Saudi Arabia

QIMMAM CLUB

adventure in their veins

Jeddah’s Bakeries NATURAL MARVELS OF THE WORLD

DIVING WITH REEM FITNESS CENTERS WORLDWIDE n Hover over the co Contouring AD O L N DOW OVER Tips and Kits DISC RACT TE ISSUE 76 MAY 2015

IN

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Enas Hashani Managing Editor Maria Mahdaly Executive Editor Bassma Al Toaimi

GET LOST!

Editors Sahrish Ali Sohila El Saadany Contributing Writers Ahmad Mesawa Anousha Vakani Johara Al Mogbel Mariam Polding Mohammed Mirza Rob Seagreen Sobia Javed Tahira Baker Zareen Muzaffar

After a month of sandstorms, we welcome the clear skies of summer with open arms.

Speaking of summer, it’s that time of the year when you start thinking of where you’ll be spending your holidays. Whether you’re up for a family vacation or a staycation, this issue is your must-have companion.

The great JRR Tolkien once said, “Not all who wander are lost,” and we agree, in the same way we believe that not all who stay in Jeddah over the summer are bored.

Admittedly, we have enough sojourns in these pages to keep you out and about all year long – but also, we’ve packed it with enough of Jeddah to let you enjoy being city bound.

A true Jeddahwi will tell you that their hometown is like any other – sometimes you want to just pack your bags and leave but the moment you’re elsewhere, you start missing everything about it.

At Destination, our job is to tug at your heartstrings for the city right here and now. Jeddah is a giant adventure on its own if you have DJ as your local tour guide.

Till next time, dear readers… Live curiously, travel deeply and love generously.

Art Director Reem Al Assal Studio Manager Mohamed Fawzy Graphic Designers Mohammed Rashad Jalila Alharith Photographers Mohamed Fawzy November Nine Paul Abraham Reem Al Assal Reem Alrifaie Yasmin Ouf Online Editor Mohammed Mirza Social Media Hurreia Balouch Web Admin/Associate Editor Swalah Eshki Editorial Contribution editor@destinationjeddah.com Public Relations and Events Ahmed Gassas pr@destinationjeddah.com Sales & Advertising sales@destinationjeddah.com Jeddah Office: Tel: +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Mob: +966-563578291 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

Riyadh Office: Mob: +966-509752274 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Distribution distribution@destinationjeddah.com General Inquiries info@destinationjeddah.com Visit Us Online www.destinationjeddah.com *Destination Jeddah Magazine is a Rumman Company Publication.

License No. 7862-8/8/1431

Mob: +966-563578291 P.O. Box 4113 Jeddah 21491

PUBLISHER Destination Magazine UK, Coventry, CV14DH N5719

Enas Hashani Editor-in-Chief DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 1

F E AT U R E D C O N T E N T

Taste the best bread in town on p. 62

Buy Me From Danube or Virgin Megastores for Only SR 10

Qimmam taking high challenges on p. 30

Destination sat down with Ninyaz and got the scoop on her musical past and future.

18

Business

Read more on p.44

• The Saudi Women Council • CSR with Dina Al Nahdi • Tourism in Saudi

70

Healthy Living • Fitness Centers Worldwide • Rashad Barmada Interview • Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

30

Special Features • Qimmam Adventure Club • Natural Marvels Worldwide • Saudi Students Struggle Abroad

78

Spirituality • Backbiting • What it Means to be Blessed

82

Travel Trends

42

Arts & Entertainment

• Travel News: - Doha’s Banana Island Resort - Bahrain Visa Updates - Al Ahsa’s Touristic Project • Explore with Attar Travel Agency • Maharaja’s Express Train

• Graffiti Artist, Mawadda • Music with Ninyaz • World Records Jeddah Holds

94 52

Style & Shopping • Your Summer in Style • Contouring Tips

DESTINATIONJED

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60

Dining Around Town

DESTINATIONKSA

88 2

DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

• Best Bread in Town • Michelin Starred Restaurants in France

Explore KSA • Wonders of KSA • Historic Saudi: The Legendary Hatem Al Tai

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 3

COMMUNITY

LIGHT IT UP BLUE

Rosewood Jeddah and Jeddah Autism Center hosted the ‘Light It Up Blue’ Cycling event in the wake of Autism Awareness Day. Partnering with Darrajati and Jeddah Cyclist, they organized a 6-kilometer event to help raise awareness of autism.

Approximately 100 cyclists took part in the 90-minute event cycling long Jeddah’s Northern Corniche wearing matching badges and t-shirts.

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DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

EXPANSION OF RED SEA MALL

According to executive chairman of Red Sea Markets Co., Mohamed Alwi, Red Sea Mall is to undergo a SR 200 million expansion.

The strategic expansion is to increase the occupancy of the mall’s parking lot to enhance the quality of service to mall visitors.

The project of expansion is to continue in to 2017.

Thumbs up to Traffic Laws

Texting While Driving is Officially a High Level Crime Traffic laws have recently changed to include driving while using a handheld phone into a felony that affects public safety in the traffic laws and regulations.

The other legal infractions drafted in the same category include driving under an influence, cutting red lights and drifting. Ergo, chronic cell phone users: Be a decent human being and save that text for later. That way, everyone around you is kept safe from your inattention and you don’t incur a fine that starts at SR 500 and the possibility of getting your vehicle impounded! It’s a win-win situation.

New Training Opportunities for Students The Human Resources Development Fund just launched a summer training program for students looking for a summer job. Fully aware of how difficult the search might be for a high school or college student, their system enables business owners and corporations to connect with these students to provide them with a decent- and paid-

learning experience they can then use in the future when it’s time to enter the workforce. All a student has to do is sign up on hrdf.org.sa, look around for a convenient training opportunity, and then register for it!

For more information, check out @HRDFnews or try the help hotline 920000713

Nahdi announced its new campaign “Run For Hope” as the official health partner of the Jeddah Marathon 2015. Nahdi signed an agreement with Albir Society for the next three years to become the official health partner of the event. Their role as health partner comes in three ways.

Firstly, it’s to prepare the participating runners through Jeddah Marathon Club. Secondly, through medical and nutritional support. Nahdi will provide participating runners a healthy diet nutrition to get them prepared for the marathon. Lastly, Nahdi is to also provide ground support in the marathon. Onthe-field support includes providing water to tips.

Masharef, located strategically in north Jeddah, is a housing R O F G N project designed to offer comfort and convenience to its residents.

I LOOK A HOME? Web: masharef.com

Property catch of the month: Check out all three styles of Villa 400: The Andalusian The Arabian The Modern

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 5

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS 2. Lay’s Man Cave

1. G-SHOCK: Shock the World Jeddah 2015

The G-Shock exhibition was held April 2 at Park Hyatt. Big Hass emceed the event and it featured local talents such as Alaa Balkhy, Dhad Store, Hasan and Hussein from My Wheels Skating Team and Jeddah’s Hip Hop group Run Junxion. Founder of G-Shock, Kikuo Ibe was there himself to inaugurate the tour by talking about the history of G-Shock and its accomplishments.

3.

Lay’s Man Cave was held in Red Sea Mall on April 9. The purpose of the event was to give men time away from work and family pressures and to spend quality time with friends. A truck parked in the car park turned into a man cave. Two Sony Playstations were made available, as well as darts, foosball and basketball.

2.

3. Queen’s Birthday at the British Consulate

The British Consulate in Jeddah celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. The event was lead by Ambassador Simon Collis and Consulate General Mohammad Shawkat. After a performance by an official band, students from the British school recited both countries’ national anthems and the consulate general and ambassador gave speeches.

4. Mobily Jeddah Marathon 2015

The Mobily Jeddah Marathon 2015 was held on April 21 in Obhur. Albir Society were the official sponsors of the event in coordination with the Jeddah Marathon Club while Al Nahdi is the official health partner.

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DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

1.

4.

THE FIRST AUGMENTED REALITY ENABLED MAGAZINE IN KSA

Look for the Destination KSA AR+ logo on magazine pages

Download Destination KSA AR+ app Available on Google play for Android devices through the below QR Code

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?

Augmented reality is an advanced technology that enhances digital information with a live video.

In other words, AR utilizes an existing picture and blends new data into it. This technology can offer numerous benefits for businesses; as it helps customers experience what your product has to offer in an entertaining attractive method. Experts refer to augmented reality as an artificial environment presented through the combination of real world and digital data.

WHAT IS DESTINATION KSA AR+?

Destination KSA AR+ is a mobile application through which Desitnation magazines evolved to Augmented Reality enabled magazines. We believe that through AR technologies the perception of printed media can be altered to the best.

Combining printed media with AR technologies will enhance the reader experience enormously through: - Circularity of communication - Dynamic contents

Open the application and point the camera to the page with the AR+ icon and experience the magic.

- High degree of interactivity - Active enjoyment - Multi-mediality So enabling Destination magazines with AR technologies through the use of Destination KSA AR+ will definitely revolutionize the perception of its readers.

Follow the instructions below to download the application and enjoy a whole new experience of Destination magazines. Reality has been Updated.

Scan the QR code to download the application from the App Store and Google Play, Destination KSA AR+ Application is developed and powered by Zeedia platform.

App Store

Google Play

www.zeedia.net

5. Cityscape Jeddah

5.

6. The Collective Perspective

The Collective Perspective was held in the Courtyard on April 9. Da’ad Edris organized the Art expo. Her artwork was displayed along with Majdoline Bakr, Lena Obaid, Aya Sultan, Tala Qari, Joud Al Saleh, Hannen Al Dabbagh and Daliah Abdulwasie, all from Jeddah Knowledge International School.

7. The Opening of Loft

6.

Cityscape was held from April 5 to 7. The exhibition was inaugurated by Prince Misha’al bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah and is now in its sixth year. The event was an opportunity for Jeddah Urban Development and also real estate investment with over 50 exhibitors featured.

Workshops were also carried out through the three-day exhibition.

7.

Loft was officially inaugurated on April 14. Located on Prince Sultan Street, Loft is the first furniture retail concept bringing urban living to the region with a goal to define trends, not follow them.

Loft’s international partners include Baxter, Bonaldo, Bretz, Deco, Furninova and Moooi.

Sponsored photographers were Alan Francis Aquino, Mohammed Kamaludheen and Teofilo Amancio.

8.

8. Hellofood Turns 2

On April 18, the leading global online food ordering marketplace, hellofood, marked its second anniversary at Park Hyatt. Hellofood celebrated by hosting some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest social media influencers. The event was hosted by Mix FM presenter Yasser Saggaf and also featured stand-up comedian Nawaf Al Zofiry.

Don't miss out! To stay updated on all the latest events, follow us @destinationjed 8

DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

The Ignite 2 event was held on March 28 at Effat University.

This is the second time Effat Univeristy hosted the event following their first successful Ignite in 2013. Ignite 2 was organized by the Effat University student government.

The event featured a public speech exhibition presented by the youth. The public speakers showcased their success stories as well as their cultural

backgrounds. Each presenter was given five minutes for his or her presentation. The youth public speakers aim was to be an inspiration to the audience that have come from different parts of Saudi Arabia. The subject of the exhibition was “Aspire to inspire.. change.”

PHOTO/ NOVEMBER NINE

Ignite 2

The First Tween Fashion Show

PHOTO/ NOVEMBER NINE

The first Tween fashion show took place on April 25 at 21,39 at Gold Moor Mall. The fashion show was performed by young talents and was hosted by Noha Sindi.

10 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2

MAY

3

MAY

APRIL 30 – MAY 2

RALLY JEDDAH

Off-road rally that runs for three days from Obhur to Al Buraikah and Khulais.

Web: rallyjeddah.com Tel: +966-12-6520360 Email: info@rallyjeddah.com

4

MAY

MAY 3 – 5

HOTEL SHOW SAUDI ARABIA Exhibition for hospitality professionals.

Tel: +966-12-6673211 Ext: 231 Location: Jeddah Center for Forums and Events Web: thehotelshowsaudiarabia.com Email: dmgdubai@dmgeventsme.com

MAY 3 – 5

IDSPM

The International Forum on Disaster Strategic Planning and Management.

Tel: +966-12-405777 Web: saudieng.sa Email: info@saudieng.org

5

MAY

MAY 4 - 6

THE FUTURE MAKKAH EXHIBITION

The event uncovers the newest improvements in urban development, planning and infrastructure.

Location: Jeddah Center for Forums and Events

7 MAY

MAY 5

111 DAR AL HEKMA ENTREPRENEURS

Honoring the great efforts and achievements of DAH alumnae.

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Location: Dar Al Hekma

11

MAY

MAY 7

VISIT

destinationjeddah.com for more events and happenings around town.

To add your event here, contact us at pr@destinationjeddah.com

12 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

1ST NEUROVASCULAR DAY OF KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

MAY 11-14

Covering a range of topics in regards to neurovascular anatomy.

SAUDI BUILDING AND INTERIORS EXHIBITION

Time: 8 – 4 p.m.

Tel: +966-12-6408252 Location: King Abdulaziz vvUniversity Hospital Email: ssim.kau@gmail.com

Location: International Exhibition and Convention Center Web: sbie-arabia.com

An international exhibition for building and interior professionals.

12

MAY

MAY 12 – 14

RAMADAN SPOTLIGHT 4

Annual fashion event for thobes.

Mob: +966-540884744 Location: Libra Boutique

VISIT

destinationjeddah.com for more events and happenings around town.

To add your event here, contact us at pr@destinationjeddah.com

18

15

MAY

MAY

MAY 18 – 21

OMANI PRODUCTS EXHIBITION

MAY 15

FOS7A

Providing people with the opportunity to connect with others through activities.

NEXT MONTH

18

JUNE 2015

JUNE

Location: Fantasy Party, Al Andalus Web: Onqoud.com @Onqoud

First Half of Ramadan BEGINS DURING THE FIRST HALF OF RAMADAN. (TO BE ANNOUNCED)

JUNE 18 – JULY 17

RAMADAN

An exhibition of Omani products of different industries.

Tel: +966-12-6546384 Ext: 127 Mob: +966-501757667 Location: Jeddah Center for Forums and Events Web: tafani.org/opex Email: info@acexpos.com

30

JUNE

JUNE 30 – JULY 20

GRAND BAZAAR EXPO

BISSAT AL REEH

The largest public shopping exhibition in the month of Ramadan.

Location: TBA

Tel: +966-12-2570750 Location: Hilton Web: grandexpoksa.com

"Magic Carpet" Festival, Ramadan's annual charity bazaar.

DJ magazine is not responsible for any event cancelation.

14 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

Augmented Reality enabled here

Right on Track

ADVERTORIAL

16 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

“The love and passion for cars and racing will never escape me,” says Bal Hejaila with a big smile on his face.

In the south of France, Bal Hejaila and his brother used to go-kart every summer and challenge each other on getting the track lap record. The love for racing started pumping through his veins from that day on. His admiration of Michael Schumacher made him think of racing as a dream that should turn into a reality.

His passion for racing clearly shows through his eyes as they light up when thinking about the track, the steering wheel in his hands, the rush, the adrenaline and the beastly noise of the car he embarks.

“My journey began the day I stepped into a go-kart with my brother at the age of 12.”

In 2002, he moved to Dubai and found that the racing facilities were at his reach. The opportunity to take this dream and turn it into a reality got closer. He was being noticed for his talents, that many around him suggested that he joins the UAE go-karting championship. In 2004, he

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COURTESY PHOTO

What started out as a go-karting hobby, developed into an exciting career for Mashhur Bal Hejaila. The Formula Gulf finalist takes us through his racing journey.

joined the championship and went on to race for four years, where he gained the best foundation to master his racing craft.

In 2012, an opportunity arose for Bal Hejaila to bridge the gap from karting to formula single seaters. Formula BMW opened its doors for him and he was offered a racing seat to compete in the championship series at Al Reem race track in Riyadh. Things were going his way until the last race weekend, where his racing pursuit tremendously worried a few family members. He then had to oblige to leaving the season as his family feared for his safety.

In late 2013, Bal Hejaila lost his sister, who strongly believed in his racing talents.

That changed his views in life and made him believe that “life is too short to keep your dreams locked up in a box.”

He then took the initiative and signed up for Formula Gulf, which took place in the UAE. Formula Gulf was established in 2011, and is the best formula racing series available in the Middle East.

Follow your dreams, you never know where the road will take you.

— Mashhur Bal Hejaila

“After being away from racing for three years, getting into that car again was overwhelming. The rush was indescribable, it made me regret all the years I’ve been away. The track, the car, the fans, were just all too good of a reality to be true.”

