Saudi Arabia

SAUDI REPORTERS Reporting Live from KSA

Jeddah’s Top Burger Joints

FOOD FOR SCHOOL DIVING IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE A Trip to the Edge of the World ISSUE 79 AUGUST 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

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

WELCOME BACK, JEDDAWIS!

Editors Sahrish Ali Sohila El Saadany Contributing Writers Ahmad Mesawa Ahmed Gassas Amal Al Toaimi Farah Idrees Massa Bitar Maya Daaboul Mohammed Harasani Mohammed Mirza Reina Tejano Sobia Javed Tharik Hussain Zareen Muzaffar Art Director Reem Al Assal Studio Manager Mohamed Fawzy Graphic Designers Mohammed Rashad Dina Al Amoudi Jalila Alharith Photographers Mohamed Fawzy / Reem Al Assal / Reem Al Rifaie

August is proving to be the month when everyone is getting back into the grind. The school year begins, vacationers are flying back in and some people are still recovering from their post-Eid celebrations.

So for this month, we decided to ease you in with an edition that is lighthearted yet equally inspiring and relevant. This edition is carefully curated and designed to give you hopeful vibes sprinkled with optimism.

Actions speak louder than words and this is most true when it comes to creating change that impacts the future generation of Jeddah. Such saying is personified by the women we have been privileged to feature this month, Fatin Bundagji and Sahar Banaja, whose efforts are shaping the young minds in the city.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got a burgers roundup and restaurant reviews tucked inside our dining section. There’s no such thing as a dull city moment if you make Destination your monthly habit.

And so, dear readers, may you enjoy your trip through our pages and may you live them out with utmost enthusiasm.

Enas Hashani Editor-in-Chief

Online Editor Mohammed Mirza Social Media Hurreia Balouch Web Admin/Associate Editor Swalah Eshki Interns Nadeen Hussain / Sumaiyya Naseem Hadeel Abdulhameed Cover by Rayan Nawawi 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.)

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

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

PUBLISHER Destination Magazine UK, Coventry, CV14DH N5719

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 1

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Fatin Bundagji: Creating Empowered Communities p. 26

Buy Me From Danube, Virgin Megastore and Manuel for Only SR 10

A hopeful and inspiring outlook on the future!

Go on a trip to the Arctic Circle with the Saudi team, Domino.

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16

Business • Madarisna App • Rawai Al Maktabat • Fatin Bundagji: Creating Empowered Communities

26

Special Features

68

• Braving the Arctic Circle • An Insight to Education

70

Healthy Living • Understand Your Child • Better Academic Performance • Fitness for the Familia • From Distress to De-Stress

82

Spirituality • Real Girl Power • Education and Knowledge in Islam • Empathy Can Transform Your Life

38

Arts & Entertainment

• Saudi Reporters 88 • Dr. Abdulrab Idrees: Travel Trends The Passionate Musician • Travel News: • Friends of Jeddah - Hyatt Regency Parks Makkah Opens • Summer Fun - Four Seasons 52 Launches New App Style & Shopping • Suppressed • Home Remedies for Swiss-Lam Glowing Skin

DESTINATIONJED

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60

Dining Around Town

DESTINATIONKSA

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DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

• Dining Scoop - Sufrat Afia • Tasty Reviews • Le Cordon Bleu in Paris • Jeddah’s Burger Joints

Explore KSA • An Adventure on the Edge • Historic Saudi: Khamis Bin Rimthan

COMMUNITY

Public Speaking for Ladies!

Jeddah Elite Ladies Club takes pride in being the first ever women only toastmasters club in Jeddah. Jeddah Elite Ladies Toastmasters Club empowers women by providing a supportive and positive learning experience to members to develop their communication and leadership skills. Senior Toastmasters are always willing to help newbies in reducing their nervousness and boosting confidence levels and communication skills.

Email: jeddah.elite.ladies@gmail.com JeddahEliteLadiesTM eliteladies_

8

DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Saudi Website Provides Guide to Schools We found a couple of Saudi websites that aim to help parents by providing a searchable database of K-12 schools in Saudi Arabia. The websites design is simple and easy to understand, and they made it easier by having

detailed information, in separate tabs, for every school as well as the ability to review the various institutes. Kurrasa. com is geared more towards English speakers while p is for Arabic oriented speakers.

Thumbs up to

Ministry of Interior Rolls Out Updated Website Rejoice, all those with official business! The Ministry of Interior have recently updated their website to a cleaner, much more easier design, which allows for easier navigation when accessing your information and applying for appointments and the like. Thumbs up for the change, as it’ll be making our lives (and the lives of all the people in HR) easier.

Saudi Team Wins Six Medals at Gulf Mathematics Olympiad More genius abounds from the country! According to Mawhiba, the Saudi team won six medals in the 4th Gulf Mathematics Olympiad held in Kuwait, achieving the first six places and winning two gold and four silver medals. The six participants achieved all of the first six places out of 36 students from other Gulf countries and 18 medals, two gold, ten silver and six bronze. The winning

students are: Al Zubair Mohamed Habibullah, gold medal, Shadin Naif Al Shammari, gold medal, Omar Tawfiq Al Rabia’a, silver medal, Majid Al Marhomi, silver medal, Renad Yahya Abu Al Jamal, silver medal, Hamza Tariq Shafi, silver medal.

Behinsd the scene

A N N UA L Y COMPAN IFTAR

F U N P H O TO S H O OTS TAST BURGIENRGS !

CHECK OUT INSTAGRAM FOR MORE! @DESTINATIONJED DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 9

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS 1. Revisiting Hijazi Culture in Ramadan The second annual Ramadan festival, Ramadanana Kida, took place throughout Ramadan at the Historic Al Balad district. Thousands flocked to the venue each night to participate in cultural, heritage and social activities and other attractions.

The festival provided the opportunity for visitors to experience the Hijazi heritage and appreciate how people once lived.

10 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

1.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 11

2. String of Lights Bring Us Together

Featuring the voice of Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi, Pepsi and Lay’s exclusive Ramadan video has gone viral with more than 18 million views, shares and comments. Other celeberties featured include Jamal Bajandouh and Haitham Zaki. The aim of the collaboration was to recreate the joy that used to light up the region 3. of Ramadan. and unite people during the Holy month

3. The Dove Salon

3.

Dove launched their latest campaign “salon-like care for radiant skin” on July 11 – 17 at Mall of Arabia. The Dove Salon provided free skin consultation and as well providing a virtual reality experience to learn about skin care.

4. N Cubes for Flowers New Store

2.

N Cubes have recently relocated to their new branch in Prince Sultan Street opposite Aya Mall.

Visit soon for the most beautiful arrangements in town.

4.

5. APSCO Kicks off Campaign Across Social Networking Sites

The Arabian Petroleum Supply Company launched a campaign through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to encourage teenagers to interact amongst each other. The campaign started on July 17 and lasted five days.

At the end of the campaign winners were selected at random to win a trip to London to watch the 2015 Super Cup between Al Hilal and Al Nasr.

5.

12 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

1

4

AUG.

AUG.

AUG. 4 – 6

SOCIAL MEDIA CERTIFIED MANAGER COURSE JULY 17 – SEPT. 17

BELLUCCI ITALIAN CIRCUS

50 global exhibitors in 100 minutes for the 36th Jeddah festival.

Web: belluccicircus.com

15

A social media boot camp with Emad Ashram.

Location: WSI Stream Tel: +966-12-2637151 Email: info@wsi-sa.com Web: wsistream.com

AUG.

JUNE 30 – AUG. 15

ATHR X DESIGN

Athr puts on its annual design show. Collaborations include House of Today and Artfactum in Beirut, A-Guph from Riyadh and LeiVanKash Jewellery from London.

Location: Athr Gallery Tel: +966-12-2845009 Web: athrart.com

JUNE 30 – AUG. 15

AND WE ADORNED THE NEAREST HEAVEN WITH LAMPS

Nasser Al Salem presents an installation that realizes the experience of the meaning behind a verse from the Holy Qur'an.

Location: Athr Gallery Tel: +966-12-2845009 Web: athrart.com

26 1 AUG.

VISIT

destinationjeddah.com for more events and happenings around town.

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

SEPT.

SEPT. 1 – 4 AUG. 26 – 30

SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT COURSE

Six Sigma course offered by the Asian Institute of Quality Management.

Fee: SR 3,000 Mob: +966-561236836 Email: riyaz@aiqmindia.com

JEDDAH RESTATEX EXHIBITION

Jeddah real estate and urban development exhibition.

Location: Jeddah Center for Forums and Events Tel: +966-11-2171788 Email: info@restatex.com Web: restatexjeddah.com NEXT MONTH

14 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

BUSINESS

Pick the Right School

Get there or get in touch Rating and comments

WITH

MADARISNA

Finding the perfect school for our children will never be the same again with Madarisna App. Collecting all the information that parents need during their school search will no longer be a problem.

Parents can now make better informed decisions regarding where to enroll their children with this easy and user-friendly mobile application.

Madarisna is a school locator platform developed by Emkan Education. It is available for download on the App store and Google Play store.

