojoud Mall, Riyadh 011 4414439