The season took off with a great start for Bal Hejaila.

He was averaging third place in all his races, ending his last two races with best results at second place. “Mashhur was on the podium 10 times this season. Based on the driver coach’s analysis of data, if he had mastered the exit of Turn 16 last weekend he would probably have won both races!” stated Andy Pardoe of Formula Gulf. This was said due to Bal Hejaila’s extraordinary performance in his last two races being neck on neck with first place.

Special thanks to Nesma and Sharbatly Fruits for your continuous support.

– Mashhur Bal Hejaila

“Special thanks to my two sponsors and supporters, Hashim Sharbatly of Sharbatly Fruits and Faisal Al Turki of Nesma. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today without your faith in me and constant support.”

Bal Hejaila wants to help people understand that racing is not entirely dangerous. He emphasizes that racing in a closed circuit with all safety measures taken is safer than racing on the streets.

“I hope with me sharing my story, I can help racers who share my passion to never give up on their dreams, and always believe in themselves and know that dreams can definitely come true.” He also adds, “Racing is my gateway, there is nothing more beautiful than putting on my helmet and driving. Everything around me starts to fade out and vanish into a blur. All I hear are my thoughts. For 30 minutes, the whole world around me stops and the only one moving is me.

This feeling is indescribable.”

Mob: +966-560991999 Email: mashourb@gmail.com mash43

Hover one the pag

FOR A G THRILLIN RIDE

ADVERTORIAL

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 17

BUSINESS

AGS: Cultivating Academic Excellence Advanced Generation International Schools (AGS) offers superior international education in an Islamic environment to Saudis and expatriates.

Their method of education is active and creative, using up to date technology and interactive strategies that are conducive to developing successful lifelong learners who can contribute to resource sustainability, economic development and

social life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

AGS seeks to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and attributes that will awaken qualities to embrace change in our ever-evolving world.

KG, Girls + Boys Sections Grades 1-8 accepting applications for registration Location: King Road, Al Nahda Email: info@ags.edu.sa Web: ags.edu.sa KG (3 - 6 yrs) - Tel: +966-12-4202525 Boys Section Gr 4-8 - Tel: +966-12-4202105/432 Girls Section Gr 1-8 - Tel: +966-12-4202429/283 18 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015 ADVERTORIAL

BUSINESS

SAUDI WOMEN COUNCIL

HELPING BUSINESS GROW The Saudi Women Council facilitates the venture into the Kingdom’s business world and aspires to solve pressing work issues.

By Sohila El Saadany

Saudi Women Council, headed

by AlAnoud Al Ramah, is under the umbrella of Prince Sultan’s Fund for Women’s Development, which is part of Prince Mohammad bin Fahd’s projects. In order to achieve the council’s goals, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd provided it with a million riyals while Saoud bin Fahd did the same with half a million riyals.

The council enjoyed an eventful two-day visit to Jeddah. On their first day they convened for a meeting at Maria Mahdaly's office, Rumman Co. Mahdaly is the president of the Saudi Women Council's Jeddah region. The council members then headed to The Courtyard for lunch and visited Flat 6 Lab after that.

They then visited Abazeer, Ahazeej and some home based businesses. The next day, they proceeded to Al Rawdah Showroom where they met the founders of Lomar. They also met with Sulafa Batarji, CEO of Doroob Al Baraka.

STAFF PHOTO/MOHAMED FAWZY

Saudi Women Council was established in January and aims at finding solutions to business issues in the Kingdom. It also assists in supplying young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to develop their businesses. The

council encourages small and medium business endeavors and supports women who work from home as well.

20 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Louai and Mona, Founders of Lomar

During the visit to Flat 6 Lab.

The council women at A&A boutique.

Sulafa Batarji, CEO of Doroob Al Baraka

During the council’s visit to Jeddah, Al Rammah shared her insight about their goals. She said, “The council consists of 50 members from the main regions of the Kingdom such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, the Eastern Province and a lot of other locations. Our main goal is to achieve what’s best for young businesswomen and men. We try to resolve the obstacles they face and present our solutions to the people in charge.”

She continued, “Among our objectives is activating a higher body specialized in small to medium projects. We discussed that with the minister of commerce as we are in need of an institution that is under his leadership and is solely for those projects. Hopefully, we will hear good news about that soon.”

Al Rammah explained that the council has four major programs:

Hulool (Solutions)

Wesal (Connections)

Nemow (Growth)

Rawabet (Bonds)

It is mainly concerned with meeting the specialized entities to discuss obstacles female entrepreneurs face and come up with solutions for them.

It aims at improving the status of small to medium projects.

This program works at connecting female entrepreneurs from all over the Kingdom together. It also sets up meetings between entrepreneurs and institutions that would help them in their fields.

Nemow is responsible for nurturing talents and enriching interpersonal skills. It assembles workshops and arranges meetings with guests so participants can benefit as much as possible from different experiences.

The program arranges partnerships with specialized institutions, universities and other establishments that will open pathways for cooperation and improve business relationships.

Even though the council has only recently been inaugurated, it has already started with its plan to help those working from home. Al Rammah assured, “We have presented a study about business from home to the minister of commerce. We have founded

this study after examining different mechanisms from various countries in the Gulf and the West. We are striving to implement the structures that would facilitate work opportunities from home here in the Kingdom.”

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 21

BUSINESS

HAND Towards in a Cleaner HAND Country Dina Al Nahdi, general manager of Entec, speaks about its founding and its many initiatives including their new Yadn Byad (meaning Hand in Hand in Arabic) campaign.

By Anousha Vakani

Entec has been a pioneer in environmental services in the Kingdom with their establishment back in 1995.

Apart from offering state of the art environmental services in consultation, engineering and training, Entec also comes up with creative initiatives and events as a huge believer in CSR.

In 1994, my late father had a dream to start a small environmental establishment under my name. He strongly believed in the importance of environmental preservation and despite it being a challenge back in 1994, with patience and perseverance we managed to register Entec Environmental Technology Est. in 1995. I was mentored by my father and learned from environmental consultants of all nationalities and specialties.

22 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

PHOTO/REEM ALRIFAIE

Can you describe your journey towards environmentalism and the founding of Entec?

One of your green projects, the handprint painting, made it to the Guinness World Records. Can you tell us a little about this project and how you feel about it?

We flourished and delivered state of the art environmental services including assessments, environmental monitoring, compact waste, water treatment, etc. In 2010 we grew into a company with a strategic partner to add diversity and expand geographically. We added asbestos removal and management to our services as well as environmental training in various aspects including health and safety, environmental management, green building and many others.

During our years of work in the environmental field, we realized the lack of understanding about the environment as to why it is important to preserve and how it can be preserved. So, in 2013 we launched our CSR campaign called “The Green Letter of Loyalty and Love” with which we made it to the Guinness World Records for the largest environmentally hand printed canvas in the world. It was done with 1,200,000 handprints from all sectors of the community including the handicapped, orphans, school and university students, businessmen and a long list of thousands of teachers, housewives, ministers and more. They attended the environmental interactive lecture then went through the “reuse exhibit,” after which they printed their hands on the 10,325-meter canvas as a vow to preserve our country's environment and a pledge of love and loyalty to our beloved late King Abdullah.

We need to join hand in hand for a clean city and beautiful country.

— Dina Al Nahdi

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 23

Another one of your green projects includes an initiative called Yadnbyad. Can you tell us a little about this initiative and how people can get involved?

The massive handprint project led to a campaign that we called the national Hand in Hand initiative for environmental sustainability. We brought in professional educationists and sociologists and as environmentalists we worked together to prepare a program that strives to achieve the following goals: • Achieve the preservation of the environment through environmental awareness and promoting positive behaviors in society.

• Raise patriotism among all segments of society to maintain the cleanliness of public and private property.

• Contribute to the development of society through the application of social responsibility practices.

Preservation Patriotism Society Development

Volunteers Positive Practices

Economic Benefits Collect and Document

• Contribute to the development of volunteers amongst youth and enhancing its practices.

• Promote positive practices amongst government and private organizations through developing a moral sense that leads to sustainable growth.

• Introduce the economic benefits of good environmental practices to society.

• Collect and document date through monitoring the developmental stages of the campaign and its results, for environmental and social behavior statistic use.

What message would you give to the community regarding green living?

Sharek is an Arabic word for join. Be creative and sharek.

Be responsible. Use the waste bins in your car, advertise environmental awareness in the media and we also urge everyone to follow us on social media: yadanbyad. We need to join hand in hand for a clean city and a beautiful country with a clear vision, good plans and motivation. All this topped off with a positive attitude; we can overcome any obstacle and reach our full potential.

Nothing can stop you but you.

Web: entec.com.sa Yadnbyad Yadnbyad

24 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Corner

2,865 SR

BUSINESS

The Tourism Industry of Saudi Arabia

By Mohammed Mirza

Saudi Arabia is blessed with a combination of natural beauty, opulent history and rich heritage. Recognizing these, Saudi Arabia is focused on developing tourism as part of its overall economic diversification strategy.

As per the UNWTO, over 1.138 billion tourists traveled abroad in 2014 and almost every region showed an increase in the number of tourists received; the Middle East saw a 4 percent increase in the number of international tourists.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia was the 16th most visited country in the world, with around 17.5 million visitors, most of whom were religious pilgrims.

26 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Role of the SCTA The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is state-run organization founded in 2000.

Its activities are devoted for developing the tourism sector of Saudi Arabia with a particular focus on encouraging and supporting domestic tourism.

The SCTA is also involved with the preservation of antiquities and archaeological sites to increase their contribution in the cultural and economical development.

PHOTO/ TOP: PAUL ABRAHAM

Lonely Planet’s travel guide to Saudi Arabia starts with the sentence “Saudi Arabia could be one of the great travel destinations of the Middle East.”

SOURCE PHOTO /TRADITIONAL OUTFIT: UNDERTHEABAYA.COM

STAFF PHOTO MOSQUE/ MOHAMMED MIRZA • TOP RIGHT: YASMIN OUF

Domestic Tourism In order to encourage domestic tourism in the country, the SCTA has been supporting a number of festivals in different parts of the country that include Riyadh, Najran, Buraydah, Jizan, Qurayat, Al Jouf, Taif and Tabouk, as well as organizing Souq Okaz. The festivals across the Kingdom offer recreational, cultural, social and heritage activities.

The last year also saw Saudi Arabian Airlines participating in the domestic festival scene for the first time, targeting tourists by introducing a number of holiday packages for different parts of the Kingdom.

In light of the growing domestic tourism industry, president of the SCTA, Prince Sultan bin Salman, said “the number of hotels has almost doubled in various regions in the past years.”

International Tourists

Employment Opportunities

With most international tourists to the country being religious pilgrims, different organizations from the public and private sectors have organized exhibitions and cultural programs for Umrah pilgrims to promote tourism to other parts of the country as well.

The tourism sector is expected to create over 400,000 employment opportunities to in the next five years. An official from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) said in a press statement, “allout efforts are being made to train Saudis for these jobs.”

An increasing number of religious pilgrims from various countries have been taken on Jeddah tours where they go to the Balad district, Jeddah Corniche and other places around the city with their tour operators.

There are currently more than 1.1 million people employed in this lucrative sector and the number of Saudis employed in tourism and hospitality is expected to exceed the 1.7 million mark by 2020, as per the president of the SCTA.

In addition to that, a new tour program called Umrah Plus was developed by the SCTA through which pilgrims can visit the Kingdom’s tourist resorts.

Floating Mosque, Jeddah DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 27

Economy

Ancient glyphs found at Ukhdood near Najran.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Saudi economy and is expected to account for as much as 6.1 percent of overall GDP by 2017.

Tourism industry observers believe that Saudi travel and tourism stood at SR 170 billion in 2014

SR 70 billion SR 100 billion came from from inbound domestic tourism tourism

Future plans

Currently in the Kingdom there are 11.6$ billion worth of tourism projects underway, which well help further increase domestic and religious tourism. A good chunk of the tourism projects are hotel investments, with around 77 percent of them being based in Makkah and Madinah.

It is believed that an estimated 1.5 million people a year would come to the country on these tourist visas, providing the national economy with about SR 35 billion over five years. This was based on an estimate of each tourist spending about SR 5,000 in the country.

Gallery in Jeddah

Equestrian Club in Riyadh

28 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

STAFF PHOTO/ HORSES: MOHAMMED DEGHAISHM • GALLERYT: YASMIN OUF • UKHDOOD: MOHAMMED MIRZA

There are plans to issue tourist visas in the near future, while in the meantime the focus of the SCTA as per a statement published in Um Al Qura, will be on “completing the infrastructure and providing proper services for local tourism needs only.”

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 29

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S

THE STORY BEHIND Qimmam Adventure Club Qimmam is setting a new

trend of rock climbing and mountaineering in the country. All seven founding members come from diverse backgrounds but have one thing in common: passion for adventure sports.

By Mohammed Mirza

How did Qimmam come about?

We started out as a community of adventure sports enthusiasts living in the Kingdom. We came with varied skill sets and wanted to present outdoor sports in a professional way so we decided to set up Qimmam.

Our main objective is to raise awareness about outdoor and adventure sports in the Kingdom. We try to introduce such sports to people with careful planning. We also assist people or groups who want to partake in a certain type of adventure sport.

Right now we are assisting a group to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; we are training them and providing them with the necessary gear to climb.

Tobqal Mountain Peak - Morocco

30 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

COURTESY PHOTO

Can you tell us what your club does?

What are your achievements within the Kingdom?

We climbed the highest peak of Ibrahim mountain and we also climbed Mount Shada.

Currently, we are identifying other high peaks in the country to climb.

Can anyone join your club?

To join us there is a certain set of criteria to meet. We expect our members be specialized in at least one outdoor or adventure sport.

However, joining is different from assisting people or groups on a climb, which we do on a regular basis.

Which places in KSA do you think have the potential of becoming a regular in the mountaineering and rock climbing circles?

Mostly in the southern part of the country. There are a lot of mountains, some which are suitable for mountaineering and trekking whilst others for rock climbing.

Kilimanjaro Mountain - Tanzania peak Tobqal Mountain - Morocco

Tell us about the mindset of locals when it comes to mountaineering and rock climbing?

I think it’s changing and there are a lot of people who are actually interested in it. There are many people who have participated in the sport elsewhere, but are not aware of the opportunities for mountaineering and rock climbing in the Kingdom as well.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 31

You recently conducted a program for children.

Can you tell us a bit about that?

Wahba Crater - Saudi Arabia Kara Heritage Road - Saudi Arabia

We conducted an event for children, in which we trained them the basics of rock climbing and hiking and even got their parents involved with hosting activities we held that day. We have plans to repeat the event again.

What are some of the other projects you are planning to engage in?

We want to engage in more socially responsible causes.

We would like sponsors to support a climb and spread awareness of various causes through their sponsorship.

Your future climbs?

Outside the Kingdom, we are planning to climb Mount Blanc and Mount Elbris.

Within the Kingdom we have discovered a new area in the south of the country near Al Baha that has spots for both climbing and trekking. @qimmamclub

32 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

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DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 33

10

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S

Our world is full of wonders and no matter how much of it you’ve seen, it continues to present something new, unlike anything you could’ve ever cerebrated. Our list is surely going to cater to all your nature cravings.

By Mohammed Mirza

34 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT

RAINBOW MOUNTAINS, CHINA

This technicolor wonder seems like it was made of sweeping pastel brush strokes on nature’s canvas. Colors of blue, red, white, brown, yellow and orange on curvaceous cliffs and unusual rock formations form this unique landform. These polychrome peaks have been formed from different layers of sandstone compressed together over 24 million years. Located in Gansu Province, this distinct landform known as the Danxia formation is found only in China.

SOURCE PHOTO/COMMUNITYTABLE.COM • BIODATAOFDRVHP.BLOGSPOT.COM • ELITETOPLISTS.COM • HUFFINGTONPOST.CO.UK • LOVETHESEPICTURE.WORDPRESS.COM

NATURAL WONDERS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

JEITA GROTTO, LEBANON

SOURCE PHOTO/ PHOTOGRAPHY.NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM • SHILIN-STONE-FOREST-CHINA • GOEATGIVE.COM • METEOWEB.EU • MIRUTADELASEDA.COM

DARVAZA GAS CRATER, TURKMENISTAN

Deep in the Karakum desert an open pit of fire 75 meters at its widest point lights up the night sky. The burning spectacle was actually a result of drilling blunder back in 1971. A drilling rig was made when gas was found on the site, but the rig eventually collapsed and large amounts of methane gas began to be released.