Not only does it offer the location and contact information of different schools across the Kingdom, but also other details such as: • Extracurricular activities • Facilities • Tuition • Curriculums and more, enabling parents to get all the tools necessary to make the right decision.

Missing School in the App? While parents can find valuable information about school services on Madarisna, they can also rate schools according to five criteria including administration, extracurricular activities and building facilities.

They can post reviews about schools and view other parents comments as well.

Upon finding a suitable school, parents can add it to their list of favorites, check the links to other social media applications like Instagram and Twitter, or even share the school page with other parents they know.

16 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015 ADVERTORIAL

Users also have the option to add a school’s name in case it is not present on the app itself.

The application support team will then locate the school and get in touch with it to collect all the needed information and present it on the app.

Madarisna currently has 500 schools and the database is expanding. The search can be conducted using several filters including grade, curriculum or tuition.

Let Madarisna help you on your quest to provide your child with the best education.

Web: madarisna.emkaneducation.com madarisnaApp

BUSINESS

Creative Minds Don’t Think Alike At the recent Celebration Of Achievement, the entire school community – students, parents, teachers and administration came together to take part in the event.

KINDERGARTED GRADUATION

The youngest of our graduates acquitted themselves very well during their individual class presentations and the graduation march. AGS main campus looks forward to welcoming them, knowing their foundations in reading, numeracy and knowledge of the world is well established.

GRADE 3 BOYS TRANSITIONING

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS

PRIMARY GRADUATION

Cultivating Academic Excellence with an Islamic Ethos

The Grade 3 boys looked resplendent in their thobes and sashes as they walked the processionary march and celebrated their upcoming move to the Boys Section of the school.

The Girls Section celebrated the move from Primary Education into Secondary Education with song and poetry presentations on the morning of Thursday, May 28,2015. During the evening, the boys entertained their fathers with educational presentations including the display of the robot designed for the regional Robotics Competition, in which AGS took first place.

2020 will witness our first Grade 12 High School graduates. However, the Board unveiled plans of a state of the art, new boys campus using a visual presentation. It will be ready for the 2016/17 academic year.

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 AUGUST 2015 ADVERTORIAL

BUSINESS

FINANCIAL PLANNING WITH REEM ASAAD YOUR FINANCE STORY Share it with the world.

“Undeterred” is a book authored by Rania Habiby Anderson, founder of thewaywomenwork.com and a leading expert on the professional advancement of businesswomen in growth economies.

In Nasi7atreem.org I get a lot of questions on how to start up a project/company.

Often times the questions relate to regulatory, cultural or financial challenges.

In startup incubators, entrepreneurs are guided and trained on how to overcome those challenges.

However, when we read stories shared by successful entrepreneurs with similar experiences within the same region(s) the inspiration we feel is paramount. It helps us through our down moments and keeps us going.

It offers a structured approach for overcoming obstacles via storytelling.

This is how it works: a collection of real life stories and anecdotes recounted by successful (yet ordinary women) from various countries in different settings and circumstances.

In Saudi Arabia, there are tons of success stories with great entrepreneurial lessons.

Sadly, they mostly go undocumented and the new generation misses out on the opportunity to bypass many hurdles had these stories been told.

20 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

According to Entrepreneur magazine, every once in a while, you read a book that changes you – inspiring your career, clarifying your goals, challenging your thinking. The right book can give you the courage to start your business, the reality check that you're not yet ready or the quiet affirmation that you're not alone in your fears or ambitions. It can set you on your path to success.

As I write this article, I am juggling a full-time job, family duties and my first start up on financial awareness.

As I go, I note down the lessons and stories I learned along the way and I plan to share this with as many entrepreneurs as I can.

The Author: Reem Asaad is an inspirational Saudi woman. She is a wife, mother, writer and financial adviser.

Asaad was ranked the third most powerful Arab Woman in 2012 by Arabian Business Magazine.

Email: Nasi7atreem@gmail.com Nasi7atreem

Augmented Reality enabled here BUSINESS

RAWAI AL MAKTABAT

A Haven for Rawai Al Maktabat was founded on family Stationery Lovers values to create a haven of creativity for all ages.

What the owners expect and accept for their family members is what they believe they should provide to the

Hover on the page FOR A TOUR

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22 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

customers. A key factor that contributes to their growth is that they learn everyday from their customers.

Founded by Mohammed Radwan and Sahar Banaja, Rawai Al Maktabat was first established in 1986 in the old downtown of Jeddah in a small store of approximately 24 square meters. Four years later, it moved to a bigger area of 900 square meters and expanded its stationery products. In 1996, a new store was built. It wasn’t just a small stationery store anymore; it had more to offer with the newly implemented children activities. For up to 10 years, it has had wonderful success.

STAFF PHOTO/ REEM AL ASSAL

By Sahrish Ali

As you walk in the great big purple and glass building, you find a small eateries stall on your left and from there you walk on. A large chandelier made of reused bottles hangs from the ceiling. The ground floor houses furniture and other home supplies that are very unique. There’s a massive stationery store as you walk up the first floor. Walk up another floor and there you’ll be greeted by an immense activity area and food court.

The activity rooms are supervised and children are helped in whatever they wish to do. Annexed to the main building is the waterpark.

When the weather is favorable, you’ll see many families and children out in the water park.

Today, there are branches in Riyadh, Khobar and Jeddah; each of which is approximately 7,000 square meters.

The main branch, located in Jeddah, houses a water park that is 8,000 square meters in area.

The founders were compelled to start the children’s activity center because, back in the day, they could not take their three children out to places other than hamburger shops.

Three different programs for children are offered at Rawai Al Maktabat; namely physical activities, learning programs and a water park.

Children love exploring and Rawai Al Maktabat gives them the perfect environment to do so. At Rawai Al Maktabat, the children are allowed to cook, play in sand and in party rooms, and enjoy shooting galleries, swim and much more. Additionally, plans are being put into place for further activities and expansions.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 23

If they could go five years back in time or even start over, the owners still wouldn’t do things any differently because they have learned so much from their experience and are satisfied with all the turnarounds. They just keep looking forward and moving on.

The owners are able to maintain a balance between business and their family needs since the whole family is involved in the management and day to day operation.

At Rawai Al Maktabat, they believe that human motivation is accomplished by maintaining a fair and balanced relationship between the managers and the staff; respect, trust and fairness are the main elements on which the company is run. For the owners, the fact that they love and enjoy their work is how they stay inspired, and since they stay close to the workplace, their costumers also play a major role in that.

The Carpenter Shop, where children craft their own wooden objects.

Recycled water bottles to use as containers for decoration sand.

Location: Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-12-6612126 stationery_fantasies

The Dressing Room Boutique

24 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

BUSINESS

FATIN BUNDAGJI Creating Empowered Communities

By Sahrish Ali

“Good leaders coach their people. They delegate responsibility through guidance; they show respect; they listen; they acknowledge ideas; and they guide through difficult times. This is what I call genuine empowerment: it is hard work but it also has great reward.”

Throughout her career, Fatin Bundagji has used these principles as she worked side by side with employees, bosses, peers, youths and community organizers.

Fatin Bundagji is a strong advocate of empowerment.

She believes that genuine change and reform cannot occur without support of the people who will be affected by that change.

26 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

As the first Saudi Woman to be employed by a Chamber of Commerce Kingdom wide, Bundagji worked hard to guarantee the presence of women as she headed the Women’s Training Center at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce upon her appointment in 1999.

During her eight-year tenure, she founded and managed six female departments that served over nine thousand women. In 2009 she was appointed by the government as a board director.

In this new capacity she took on the initiative of heading the CSR strategic council and through her consultancy firm TLC, she sponsored

STAFF PHOTO / MOHAMMED FAWZY

Empowering Women Businesses

Jeddah Chamber of Commerce Board Director

the formulation of the CSR strategy for the Chamber. She also headed the International Relations Committee.

COURTESY PHOTO

Empowering Communities

Ever since the Municipal Council Elections in 2005 she has been advocating for women’s empowerment in local politics through a civil initiative she co-founded with Saudi women across 13 cities called Balady. In 2007 she founded Muwatana which called for the citizens’ rights to live in a clean

and well-managed city. During the Jeddah floods of 2009, Muwatana through its 2,000 youth volunteers was a key player in the relief and rescue efforts and was officially appointed to cater to the needs of the communities falling under the jurisdiction of Al Bir Charitable Society. This was the first time that an official charitable organization handed

King Abdullah Saudi Civil Society to India 2007

over its responsibilities to an informal society initiative.

Taking Action

In 2014 Bundagji nominated herself as a candidate for a seat as a board director in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.

She and seven other women ran against 48 men. The election race was for six seats

Elections

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 27

for businesses and six seats for industrialists. She ran a 6-month election campaign headed by a strong team of young leaders and volunteers.

Bundagji uses this experience to encourage women to run for the upcoming Municipal Elections in 2016.

The Driving Force for Empowerment “People often ask me how I do things; do you plan in advance?