Considering the poisonous gas as a threat to nearby villages, scientists decided that the most efficient way to solve the problem would be to burn off the poisonous gases - it was expected that all of the gas in the crater would be burnt off within days. But it never stopped and to this very day the gas continues to burn.

GRAN SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA – A SEA OF SALT

The Gran Salar de Uyuni features far-flung plains of shimmering white salt. The landscape is entirely oblate bar for a few small islands, which only accentuates its hypnagogic beauty. Located in the southwest of Bolivia near the crest of the Andes, this salt flat spans an area of 10,582 square kilometers making it the worlds largest.

The salt flat was formed as

Located 20 kilometers north of metropolitan Beirut, this 9,000-meter long compound of crystallized grotto boasts countless stalactites and stalagmites. The grotto also provides an escape route for an underground river on which today boats filled with tourists flow. These marvelous set of caves houses one of the biggest stalactites in the world measuring 8.2 meters and accommodates a huge hall totaling 108 meters from the ceiling till the water level.

a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes. The crust of the flat serves as a source of salt and covers a pool of brine exceptionally rich in lithium, which according to some estimates accounts for close to 70 percent of the world’s lithium reserves. On top of that, within the vast plains of the salt flat, a hotel made entirely from salt accommodates tourists.

Hover on the page

RE TO EXPLO RE THEM MO

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 35

Augmented Reality enabled here

Spread over an area of 300 square kilometers, the stone forest is a prodigious landscape of limestone formations over 270 million years old. The Stone Forest displays unprecedented karst features and landscapes seen nowhere else in the world. Over the millennia seismic activity and water and wind erosion have carved the present-day limestone formations. Since almost all the typical pinnacle karst types can be identified in the Stone Forest, the park is acclaimed internationally the "Museum of Stone Forest Karst."

EYE OF THE SAHARA, MAURITANIA

Sometimes, the most stunning of structures can be found in the vast plains of the empty desert. The stupefying Eye of the Sahara is no exception. The bare rock peeks of the geological wonder spring out from a sea of sand, forming a beautiful landmark in the barren Sahara. Initially interpreted as an asteroid impact because of its high degree of circularity, it is now argued to be a highly symmetrical and deeply eroded geologic dome laid bare by erosion. This ecological dome measures a massive 40 kilometers in diameter and can be seen from space.

CAVE OF CRYSTALS, MEXICO

Discovered rather recently in the year 2000 close to the country’s famous Naica mine, this limestone cavern crammed with crystals of outlandish sizes became an international phenomenon. For millennia these crystals were submerged in water and only when the chamber had been pumped free of its waters for mining operations were these glittering beams found. A thousand feet below the earth’s surface within a hot and humid chamber these pillars of light thrive. This place is surely a geology enthusiast’s dream.

36 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

SOURCE PHOTO/PANORAMIO.COM • TOMARCHERPHOTO.CO.UK • TOURISMONTHEEDGE.COM • GOODWP.COM • ADVENTURECLICKNBLOG.COM • BOOMSBEAT.COM • INNAMAG.COM

STONE FOREST, CHINA

WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand boasts an abundance of limestone caves but the Glowworm caves are in a league of their own.

In this set of caves a natural starry wonderland lights up the ceiling. The light is given off by Glowworms - tiny bioluminescent creatures that are exclusively found in New Zealand. A boat ride in the Waitomo River through this miniature galaxy of tiny living lights is mesmerizing.

HILLIER LAKE, AUSTRALIA

Situated on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, this preternatural pink lake continues to flummox onlookers. Giving the image of a large bowl of sharbat (drinks), the picturesque lake is surrounded by a rim of sand and dense forest of paper bark and eucalyptus trees. Separated from the southern ocean by a slender strip of shore, it makes the lake look even more exceptional. The color of the lake is permanent and does not change when the water is taken in a container. And to this day, the source of the pink color has not been definitively proven.

VALLEY OF FLOWERS, INDIA

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The contrast of colorful flowers on nature’s canvas is like an impressionist painting. At a height of over 3,000 meters above sea level, the valley is famous for its kaleidoscopic meadows of endemic alpine flowers and miscellany of flora.

The equable landscape of the Valley of Flowers complements the craggy mountainous region of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together, they encompass a transition zone between the lower mountain ranges and the Great Himalaya.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 37

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S

COLD WEATHER

9 STRUGGLES OF SAUDI STUDENTS LIVING ABROAD When you decided to go to college abroad you felt so good and adventurous. But now that you're there, you start missing the life you had back home.

By Mohammed Mirza

DOMESTIC HELPER

Gone are the days when you had your food, laundry and room cleaning done for you. Now it’s your turn to get your hands dirty.

OIL PRICES

It forces you to start considering public transport.

HALAL FOOD

You start missing the fact that you could go to any restaurant and have any food you like. Now you’re even forced to check the ingredients list whenever you shop from your neighborhood grocery store.

38 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

SOURCE PHOTO/STUDYINUK.UNIVERSIABLOGS.NET • CONTENT.TIME.COM • AMERICANBEDU.COM_CORNICHE-MOSQUE • BLOGS.STUDENTLIFE.UTORONTO.CA • DOCUMAMA.ORG

Our bodies have adapted to desert climate over the years and have a tough time in adjusting to the cold weather – the winters especially.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 39

MOSQUES

They are just so far from your house or workplace. Those days of walking to the mosque after hearing the adan (call to prayer) is what you miss badly.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Skype is a great blessing, but time difference always comes in the way.

By the time you’re back from college, it’s well past bedtime back home.

PUBLIC TOILETS

ASSIGNMENTS

They become the biggest struggle of your life and you soon realize that no matter how much effort you put something or the other always remains missing in it. Plus, they just don’t seem to stop coming one after the other.

We forget all our struggles and bad experiences once we come back home with our degrees in our hands. Moral of the struggles: The effort you put will be worth it after all.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Sometimes you just can’t wait for summer break so you can rush back home and see your family and childhood friends.

40 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

TIPS FOR SAUDI STUDENTS LIVING ABROAD • Acquaint yourself with local laws and customs.

• Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark.

• Establish points of contact for your family at your university.

• Make copies of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and credit cards and store them separately.

• Try to keep away from suspicious situations and people.

SOURCE PHOTO/ GG2.NET • MYSOCIALSHERPA.COM • THEISLAMICMONTHLY.COM • BEXSONN.COM • FREEDOMFORCE.COM • EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Can’t they have a bidet spray or faucet? You are literally tired of having to buy a water bottle every time you use a public toilet.

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

CONTROVERSIAL ARTIST

MAWADDA MOHTASAB

By Tahira Baker

Tell us about yourself.

Why graffiti?

What’s the message behind the art?

My main message behind this art is to first and foremost prove to people that graffiti is not vandalism. Also I’m saying hey, I’m a Saudi woman and I can do this. Graffiti is not just for guys. I’m breaking the stereotype. I do try to send messages to society in an indirect way. I use this more in my digital illustrations and it’s something I’m still working on improving.

42 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

There are other graffiti artists in Saudi Arabia but most of them are men.

How does being a minority in that sense affect your artwork? What are your limits, if any, and different approaches to the art itself?

It does affect me in a sense, and my work but I don’t look at it as a barrier. I take it as a challenge instead. It makes me want to prove even more that I can be a graffiti artist, I can be whatever I want to be and I can be something in this society.

The thing is, men have more accessibility to walls, they have more freedom to go and paint whenever they want.

They get the chance to practice more than we do since we don’t always have the place.

Some female graffiti artists have parents who are still hesitant about the fact that their daughter is doing graffiti and it’s ‘supposed to be for boys.’

My dream is not to become an artist, but to become the art itself.

— Mawadda Mohtasab

STAFF PHOTO/ PORTRAIT: REEM AL ASSAL

I’m a 19-year-old amateur filmmaker, calligraffiti artist and motion graphics student at Dar Al Hekma University. I love to express myself through different forms of art but especially graffiti art. Why? Because it has no limitations, and in my opinion it’s one of the strongest and loudest forms of art in the field.

my inspiration is me. I inspire myself to become better. When I wake up I picture myself being better or giving my best, and this in itself is my inspiration. So who is my inspiration? It’s me but the better me.

However, I still don’t see it as an obstacle, I try my hardest not look at it as such.

Limitations? A couple of years ago I faced a few because of my parents; at the beginning they didn’t support it but now they do. For example I recently went to Dubai to participate in the longest graffiti wall; that’s progress of course.

Who inspires you?

I started out by sketching on paper. Three years ago I started painting on walls. It was hard in the beginning because of limited space, but my parents were very supportive; they provided the roof for me to practice there. There are events here but it would be ideal if we had a park where we could paint and enjoy ourselves without being bothered by anyone.

Where has your work been featured?

A couple of years ago my school had an exhibition called Kicking Canvases and it was featured in Destination Jeddah. It was basically 12 students from my school who

Where do you plan to take graffiti in your future as a designer?

Graffiti is not just a hobby. It’s a style I try to identify myself with, especially now I’m developing my reversed Arabic style, and I relate it to my being a motion graphics designer. In ten years time I still see myself practicing graffiti, maybe not on walls, or fewer walls but more digitally. It depends on my work pace or and whatever it is I’m doing at the time.

COURTESY PHOTO

I’ve met all sorts of artists, starting with my mom. My mom is an artist and my dad is a photographer, so I grew up in an artistic environment. Every artist I’ve met has had a huge influence on me. For example, El Seed; he taught me how to build my own style, how to be proud of my own style and how to create it in the first place.

I love that he’s humble and he taught me to be a humble artist. I’ve met Abstract, from Miami, and I’ve met Malaysian artists. I can’t list them all, but what I’m trying to say is, they all influence me but at the end

How did you start?

organized the exhibition. I displayed a lot of conceptual art, illustration, posters and statues. More recently in 2014 I was in Brazil when I won the Create and Inspire competition organized by Edge of Arabia.

Before I left Brazil, I made a simple Calligraphy piece on Casa Tomada. It was such an amazing experience and my work was featured on the Create and Inspire website.

And of course Dubai 2014, the longest graffiti wall.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 43

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Augmented Reality enabled here

NINYAZ AZIZA

SINGING HER WAY TO THE TOP

Hover on the page 44 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

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TO HEAR HER SING

STAFF PHOTO/ REEM AL ASSAL

DJ is constantly on the look out for emerging local talent.

We got the opportunity to interview one of these hidden gems: Ninyaz Aziza.

By Sahrish Ali

Ninyaz Aziza usually performs under her stage name, Chena.

Born in Italy, Aziza moved around quite a bit and grew up in a number of places including Poland, Germany and NYC. Currently residing in Jeddah, she holds a bachelor’s degree in educational management and business administration.

Her days are spent working as an ESL instructor and an educational manager. During evenings, her time is devoted to things she enjoys most, namely; singing, fashion modeling, designing and playing tennis.

“My biggest source of inspiration have always been my mom and my late grandfather; he remains a real inspiration to my life and dreams,” she says while talking about her passion for music and singing.

Creating time to balance both work and things you’re passionate about can be challenging. “I manage to balance my work and hobbies by giving each segment of my life its own full time without having crossroads or collegians.”

Apart from singing, Aziza models from time to time.

She started modeling back in NYC and has big plans to innovate her knowledge and creativity in modeling, designing and eventually create a fashion brand.

On Music When you find your passion and true calling, it becomes more than your hobby or career. It’s something you define yourself with.

“Music is something I grew up with and it courses through my veins. I have been singing since the early age of 6 but taking it out to the scene was in late 2012.” Aziza’s family has musical background and appreciation for the musical arts as well; many of them sing and play a variety of musical instruments. They’ve played an important role in what she aspires to achieve by constantly offering her support and encouragement.

“When it comes to music I want to sing songs of my own or cover songs that enlighten the soul and entertain listeners all the same.”

Aziza was provided with musical lessons and coaching for singing by her family.

Some of Aziza’s musical influences include Nina Simone, Annie Lennox, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, The Weeknd, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, Adele, TLC, Tracy Chapman and many more.

The musical genres that speak to her more than others including avant-grade, blues, jazz, RnB, folk, new age, vocal and gospel to rap.

The Local Music Scene Jeddah’s local musical scene is brimming with budding talent.

Getting exposed to the local entertainment scene helped Aziza experiment with different musical tastes and styles.

“I met and collaborated with some great local talents such as Vinly Mode, Moe Zain, Rusty, ABZ, Trippy, Lou, Roya and Mind Circus, to name a few.”

The biggest shout out goes to Big Hass for the support he has for real talent and artists.

Vinyl Mode and Trippy have backed Aziza from the very beginning and have become more like family.

“I have learned from a lot of musicians locally and internationally but one musician I can’t forget till this day is Asim Al Qurashi.

Words cannot do him justice.”

Al Qurashi is an Australian/ Sudanese entertainer and a multi-talented musician playing over five instruments.

“The most exotic thing about him that caught my attention was his ability to whistle really long musical notes.”

While talking about future plans, Aziza mentions that if an opportunity to join a band presents itself, she wouldn’t hesitate.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 45

Performing for an Audience “This might sound silly but my very first time performing for an audience was on one of the flights I had with my mom from Poland and it was for the passengers and the pilot. Ever since then I couldn’t stop performing.”

She has performed at Big Hass’s radio show and was featured at his occasional event, The Beat. The American Consulate, VIP gatherings, KAUST and live broadcast have also provided her a lot of opportunities to perform.

Mostly you will find her performing at gatherings and live on Tempo Radio. It's and electronic broadcast station that she jams live on every Friday.

She sends a big shout out to Turki Mohammed as well from Tempo Radio as his support is indescribable as well.

“Currently I am learning to play the oud and guitar. I have been writing poetry since I was 14 and now I have managed to write my own lyrics and sometimes get co-help from fellow musicians in writing.”

While talking about inspiration she mentions that what inspires her most to sing and get into performance arts is life. Life is full of inspiration.

Her goals are to succeed passing the bridge of audience, varieties and taste. Her message to people who want to join the music scene is to just sing for the passion of music.

Tempo Radio: mixlr.com/tempofm @ninyazaziza

46 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

WORLD RECORDS Jeddah and its Jeddahwis Hold Some of Jeddah's records are truly outstanding. From the tallest to the largest – Jeddah doesn’t fail to impress.

By Mohammed Mirza

World’s Largest Pink Ribbon

As part of a campaign aimed to raise breast cancer awareness, 3,952 women formed the world’s largest human pink ribbon at a stadium in Jeddah.

It was also the first time women were allowed to visit a stadium en masse.

Source: observers.france24.com

World’s Largest Shampoo Bottle

As part of their promotional campaign, the Binzagr Unilever Factory produced the world’s largest shampoo bottle measuring a massive 5.91 x 1.79 meters (19 x 5 feet 10 inches). This feat was accomplished in 2012 and was displayed to the public at a mall in Jeddah.

Source: Guinnessworldrecords.com

World’s Largest LED Advertisement Screen

Measuring close to 10,000 square meters, the LED screen on King’s Road Tower is the largest in the world.

In fact 3 sides of the building have LED screens installed, 21 floors on the north and south façades and 16 floors on the west façade are equipped with an LED display.

Source: Ledsmagazine.com

48 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

World’s Largest Ship Made of Styrofoam

During the Jeddah Festival, a group of professional artists built a 13.6-meter high, 18.4-meter wide and 4.5-meter deep ship entirely from Styrofoam. It was the largest ship of its kind in the world and was displayed at Red Sea Mall.

Source: worldrecordacademy.com

World’s Largest Tunic

In 2010, Saudi Arabian clothing brand Lomar made the world’s largest tunic that was 33.90 meters (111 feet 2 inches) long and 18.50 meters (60 feet 8 inches) wide. The gargantuan tunic weighed 400 kilograms and it took 20 people about 2 months to make. Eventually 1,200 normal sized tunics were made from it and were donated to local charities.

Source: Guinnessworldrecords.com

Largest Shaded Cable-Stayed, Fabric-Roofed Structure

World’s Tallest Flagpole

When the Hajj terminal was constructed in 1981, it was the world’s largest shaded cable-stayed, fabric-roofed structure.

Hung from pylons and covering more than 40 hectares, this gigantic terminal was designed specifically as a transit area for pilgrims coming to the Kingdom for Hajj. Although it doesn’t hold this record anymore it’s worth mentioning as it is perhaps the first world record Jeddah held.

Source: Som.com

Rising 170 meters high in the air, the Jeddah flagpole is the tallest in the world.

Hoisted on the 84th national day, the flagpole broke the previous record held

by Dushnabe Flagpole in Tajikistan, by 5 meters.

Source: Guinnessworldrecords.com

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 49

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

ALBUMS

TO LOOK OUT FOR!

by Big Hass of Re-Volt

Lost Notes - Moh Flow

BBC Radio 6 Music’s Alternative Jukebox BBC Radio 6 Music is an interactive digital radio station for people who are passionate about music. Its awardwinning presenters are constantly bringing a wealth of fresh tracks to the airwaves from both new and established artists. This album is perfect to discover unforgettable tracks.

GAMES

BISA - Blitz the Ambassador, Nneka & TY

Yesterday - Sandhill

Ministry of Sound The Annual 2015

Now That’s What I Call Music 90

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Become Edward Kenway, a charismatic yet brutal pirate captain trained by Assassins. Edward can effortlessly switch between the Hidden Blade of the Assassin’s Order and all new weaponry including four flintlock pistols and dual cutlass swords.

Available on PS4, SR 199

50 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015 ADVERTORIAL

Lego: Marvel Super Heroes

The Crew Limited Edition

Available on XBox ONE, SR 279

Available on PS4, SR 279

MOVIES

NEW ON DVD

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Interstellar

If you’ve ever looked across a crowded hotel lobby and could have sworn that a woman wearing sunglasses was Jessica Alba, don’t be so quick to doubt your eyesight.

1. Start in the parking lot. Look out forblack cars, SUVs, long buses or other unusual vehicles.

2. Watch out for men in black standing in the halls.

SIGNS SOMEONE FAMOUS IS AT YOUR HOTEL

3. Keep your ears open. Think the valet is talking kind of funny? He or she may be speaking in code.

4. Don’t expect hotel staff to answer your questions.

BOOKS Dive the Red Sea

By Guy Buckles SR 75

This definitive guide features detailed coverage of more than 125 dive and snorkel sites along the length of the Red Sea.

501 Must Visit Islands

By Emma Beare SR 64

If you like taking tropical vacation trips this is a good guide to show you many places you may didn’t know existed.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Thailand

SR 114

This book is your indispensable guide to this beautiful part of the world. The fully updated guide includes 3-D cutaway illustrations, floor plans, and reconstructions of the must-see sights, plus street-by-street maps of major cities and towns. This new, expanded edition also is packed with photographs and illustrations leading you straight to the best attractions Thailand has to offer.

brought to you by ADVERTORIAL DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM

51

STYLE & SHOPPING

Spyeonurd

r e m m Su in Style

By Iman Linjawi

Chic Beach

Roberto Cavalli, SR 2,800

Melissa Odabash, SR 1,298

Chloe, SR 15,000

Hammamas, SR 577

Aquazurra, SR 1,732

Miu Miu, SR 990

52 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Maison Michel, SR 1,413 Lavett and Chin, SR 93

Mark Cross, SR 6,880

Etro, SR 1,298

Kenneth Jay Lane, SR 217

Sophie Hulme, SR 3,679

Marysia, SR 1,012

Tory Burch, SR 1,562

Christian Louboutin, SR 3,778

Dolly (beach towel fabric Abaya) Aurelie Biderman, SR 2,381

@dollybrand

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 53

Summer Calling

Junya Watanabe SR 1,123

Orlebar Brown SR 1,244

Steven Alan SR 391

Dolce and Gabbana SR 1,092

Valentino SR 1,987

Raf Simons SR 489

Illesteva SR 660 Paul Smith SR 440

Saint Laurent SR 3,030

54 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Missoni SR 728

Missoni SR 1,124

Armando Cabral SR 856

Oliver Spencer SR 905

Master and Dynamic SR 1,955

Aesop SR 196

Arm Candies Fendi SR 4,700 Anya Hindmarch SR 6,950

Cecilia MA SR 1,000

M2Malletier SR 5,900 Cecilia MA SR 980

Pierre Hardy SR 4,400

Charlotte Olympia SR 5,000

Chloe SR 4,600

Iman Linjawi Law graduate from London but fashion addict at heart. Travels the world and gets inspiration from street markets to runways. Studied design and styling with London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin.

Email: iman.linjawi@gmail.com

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 55

Augmented Reality enabled here STYLE & SHOPPING

CONTOURING TIPS

You don't need to splurge on contouring kits in order to get "the look." Chances are you already have all you need, so here's how to get started.

By Zareen Muzaffar

Prep your skin:

Never forget to moisturize.

On certain humid days you can replace the moisturizer with a primer and create the perfect canvas to work on.

Primer helps ease out any lines on the face and serves as a buffer between your skin and makeup application.

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DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT

INFORMATION SOURCE/ BEAUTY BLENDER SPONGE: DIARYOFALIFELOVER.COM • BLOGDAPAULINHA.COM.BR

Apply the contouring powder or cream along the edges of your forehead, under the cheekbones and edges of the nose line

Concealer application:

APPLY LOOSE POWDERS FLAWLESS FINISH

Contouring Basics and Tools:

The basics you need for contouring include a concealer, foundation (if needed), highlighter, illuminating cream and good quality brushes (I recommend Sigma or Real Technique brushes). And then there’s the Beauty Blender sponge which is great for blending.

But some of us are comfortable and proficient using fingertips so go ahead by all means.

COVER DARK CIRCLES

BLEND CONCEALER

• Beauty Blender

(Available at Sephora)

Foundation:

People choose different foundations based on their needs (full coverage, sheer or medium coverage). During the day it’s best to opt for a sheer natural look, especially in hot and humid weather conditions.

• Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15 • Dior’s Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15 (Available at Sephora)

Contouring Kit:

Contouring kits will contain shades a tone or two darker than your foundation. You will be applying the contouring powder or cream along the edges of your forehead, under the cheekbones and edges of the nose line. Although there are many contouring kits available, Makeup Forever’s sculpting kit and WOW by Wujooh’s contouring palette will definitely give you the desired effect. MAC has also got a variety of contouring creams available. If you want to opt for a powder kit, Marc Jacobs has one called the Light Filtering Contour Powder Kit.

Don’t think concealer is just for under eyes. While preparing your skin for contouring, make sure you apply the concealer liberally.

After using it under the eyes, dab and pat it around the nose, any blemishes on the skin, between the eyebrows and a little on the eyelids to neutralize the complexion.

• Dior Skin Flash Radiance Booster Pen • Makeup Forever’s HD Invisible Cover Concealer (Available at Sephora)

Illuminating powder or cream:

This is the magic ingredient that provides the glowing effect so make sure you apply it in all the places you want to accentuate. For a youthful effect, apply the cream liner (in off-white, silver or golden) to the inner corner of the eyes, cupids brow (just above the lips), bridge of the nose and chin. Blend well for the right effect and glowing complexion. For the highlighter, you can’t go wrong with Benefit’s High Beam that will give the dewy natural afterglow and Makeup Forever’s Uplight Luminizer Gel that contains 70 percent water for a fresh lightweight texture. Apply on the apple of your cheeks for a radiant glow.

• Makeup Forever and Benefit products (Available at Sephora)

• Makeup Forever and Marc Jacob’s (available at every Sephora)

• Mac Store

(Red Sea Mall, Serafi Mega Mall, Tahlia Shopping Center and Street)

Hover HerOeUR

NT FOR A CO TOUR

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 57

STYLE & SHOPPING

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59

DINING AROUND TOWN

K OF THE M

TH

INSTAG

M

PIC

ON

RA

DINING SCOOP

Tabat and Nabat Name: Elham Osta

Tabat and Nabat offers a variety of different flavors of meringues, also known as ‘Beed Al Koko’.

From the classic Arabian flavors such as Arabic coffee, rose water mint and cardamom to cappuccino, cotton candy and a variety of fruits. They also provide customized colors of meringues and packaging, and flavored sugar! Place your order and you’ll thank us.

Instagram: @TabatNabat

Mob: +966-546800780

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Tucked Away:

Fairouz Restaurant

By Mohammed Mirza

While you’re at it, don’t forget to try the meat tagine with cheese, which is a startling mishmash of sweet and savory flavors. It is made from delectable pieces of tender meat and finely chopped tomatoes soaked in thick gravy. The tagine in which the dish is cooked is

All regular Turkish favorites can be found here, but a few of them stand out and are made remarkably well.

Among them include the Kebab Iskandari, a succulent dish made from thinly cut grilled lamb basted with hot tomato sauce and moist slices of bread.

placed in front of diners and is swathed with cheese.

Fairouz currently has three branches (Hera’a, Siteen Street and Rawda Street), all notable for their taste and affordable prices.

However bare in mind it is not recommended as a dine-in place.

This Just In!

Red Lobster is Now Open

Red Lobster opened April 5 and is located on Prince Sultan Street. Seafood lovers, be prepared for the Ultimate Feast, a musttry dish at Red Lobster.

DJ Recommends Try their famous biscuits with your meal.

Did you know?

The first Red Lobster opened in Lakeland, Florida in 1968.

Must-Try!

The Macarons at Pierre Hermé

nd let Try it a hat w w o n us k k@ you thin jed on ti a n ti s de

The Picasso of Pastry, Chef Pierre Hermé, is famous for his unusual macaron flavor combinations. After spreading throughout France, the pastry shop made its way to Jeddah and finally opened its doors. Pierre Hermé is located at Roshana Mall on Tahlia Street.

MCDONALD’S LAUNCHES ‘YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW’ McDonald’s has a new interactive platform that enables customers to ask McDonald’s anything they would like to know, from their brand to their food.

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DINING AROUND TOWN

BREAD CRUMBS Have you been taking bread for granted thinking it all tastes the same, that bread is bread no matter what bakery you go to?

Well, you are in for a surprise with this bread anatomy.

By Sohila El Saadany

PAUL Cereal Badine

Délifrance Baguette Multigrain

Délifrance

5 Cereal Loaf

Cereal nestled in slices of this bread give the right amount of chunkiness to the insides. The cereal badine is a bit dry, but would be heavenly with mint tea.

This loaf is a combination of a crispy crust and soft insides. The tenderness of the loaf however, goes really well with the contrasting texture of the five types of hard seeds ingrained in the dough.

Inside: A soft nest of seeds Crust: Crunchy captain crust

Inside: Correct Chunkiness Crust: Apply some moisturizer to this dry crust.

PAUL

Olive Flute

The warm bread embedded with tiny slices of olives was a real treat. Although the crust was hard, the chewy middle engulfed in olive bits made up for it.

PAUL

Ciabatta

Eating this bread takes you to Italy, a journey to its birthplace. Biting into ciabtta bread results in a creamy palate party. Its broad shape is perfect for spread cheese.

Inside: Smooth sailing • Crust: Soft shell

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Inside: Fluffy Crust: Tuning a rough flute here

Tim Hortons Bagel

Délifrance

Bagels are known to be donuts’ more natural looking cousins. Tim Horton’s bagels however are going to redeem their status as baked goods in a league of their own. Whether plain or topped Inside: Cottony bliss with sesame, the bagels are chewy Crust: Pillowy and tender.

Olive Triangle

Simit Sarayi Turkey is around the corner. Bite into this bronze sphere of delight.

Inside: Munch on Crust: Sesame showers

PAUL

Al Forn

Here is a meal in itself, a mushy bread roll sprinkled with cheese. After heating, the cheese leaves a bit of an aftertaste. It does not ruin the roll, but doesn't add any bonuses either.

In need for the perfect French toast dish? Head to Al Forn and grab some honey or syrup on your way back.

Cheese Roll

Toast

Inside: Cotton candy puff Crust: Thin surroundings

Inside: Lean loaf Crust: Not rock but roll

Al Forn

PHOTO/REEM ALRIFAIE

Thyme and Cheese Baguette

The thyme and cheese covering the top result in a color combination that makes mouths water. The appearance sets a really high bar that the taste doesn’t seem to reach though.

The baguette needs more grated cheese for a stronger flavor.

Inside: Softie at heart Crust: Crisp cut-in

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Al Nakheel Buns

Burger-like buns from Al Nakheel are what buns are all about. A bit more elongated than normal ones, these are cushiony and very well baked. The dough has risen into a perfectly shaped loaf Inside: Sponge Bob would that contains a hint of be proud sweetness.

Crust: Smooth and mushy

Danube Milano Bread

This bread is far from plain or boring. The dough is mixed in with spices that give it an exotic flavor.

There is even a hint of spicy in there, but nothing too hot.

Danube

Inside: Spice surprise Crust: Crunchy Milano

German Bread

FYI This is not a Man'ousha

Bab Al Yemen Thyme Flat Bread

Enjoy a taste explosion of thyme as this bread is baked on fire logs. You can have other options like stuffed cheese bread or just plain for you to fill it your way.

Inside: Chew on layers of yumminess Crust: Set ablaze

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Al Nakheel Samoli Bread

Emad Ajwa Bread

What can be better than bread that looks like the sun?

Bread that has ajwa filling and looks like the sun. Emad’s bread hides the ajwa in its inside stuffing Inside: Ajwa revelation Crust:Round and pointed and pleasantly surprises you with it.

Emad This brown loaf topped with sesame and black seed is not only delicious but mushy as well.It goes perfectly with fool.

Inside: Brittle Crust: Crumbly crust

Refaat Ka’ak

Its unique shape is enough to get people curious to try it. Looking like a giant earring, the brown round ka’ak is slim for people who prefer thin baked goods. If stuffed with different types of chredded cheese, the ka’ak puts the three cheesed pizza to shame.

Inside: Flat as a plank Crust: Thin and yummy

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 65

DINING AROUND TOWN

REVIEW

MICHELIN

STARRED RESTAURANTS IN FRANCE

Exterior of La Fourchette Restaurant

Let’s go on a trip to explore what it really means to travel for the love of food.

I love food and cooking and although I enjoy global dishes, European cuisine holds special interest for me. My fascination in food critiquing is constantly growing due to my keen interest in cuisine details. I realized there’s so much to learn and understand, starting with the most prestigious of them all, the Michelin Guide, which dates back to over 100 years.

The Michelin Guide began as a tire manufacturing company in Clermont, France.

Brothers André and Édouard founded the company with a marketing idea to increase tire sales by distributing free copies of a guide that included hotels and restaurants. Upon realizing the popularity of their dining section, they assigned inspectors to review restaurants; hence Michelin Stars were born.

66 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Since the Michelin Star is the most important restaurant evaluation system worldwide, I had to visit some of the awarded restaurants in France, home country of the Michelin Guide.

Michelinstarred restaurants are usually luxurious, artistic, innovative and expensive.

They tend to serve over five to nine course meals in addition to the small bites in between. The meals come in small portions, yet the attention given to each of the dish constituents is evident.

La Fourchette des Ducs At La Fourchette des Ducs restaurant in Obernai, I started with caramelized cherry tomatoes, fried scampi shrimp next to a wanton wrap of foie gras (duck liver). Then they served marinated salmon next to some savory herbs ice cream on top of thinly sliced roasted potatoes and paste. After that they served pigeon breast with cacao crust.

Foie Gras

Although you can order from the menu, I recommend going for the set menu in order to experience the chef’s most innovative creations.

Caramelized Tomato

PHOTO/AHMAD MESAWA

By Ahmad Mesawa

Entrance of Epicure restaurant

Epicure Epicure at Le Bristol Hotel, Paris, was a different sort of experience at the hands of Chef Eric Frechon. I started with little bites of foie gras with sorrel herb foam, olive flavored foam and a beautiful flower-like snail with curry, nori (edible seaweed species) and olive.

Note that all of these details are just describing three bites.

Salmon with herbs ice cream.

The crown jewel of the meal was layers of potato paste, black truffles and Brie cheese foam with gold powder. These were all dishes prepared and served by Chef Nicolas Stamm.

Three Bites Starter

After that I had oysters with green onions, lemon vinaigrette inside grilled seaweed, and I’ll never forget the best piece of lamb I ever had! It was a saddle of milk-fed lamb crusted with nori, fresh herbs gnocchi and cabbage puree.

Brie Cheese with Gold

This level of creativity and attention to detail will cost you somewhere between 100 to 300 Euros per person (excluding drinks). Believe it or not, I spent four glorious hours in the restaurant without any intention of leaving before feeling fully satisfied.

Grilled seaweed stuffed with oysters.

Peru Chocolate Saddle of milk-fed lamb with nori crust and gnocchi.

Chef Nicolas Stamm La Fourchette Des Ducs restaurant

The Author: Ahmad Mesawa, food critic and a member of the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ). @ahmadmesawa

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 67

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DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 69

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Youssef Banjar

Team Up is a play on words since we are actually teaming up with society. We are using sports to create a positive social change in the community.”