What motivates you? I almost never plan, and what motivates me is my desire to be the best I can be, and to see my city in its best as well. I tend to focus on issues that have community development and people empowerment at their core.”

Eisenhower Fellowship Award Colin Powel 2007

A case in point is the 2007 Save Corniche Jeddah project, which was a chance happening triggered by her daily walks on the Corniche - which were not so enjoyable due to broken down pavements that were blocked by advertisement billboards and small vendor cabins.

“You see, there was no place for me, a pedestrian, to walk safely without having to step onto the traffic zooming by. I realized

28 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

TLC Researchers

that I was at risk of personal harm and that something had to be done.” All Bundagji did back then was take pictures of the neglected areas within her walk path. She posted them on Facebook, and lobbied with

Balady Initiative members on Municipal Elections Day 2009

the FB community to ask the municipality to fix things (back in 2007 this was not heard of!). She also engaged the help of youth groups as field researchers for documentation.

BUSINESS

By Sohila El Saadany

How long have you been in Saudi Arabia?

We sat with British Consul General, Mohammad Shokat to learn more about his experience in Jeddah and all the recent news in store for the two Kingdoms.

30 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Over three and a half years and I love it. Being in Jeddah and being the Consul General is an honor, because the relationship between both Kingdoms is so strong. Being a Muslim and being so close to Makkah and Madinah is definitely a plus.

What do you enjoy most about Jeddah?

Getting to pass by the Corniche every day is a blessing. The sea is what makes Jeddah what it is.

STAFF PHOTO/ DINA AL AMOUDI

A ONE-ONONE WITH MOHAMMAD SHOKAT, THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL

of other things. It is a real honor for the British company, Fosters, that has been chosen to do the architectural design of it all. It will have a huge role in how the city will look like in a few years.

The UK is one of the most targeted destinations for Saudi students to pursue their education. How do you evaluate this joint educational effort?

Whether you are visiting restaurants, shopping malls or just out by the Corniche, Jeddah is alive. That adds character to the city.

Saudi is one of UK’s largest trading partners.

What are some recent trading and business collaborations between both nations?

Something that will change the face of Jeddah over the next few years is the Public Transportation Project or the Jeddah Metro Project as it is called. There will be buses and a metro and a whole lot

We have over 15,000 students studying in the UK. Every year there is an international exhibition for the universities of the UK and they are always keen to be part of it.

University College London, for example, has signed a partnership with Umm Al Qura University in Makkah to work on medical studies.

It’s also about vocational training; KSA is investing a lot of money in ensuring that people come to the market with the right labor skills.

In the south of Jeddah, there’s a NESCOT that’s running a center of excellence to provide Saudi women with vocational training so that they can be

ready to venture into the employment market with the right skills. There’s also another center called TQ Pearson providing the same training to Saudi men.

The healthcare sector is the largest and most costly in KSA. It is also paramount in the UK considering that the National Health Sector employs more than 1.7 million people. Are there any plans for collective projects between both Kingdoms in regards to this sector?

We have a joint ministerial committee on health care and it’s a way for us to look at how we can work together to progress the efforts of Saudi, who is spending a lot into improving and developing its health sector.

Our public and private sectors in the health care fields are all working together, whether it is about education or transfer of information and technology. We are trying to provide our expertise to help Saudis develop their plans.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 31

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

Augmented Reality enabled here

Hussam Shukri

Saudi team, Domino, made up of Hussam Shukri and Mariam Ferdous is the first from the Kingdom to conquer the Arctic Circle.

32 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

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PHOTO / REEM ALRIFAIE

BRAVING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

Mariam Ferdous

COURTESY PHOTO

By Sohila El Saadany

The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that passes through parts of America, Greenland, Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Shukri and Ferdous took it upon themselves to embark on this one of a kind journey and make Saudi history.

Shukri originally works at the Human Resources

Development Fund as an employment guidance lecturer; he got his diver’s license from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), while Ferdous is a pediatrician who took up the hobby of diving as a way to relieve the stress of studying. She explains, “The life you see underwater is very relaxing, there is so much beauty underneath. However, there are still rules that you

have to follow, because the smallest mistake can cost you your life. This is very similar to the medical world since a doctor’s error can be fatal.”

The team had initially planned on diving in the North Pole, but strict regulations and licenses they hadn’t issued, made them take a rain check on that and instead dive in Karelia in Russia, part of the DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 33

Arctic Circle, as a preparatory step. Even though their families supported their task, they were still met with some rejection from other people.

Ferdous elaborates, “Like every new experience, this one was not fully embraced by some people especially on social media.�

It goes without saying that their journey was a tough one.

Some of the hardships they faced included being rejected for the Russian visa three times, flight delays, and of course the severe weather conditions.

Their training center, Vicaar, is the only one qualified to train divers of the North Pole

34 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Signature move of the team.

Shukri elaborates, “Ice diving is hard but fun because of the challenge it represents. It reflects human perseverance and determination.” By taking on this endeavor and succeeding he says, “This is our gift to the young people of the Kingdom.

Through our journey, we have proven that we are all capable of overcoming obstacles and reaching our goals no matter what. We have proven to the world that we are capable of setting goals and reaching them.” and oversee such trips. Their training program was strenuous mainly because of the freezing water that engulfed them in the special diving suits they weren’t used to yet. This caused Shukri to fall ill and take a break until he got better.

The team is all set to take on their next challenge of diving in the North Pole. They have prepared marketing plans for companies that would be willing to sponsor them and help them become the world’s first duo to dive into

the North Pole. Their future adventure will definitely make their country proud.

Web: dominodivers.com

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 35

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

EDUCATION INSIGHT These educational specialists have taken it upon themselves to ensure the best quality education in town and have answered a few pressing questions for us.

Berlitz

Lutfa Wyngaard Central Manager of Instruction Web: berlitz.sa

Language institutes are important complements to available schools and universities. Each follows its own method and has various levels to accommodate all types of students it receives.

By Sohila El Saadany

Our holistic approach focuses on three major aspect of any successful person: The Mind, The Heart and the The Body.

We try to nourish the mind to develop the wisdom that future leaders need by providing them with world-renowned curricula, highly skilled and trained teachers and technology.

We try to nourish the heart to harvest the power of love and passion…

Lastly we focus on the body to nourish health both physically and psychologically with a wide array of sports and games.

We believe that this approach will generate leaders who can be successful.

— Ahmad Aljazaeri

36 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Waad Academy

Ahmad Aljazaeri Chief Executive Officer Web: waadacademy.edu.sa

Education methods are changing with time. Each student generation is different due to new educational processes and technological advances. Waad Academy is establishing its holistic approach to ascertain that its students are well rounded.

When prospective students arrive at Berlitz, they meet with an experienced student advisor, who first gets to know their needs, does a verbal placement test and then, places the person in her/his correct level.

Students are placed in levels of comprehension and speaking, rather than age groups. We have small groups and courses that can be tailored to the needs of the students...

— Lutfa Wyngaard

Effat University

We aim at enriching our students not only academically but also personally, socially, and professionally so they graduate as leaders who shape a better future for the world. Hence, we created Effat Ambassadors Program, which is a very unique co-curricular program that equips the students with the skills that are necessary for their intellectual, social, moral, physical and professional development through a wide variety of workshops, seminars and activities.

Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail President of Effat University Web: effatuniversity.edu.sa

Universities prepare students for the work force by providing the right education and skills, but how can universities prepare their students to be beneficial to society?

— Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail

UBT’s slogan is ‘education for job opportunities’ therefore, there is a huge emphasis on the necessary technical skill sets required by the Saudi job market. However, the challenges awaiting graduate students are overwhelming and require us to prepare them affectively beyond the technical skills. We need to equally prepare them psychologically and emotionally to face the outstanding challenges and opportunities that wait them upon their graduation.

University of Business and Technology (UBT)

Ahmed Abdulrahman MBA, Lecturer Web: ubt.edu.sa

Preparing students to start their careers is not an easy task.

It does not solely depend on textbook or practical knowledge, it needs patience and guidance from the professors themselves.

— Ahmed Abdulrahman DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 37

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

Augmented Reality enabled here

SAUDI REPORTERS Our chat with the up and coming comedians in town.

By Nadine Hussain

Hover on the page

FOR COMEDY

DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT

38 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

STAFF PHOTO/MOHAMED FAWZY

Our names are Abdulaziz and Abdullah.

We are twin brothers who love making people laugh through our videos.

How did Saudi Reporters start?

How do you decide your content?

Our earliest videos were made using small Nokia phones.

Our family and friends encouraged us to share our funny videos online because they believed we were good at making people laugh. And so began our journey as the Saudi Reporters.

We observe the happenings and trends in the community and we try to focus our content on the things our fans are interested in.

What kind of feedback did you get?

We were the first Saudi guys who made YouTube videos.

People did not accept our YouTube channel right away.

But with time we received support from all over the Arab nation. We recently crossed 7 million views so things are looking good!

Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?

We’ve been working on videos and we’re also working on collaborations with international brands that will be revealed soon on our channel. We decided that this summer we will upload a video every week, but it is challenging because together we are only three people who do all the work.