— Rashad Barmada

Mustafa Alsaady

GAME FACE

Destination sat with Rashad Barmada, Mustafa Alsaady and team member, Youssef Banjar to delve into their Team Up sports world.

70 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

PHOTO/ REEM ALRIFAIE

Team Up’s

and Lifestyle for being the first companies to believe in them and encourage them.

By Sohila El Saadany

SOURCE PHOTO/ FACEBOOK: JEDDAH BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Mustafa Alsaady, Rashad Barmada and Ramzi Barmada had put on their game faces and set up their sports event managing company, Team Up, in Jeddah. Rashad Barmada starts by saying, “Due to our love of sports and to the fact that we know the market here and abroad, we decided to start Team Up.” Barmada is a mental health councilor who has always been immersed in sports even after an ill-fated car accident left him paralyzed.

Alsaady is another huge sports fan, who is doing his PhD on renewable energy in England.

They have been friends for 20 years and partners since 2011.

Barmada explains the nature of Team Up’s work as he says, “We have the programs and the events sections.” As far as events are concerned, “a client would approach us to set up an event for a certain sport at a specific time targeting particular people. So we arrange that. Other times we are the ones to come up with an idea for an event, create it from A to Z and sell it to sponsors.”

Due to the fact that Team Up has organized many basketball events such as the Jeddah 3 on 3 Tournament and is endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) too, people seem to think it is only basketball oriented. Barmada sets the record straight though, “We became the number one

Sports will teach them win and loss, teamwork, confidence and respect.

These are all things they will need in life.”

— Mustafa Alsaady

basketball event organizing company since we got lucky with basketball when we first started. But we arrange a lot of other sports tournaments and events.”

The programs part of Team Up is concerned with training children in different sports.

Barmada says, “We offer football, tennis, basketball and chess programs, where we get coaches from abroad to teach the children.”

The team also spoke of their beginnings, as they did not enjoy an easy ride. Alsaady clarifies, “Some of the difficulties we faced at the beginning were due to the fact that we were new. Our first struggle was finding companies that would believe in us. We were fresh on the market and not everyone wanted to take a risk on us.” This is why they dedicated a special thanks to McDonalds, Tokyo Games

Banjar then speaks of another hindrance, “Companies care about exposure, how many people are attending the event and so on. Some people don’t care about the CSR aspect of it, to do it for the society and youth and so on. They ask if it will not get us the exposure we want, why should we do it?”

“Another major problem we faced was finding venues to host the events,” Alsaady continues. This remains a problem because suitable locations are scarce and a lot of factors, such as the size and number of attendees, have to be taken into consideration.

Team Up is the true embodiment of passion in sports. The tournaments, events and programs they arrange and supervise are all aimed at strengthening community ties with sports.

Tel: +966-12-69932238 Web: teamup-sa.com

Jeddah Basketball Championship 2015

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 71

FIVE WAYS TO AVOID GETTING SICK WHILE TRAVELING Nothing can make holidays worse than getting sick while traveling.

By Mohammed Mirza

2 Wash Your Hands

Frequently

This doesn’t only have to be limited to after eating or using the restroom.

You may have to wash your hands more than you deem necessary. Keep a hand sanitizer in your backpack as well.

72 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

SOURCE PHOTO/ TODAYSPARENT.COM • FEDERALEMPLOYEEDISCOUNTS.COM • WASHINGTON.EDU • TORTUGABACKPACKS.COM

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

1 Bottled Water

If you are traveling abroad especially to developing or underdeveloped countries, remember to drink only bottled water. This can drastically reduce your chances of catching traveler's diarrhea.

3 Carry Vitamin

Supplements With You

During travel your diet significantly alters and many times you fail to meet the required intake of vitamins. So it’s always a good idea to bring vitamin supplements to help keep your immunity strong.

‫نادي صحي رياضي للسيدات والرجال‬ Sports & SPA for Ladies and Gentlemen Tel: +966 12 669 02 04 zclubjeddah

@Zclubksa

Z_CLUB_LADIES / Z_CLUB_JEDDAH

www.z-club.com

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 73

4 Don’t Forget to Exercise

At times during a holiday you will find yourself with loads of spare time.

Use it wisely and try to fit in physical exercise by any means possible during your travel.

5 Don’t Cram Your Itinerary

At the end of the day you travel not only to discover and experience new things or places, you also use it to de-stress. And by cramming your itinerary with things to do or see, you miss out on the chance to unwind and relax. You may even end up feeling fatigued by the end of your travel.

74 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Pain & Headache Center

FITNESS CENTERS To visit on your travels Summer is always a great time of year to get away but it usually means that you lose ground on your fitness regime and come back with excess baggage.

By Rob Seagreen, Fitness Director at Arena MMA and Fitness Center

That doesn’t have to be the case. Here’s a list of health clubs and gyms worldwide to help you stay in shape while you’re away.

CHOBE HEALTH CLUB AND SPA UGANDA Chobe Safari Lodge is located in Murchison Falls National Park, North-Western Uganda,

overlooking the Victoria Nile. The Chobe Health Club and Spa promises to be the ideal world of relaxation and revitalization.

Web: chobelodgeuganda.com

CROSSFIT 5TH AVE NEW YORK CITY, USA

SportSetter ad Downlo and p p this a tive get ac d! abroa 76 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Reebok CrossFit 5th Ave is a world-class CrossFit box located between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building. They offer a broad training program suitable for any level of fitness.

Web: reebokcrossfit5thave.com

SOURCE PHOTO/ SPORTSETTERBLOG.COM • UPFITNESS.COM.ES • JESLIAO.COM • TIGERMUAYTHAI.COM • FIRSTWORLDTOURS.COM • CHOBELODGEUGANDA.COM • STAPLEGAYLIFESTYLE.COM • ESCAPEFITNESS.COM

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

TIGER MUAY THAI AND MMA TRAINING CAMP PHUKET, THAILAND World-renowned Tiger Muay Thai and MMA training camp is the globe’s biggest and most recognized Muay Thai training facility, professional fighters and fitness enthusiasts from across the world travel here to develop their skills and to change their lives.

Web: tigermuaythai.com

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE MARBELLA, SPAIN Ultimate Performance (UP) is a 20,000 square feet exercise paradise! The 5,000 square foot first floor interior gym is dedicated to resistance training in the manner that you’d expect of anything UP related. That’s in addition to a roof terrace with a 360 degree panoramic view of Marbella’s famous La Concha mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Web: upfitness.com.es

VIRGIN ACTIVE BARBICAN LONDON, UK With many to choose from in London, I have to highlight the Barbican.

It boasts a large gym floor complimented by a 160-meter running track around it with a 20-meter swimming pool at the center of it all.

Web: virginactive.co.uk/clubs/barbican

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 77

SPIRITUALITY

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT! The sin of backbiting.

By Sobia Javed

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other.

Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.

And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

(Qur’an, chapter 49, verse 12)

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in a hadith: “It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike.” Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?” The Prophet (pbuh) said, “If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him.”

(Source: Saheeh Muslim)

Backbiting is now so common that it is sometimes the only topic of conversation in a gathering. It is now used as an avenue for people to vent anger, frustrations and jealousy. It may seem like harmless banter, but in 78 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

reality, backbiting has far reaching consequences.

It causes disquiet, enmity and distrust amongst family members and if someone finds out they are being talked about behind their back, it’s very hard to forgive and forget.

Try to imagine you are the one being talked about behind your back, with others pointing out your faults and laughing at you.

Not so harmless now huh?

One of the most common excuses that backbiters will use is “Well, I’m not saying anything that I wouldn’t say to his/her face,” but that’s a futile argument, as it just highlights the backbiter’s feebleness for having to backbite in the first place.

The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe.”

(Source: Saheeh Muslim)

SOURCE PHOTO/ WOMENWORKING.COM

So, what exactly is backbiting?

No doubt it will be difficult at first, especially if you haven’t spoken up against it before.

It’s likely that you will also become a target for backbiting, but this should simply highlight your real friendships from those that are built solely on malicious gossip.

Backbiting is a big sin and it’s something everyone must avoid. But how can this be done when it’s so prevalent in our daily lives?

It’s no good saying you dislike backbiting but then taking no action to prevent it. When you feel a conversation is steering into dangerous territory, change the subject, or if you can’t, then just be honest and say that you don’t feel comfortable talking about this person when they’re not there. You may get strange

looks at first, but if you stick to your resolve, you will find that people will respect you and admire your strength in standing up for your beliefs.

Even better, if you can defend the person being gossiped about then know that this is an honorable thing and is not looked upon lightly.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever defends the honor of his brother in his absence, will be entitled to Allah's protection from the Fire."

(Related by Ahmad)

Another thing to note is that when someone constantly comes to you backbiting and complaining about others, you can almost guarantee that they are probably backbiting and complaining about you to someone else! Try to focus on occupying your mind with good thoughts, and if nothing else, then remember that silence is golden.

The Prophet (pbuh) also said: “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.”

(Source: Saheeh Muslim)

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 79

SPIRITUALITY

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLESSED? What comes to mind when you hear the word blessings?

Many of us get an image of material possessions or material physical aspects or worldly goods.

By Dina Mohamed Basiony

Blessings are a Test Contemplating on Qur’anic verses and Prophetic ahadith clearly establishes one fact about blessings: they are a test. Being healthy, wealthy or popular is not necessarily the ultimate success. Losing that, also, is not the ultimate failure.

Blessings may be a means that absorb people in their worldly life, divert them away from the remembrance of Allah or make them greedy in pursuit of more. People may also live in constant worry over the loss of that which they have been given.

Similarly, true affliction is also not necessarily a disease or loss of wealth and status, because these same conditions may be the spark that directs people to seek Allah more passionately and constantly to strengthen their bond, connection and reliance on Him. Allah says in Surat Al Fajr: “And as for man, when his Lord tries him and [thus] is generous to him and favors him, he says, “My Lord has honored me.” But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, “My Lord has humiliated me.” No!”

Just like an amethyst rock that does not look appealing from the outside, but is exquisite from the inside, an ordeal may beget a wonderful life lesson.

SOURCE PHOTO/ GALLERYHIP.COM

[Qur’an: Chapter 89, Verses 15-17]

The verses clearly indicate that there is one common element in blessings and hardships. They are both a trial since they reinforce the fact that what may look like good fortune from the outside is not necessarily the source of success and vice versa.

You must realize that facing some sort of trial or difficulty might in fact carry in its folds far better and deeper lessons and blessings that you wouldn’t have learned or earned otherwise.

80 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

The Incredible Blessing: Patience Some people might look at this and think, “Patience? Really?

What do I do with that? Where do I cash it?” Why is patience the best blessing?

1. Patience keeps you in the company of Allah in this world.

Unlike blessings that can be consumed and completely used up in this life, patience is a limitless gift that allows you to remain in the company of Allah, growing more intimately connected to Him. Allah specifically assures us that He will be in the company of the patient and reward them immeasurably: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

SOURCE PHOTO/ FACEBOOK: @ZEINA GABRIEL PHOTOGRAPHY

[Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 153]

2. Patience helps you reach Al Firdaus.

Just like being patient keeps you in Allah’s company in this world, you will remain closely in His company in the Hereafter and in the closes paradise to Him too.

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who struggle in His cause and made evident those who are patient?”

[Qur’an: Chapter 3, Verse 142]

If you are in a state of difficulty that has no other solution but for you to be patient and turn to Allah, then don’t panic. Sooner or later it will be over, and if you really attained patience through it, then you have in fact been given an opportunity for a never-ending reward.

/ProductiveMuslim @AbuProductive

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

TRAVEL NEWS Doha’s Banana Island Resort

The recently opened Banana Island Resort in Doha offers a luxurious setting for relaxation.

On this scenic island, guests will not only revel in beauty but also enjoy water activities along with golf and other fun facilities.

Bahrain Eases Visa Regime

The government of Bahrain announced its visa updates, which will allow business visitors and tourists to spend longer periods of time in the country. The move

EMIRATES AIRLINE’S ROUTE TO ORLANDO Emirates Airline will launch a daily service route to Orlando, Florida from the first of September. Orlando will be the tenth US destination Emirates Airline serves.

Rosewood Jeddah Offer Rates start at SR 1,630

Break away from stress and spend a luxurious weekend in Rosewood Jeddah. With acclaimed restaurants, a location in Jeddah’s fashionable northern Corniche area and a -24 hour butler service, you will definitely relax and unwind.

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also facilitates access for GCC residents and visa holders. GCC residents of any nationality may be eligible to receive multi-entry visas on arrival or online.

Al Ahsa’s Touristic Project

More Tourism at Al Bujairi District

Chairman of the National Tourism Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, Abdulateef Al Afaleq, announced the commencement of Al Ahsa tourism project. The project, which will take up an area of two million square meters, is set to have touristic and recreational services. Al Uqair beach in the region will witness investment opportunities to become a touristic front as well.

It starts in

King Salman inaugurated Al Bujairi district developmental project.

The district is the gateway to the historical area of Diriyah. The project aims at enriching tourism as visitors experience the location’s cultural value. The project will encompass a center for activities and commercial services. Taif district will also be connected to the area by an overpass.

London

The Second Alila Resort in the Middle East

This is a Euro trip to remember.

Next comes a stop in the City of Lights, Paris.

EURO ESCAPE TOUR

with a guide who will take visitors to Amsterdam for a wonderful experience.

from SR 1,005

The Euro Escape is a 4-day action-packed tour.

More info: expatexplore.com

From there they will head to Belgium to spend time in Bruges and Brussels.

India in Real Life from SR 1,292

Explore exotic India and visit New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

Immerse yourself in the amazing culture for five nights. You will even experience the rush of riding an elephant at Fort Amer.

More info: Makemytrip.com

Alila Hotels and Resorts have announced the signing of the second luxury resort development in Mirbat, east of Salalah, Oman.

The new resort is set to launch in 2017. It will be comprised of 100 suites, 25 villas, fine dining restaurants and a spa.

The resort will be the perfect combination of innovation and culture.

Ritz-Carlton Berlin

Ritz-Carlton Berlin is offering new customized services for its Middle East guests. It provides an oriental ambience along with a Qur’an and prayer rugs in the rooms.

The five-star hotel even includes Arabic TV channels and daily Arabic newspapers. The Middle East traveller will be able to enjoy the Discover with You promotion with rates starting at SR 1,185.

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

ATTAR TRAVEL We love it… We do it Attar agency is a pioneer in the tourism industry of the country, born out of a passion for travel and facilitating tourism related services in the Kingdom.

Consistently setting new benchmarks for travel related services across the Kingdom, the journey of Attar Travel began when two brothers, Saddik and Mohammed Attar, founded the Saddik and Mohammed Attar Company in the 1940s. It became one the first registered companies in Jeddah and a founding member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.Operating in Saudi Arabia for over 70 years, Attar Travel is one of the most prominent travel agencies in the region.

In the early days, the company’s primary business was to provide services for pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah. And from one travel office in Jeddah in 1952, the company has now expanded to more than 42 offices throughout the country.

84 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015 ADVERTORIAL

In recognition of its services, Attar Travel won the award for Saudi Arabia’s Leading Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards twice in a row, in 2013 and 2014. While recently, Sarah Fareed, an employee of Attar Travel, won the Agent of the Month Award in March 2015.

With a mission to manifest, enhance and maximize the benefits of travel and tourism and a focus of developing a long-term relationship with customers, Attar Travel is all set to become the number one fullservice travel agency in KSA. To expand their reach internationally and provide more services, Attar Travel entered into a partnership with Lufthansa City Centre International (LCCI), the world’s leading travel management company

with over 600 offices in 77 countries.

The company also entered into a strategic partnership with FCm Travel Solutions, which specializes in managing and organizing travel programs for some of the world’s leading corporate brands.

Additionally, the long established Attar Travel’s technological partner is Amadeus, a leading provider of IT related solutions to the global tourism and travel industry.

Proud of its experienced and erudite team of employees, customers can have their vacation planned with just one call, whilst corporates can expect unrivalled professional services irrespective of their size.

Now Attar Travel has developed into a one-stop specialist travel agency that provides a range of services for corporate and leisure air travel, group travel, cruises, tours, hotel accommodation, car rentals, airport transfers, visa services, international driving license, travel insurance, weddings and honeymoon packages and much more.

Visit their website for the latest travel packages and special offers.

Tel: 920017775 Web: attartravel.com attartravel.sa attartravel attartraveltv

DRAW YOUR WORLD IN THE SUMMER Destinations

Starting from

Destinations Weekends May 2015

Starting from

Australia

15 Days

SR 9,165

Abu Dhabi

SR 500

Germany

14 Days

SR 7,700

Amman

SR 540

Greece 4 Nights Athens - 3 Nights Cruise

SR 3,705

Beirut

SR 640

Hong Kong

8 Days

SR 6,700

Doha

SR 880

14 Days

SR 2,975

Dubai

SR 440

8 Days

SR 3,615

Kuwait

SR 690

Prague, Vienna, Budapest 11 Days

SR 4,885

Manama

SR 550

Singapore City

8 Days

SR 2,240

Muscat

SR 1,170

Sri Lanka

8 Days

SR 3,040

Sharm Elsheikh

SR 620

Malaysia

STAFF PHOTO/REEM ALASSAL

medical Prague Relaxing Week

Destinations Honeymoon Package Vienna – Salzburg – Zell am See - Kaprun – Vienna

Starting from 15 Days

SR 8,690

ADVERTORIAL

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

Etiquette in

F LO R E N C E On March 23 – 26, a group of 12 Saudis aged 9 to 20 years, accompanied by their mothers, were invited into the world of the Florentine nobility.

By Mariam Polding

Representing Saudi as cultural ambassadors, unofficially, the children spent a week taking etiquette courses, learning about famous Florentine and Italian artists in the birthplace of the Renaissance and were hosted by some of the most important women of Florentine nobility.

This unique and extraordinary experience taught the children a comprehensive grooming in all aspects of international etiquette. The course was Friends of Florence Restoration workshop.

designed to enhance their sense of wellbeing and confidence in any given social situation while circulating in polite society. At the conclusion of the course, Duchess Drusilla Gucci presented them with a Certificate of Completion.

The children were enthralled and intrigued by the art history component of the experience.

During the private tour of the Uffizi Gallery, they were utterly engaged, listened attentively and enjoyed the exclusive access to the Vasari Corridor, the private passageway of the Medici family.

During the visit to the restoration workshop, the Saudi visitors were captivated when being told the story of the work of art that had been damaged and almost entirely disappeared, but during meticulous restoration it emerged as a Caravaggio.

They were warmly hosted and invited into the private homes of many women of the Italian aristocracy: Princess Giorgiana Corsini, Marchesa Ludovica

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Private tour of the Uffizi Gallery.

Lucifero, Contessa Simonetta Brandolini ‘d Adda, Duchess Drusilla Gucci and her daughter Domitilla, Marchesa Vittoria Gondi and Marchesa Bona Frescobaldi.

pictures of herself alongside her late husband traveling the globe for Gucci flagship openings and dining with Jerry Lewis and Jacques Chirac, among many others.

Princess Corsini showed them her stunning gardens in the heart of Florence complete with lemon trees and statues dating from 200AD. Marchesa Bona enjoyed learning about Saudi culture and customs while bonding with the children, while Duchess Drusilla Gucci shared her family photo album with

Email: ms.enrichmentprograms@gmail.com

“This has been one of my best trips ever, and I can summarize it in three main points: 1. Bonding with my daughter.

2. Cultural/educational on all levels, from visiting the historical sites, the different villas and their owners to the personal interaction with one another and everyone else we met.

3. Fun fun fun!”

— Arij Mutabagani

Art history tour at the Vasari Corridor.

Self portraits at Vasari Corridor.

Princess Corsini tour of private gardens.

COURTESY PHOTO

View of Ponte Vecchio from Vasari Corridor.

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

Augmented Reality enabled here

ON BOARD

MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS TRAIN A magical journey in a mystical place.

By Johara Al Mogbel

India has been on my bucket list since forever.

Every year, when we’d decide what country we’d grace during the holidays, I’d Google all the different options in the South Asian country, and then close all the tabs when we, as usual, finally settled on some part of Europe.

But then this year came along. And again, I started my fruitless research when, somehow, we said yes to India. It was a magical moment, let me tell you.

Where in the vast and colorful country of India could we visit in four to five days, though? There were so many places we wanted to visit. Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Goa, Lucknow, Taj Mahal, Jodhpur, aaand…Taj Mahal. We really wanted to go to the Taj Mahal.

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A few research attempts and frantic emails later and my brilliant mother had the solution. A luxury train that takes you around a tour of Rajasthan with cabins you can sleep in! Basically, an Agatha Christie novel but without the dead bodies. We hoped.

There were a number of itineraries and the Gems of India suited us the most.

Leaving from Delhi, it passed

by Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur and then back to Delhi once again. Here’s a full account of our trip, with all the highs and lows.

Day 1

We were limited with time, yes, but what was the point of going to Delhi and not seeing the amazing Mughal history in it? Boarding the train was at 8 p.m., so we booked a hotel room at The Lodhi, slept the night, then embarked on an

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epic non-stop car trip starting with Lodhi Gardens and ending with Khan Market.

It was a day spent in history and it was beautiful. By 8 p.m. we were in Khan Market and off to the Safdarjung train station we went! It was the optimal foreigner-in-India experience, with women in saris dressing you in flower necklaces and musicians lauding your entrance. A nice man then escorted us to set up chairs and explained the entire train to us. Then, it was off to the cabins. A bit small and basic, but decent, and the bathrooms were super clean.

A ‘butler’ helped us with our baggage, we had a marvelous four-course dinner in one of train’s restaurants, then it was time to sleep.

DELHI TIP

If you want to take in history and relax, Lodhi Gardens is free, quiet, full of history and most importantly, not overrun with crowds.

Day 2

A 6:30 a.m. wake up call, a cup of hot masala chai and an impromptu music show (as we stepped off the train) later, off we went on the arranged tour bus to the heart of Agra.

We were getting closer to the Taj Mahal, and I was getting excited enough that not even the stringent security measures put me off. And then we were there. The Taj Mahal was in front of us. The train arranged the tours to be at 7 a.m. so that we could capture the monument’s reflection in the fountains properly, and look at that picture. Just look! Shah Jahan’s labor of love was even prettier in person.

Then came 9:45 a.m. and we were reluctantly dragged away from the Taj Mahal’s masjids

Drummers are always the friendliest.

India's answer to a real life postcard.

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Augmented Reality enabled here

and the river Yamuna to breakfast. There was a lovely set up with more music and a great view of the monument from a pavilion the train had set up for us, with a live station that made fresh dosa and had the best ginger bread pudding we had ever tried.

On from breakfast, we were taken to a marble inlay factory that services the Taj Mahal now. They show you how the intricate designs are made and teach you about all the different kinds of gems and stones used.

We were exhausted by then.

It was time to freshen up at our temporary home, have lunch, and then set out to Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan was incarcerated by his son in his final days. If we were to choose between either the Red Fort or Agra Fort for a visit? We’d definitely go for Agra Fort.

Then it was time to retire once again to our beds. That were in a train. Did I mention that?

Archways at the Diwan-i-Aam, Red Fort

Day 3

Ranthambore National Park, ah, how we loved you. We got onto an actual safari boat jeep thing and went around the large nature reserve, spotting everything from Bambi to crocs and a peacock.

Our next stop was Jaipur and it takes about 3 to 4 hours for the train to reach it. The amazing Water Palace, Jaipur

The gorgeous interior of the open Jama Masjid.

TRAIN TIP

Expect to forego sleep your first night. The train jostles about a bit and the other train horns take a while to get accustomed to.

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staff made sure we had snacks while we played card games and a non-ending stream of beverages was made of available. Then… it was time to embark for the pink city.

The Maharaja Express offers optional excursions at a charge, but up until now we hadn’t found a reason for it.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

JAIPUR TIP

Don’t be afraid to bargain in the markets, but at the same time don’t push for too much. The prices are cheap as it is.

Poor elephants still had paint on them and didn't look too happy.

dancing. There’s something about traditional dances that makes colors come sharper into focus, there’s so much beauty into it.

Jaipur welcoming committee, the best of them all.

Up until we realized we only had half a day in Jaipur, and with so much to see and buy and visit, we opted for our own guide and car. Our guide was, again, top notch. We started off in Amber Fort. Okay. So. Amber Fort… It’s gorgeous.

Built by the Rajputs and one of the few forts left largely intact, there is so much beauty in that palace, it’s a must see.

The Maharaja Express had arranged for a dinner at the City Palace, an estate in Jaipur that doubles as both the current maharaja’s living space and a museum in the daytime. There were elephants (sad ones), horses, camels, a flutist and lots of bananas. And pre-dinner, there was more

Jaipur is most famous for its tchiktchok markets, where you can find saris, leather sandals and bangles at their absolute cheapest. We’re weak when it comes to shopping. Weak.

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After too short of a period, it was time to spend the last day in our creaking but beloved train cabin. Last breakfast, last goodbye to the staff, last card game, last everything, and we left, feeling like we spent a lifetime and at the same time feeling like we hadn’t spent any time at all.

Bottom line? Take a trip to India. It’s one of the few places in the world where you see in technicolor.

Rang Mahal restaurant on board

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EXPLORE KSA

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Jeddah welcomes Reem Al Sharif, the 22-year-old who pursued her dream of becoming a licensed diving instructor.

By Sohila El Saadany

Reem Al Sharif is originally a psychology student in Effat who decided to follow her passion and venture into the aqua world. She worked really hard for her diving license, until she became one of the youngest certified instructors in Jeddah. She primarily spent four years convincing her dad to allow her to learn the sport.

After training with her father’s friend and diving for some years, she recently acquired the license from The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, PADI. Al Sharif confesses that at the beginning of her diving journey she was scared. She says, “As I first started, I was a bit frightened especially from the fish. But then when they were all around me, I discovered that there was nothing to be scared of.”

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COURTESY PHOTO

TAKE The Plunge

She even encountered an actual whale shark a while after that, which she found to be very gentle and peaceful.

She elaborates, “People shouldn’t be afraid of sharks. If not provoked, they would never hurt anyone.” During the past years, Al Sharif dove in Saudi, the US and Philippines.

Her favorite places to dive in Jeddah were the International Nakheel Beach and Al Fal. For a female diver in Saudi Arabia, things are bound to be hard. Al Sharif explains, “There aren’t a lot of women in this career path, but it is definitely promising. One of the difficulties I faced was not being able to get on the ships that would take me to the diving sites except with either my father or brother. And sometimes they just didn’t want to go with me,” she adds with a laugh. This gave insight to another issue; the fact that diving venues are scarce, so finding a suitable one was tricky.

Al Sharif encourages people to try diving. She believes that the sport will engulf them in a wide array of unforgettable experiences; being underwater and observing the aquatic life is surreal. “Diving is not as scary as people think. It is simple once you learn.”

Al Sharif is starting to give diving lessons in order to deliver thrilling underwater adventures to those who are willing to take the plunge.

Mob: +966-543042099 reem_h_a

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EXPLORE KSA

Mesmerizing Saudi Arabia in all its Glory!

VfoOr thTe E

The7 wonders of

SAUDI ARABIA 1. Masjid Al Haram, Makkah – The Holiest Site in Islam In the city of the birthplace of Islam is the largest mosque in the world. Muslims face in the direction of the Kaaba, which is housed within Masjid Al Haram, while performing their daily obligatory prayers. During Hajj (annual pilgrimage) the mosque holds one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world with Muslims flocking to it from all corners of the globe. Also housed within the premises is the Zamzam well, which has been gushing forth water for over 1,400 years from the middle of the desert.

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S A U DI W ONDERS www.d estinationryd.com

SOURCE PHOTO/ UMRAHHAJIKU.WORDPRESS.COM • QURANSURAT.COM • FLICKR.COM

To present the best Saudi Arabia has to offer to the world, we conducted a nationwide campaign of picking the wonders of Saudi Arabia. And now through your votes we have the final seven.

2. Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah – The Prophet’s Mosque Situated in the city of Madinah this mosque was established and originally built by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It is the second largest mosque in the world and the holiest site in Islam after Masjid Al Haram in Makkah. It was also the first place in the entire Arabian Peninsula to be provided with electrical lights.

4. Madain Saleh – Prophet Saleh’s Doomed City 3. King Fahd Fountain, Jeddah – The Tallest Fountain in the World Every single day a magnanimous jet of water graces Jeddah’s skyline, a view of such breathtaking beauty that it dominates the city skyline. It lofts about seven tons of water into the air at any one moment at a nozzle speed of around 200 kilometers per hour. The plume with a height of over 260 meters surpasses the renowned Jet d’Eau’s height of 90 meters by a significant margin.

Mentioned in the Holy Quran, today this infamous city stands deserted amid a series of interlocking mountains and rocky cliffs. Over 2,000 years ago this was the home of the once flourishing Nabataen Kingdom. In 2008 it became the country’s first World Heritage Site for its wellpreserved remains from late antiquity, especially the 131 rock-cut monumental tombs, with their elaborately ornamented façades, strikingly similar to the celebrated city of Petra in Jordan.

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5. Historic Balad, Jeddah – The Epitome of Hijazi Architecture For over a thousand years Jeddah has been a major port of trade and served as a gateway for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah who arrived by sea. Through the constant influx of foreigners, the city became a multicultural center and overtime developed a unique architecture that we now refer to as Hijazi architecture. The historic Balad area is the epitome of Hijazi architecture and is where some of the last remnants of architecture can be found.

SOURCE PHOTO/ EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG • TRIPLES1-2.BLOGSPOT.COM

6. Habalah, Abha – The Hanging Village Sitting halfway down a cliff face about 63 kilometers southeast of Abha, this village is easily one of the most captivating places the Kingdom has to offer.

When the village was inhabited the only way to reach it was by means of a rope (habel), thus the name ‘Habalah’. Remarkably it remained inhabited until about 1980, when the villagers were shifted to King Faisal village a few kilometers away from the original village.

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7. Madyan, Al Bad – Prophet Shoaib’s Legendary City Located in the northwest of the Kingdom, the caves at Madyan continue to be shrouded in mystery. Many believe that this was the very same place that Prophet Shoaib was sent. Many of the fascinating rock cut dwellings at Madyan remain unexplored.

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EXPLORE KSA

Bathra Mountain Adventure Arabian Treks recently organized a trip called the Bathra Mountain Adventure. As the name suggests, the plan was to reach the peak of Bathra Mountain.

By Zareen Muzaffar

During this adventure, participants were able to develop survival skills, manage resources and utilize the food and water for the three days it took to reach the top of the mountain. They had to explore the surrounding 98

DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Climbing requires higher skills and elaborate preparations as it involves hazards and high risks to personal safety. Climbers need equipment like climbing boots to protect feet from rough and hazardous terrain. Precautions are required to protect themselves from wild animals and bad weather,�

- Hattan Asali, Arabiak Treks organizer.

COURTESY PHOTO

A group of adventurous Saudis recently organized a 3-day mountaineering trip to climb the mount of Bathra, which is part of the Sarawat Mountain range in the Bani Malik region, 167 kilometers south of Taif. It is the habitat of the Arabian leopard and there have been numerous sightings of the critically endangered species.

environment and search for water resources, develop hunting skills for food and find a secure accommodation for the team in a temperature of 18C in morning and 3C at night.

Bathra Mountain, situated 2,400 meters above sea level, is a sight to see. It is regarded as one of the major tourist attractions and historic places of the region. The mountaineering team climbed along rough tracks and crossed several valleys before reaching the top.

There has been a growing interest in outdoor activities among Saudi youth as it lets them enjoy nature’s beauty, face challenges, develop leadership and foster teamwork.

The health benefits of such challenging adventures include decreased hypertension, weight loss and improved mental health. The team has a new aim, which is to identify the local challenging summits here in Saudi Arabia.

About Arabian Treks Arabian Treks is a group of Saudi adventurers with the passion to explore the great outdoors. They provide specialized adventurous experiences for those who are interested in exciting outdoor activities.

Email: info@arabiantreks.com Web: arabiantreks.com arabiantreks arabiantreks

One of the many beautiful sights to see.

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EXPLORE KSA

HISTORIC SAUDI:

ARABIA’S LEGENDARY ALMSGIVER

HATEM AL TAI

By Mohammed Mirza

Although he was considered a well-established poet in his time, today he is mostly famous for his altruism. So much so that amongst Arabs an encomium given to a generous man is to say that he or she is “more generous than Hatem.”

Hatem lived in the sixth century in the central Arabian region of Hail and belonged to the Al Tai tribe. It is believed the he lost his father when he was young and was raised by his grandfather. Hatem's habit of giving away whatever happened to be in his hands to friends and strangers was a source of pride and even boasting for his grandfather at first; but as the years passed, the habit remained and his grandfather's resources decreased and so did the boasting,

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There are many such stories associated with Hatem, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Eventually his legend made its way to the famed ‘Arabian Nights.’