What advice do you have for the youth who are interested in entertainment industry?

Look to your family for advice and support because they know you best. Be yourself, do what you love and follow your dreams.

What are some challenges that you faced while working on The Saudi Reporters?

Our main challenge is time management because we’re both students, and our sister Khulood has a full time job.

We decided to do a video every week this summer, but it’s difficult to get together sometimes. The other challenge we face is doing all the work ourselves because we’re not operated or sponsored by any production companies.

Is there a particular reason you choose to be humorous?

We believe one can raise awareness about issues through humor. One of our latest episodes was about students cheating on exams, for example.

What are some important lessons that you have learned along the way?

To never give up, and to not let other people’s opinions become your reality. Be yourself and do the right thing.

Email: thesaudireporters@gmail.com thesaudireporters zozobakrtv boodyzozo thesaudireporters

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 39

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

Augmented Reality enabled here

DR. ABDULRAB IDREES T H E PA S S I O N AT E M U S I C I A N A one-on-one with the musician people have always loved, Dr. Abdulrab Idrees.

By Farah Idrees

Hover on the pageH TO WATC HIM PLAY

DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT

40 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Dr. Abdulrab Idrees is a music mogul and a man I am proud to call my grandfather. Idrees’s passion reflects in his music, which is why people are gravitated towards his art and persona.

In addition to his passion, hard work and dedication, he leads a humble, balanced life.

Growing up, Idrees struggled with his personal and social lives, but his struggles did not define him nor allow him to quit. He was set on making sure he fulfilled his passion, in order for him to feel happy and whole.

hours a day. It’s fair to say that music consumed me. I enjoyed every second of every strum.

I never thought of reaching the level of success that I have reached. Honestly, when I started out, I only hoped and dreamed of reaching 20 percent of my musical potential just to satisfy my musical yearning and desire to sing. Suddenly, I found myself with the evolvements of life, motivated to continue

my journey in studying music.

I joined a program for three years before applying for my bachelor’s degree in Egypt, to simply be introduced to the world of music and be prepared for what is to come.

After my bachelor’s degree, I took a break from school and taught at The Higher Institute of Music in Kuwait for 4 - 5 years. Later, I returned to Egypt to receive my master’s degree and PHD.

Tell us how your musical career began.

My passion for music started when I was approximately 7 – 8 years old. When we had events in school, I was usually called to sing. I believe that was the age in which I realized how much I truly love singing.

Later, at around 14 – 15 years old, I found myself eager to start learning an instrument.

The problem was, I did not own an instrument and I did not have enough money to afford one. People in my community knew that I could sing but I wanted to prove that I could play an instrument as well.

One day, I was privileged enough to finally buy an oud that was fairly cheap. I started teaching myself. I also had a friend who knew how to play oud, so I used to sit around him and play alongside him. I observed and tried to imitate him as well as I could. I was so determined that I practiced 6-7

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 41

How do you feel about music then and now?

When did you begin composing?

What can your fans expect from you soon?

I lived through the music era of the likes of Um Kalthoum and Mohammad Abdulwahab.

It was different than what it is now. I remember constantly being reminded that originality is a very important root to great music. Sadly, I don’t think that is how music today is approached.

After going into the field of composing and singing simultaneously, I found myself successful whether I was singing myself or composing for other artists. Due to my early successful records, especially “Laila,” I started getting asked to compose for many artists. I will always rely on the idea that I came into this field without knowing what level I’m going to reach or where I’m going to end up. I walked this road not knowing where it’s going to ever stop.

Picturing my life the way it is now was a dream that I dared to have as a child who loved music growing up.

Currently, I am working on some patriotic/national works in honor of the coronation of King Salman so I have a couple of projects that I have been preparing for. Hopefully, they will be released very soon. There are also other personal projects with artists like Mohammad Abdo, which I am very excited for people to hear as well.

With that said, I do believe that there is a step forward in terms of the technology that has been introduced and intertwined with electronic instruments and musical beats.

Music today heavily revolves around technology. There are definitely pieces of music that are brilliantly composed and produced. However, I do not believe that today’s music lives up to the music that was prominent in the past.

The music I remember singing and memorizing had a kind of substance that I do not find as common nowadays.

In addition, sadly, I think that the youth and rising artists today do not give their heritage the importance or glory that it deserves. I do not think many people and artists care about tradition anymore and I believe that tradition is what gives people identity. I listen to music today and I definitely enjoy it, but it does not live with me. However, the music that I grew up with still lives with me today.

42 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

The music I remember singing and memorizing had a kind of substance that I do not find as common nowadays — Dr. Abdulrab Idrees

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. www.zeedia.net

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 43

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

FRIENDS OF JEDDAH PARKS My Library Inauguration Friends of Jeddah Parks (FJP) in collaboration with My Library launched an initiative to create dedicated readers out of the inhabitants of South Jeddah.

By Sahrish Ali

Friends of Jeddah Parks started training a group of about 10 girls to read and appreciate books. My Library recently parked a mobile library in the middle of Princess Trabulsi Park (Amira Park).

Amira Park is a place where you can give your skills and time and they would be fully appreciated. There are always volunteers there, giving or doing something. The day My Library got involved; there were people from the Uswa club to give away backpacks and stationary goodies. Lina Al Maeena is also planning on coming for a sports event.

44 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

It is a vast expanse of green and paved walkways preserved only for the women and children of the area. The park is run and maintained by the board members of FJP and the local community. During late afternoons, you’ll find a lot of activity at the park.

Bundakji believes that the collaboration between FJP and My Library is an amazing partnership. She went and visited places that carry out similar programs in parks, learned from them, and brought the best local practices back with her. She’s

saw the positive impact the books were making on the children. My Library realized the volunteers would benefit from an improvement in their communication skills and from training with My Library. So the volunteers gave up their Saturday mornings for 7 weeks of training.

They were taught: - Taking care of books.

- How to read a story to a child in an engaging way by changing voice, tone, expressions, etc.

- How to ask children questions about the story and its outcomes.

- Helping children read.

- Crafts

Girls of all ages and women just hang out as a community there. They know each other well, and if someone doesn’t show up for a few days, they get concerned. During today’s fast paced life where people normally don’t pause to connect with others in their community, people at this park portray a beautiful picture.

They all help each other, they ask about one another, and aid each other to learn and grow.

A lot of people just want to give back to the community.

When Zakia Bundakji, a board member of FJP, was initially setting these programs, she realized that there is so much out there that can be brought it in.

passionate about building cohesive and conclusive communities. Such programs aid in this mission of building structured communities.

When afterwards My Library visited Amira Park, they

These volunteers are role models for the children who go to Amira Park. They had never seen a real library before. Now, they make their own poems and stories.

This inauguration between FJP and My Library is a partnership created to promote awareness for the park’s patrons.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 45

My Library and FJP cover children’s programs over some of the following categories: - Educational - Environment - Health - Social Skills Samira, one of the board members, believes that having these environmental health programs provided the children with communication skills and personality development, and that it was an amazing thing for the neighborhood. She believes that My Library has been most

magnanimous; it asked what the people of South Jeddah have always been waiting to be asked, and then granted them their wishes. FJP were also crucial for this change; it wanted the girls trained so they could pay it forward to other park patrons.

46 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

mission has always been to serve and educate the community. My Library is a non-profit organization, so the community’s donations help run and support this project.

My Library has been open for 11 years; it was started by a group of nine mothers with no experience in the field, just the desire to create a beautiful place for mothers to come and read to their children, and to instill a love of books and reading. Their

My Library and FJP is a match made in heaven. My Library plans to continue providing books and resources for Amira Park, and to support them with training when needed. My Library (in Rawdah) hopes to repeat, at Amira Park, some of their crafts, activity days and special events. FJP wants to create global best practices amongst the park community and have them building cohesive communities that are closely knit together.

Friends of Jeddah Parks FjpKsa My Library mylibraryjed

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

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING THE SUMMER?

By Sumaiyya Naseem

Things to Do at Corniche

10. Bring paint and paint the small rocks.

11. Make jewelry out of seashells.

1.

Do a scavenger hunt for seashells and weird rocks.

12. Start a small campfire, sit

Fly kites with your family.

And teach children about wind in the process.

13. Lie on your back and count

3.

Build sandcastles.

14. Go fishing with your sibling

4.

Play ‘Ring Around a Rosie’ in the water.

5.

Prepare a barbecue with friends and family.

6.

Pack sandwiches, Arabic coffee, dates, biscuits and other snacks and juices for a family picnic.

7.

Enjoy the sunset with coffee.

8.

Sketch the landmarks around Corniche.

9.

Teach children new vocabulary related to the beach and the sea.

2.

48 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

around it in a circle and tell each other scary stories.

the stars.

or parent.

15. Learn how to swim in the

shallow areas with the assistance of parents or friends.

16. Play with a Frisbee.

17. Prepare a treasure hunt and hide identifiable items in an area of sand.

18. Carry an inflatable pool for the children.

19. Make a small pond for the kids with the sand.

20. Make a sundial with a stick

and 12 stones to teach your children how to read the time.