His son Adi Ibn Hatem was a companion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and was also acknowledged for his generosity. Today Hatem’s legend lives on and in recognition of his largesse and munificence, a street in Jeddah is named after him.

House of the poet, Jabr Al Omran

The poet’s grave.

SOURCE PHOTO/ FLICKR.COM . SHDADEEN2.COM

Renowned across the Middle East and South Asia for his extreme generosity, tales of this Arabian poet have been part of many movies, TV shows and books.

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KING SALMAN BIN

ABDULA ZIZ AL SAUD

PRINCE MUQRIN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD

Prince Mishaal Bin Abdullah

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ACCOMMODATIONS CLOSE TO THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES: 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

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

AL-ANSAR NEW PLACE Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8207770

HILTON MADINAH King Fahad Road Few steps away from Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8201000

AL-HARAM HOTEL Abi Zar Road Tel: +966-14-8182300

HOTEL ELAF TAIBAH Saad Bin Maaz St. Tel: +966-14-8180050

AL-KARAM HOTEL King Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-14-8155500

LE MERIDIEN MADINAH Khalid Bin El-Waleed St. Tel: +966-14-8460777

AL-MADINAH CROM Markazeyah Al-Gharbiyah Tel: +966-14-8192020

MARRIOTT MADINAH Omer Ibn Al-Khatab St. Tel: +966-14-8180000

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 CROWNE PLAZA MADINAH Tel: +966-14-818-5000 King Faisal St.

MOVENPICK In front of Al-Safeya Bridge, Opposite Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8188888

Giordano Welcomes The Avengers Giordano’s new line ‘Age of Sport Chic’ comes in line with the highly anticipated new movie ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’.

ELAF AJYAD HOTEL Al-Masafi St. Tel: +966-12-5722200 ELAF AL-SUD HOTEL Ajayad Al-Sud St. Tel: +966-12-5708586

RAMADA AL-HAMRA Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8208084

ELAF KINDAH HOTEL Al-Messyaal St. Tel: +966-12-5745555

RAMADA AL-QIBLA Islamic Court St. Tel: +966-14-8160008

HILTON MAKKAH & TOWERS Hijrah St. Tel: +966-12-5340000

THE MADINAH OBEROI Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8282222

MAKKAH

INTERCONTINENTAL DAR AL-TAWHID Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5411111 LE MERIDIEN MAKKAH Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5751111

BARAKAT ANDALUS Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8208884

AJYAD MAKKAH Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5720500

DALLAH TAIBAH HOTEL King Fahad St., crossing Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8290180

AL-JAAD CROM HOTEL NAQA Al-Sulaimaneyah St. Tel: +966-12-5705555

DAR AL-HIJRA INTERCONTINENTAL King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8207777

AL-SHOHADA HOTEL Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5744401

MAKKAH CLOCK ROYAL TOWER King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5717777

DAR AL-MANASEK HOTEL Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5394444

MANAZEL AL-AIN MESRCURE Al-Azizia St. Tel: +966-12-5578000

DAR AL-IMAN INTERCONTINENTAL Off Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8206666

ING COMO SO N

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LE MERIDIEN TOWERS HOTEL Rawabi Ajyad Road Tel: +966-12-5399999

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

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

Check out our online listing and add yours!

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AMERICAN 19TH CENTURY BURGER Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920019819 20 MINUTES BURGER Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6113187 AMERICAN CORNER Khalideya St. Tel: +966-12-6060188

TERRA PRIME Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6410204

LEAVES Rawda St. Mob: +966-564444928

TEXAS ROADHOUSE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2617027

MAISON SO Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6901598

THE COUNTER Etoile / Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-2754266

NESMA CHOCOLATES Arafat St. Tel: +966-12-2845820

BRAZILIAN

AMERICANO BURGER Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6976357

BRASA DE BRAZIL Al Andalus St. Mob: +966-549865555

APPLEBEE’S Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6610012

RIO DE JANEIRO Sari St. Mob: +966-502330914

BLU BURGER GRILL Rawda St. Tel: +966-12-2614234 BLUE OCEAN Inside Fakieh Aquarium Tel: +966-12-6066144 BUFFALO WINGS & RINGS Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-2901138 CHILI’S Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6634760 FUDDRUCKERS Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6686330 MUGG & BEAN Al Faisaliya Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6573333 IHOP Le Mall, Tahliah St. Tel: + 966-12-2617032 JOHNNY ROCKETS Astara Center, Tahliah St. Tel: + 966-12-6067308 OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Tahliah St. Tel: + 966-12-2892990 RUBY TUESDAY Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6501999 SHAKE SHACK Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2617042 SQUARE MEATER BURGER Khalideya Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6061441 STEAK HOUSE Etoile / Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-6829955

CHOCOLATES AL PINA Arafat St. Tel: +966-12-6637005 ANOOSH Sari St. Tel: 920013222 BON BON Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6697655 BOSTANI Tel: 920011994 CARAMEL Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6688527 CHOCOLAT Khalideya Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6068830 CHOCOLATE STUDIO Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6985222 CHOCOLINE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2842846 CHOCOTALA Arafat St. Tel: +966-12-6644284 CHOCOMOOD Prince Sultan Rd. Tel: +966-12-6162111

PATCHI Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6525961 VOILA CHOCOLATE Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6684343

COFFEE & TEA SHOPS COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF Khaldiah Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6928142

FAST FOOD BURGER KING Sari St. Tel: 920000002 DOMINO’S PIZZA Tahlia St. Tel: 920012345 HARDEE’S Tel: 920001213

MELANGE Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6695619

JAN BURGER Hera’a St. Tel: 920006765

MILLENNIUM Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6614664

JOE’S DINER Khalideya Dist.

Tel: 920005637

SOLEIL Rosewood Hotel Tel: +966-12-2607111

KFC Tahliah St. Tel: 920021111

TEATRO LOUNGE CAFÉ Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-2610150

KUDU Khalidya Market Tel: 920006999

TEAYANA Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6062646

LITTLE CAESAR’S Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6749657

THE LOUNGE Park Hyatt Tel: +966-12-2639666

MCDONALD’S Rawadah St. Tel: +966-12-6510291

THE STORE Tel: +966-12-6106013

PAPA JHON’S Tel: +966-12-6614496 Al Sabaeen Dist.

UROMSHI CAFÉ Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6066668

DATES

GANACHE Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6601390

KINGDOM OF DATES Hera’a St. Tel: +966-12-6590838

106 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

TAMRATY Al Murjan St. Tel: +966-12-6637995

HOT WAVES Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6164744

BATEEL Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12-2150144

ING COMO SO N

TALAH DATES Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6837887

DEERA CAFÉ King Rd. Tel: +966-12-2754491

DACTYLIFERA Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920008182

GODIVA Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-2616630

NADIYA Panda/Bin Dawood/Al Musbah (Airport) Tel: +966-12-6066103

PANINO’S Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6676991 PERUVI Shate’e Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6923393 PIZZA HUT Obhur Tel: +966-12-2341962 SUBWAY Khalideya Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6063493

Check out our online listing and add yours!

BARNIE’S Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6696201

SULTAN AL BURGER Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6948686

CAPPUCCINO GRAND CAFÉ Al Hamra Dist.

Tel: +966-12-2891009

FINE DINING CROWNE GRILL Crowne Plaza Tel: +966-12-6611000

CASPER & GAMBINI’S Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6637979

GINZA I CHOME Rosewood Hotel Tel: +966-12-2607111

COOKSHOP Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6062750

LA CUISINE Palestine St. Tel: +966-12-6630363

DARDASHA Park Hyatt Tel: +966-12-2639666

LUMIERE The Bellevue - Al Shatee Mob:+966-555356373 SALMONTINI LE RESTO Al Hamra Dist.

Tel: 920001281 SOY Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6643414

HABSBURG Rosewood Jeddah Tel: +966-12-2607111 LITE BITE Madinah Rd. Tel: +966-12-2901424 ROMERO Abdul Maqsood Khoja St. Tel: +966-12-2630263

TOKI Laylati - Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-6060606

SHADOW LOUNGE Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-2614777

FRENCH BERT’S Rawdah Star Center Tel: +966-12-6606633

TERRACE LOUNGE Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6995676

BRASSERIE LOUIS Teatro Mall , Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6680303

TAO LOUNGE King Road Tel: +966-12-6131893

CAFÉ LENOTRE Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-2611222

TOASTED Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-2616747

CRÊPE CAFÉ Stars Avenue Tel: +966-12-2754570

UPTOWN 966 Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6652552

DELIFRANCE Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-2567196

ZODIAC Palestine St. Tel: +966-12-6607548

LA CRÊPE DORÉE Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12- 2150462

ICE CREAM FRESHI ICE STICKS Mob: +966-537766117

INTERNATIONAL

FROZEN YOGURT Hera’a St. Mob: +966-549353316

AL SHURAFA Al Hamra Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6602743 AMARA The Bellevue - Al Shatee Mob: +966-555354139 ANDALUSIA Park Hyatt Tel: +966-12-6063210

MAISON SO Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6901598 MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY Mall of Arabia Tel: +966-12-2906803

MARCEL’S Tahliah St. / Red Sea Mall / Basateen Mall Tel: +966-12-261 2301 Tel: +966-12-613 1893 PINK BERRY Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12-2250436 VENCHI Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12-6927878

ITALIAN COTIGIANO Obhur Tel: +966-12-2344461 FILICORI ZECCHINI Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12-2345999 IL GABIANO Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6587042 IL VILLAGGIO Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6688233 LALLO’S Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6614719 L’OLIVO Arafat St. Tel: +966-12-6687494 MARGHERITA Khaldiya St. Tel: +966-12-6061100 OLIO Stars Avenue Tel: +966-12-2754811 PIATTO Etoile - Al Malik Road Tel: +966-12-6922501 PIZZA FUSION Rawdah Star Center Tel: +966-12-2616933 PIZZA NAPOLI Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6927796 TARTUFO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6638248

MIDDLE-EASTERN ASEIL Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6062349

BEIRUITI Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6686354 BHAR Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6916674 BYBLOS Al Andalus St. Tel: +966-12-6697655 CUSINE HALAWANI Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6688900 GOODIES Stars Avenue Tel: +966-12-2754527 KALILA Khaldiya Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6061723 LABEEB Tel: +966-12-2612301 NAFOURA Park Hyatt Tel: +966-12-2639666 PALM BEACH Salamah Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6394007 SEMSOM Khaldiya St. Tel: +966-12-6068600 SEMSOM EXPRESS Next to Al Suheili Center Tel: +966-12-6500105 SHAWARMATAC Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6688994 SHOBAK PIE Tahlia St. Mob: +966-536884433

TURKISH MADO Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6901149 KOSEBASI Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6112302 TIKE Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6832128 TURKISH MESHWIYAT T Salama Dist. el: +966-12-6621910 YILDIZLAR Al Andalus Dist.

Tel: 966-12-6531150

www.DestinationListing.com DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 107

Jeddah Food App

jeddah

CHINESE BAYTOTE CHINESE Rawdah Dist.

Tel: 920007741

food.com

CHOPSTICKS Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6907575

CHARLOTTE Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6622391 CHEESE CAKE FACTORY Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2617001

DURRAT CHINA Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-2616885

CONNOISSEUR The Bellevue - Al Shatee Mob: +966-555358890

GOLDEN PALACE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6690377

FAB SWEETS Stars Avenue Tel: +966-12-2754204

GULF ROYAL Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6653335

HELEN’S KITCHEN Kayyal St. Tel: +966-12-6977729

HAINAN Al Shallal Theme Park Tel: +966-12-6902200

LE GOURMET Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6605061

NOODLES Rosewood Jeddah Tel: +966-12-2607111

Get the App Today!

P.F. CHANGS Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2617021 TOKI Laylati - Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-6060606 YUMMY YUMMY Al Zahrah Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6994998

FUSION AJJI The Bellevue - Al Shatee Mob: +966-555356519 OSUMI Roshana Mall, Tahlia St. Tel: 920009522 PAN JAN Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6065994 T.Y. LOUNGE Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-6905848

INDIAN BHARAT Sari St. Tel: +966-12-2754606 LASANI Mohamadia Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6510162

ING COMO SO N

CAKE-A-LICIOUS Al Batarji St. Tel: +966-12-2889926

LE NOTRE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2611222 LE VENDOME Al Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-6924606

SHEZAN Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6621086

SUSHI YOSHI Rawdah Star Center Tel: +966-12-2616734

MAISON SO Prince Sultan Bin Abdelaziz street with intersection Al Kayal st Tel: +966-12-690 1598 Website: www.maisonso.com

ZAIKA Tel: +966-12-6111796 Rawdah St.

WAKAME Malik Rd. Tel: +966-12-61242034

MINI BURGER Al Na’eem Dist Mob: +966-507579297

ZN LOUNGE Roshana Mall - Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-2634889

MUNCH BAKERY Arafat St. Tel: 920017070

JAPANESE BENIHANA Sands Hotel- Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6686014

TUNISIAN

GINZA I CHOME Rosewood Jeddah Tel: +966-12-2607111

ALTESSE Patisserie Tunisienne Arafat St. Qurtuba Center Tel: +966-12-6645877

GOLD SUSHI CLUB Sari Gate- Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6068069

SWEETS/DESSERTS & BAKERIES

MIZO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6649883

AL MAHAWI Sari St. Tel: +966-12-2575739

OHAYO Al-Kayyal St. Tel: +966-12-6836789

AL NABULSI SWEETS Al Musaideyya Tel: 920001345

SAKURA Crowne Plaza Tel: +966-12-6611000

AL SAMADI SWEETS Rawdah St. Tel: +966-12-6642424

PAPABUBBLES Red Sea Mall Tel: +966-12-2150808 NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Red Sea Mall/Stars Avenue/ Obhur Tel: +966-12-2346238 PAUL Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-26671633 PINK CAMEL Tel: +966-12-6982175 Mob: +966-504456245 SWEET & SAVORY Sari St. Tel: 920001626

Discover the city in an all new way!

108 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

BELLEVIEW 12 COMPOUND Rawda St. Tel: +966-12-6642636

CAR SERVICES AVIS Tel: +966-12-6677379

ELITE 12 COMPOUND Near Jeddah Int’l Souk Tel: +966-12-6681111

BUDGET Tel: +966-12-6927070 CAREEM www.careem.com

ELITE COMPOUND Near Jeddah Int’l Souk Tel: +966-12-6610930

DALEEL Tel: +966-12-6719219

HIBA COMPOUND Al-Hamraa Tel: +966-12-6650819

DISCOVERY Tel: +966-12-6714475 EASY TAXI www.easytaxi.com

KINDI HOUSING Al Rabwah, North Jeddah Tel: +966-12-6910884

FERNAS Tel: +966-12-6718712

LOTUS COMPOUND Lotus 4: Al Naeem Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6548808

HERTZ Tel: +966-12-6040339

M&M COMPOUND North Obhor Tel: +966-12-6562544

KEY RENT A CAR Tel: +966-12-6856251 MEEZA PRIVATE CAR SERVICE Mob: +966-540544486 Tel: +966-12-6968666 UBER Application: Uber.com/app support.jeddah@uber.com

M.M AL-RUMAIH COMPOUND Al Shatee, Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6991231 MURA BUSTAN Tel: +966-12-6910041 NUEVA ANDALUCIA Al-Rawdah, Sari St. Tel: +966-12-6823434

V. COOL Tel: +966-12-6396969

COMPOUNDS

RAYTHEON COMPOUND Opp. Saudi German Hospital Tel: +966-12-6915380 www.raytheon.com

AL ANDALUS LUXURY Tahliah St. Tel: +966-12-6695154 AL BASATEEN VILLAGE Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6944015 AL HAJRAYN VILLAGE Corniche Rd. Tel: +966-12-6943464 AL SALAM COMPOUND Palestine St. Tel: +966-12-6717121 ARABIAN HOMES Al Bawadi Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6822201 www.arabian-homes.com AROMARY VILLAGE Hera’a St. Tel: +966-12-6940086

SHAKER VILLAGE COMPOUND Al Hahdah, Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6991840

KINDERGARTENS ABC SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6988827 AMBASSADORS Tel: 8001249000 APPLE TREE MONTESSORI Tel: +966-12-6824350 BUILDING BLOCKS Tel: +966-12-6611004

BELLEVIEW EXECUTIVE Near Jeddah Preparatory Tel: +966-12-6547666

CREATIVE CHILDHOOD SUMMER SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6077224

ENCHANTED GARDEN Mob: +966-546916812 FASTRACKIDS KINDERGARTEN Tahlia St. Tel: +966-12-6616539 Facebook: Ftkksa FRIENDS ZONE Mob: +966-558887240 JACK N JILL Mob: +966-507369963 JEDDAH PRE-SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6542354 KIDS CAMPUS Mob: +966-596080131 MAMA ET MOI Mob: +966-550569333 MY LITTLE KINGDOM SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6393951 MY LITTLE STEP Tel: +966-12-6831299 SUNFLOWER KIDS DAY CARE Tel: +966-12-6654398 Mob: +966-551321644 SUNSHINE SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6060958

SCHOOLS & INSTITUTES ADVANCED GENERATIONS SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6165596 www.ags.edu.sa CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH Tel: 920001799 Ext:402 CORAL INTERNATIONAL Tel: +966-12-6832002 www.coralschool.net DAR AL FIKR SCHOOL (Boys) Tel: +966-12-6311118 (Girls) Tel: +966-12-6311117 DAR AL HANAN Tel: 920029669 DAR JANA INT’L Tel: +966-12-6648310

FUTURE INSTITUTE Tel: +966-12-6600660 www.future-center.com GLOBAL INT’L Tel: +966-12-6523444 ( KG ) Tel: +966-12-6144101 JEDDAH CAMPUS SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6061101 www.jcs.edu.sa JEDDAH INT’L SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6061253 www.jischool.org JEDDAH KNOWLEDGE Tel: +966-12-6620174 www.jks.edu.sa JEDDAH PREPARATORY & GRAMMAR SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6542354 www.jpgs.org JEDDAH PRIVATE INTL. SCHOOL (JPIS) / MANAGED

BY SABIS® Tel: +966-12-6064309 www.jpis-sabis.net LITTLE CATERPILLARS CLUB Al Rawdah Dist.