21. Once the bottles of juices are

empty, fill them with sand (a quarter) and put a candle and light it up for a nice evening at the seaside.

Things to Do Around Town My Library My Library is an initiative to create better readers in our community.

Yearly and 6-month memberships are offered at My Library.

Tel: +966-12-2631709 mylibraryjed mylibrary_jed

Engineering For Kids Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), to children ages 4 to 14 in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, clubs and parties.

Mob: +966-555034156 Email: saudiarabia@engineeringforkids.net Web: engineeringforkids.com

The British Community Library The British Community Library is located at the British Consulate in Jeddah and has a full library with thousands of titles to choose from, including children’s corner and teen/pre-teen sections as well.

They hold story circles as well as provide memberships.

Tel: +966-12-622 5550 Mob: +966-580432240 Web: bbg-jed.org

Young Chef’s Academy Young Chefs Academy is a unique culinary experience, which offers cooking classes to children in a

safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity.

Tel: +966-12- 2063377 / 0532444025 Email: jeddah@youngchefsacademy.com Web: youngchefsacademy.com

Equestrian Clubs Horse riding services are offered at the equestrian clubs in Jeddah where children and families are taught horseback riding along with how to take care of the horses.

Royalty Equestrian Club

Mob: +966-580500066 / 0555757275 Email: info@alfrosia.com Web: alfrosia.com

Shallal Theme Park Shallal theme park offers a variety of activities for different ages and groups. Activities include ice-skating, arcade games and other theme park fun.

Web: alshallal.com.sa

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

Shine - Blitz The Ambassador

The Remix Suite - Michael Jackson Game Days - Haseeb

Let It Be Naked The Beatles

Dr. No - Dr. No

SchoolYard - Narcy

DVDSDOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH

A Collection of Wonders - BBC

Oceans - BBC

Tsunami: Killer Wave National Geographic

Animation Box

By Abdullah Rafa

In this little spot we’ll discuss an animator, voice actor/actress, director and even sound engineers working in KSA’s animation industry, so stay tuned as we start with Tita.P. Tita.P is the first animation production hilled in Effat University (Jeddah) about two penguins and their love story after the Titanic hit the iceberg they lived on. The production team were the students of Visual and Digital Production at Effat University. The full short film was even nominated for Best Short Film at ZUMEFF (Zayed Universtiy Middle East Festival) in Abu Dhabi. Tita.P will be online soon.

50 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015 ADVERTORIAL

GAMES

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Available on PS4, SR 229

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Teachers and What They Do

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BOOKS

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The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park. All the Bright Places is a compelling and beautiful story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

brought to you by ADVERTORIAL DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM

51

STYLE & SHOPPING

Home Remedies for Glowing Skin Sometimes the best ingredients for skin care are at home, hiding in your kitchen.

Try adding them to your weekly regimen (depending on your skin type and skin issues).

By Zareen Muzaffar

BAKING SODA

Baking soda serves as teeth whitener because it has natural bleaching properties.

52 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

HONEY

Honey is loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and healing compounds that help moisturize skin, fight aging and fight bacteria as well.

You can apply honey to your face for better moisturized skin or mix honey with coconut oil and apply on face to cleanse pores. Olive oil mixed with honey can also lighten blemishes on skin that have been caused by breakouts or mild acne.

STAFF PHOTO/ REEM AL ASSAL

For those with breakouts or mild acne, if you ever get a pimple or redness, mix baking soda and water (or honey) and create a mixture.

Apply for 15 minutes and wash off. This is one of the popular uses of baking soda.

NOTE EGGS

If problems persist or home remedies don’t suit you, please visit your dermatologist.

Eggs are full of protein and a source of natural conditioner for your hair.

Whip up some eggs, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, and apply graciously from root to tip. For added benefit, add some olive oil to the eggs for smooth texture.

YOGURT

COFFEE

Put your coffee grinds to good use by mixing them with honey and olive oil. This mixture can serve as a great scrub. Coffee contains natural ingredients that plump the skin, making it appear less wrinkled, rejuvenated and smooth.

Yogurt is a great part of everyday nutrition needs and its equally beneficial for the skin.

It’s a great moisturizer, reduces redness and since it has anti-bacterial properties, it also helps in treating mild acne.

TURMERIC

BROWN SUGAR

A mixture of brown sugar and olive oil is not just a great scrub for smoother lips, it’s a perfect body scrub you can prepare and store in the fridge for multiple uses. Mix out equal parts of brown sugar and olive oil and see the difference.

Turmeric is an effective exfoliating agent that can help defeat signs of aging.

Mix gram flour and turmeric powder in equal quantities and add water. You can replace water with milk or yogurt and apply. Leave on for couple of minutes and wash of with cool water.

Mix turmeric with water and lemon juice for acne related issues, leave on for 15 minutes and wash.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 53

STYLE & SHOPPING

SWIM, RUN, CYCLE Arena SR 205

Oakley SR 1,098

Cafe Du Cyclists SR 562

Nike SR 230

Arena SR 77

Nike SR 205

Iffley Road SR 333

Matuse SR 1,839

Castelli SR 718

Trigger point SR 562

Fizik SR 1,048

Athletic Propulsion Labs SR 434

54 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Arena SR 103

THE ISLANDER

Miu Miu SR 1,300

Topshop SR 210

Sophie Anderson SR 2,200

Diane Von Furstenberg SR 2,000

Flagpole SR 1,650

Rosantica SR 1,940

Zimmerman SR 1,920

Sensi Studio SR 444

Mara Hoffman SR 1,128

H&M SR 149

Topshop SR 204 Mara Hoffman SR 1,100 Valia Gabriel SR 600

Muzungu Sisters SR 1,620

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 55

LA BOHEME Zara SR 699

All Things Mochi SR 100

Illesteva SR 1,338

Muzungu Sisters SR 2,100

Hampton Sun SR 168 All Things Mochi SR 880

Zara SR 119

Muzungu Sisters SR 720

All Things Mochi SR 1,160

H&M SR 269

Zara SR 129 Muzungu Sisters SR 720

Paloma Blue SR 540 Sensi Studio SR 444

Brian Atwood SR 6,700

56 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Toteme SR 250

NEW LOOK SR 200

BOHEMIAN SUMMER

H&M SR 59

DKNY SR 1,600

H&M SR 129

All Things Mochi SR 950

Muzungu Sisters SR 1,080

H&M SR 69

Ancient Greek SR 1,500

Topshop SR 200

H&M SR 499

H&M SR 399

Lemlem SR 1,550

All Things Mochi SR 510

Topshop SR 150

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 57

STYLE & SHOPPING

brought to you by

Today’s Menu Lunch Box SR 79.99

Bring your perfect lunch, packed in your perfect box. The box has two large compartments, large reusable spoon and fork, and one small compartment with a cover so you can easily separate your bread, rice cakes, salad dressing etc. The three compartments are suitable for heating in the microwave.

Dry Erase Board SR 64.99

Never forget another appointment with the help of this Weekly Agenda Dry Erase Board that looks just like a weekly agenda calendar. The front is made out of sturdy steel and has a card backing. It can be mounted to a wall using the included 3M adhesive tape or mounted to a magnetic surface like a refrigerator using the included magnets.This dry erase board also includes one black dry erase marker.

58 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015 ADVERTORIAL

Pencil Wrap SR 74.99

Use these bendable pencils to organize and identify your cords! Wrap your easy to use organizers around the cords to identify and group them together. Use pencil wraps anywhere you can otherwise use a zip tie, clip or wire twist. Set of 6 reusable wraps.

Iron Man 3 Figurine SR 1,299

Hot Toys is delighted to introduce this amazingly designed armor – 1/6th scale.

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iBed Lap Desk SR 74.99

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ADVERTORIAL DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM

59

DINING AROUND TOWN

DINING SCOOP Afia Enters Guinness World Records

AOn July 5, Afia International Company broke the world record for the world’s largest connecting table during an iftar event at the Jeddah Historic Festival under the patronage of Prince Mishaal bin Majid. The connecting

tables measured 1,508 meters at length and this was certified by the adjudicator from Guinnes World Records who came from abroad exclusively for this occasion.

The longest connecting tables hosted various charity houses, people with special needs, Afia management as well as members of the press.

This Just In! Rude Shake:

Their slogan is that they make milkshake out of everything. Located in Event Mall. @rudeshake

Brain Freeze:

Now open to give you brain freezes.

Located on Kayyal Street in Rawdah District. @brainfreeze_me

60 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

You’ve Got to Try Gaufro

Gaufro is actually known for having the best waffles in the western region. They have three locations: two in Makkah and one on the highway from Makkah to Jeddah. Keep it in mind on your next drive on that highway!

K OF THE M TH

INSTAG

M

PIC

ON

RA

@gaufro

Sucre De Nada If you’re looking for new desserts to try, check out Sucre De Nada on Instagram. Her account is one of the most popular ones in town. It offers a big variety of Middle Eastern and international desserts. Whether you want something fruity, chocolaty, nutty or speculoos, she’s got it.