Tel: +966-12-6615524 Mob: +966-540997755 MAJESTIC SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6929895 Mob: +966-555622234 MANARAT JEDDAH Tel: +966-12-6783215 MMS EDUCATION Tel: +966-12-6500070 www.mms1.org MY LITTLE HOUSE Tel: +966-12-6652490 www.mylittlehouse-sa.com SAE INSTITUTE Tel: 920020723 www.saejeddah.com THAMER INT’L SCHOOL Tel: +966-12-6977033 www.tis-edu.com THE AMERICAN INT’L Tel: +966-12-6620051 www.aisj.edu.sa

EDUCON STUDY ABROAD Tel: 920001338

THE BRITISH INT’L Tel: +966-12-6990019 www.continentalschool.com

FRENCH LEARNING CENTER Jamjoom Mall 2nd floor, entry 5-6 Tel: +966-12-6612280/84 Mob: +966-52105250

WALL STREET Tel: +966 -12- 2566316 Tel: +966 -12- 6523200 www.wsi-ksa.com

www.DestinationListing.com DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 109

B WELL GYM Tel: +966-12-6066477

CLINICS A.C.T CENTER Tel: +966-12-2615951

BODY ZONE FITNESS Tel: +966-12-6611000

AL HAMRA CLINICS Tel: +966-12-6655588 ALAA BAHRI FOR ARTIFICIAL EYES Tel: +966-12-6927792

CHAMELLE PLAZA GYM Tel: +966-12-6634355 CONCEPT 1010 Tel: +966-12-6165664 CURVES GYM Tel: +966-12-6638806

ANDALUSIA DENTAL Tel: +966-12-2611111

FITNESS FIRST Tel: +966-12-6900881

BEAUTY CLINIC Tel: 920020129

FITNESS TIME Tel: 920003131

DALIA CLINIC Tel: +966-1-2613929 DR. EDREES PODIATRIC Mob: +966-500506507 DR. MUNIR HARASANI CLINICS Tel: 9200-12355 www.harasaniclinics.com DR. EFFAT DAGHOSTANI Tel: +966-12-6601729 DR. NASHWA RADWAN Tel: +966-12-6633737 Mob:+966-560000702

GOLD’S GYM Tel: 8001247778 HILTONIA GYM Tel: +966-12-6590000 OLYMPIA CENTER DR. SOLIMAN FAKEEH Tel: +966-12-6655000 POWER IN GYM Tel: +966-12-6061516 SPORT TECH Tel: +966-12-6071129

LA PERLE DENTAL SPA Tel: 920011663

STAR POWER CLUB Tel: +966-12-6776177

FIRST CLINIC Tel: 920029090

THE LIFT Tel: 8001247775

FIRST SCAN Mob: +966503677081

WORLD GYM Tel: +920001566

IC CENTER Mob:+966-552200922

Z-CLUB Tel: +966-12-6690204

IDEAL CLINICS Kids: Tel: +966-12-6635444 ARENA HEROES MMA & INTERNATIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTER Mob: +966-506673533 Mob: +966-506634004 MAGRABI EYE & EAR Tel: +966-12-6655200 OBAJI CLINICS Tel: +966-12-6614000 ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALTY CLINICS Tel: 920001210 SAUDI AMERICAN Tel: +966-12-6605050

FRIENDS ZONE Tel: +966-12-6224345 Mob: +966-533657700 JUNIOR GYM Tel: +966-12-6911347 Mob: +966-560666108

HOSPITALS AL MASHFA HOSPITAL Tel: +966-12-2292222 DR. ERFAN & BAGEDO Tel: +966-12-6038888

GYM & HEALTH CENTERS ARENA MMA & CROSSFIT Tel: 9200 27362

G COMINN O O S

FITNESS Tel: 9200 27362

DR. GHASSAN PHARAON Tel: +966-12-6823200 DR. SOLIMAN FAKEEH Tel: +966-12-6655000

Be visible and join

110 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

Couture Dressmaker: Ohoud Mosly Fashion designer Ohoud Mosly is now taking orders. @ohoud_mosly Get in touch: Mob: +966-566156116 INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Tel: +966-12-6509000 JEDDAH INSTITUTE FOR SPEECH & HEARING Tel: +966-12-6675311 KING FAISAL SPECIALIST Tel: +966-12-6677777 MAGRABI EYE & EAR HOSPITAL Tel: +966-12-6365000

JEAN LOUIS DAVID Tel: +966-12-6068678/9 LAMASAT Tel: +966-12-6834002 LUCIE SAINT CLAIR Tel: +966-12-2832020 LUCINE SPA & SALON Tel: +966-12-6636777

SALAM MEDICAL SERVICES CO.- HOME HEALTH CARE Tel: 920001153

MAISON DE JOELLE BEAUTY CENTER Tahlia St Mob: +966-566882700 Tel: +966-12-6643979 www.maisondejoelle.com

SAUDI GERMAN Tel: +966-12-6829000

MANA CENTER Tel: +966-12-6066628

SPA & BEAUTY CENTER

MAYARA HOME SPA Tel: +966-12-2345499

7L HOUSE Tel: +966-12-6532812 AL MEGAYENA Tel: +966-12-6655763 ALEXANDRE ZOUARI Tel: +966-12-6656161 BOUTHAINA Tel: +966-12-6631809 CARMEN CENTER Tel: +966-12-6648122 CHAMELLE PLAZA Tel: +966-12-6656807 CLAUDE MAXIME MONDIAL Tel: +966-12-6637450 DR. EDREES FOOT SPA Mob: +966-500506507 E SPA Tel: +966-12-2632093 HENNA BEAUTY LOUNGE Tel: +966-12-6587091 Mob: +966-550352226 JAMALOUKI Tel: +966-12-6651888

MERMAID Tel: +966-12-6616644 NAIL ART Tel: +966-12-6675511 NAIL CARE Mob: +966-544426264 NAWARA SALON Tel: +966-12-6610606 ORIANA Tel: +966-12-6220773 Tel: 920002132 PLANET BEACH Tel: 8001247776 RIMA CENTER Tel: +966-12-6915423 SOLEIL D’OR SPA Tel: +966-12-2842233 SPA LOUNGE Tel: +966-12-2630904 TONI & GUY Tel: +966-12-2616230 VIVA LA VIE Tel: +966-12-6929163

BOUTIQUES

CUSTOM THOBES

NADA AYOUB Mob: +966-505582627

GARDENIA ERFAN HOSPITAL Tel: +966 12 6038888

NIYAAH Mob: +966-500545455

JANNATI Tel: +966-12-6984852

RANIA KHOGEER Mob: +966-555532571

N CUBES Mob: +966-551406813 NADO Tel: +966-12-6915335

7 CAMICIE Tel: +966-12-2343546

LOMAR Tel: 920000554

AMK BOUTIQUE Mob: +966-530262831

MIHYAR Tel: +966-12-2615196

ARWA BOUTIQUE Mob: +966-505602685

SAB THOBE Tel: +966-12-6100009

BABY FITYANI Tel: +966-12-6673971

SINDI Tel: +966-12-6678587

RANA ISMAIL-LIBRA BOUTIQUE Tel: +966-12-6116335 Mob: +966-540884744

DADU Tel: +966-12-6633699

TOBY Mob: +966-504696639

RAWAN AZHAR Mob: +966-567800139

DIVINE DARLINGS Mob: +966-554634444

FASHION DESIGNERS

REDA OMDAH Mob: +966-568056056

DUNIA BOUTIQUE Tel: +966-12-6830133

AFAF BAFLAH Mob: +966-505325251

ROTANA ALHASHIMI Mob: +966-554598449

G-STAR RAW Tel: 800 0200454

ALAA & HALA Tel: +966-12-6130007

SAHAR SERAFI Mob: +966-505622515

JASMINE BOX Tel: +966-12-6685533

AMAL ENGAWI SALMA RUDWAN Mob: +966-504627012 Mob: +966-503613314

LIFE Tel: +966-12-2844266

ARWA MAGHRABI Mob: +966-500062525

SAMAH KHASHOGGI Mob: +966-505311588

MAYASS Tel: +966-12-6649188

BASMA ABULJADAYEL Mob: +966-506634000

SHAZA KHAYALI Mob: +966-500909321

MAYSA Mob: +966-504630920

CAROL KEYROUZ Mob: +966-562633332

SUE ABAYA Mob: +966-541151595

MY LITTLE CLOSET Mob: +966-562900025

DIALA KABBARA Mob: +966-508704799

THANAA ADDAS Mob: +966-504664288

NAWAL AL-MAIMANI Tel: +966-12-6606502

EMAN JOHARJY Mob: +966-535687773

TURKI JADALLAH Mob: +966-506677800

NOUKIES Tel: +966-12-2754210

FATIMA ABED Mob: +966-554369993

WED BOGARY Mob: +966-504634001

ONDAS Tel: +966-12-2754217

GARDENIA HAFEZ Mob: +966-567444274

WID ZAHID Mob: +966-503349519

PARIS & OLIVER Tel: +966-12-2754213

HALA CHANDAB ID ABAYA Mob: +966-564389049

YASMINA NAJI-SHOES DESIGNER Mob: +966-540004777

PIMPURSHIRT Tel: +966-12-6981962 PINK OR BLUE Tel: +966-12-6634452 SOTRA Tel: +966-12-6915082 THE WEDDING SHOP Mob: +966-504630920 THE SHOP Mob: +966-556650009 THE STORE Tel: +966-12-6106013 ZAD SHOP Tel: +966-12-2155513 Mob: +966-531116885

HANAA SAMMAN Mob: +966-505350958 HAYA ALHUSSAINI Mob: +966-504659093 HEBA AL QURASHI Mob: +966-541713781 MAHA GHALAYENI Mob: +966-506661634 MANAR AL RAWI Mob: +966-569169923 MERIAM ARAB Mob: +966-503333128 MONA ABULFARAJ Mob: +966-505652018

FLORISTS AZHAR RIMA Tel: +966-12-2564001 ESHRAK Tel: +966-12-6643035 FLORINA Tel: +966-12-6670719 GARDENIA AL HAMRA Tel: +966-12-6609220 GARDENIA SULTAN STREET Tel: +966 12 6067646 Tel: +966 12 6929154

NARGIS FLOWERS EST. Tel: +966-12-6673008 PETALS Tel: +966-12-6642519 RABYA Tel: +966-12-6602856 SENDIAN FLOWERS Tel: +966-12-6835679 SPRING FLOWER Tel: +966-12-6519684 SULTAN GARDEN CENTER Tel: +966-12-6686666

FURNITURE AL GHALIA INTERIORS Tel: 8111002102 info@alghalia-ides.com AL ALAMEYA Tel: +966-12-6915188 AL SABBAN Tel: +966-12-6919900 AMERICAN GALLERY Tel: +966-12-6676031 BATAL DESIGN Tel: 920000374 BIN SHAYHOON Tel: +966-12-6471468 BO CONCEPT Tel: +966-12-6141418 DIMOS Tel: +966-12-2830302 DOMVS Tel: +966-12-6611447 ESTIKBAL Tel: +966-12-6603611 GOLDENLINES LIFTS Tel: 920017779 H.Q INTERIORS Tel: +966-12-6395665 www.hq-interiors.com IKEA Tel: +966-12-6633000

GARDENIA IMC HOSPITAL Tel: +966 12 6509000

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HOTELS AB FOR ELAF HOTEL CO (5-star) Tel: +966-12-2150525 AL BADER HOTEL (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6310000 AL BILAD HOTEL (4-star) Tel: +966-12-694 4777 AL HAMRA SOFITEL HOTEL (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6602000 BAY LA SUN www.baylasunhotel.com CAIRO HOTEL (3-star) Tel: +966-12-6483870 CROM AIRPORT HOTEL (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6852222 CROWNE PLAZA (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6611000 HOLIDAY INN (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6314000 INTERCONTINENTAL (5-star) Tel: +966-12-2295555 JEDDAH HILTON (5-star) Tel: +966-12- 6590000 JEDDAH MARRIOTT HOTEL (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6714000 LE MERIDIEN (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6633333 MOVENPICK (4-star) Tel: +966-12-6676655 PARK HYATT JEDDAH (5-star) Tel: +966-12-2639666 QASR AL SHARQ (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6599999

ROSEWOOD JEDDAH (5-star) Tel: +966-12-2607111 SAND DUNES HOTEL WESTIN (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6588200

TRAVEL AGENCIES ACE TRAVEL Tel: +966-12-6056002 www.ace-travel.com AL TAYYAR GROUP Hotline: 920012333 www.altayyargroup.com AL ZOUMAN TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-12-6512525 www.alzouman.com.sa ALIREZA TRAVEL & TOURS Tel: + 966-12-6481360 www.Alirezatravel.com ATTAR TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-12-6611222 www.attar-travel.com DNATA TRAVEL Hotline: 920000000 info@dnata.com.sa ELAF TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-12-6646559 www.elaf group.com FERNAS TRAVEL Tel: +966-12-6677472 www.fernastravel.com VINTERCONTINENTAL Tel: +966 -12- 6677988 www.itc-Icc.com ITL WORLD Tel: +966 -12- 6147222 Tel: 8001180222 MIRAG TRAVEL Tel: +966-12-6634488 NILE TRAVEL AGENCY Tel: +966-12-6645999

Park Hyatt Marina, Club and Spa The spa is 2.5 acre complex divided into the Evania ladies’ spa and Seba gentlemen’s sports and Wellness Center.

TOUR OPERATORS AL AHLAM MARINE TOURISM GROUP (DREAM DIVERS) Tel: +966-12-6691334 www.dreamdiver.net AL SAMAKLKY FOUNDATION Tel: +966-12-6640662 www.samallaghi.com AL SHITAIWI TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-12-6794022 www.alshitaiwitours.com

NESMA TRAVEL Tel: +966-12-2833102

ARABIAN CAMP Mob: +966-505664137 www.arabiancamp.com

RADISSON SAS (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6521234

PORTFOLIO TRAVEL LTD. Tel: +966-12-6604500

EXPLORER TOURS Tel: +966-12-6040985 www.jawlahtours.com

RAMADA (5-star) Tel: +966-12-6670777

ZAHID GROUP Tel: +966-12-6525670

HAJEEJ FOR DOMESTIC TOURISIM Tel: +966-12-6675669 www.explorer.com.sa

ING COMO SO N

112 DESTINATION JEDDAH MAY 2015

JAWLAH TOURS Tel: 920014044 www.hajeej.biz PLATIN LUXURY TRAVEL SERVICES Tel: +966-12-6575266 www.platin.com.sa NOMADE ARABIA Tel: +966-12-6550072 www.nomadarabia.sa SADD AL SAMALLAGHI EST. FOR SERVICES & DOMESTIC TOURS Tel: +966-12-6685054 www.samallaghi.com THE CULTURE TRIP info@theculturetrip.com www.theculturetrip.com

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