Keep an eye out for these place Al Thamarat Restaurant Renowned for offering authentic Hijazi cuisine, Thamarat restaurant captivates diners with its narrative of succulent and timeless traditional flavors. Their signature dish, Fattat Ras, has been creating a stir amongst fine dining lovers in the city.

The dish is made from fateer soaked in a delectable broth and topped with the prized meat of a lamb’s head. Served in a traditional Hijazi setting the dish immerses diners in a cultural experience.

@sucredenada

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 61

DINING AROUND TOWN

TEASERS

Mini reviews on the latest dining spots in town America Meets Italy in the Best Way; Seventy 7 Burger and Pizza Located in the U-shape center in Rawdah, this young and classy restaurant will not confuse you with too many options. The bright ambience is complemented by

Take your seat at one of the 77 chairs and choose wisely!

62 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

funky green details and artful decor.

We recommend The Special Black Pizza, which is the organic pizza of your dreams, and of course, the brownie for dessert.

A Bite From Every Corner of the World; The Sandwich Gallery Also located in the U-shape center in Rawdah, The Sandwich Gallery is the foodie and traveller’s dream come true. Each item on the menu is reminiscent of cities from every corner of the world. The Philadelphia is a delicious Philly cheesesteak wrapped in the softest and freshest bread imaginable, while the Damascus is a juicy chicken shawarma.

We reco Marseil mmend the le: a Fre nch toa topped st wit cream o h vanilla ice r The Pe Butter C anut u comes in p shake which TSG’s so iconic tu on to be mbler.

Maya La Chocolatarie Maya La Chocolatarie is a dining experience dedicated entirely to chocolate in all its amazing forms.

Their hot chocolate is one of the best in Jeddah. The soothing ambience is just one of the things that’ll refresh you. The network of big pipes carrying white and milk chocolate will give you an idea about just how abundant chocolate is in this place of retreat.

Maya L Chocola a tari the trea e is know yo t you u’ve waiting been for!

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 63

DINING AROUND TOWN

Looking for interesting things to do while you’re away on vacation? How about food tourism!

Explore Cultures Become a Food Tourist

Paris

64 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Le Cordon Bleu is one of the best and oldest culinary schools, and has over 50 branches worldwide. This elite school for culinary and hospitality learning was founded in 1895 in Paris.

The school offers short-term courses, including yearlong diplomas, for visitors and tourists.

I had the opportunity to visit the oldest and most significant branches of Cordon Bleu in London and Paris.

The London campus is located in one of London's most prestigious neighborhoods, Bloomsbury Square opposite the British Museum.

We received proper details and reception upon arrival, and each visitor was provided with London his/her own apron, equipment

In the second session, Chef Marc Vaca taught us all about stocks and sauces, and we learned different techniques of making Duck a l’orange, Chicken Supreme, Beef Steak Bordelaise, Shrimp and Langoustines a l’Americaine.

When I stood in front of that bakery again I realized how easy it actually is to make those pastries and breads.

My knowledge is what made standing in front of that bakery feel different. and tools. Anthony Boyd, the master chef for our session, taught us in a funny and informative manner which did not disrupt the professionalism that was promised.

During the seven hours of training, Chef Anthony trained us in the basic techniques of cooking and selecting European dishes. We learned how to make everything from scratch; from the dressings to curing salmon to preparing the chocolate sauce for dessert.

The end result of our effort was a delicious meal for two.

The experience in Paris wasn’t much different. Early in the morning I stood in front of several bakeries and wondered how difficult it would be to make such pastries and breads.

Then I attended several

Sea bass filet with vegetables and herbs.

In case you’re wondering, the name Cordon Bleu is French for blue ribbon.

Boeuf Bourguignon

European cuisine courses, including Make Your Own Bread and Homemade Sauces.

At the Cordon Bleu in Paris, the sous chef (who was also our interpreter for the day) welcomed us. Chef Olivier Boudot taught us a lot about baking and also showed us how things are done in practicality. We started applying what we learned under the supervision of the chef and sous chef.

If you want to learn how to bake French baguettes, there is no place better than the Lemon pastry with red fruits.

Cordon Bleu in Paris. We also learned about the different styles of making Country Style The Author: Ahmad Mesawa, food Bread and Rye Bread. You critic and a member of will truly enjoy the feeling of the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ). accomplishment when you ahmadmesawa hold your first baguette.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 65

DINING AROUND TOWN

The Early Years of the

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH Where did it come from?

Italian brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri invented the world famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich and it all started with a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia. As with most genius inventions, the sandwich was initially an experiment.

A passing by cab driver was offered half a sandwich by Pat Olivieri. The brothers received great feedback from people and were advised to start selling the sandwiches. And so began the journey of the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, originally named Philadelphia Steak Sandwich.

The sandwich gained immediate success. The brothers opened a restaurant and named it Pat’s King of Steak. The sandwich was so popular that soon restaurants around the city added their own touches like varieties of cheese, bell peppers and mushrooms.

66 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Originally the sandwich consisted of chopped steak meat and grilled onions, and the bread used was the traditional Italian Amoroso.

The steak has to be thinly shredded, cooked till brown and scrambled into smaller pieces. The sandwich, of course, gets its name from the steak meat used and the city it was invented in.

The brothers incorporated cheese later on. At first it would be added on to the meat while grilling but melting it was time consuming. In 1953, Cheese Whiz, (a ready to use melted cheese became the practical solution to the problem.

Today, Pat and Harry’s restaurant can be found open 24/7 for lovers of the Philly Cheesesteak. And now you know, the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is of Italian origins.

Philly Cheesesteak Quest in Jeddah Where do you get your Philly sandwiches here?

The Local Twist at Steakhouse

Steakhouse is one of the first restaurants in Jeddah to have served the Philly Cheesesteak.

They serve the sandwich in soft bread, which is not the usual custom.

The steak used, sirloin steak, is deliciously packed with flavor and complemented by creamy cheese. The grilled onions and bell peppers were a little under cooked but all in all the sandwich is delicious and definitely recommended.

The Real Deal at South Street

The name of the restaurant was inspired by the street the Philly Cheesesteak was invented in. South Street claims to have created the original Philly Cheesesteak right here in Jeddah.

The steak is juicy and perfectly shredded, but a little less flavored than the Sirloin steak.

Bell peppers and mushrooms can be added to the perfectly grilled onions. It is served with a side of homemade fries, sauces and jalapeno.

A special Italian chef bakes the bread, which is like the Amoroso, and apparently it’s better in Jeddah because it’s baked several times a day. South Street also offers

Steakhouse Philly Cheessteak

Provolone Cheese or Cheese Whiz to be added to the sandwich. They also offer Harisa, which is a North African condiment typically served in the authentic Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

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

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 67

DINING AROUND TOWN

Jeddah’s Burger Joints Stop searching – here’s our list of favorites.

THE WORKS

SHACK BURGER

Fuddruckers prepares some seriously awesome burgers, and The Works stands out amongst them all. It comes in three sizes (1/3 lb, 1/2 lb and 2/3 lb).

The thick delicious beef patty is a show stopper.

It is topped with melted cheddar cheese, grilled mushrooms and tasty smokehouse bacon. It is served with buns that are freshly baked in-house.

The toppings bar lets you control how much lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and sauces get added.

Thin, tasty and super greasy beef patty topped with lettuce and tomato and covered with cheese shack sauce. The bakery buns are ordinary. Keep in mind that one order is not a sufficient amount for a standard adult meal.

The Shake Shack offering is relatively expensive compared to other restaurants.

Fuddruckers

Shake Shack

Taste: 7.5/10 Cost: SR 25 Value for money: 7.5/10

Taste: 9/10 Cost: SR 46 (1/2 lb) Value for money: 7.5/10

68 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

20 SIGNATURE CHEESE BURGER 20 Minutes Burger

And now to unveil the number one burger in Jeddah. Enjoy the perfect burger experience at 20 Minutes Burger. They maintain the highest quality standards, and their 20 Signature Cheese

Burger is simply mouthwatering and delicious.

A full flavored beef patty is covered with a special burger sauce, and housed in a soft bakery bun.

Taste: 9.5/10 Cost: SR 30 Value for money: 8.5/10

Go hungry and leave fully satisfied.

GRILLED BEEF BURGER

The Classic Burger

19th CENTURY BURGER

19th Century Burger A special and tasty burger, it’s one of the best burgers in Jeddah and a very popular burger joint. 19th Century Burger follows a simple winning formula to make tasty burgers which includes a thick

it's not the same without their sauce

greasy beef patty (maybe greasier than expected), fresh ingredients and a very delicious sauce along with soft spongy buns.

Taste: 8/10 Cost: SR 25 Value for money: 9/10

A special and tasty burger, it’s And now to unveil the number one burger in Jeddah. Enjoy the perfect burger experience at 20 Minutes Burger. They maintain the highest quality standards, and their 20 Signature Cheese Burger is simply mouthwatering and delicious.

A full flavored beef patty is covered with a special burger sauce, and housed in a soft bakery bun. Go hungry and leave fully satisfied.

Taste: 8.5/10 Cost: SR 29 Value for money: 8.5/10

The Author: Mohammed Ismail Harasani, Food Critic Email: Jeddahfoodie@hotmail.com Jeddahfoodie

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 69

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

Sponsored by

Eat, Sleep, Exercise All three are very much inseparable to help your child achieve and maintain good health.

By Nadine Halabi, Clinical Dietician at IMC

PACKING HEALTHY

Finding time to prepare interesting and healthy meals for school children can be stressful.The foods we send to school with our children can contribute up to one-third of their daily intake of nutrients so it’s important to pack a balanced meal to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.

Pack the Core 4 1. Main Meal Item – a sandwich, roll, wrap or salad based on grains such as pasta, rice or quinoa. Include a protein rich food item such as slices of lean meat, hardboiled egg, peanut butter, or cheese, and a starchy food such as bread, roll, pita or bun.

2. Nutritious Snack – choose a snack from the five food groups such as yogurt, veggie sticks and hummus, or crackers with cheese.

3. Piece of Fresh Fruit – whatever is in season.

things to REMEMBER

• It is important to keep offering healthy lunch box choices in a variety of ways.

• Encourage your child to sit and eat before heading to play, or talk to your school about making sure all children get a chance to eat enough before play starts.

• Include fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunchbox.

• Foods such as sandwiches can be prepared the night before.

4. Water – always include a water bottle. Add a reduced fat milk drink or a natural fruit juice with no added sugar once or twice a week.

70 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015 ADVERTORIAL

NOTE

Add one extra snack for active children.

Keep “occasional” foods such as sweet biscuits, granola bars, savory biscuits, chips and confectionary out of the lunch box.

Keep them for special occasions or add them once a week for variety and enjoyment and as a way to teach balance.

By Hala Aboulkhair, MD Associate Consultant, Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine at IMC

By Dr. Matthew A. Tracey, Director of Complementary Medicine at IMC

Elementary school children need 10-11 hours of sleep and intermediate and high school students need 9-10 hours of sleep. With late sleeping patterns, early morning schools, numerous extracurricular activities and increasing demand from schools, it is tough for children who go to school to get the right amount of sleep.

Developing good habits during childhood can prevent many chronic diseases as an adult. Most children these days do way too much sitting and should be encouraged to do less of it and much more exercise.

SLEEPING RIGHT

EXERCISING DAILY

The minimum amount of exercise has been stated by most organizations to be

How Inadequate Sleep Affects Your Child 1 The child may wake up anxious.

It can affect his/ her personality.

2 May lead to weight gain.

tips

for a better NIGHT SLEEP • No heavy meals before sleeping.

• Naps should be no longer than 30 minutes per day.

• Exercise at least for half an hour.

• Take warm showers.

• Eating a banana or drinking milk before going to bed aids sleep as they contain Tryptophan.

3 Cognitive problems that impact their ability to learn in school.

30 minutes per day

however, our goal should not be the minimum.

We should aim much higher than this if we are to truly make a difference in the obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease problem that we are now facing.

Your child’s waking up time should not change on weekends.

ADVERTORIAL DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM

71

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

Understand YOUR CHILD

Help children learn and understand themselves by understanding them.

STEPHEN WILTSHIRE'S DRAWING OF NEW YORK CITY.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder that leads to impairments in social communication skills and language interaction. It is a condition that needs institutional care. Its signs usually appear during the first three years of child’s life, but some show signs at birth while others at 18 years old. Sometimes the symptoms are hardly noticeable.

Language and expression doesn’t come easy to those with Autism.

Parents and caregivers should empathize with that.

Encourage them to interact in other ways as much as possible.

• Sensory experiences help such as creating a flower bouquet, using hands-on learning techniques etc.

• Storytelling, drawing and solving puzzles all help.

72 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

stephenwiltshire.co.uk

• Painting with ice is a great way to recognize colors.

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA? WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?

Dysgraphia is the deficiency in the ability to write and spell.

Children with this disorder tend to have poor handwriting, lack interest in studying and have difficulty organizing their thoughts.

Children may also feel under pressure, frustrated and may find it difficult to form social bonds.

Autism, ADD and dyslexia are often accompanied with Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia can be diagnosed through monitored academic assessments and writing tests.

The child’s writing process and fine motor skills are also taken note of.

Activities

• Teachers can evaluate on the

basis of oral exercises instead of writing exercises.

• Parents can contribute

by reinforcing structured practice for developing the writing skills, including large air writing and multisensory techniques.

• Children can do activities that require using their motor skills.

• An important tip is to

ensure the child has efficient pencil grip.

It is a deficiency or a “cluster of symptoms” in a child’s ability to process information received through written words. Even though the definitive cause of dyslexia hasn’t been determined, it is in no way due to a shortcoming in intelligence.

Children with dyslexia often face trouble identifying phonetic sounds so they mispronounce words and spell them incorrectly.

Signs of dyslexia in a child may include hearing difficulties, as they can’t really make out the words clearly. They may have also been late bloomers as babies. Parents should also always be aware of their dyslexic child’s emotional state.

Activities

Dyslexics are tactile or kinesthetic learners. It is also preferable if they sit in the front of the class to focus.

• Discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses with his teachers.

• Read together with your child.

Get audio books along with the published versions so your child can connect sounds to the words.

• Help him out with homework, if you are unable to do so, try to provide him with a private tutor.

• Encourage participation in other activities, for example music or sports. Refrain from comparison to others and always celebrate accomplishments.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 73

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children, with symptoms that may persist through adulthood. It is characterized by extreme impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. ADHD makes it difficult to study, maintain conversations, complete tasks, or even perform daily activities well.

Some of its most common symptoms include forgetfulness, misplacing things, making careless mistakes, avoiding tasks requiring high mental activity, struggling to follow instructions, talkativeness, interrupting conversations and having trouble waiting their turn in general. Children with ADHD often face difficulties maintaining peer relationships, get bored easily, always seem to be on the go, fidget constantly and find it hard to remain seated for prolonged periods of time.

Activities:

Treatments include medications, behavioral intervention strategies and psychotherapy. However, medications are often abused when it comes to ADHD.

• Ask the teacher to provide homework assignments in writing. At home, make a written list of instructions, schedules, and routines.

• Putting things in the same place.

• Setting timers for reminders.

Take breaks and then get back on track.

• Have a regular routine. Doing things in the same order makes it easier.

• Alternatives that burn off the extra energy include marital arts, swimming and outdoor activities like biking and hiking.

74 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Drawing by Nadia at 3 years 5 months. Nadia, who was autistic, drew spontaneously, lost interest quickly, and appeared to draw only to amuse herself.

4.

• Interpersonal Understanding and interacting with others.

• Intrapersonal Understanding one's own interests and goals.

Different Learning Styles

2. Bodily-kinesthetic

Find the style that best suits your child’s learning.

They are easily taught through physical activity, hands-on learning or role-playing.

5. Linguistic They also have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words.

1. Visual-Spatial

3. Musical

6. Logical-Mathematical

They are very aware of their environments. Drawings, verbal and physical imageries help in learning.

Turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically and tapping out time helps them learn.

LIST OF CENTERS Hope Center

Hope Center is renown for assisting with: • Autism Spectrum Disorder • ADHD • Down and associated syndromes • Cerebral Palsy • Speech and Hearing Impairment • Developmental Delay clicks.robertgenn.com

Tel: +966-12-6996475 Web: hopeksa.org

Jeddah Autism Center

Jeddah Center for Autism is one of the most important projects implemented

by Al Faisaliah Women Welfare Society in Jeddah.

The center has specialized educational programs, teacher training, social services and family counseling.

Tel: +966-12-6622513 Web: Jacenter.org JeddahAutism

They think conceptually and abstractly. Grouping and classifying information helps them better understand it.

ACT Center

The center deals with parents, siblings and anyone who needs help inside one place.

Tel: +966-12-2615951 Web: actjeddah.com actcenterjeddah actcenter

Help Center

The center’s programs are divided into different departments. They also have outside services and adaption plans to those who are unable to benefit from the day-to-day programs.

Tel: +996-12-6631113 Web: helpcenter.med.sa helpcenterksa

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 75

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

Nutrition for

better

Academic Performance

Studies show a strong link between childrens’ diet and their performance in school. Parents should start taking action to raise better generations.

By Massa Bitar, MS RD

Everyone agrees that nutrition plays an essential role in raising healthy children. Yet, our society struggles with the paradox of children being overfed and undernourished.

According to a 2013 survey, 3.5 million children in Saudi Arabia are obese.

In fact, recent studies are showing that nutrition not only can influence your children’s health but also their academic performance.

With life’s increasing pressures nowadays, better academic achievement can lead to better job opportunities and a generally better socio-economic status.

Consequently, a good diet in childhood not only enhances health but also overall life conditions in the future.

This article explains how diet affects school children’s academic performance and gives parents helpful tips on how to improve their children’s overall diet quality.

76 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Breakfast

Evidence has now established strong and consistent associations between breakfast consumption and better academic performance. A healthy breakfast improves cognitive functions (memory and neural efficiency) and reduces absenteeism and tardiness, whereas skipping breakfast may lead to difficulty concentrating, shorter attention span and memory problems.

Research has shown that the best breakfast type is based on low-glycemic-index food, ensuring slow and consistent sugar release to the blood. This would lead to improved concentration ability during the several hours between breakfast and lunch and to better cognitive functions.

Examples of good breakfasts that both parents and schools can provide include the following:

• Whole-grain, low-sugar cereal with milk and a piece of fruit.

• Low-fat yogurt with whole grain cereal and fruit.

• Vegetableomelet and milk.

• Tomato, avocado and cheese on wholewheat toast.

• Steel-cut oatmeal with sliced apples, cinnamon and nuts.

• A piece of string cheese, a piece of fruit and a handful of pumpkin seeds.

Diet Quality

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals which reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies and protects the body from diseases and infections, leading to fewer missed days of school and more time spent learning.

Generally, findings suggest that the consumption of the following foods leads to lower grades in school:

French Fries

Pizza

Chips

Sweets

Soft drinks

Hot dogs Burgers

This might be due to the fact that poor quality diets may lack certain nutrients such as iron and zinc, which play a key role in brain development, cognitive function and behavior.

Available literature clearly suggests that having a good quality diet that includes fruits and vegetables, while avoiding unhealthy

foods, leads to better grades in schools. Set your children up for success with a nutritious breakfast and pack them a health promoting lunch with whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and protein.

This ensures they obtain the daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals and thus leads to better school performance. massa.nutriclub

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 77

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

FIT NESS

FOR LA FAMILIA We live in an era of gadgets and it has made our lifestyle sedentary. According to statistics; obesity levels have risen from 11 percent to 30 percent since 1980s in developed nations.

By Amal Al Toaimi

There are various ways to improve this situation, and of course the most significant amongst them is physical activity. Let’s assume you would like to improve your family’s lifestyle by incorporating a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity.

78 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

Here are some fun ways to motivate your family to get active!

1. Turn house chores into challenges

Pick a day of the week where each member of the family cleans an area of the house/ apartment. And the person who has done the best job gets a reward.

2. Buy a pedometer

Buy a pedometer for each member of the family, and have a weekly or daily challenge of who’s completed the most steps.

Pedometer apps like Noom Walk compare member activities.

3. For pet lovers

Play with your pets. You can run, walk or even play ball with your dog or cat.

7. Have a sports day

Designate one day of the week for a sport activity. Play basketball in your yard or have swimming races in the pool.

GET !

O M VING

4. Turn TV commercials into fitness breaks

Play active games during commercial breaks on TV. Or do jumping jacks, spot jogging, squats, etc.

8. Plant a garden

Assign a different member of the family each time to water the house plants.

9. Purchase fitness video games

5. Hire a personal trainer

You can have oneweek sessions as a family and hold a fitness boot camp at home.

There are many options from yoga, pilates and dancing to balance, bowling and boxing.

6. Go on active trips

You can take your family to fishing, camping, or hiking trips.

There are lots of family-friendly options. Or plan vacations by the beach or mountains so you can swim, climb and enjoy the outdoors.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 79

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

FROM DISTRESS TO DE-STRESS What can you eat if you’re feeling down?

By Maya Daaboul

When stress gets the better of you, the body tends to crave high calorie sugary foods that only act as a quick fix, tricking you into feeling better.

In reality, these foods subject your body to additional load of stress, only providing you with an initial short burst of energy followed by a prolonged period of fatigue.

Oatmeal

This comfort food is slowly digested in the body promoting the flow of the calm-inducing, feel-good chemical serotonin.

Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal and top it up with some blueberries (also known to be mighty stress-busters) and honey for a sweet twist.

Spinach

Spinach is rich in magnesium which helps lower the stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood pressure and relaxes our muscles.

Add spinach to your salads and sandwiches or have it as a side dish with your main meal to best reap its benefits.

80 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

SOURCE PHOTO/DIVE.NL • HIDRATEH2O.COM • THEFOODFAFFER.COM • HPCNURSING.COM • SBFISH.COM

The trick to combatting stress is to reach out for healthy foods that are jam-packed with essential nutrients to keep you calm and collected and prepare your body for any upcoming periods of stress. Here are a few stress-busters to stock up on.

Fatty Fish (Salmon, Fresh Tuna, Mackerel)

These contain heart-healthy omega-3, which protects you against heart disease and controls the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

To enjoy the benefits of omega-3, aim for 120g of fatty fish two to three times per week.

SOURCE PHOTO/NAKAMURA-EN.JP • MAANGCHI.COM • TASTEOFBEIRUT.COM • SHEKNOWS.COM • TODAY.AGRILIFE.ORG • LOSEIT.CO.ZA

Oranges, Kiwi and Strawberries

All of these share a high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an antioxidant known to boost the immune system and lower the amount of the stress hormone cortisol.

Why not snack on a smoothie with a concoction of your favorite vitamin C rich fruits?

Dates

Dried or fresh, dates satisfy your sweet buds while also lowering your blood pressure with their high magnesium and potassium content.

So next time you’re craving something sweet, ditch the chocolate bar and reach out for nutrient-rich dates instead.

Exercise Smack Sweat your stress away! or a tennis ball, join a Zumba take a ply sim or s clas ing box kick a long way long walk. Exercise goes ss levels by towards lowering your stre hormones releasing mood-enhancing p combat hel ich wh em syst r you into ss and the negative effects of stre y to face prepare your mind and bod challenging situations.

Almonds

Almonds are powerful stressbusters with their high content of vitamins and the antioxidant vitamin E. Together these help bolster your immune system and help your body cope with stress.

Munch on a handful of almonds daily or add some to your salad to enjoy its benefits.

Herbal Tea

Instead of opting for more cups of coffee, grab yourself a soothing cup of tea.

Unlike caffeine, tea has been shown to calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels in the body.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 81

SPIRITUALITY

REAL GIRL POWER Girl power? Isn’t that something the Spice Girls introduced to women? Err, no… actually, girl power was introduced by Islam over 1400 years ago.

82 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

By Sobia Javed

Muslim women empowerment is a topic which has been persistently discussed and debated. It is widely argued, especially in the West, that Muslim women “need liberating.” This could not be any further from the truth and is often a result of people confusing religion with cultural practices. Islam gives women the right to have an education, own property, inherit, work and be financially independent.

In England, before 1870, any money that a woman made through wages, investment, or even through inheritance, automatically became her husband’s property once she married. In contrast, Islam has always given women rights to their own money.

These days we need to redefine those role models and better yet, become them for future generations. Ask any group of young girls to name some women that they look up to, and there would be very few female scientists, innovators, literary figures and revolutionists on their list.

Truly empowered women don’t allow themselves to be objectified to gain respect.

For real role models, we should look to the genuinely inspiring women of Islam who were the true embodiment of girl power.

One such example is Aisha bint Abi Bakr, wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

She was a scholar of Islam, and many of the Prophet’s senior companions would go to her after his death in order to gain knowledge.

Another model is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Any article about inspirational Muslim women would be incomplete without the mention of this businesswoman and single mother who proposed to the Prophet of Islam herself!

be themselves without being subjected to predefined standards. When you’re covered, people don’t judge you for what you look like.

Ultimately, women need to break free from the patriarchal shackles put by others and focus on freedom given to them by Allah.

One of the issues almost always brought up regarding Muslim women is the hijab or covering. Yes, Islam requires Muslim women (and men) to dress modestly, but let not this modesty be mistaken for women being subservient to men. The hijab has been ordained by Allah to create an identity for Muslim women around the world.

Usually magazines advise you on how to achieve flawless skin or how to lose 10 pounds, and create an ideal image in women’s minds about what beauty is, or what they should strive to look like. Often, girls at impressionable ages peg their self-worth to this idealized image. It is more than a mere coincidence that with this objectification of women, there has been a rise in eating disorders, self-harm and depression rates. So, in essence, dressing modestly for women is freedom. It allows women to freely express themselves, and to DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 83

SPIRITUALITY

Education – one of the most important concepts in Islam.

In fact, the very first verses revealed of the Qur’an were: Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) Read!

And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (Qur’an; Chapter 96,

verses 5-1)

The reader is told to think about the meanings to fully appreciate them.

EDUCATION and KNOWLEDGE

In Islam

Being a Muslim is not just about blindly following a set of rules. We are encouraged to ponder over the world around us and ask questions.

By Sobia Javed

84 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

This is enough encouragement to gain knowledge, as knowledge is what appeals directly to the intellect.

Coupled with faith, which is of course required of every believer, a greater understanding of the religion is attained.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was also reported as having said: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." (Source: AlTirmidhi, Hadith 74)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the main source of information for Muslims regarding religious affairs, as he was the Prophet of Allah through whom the Qur’an was revealed. He taught his companions and wives the teachings of Islam in a way that they were able to continue teaching others even after his death. In fact, his wife, Aisha bint Abi Bakr was a

renowned scholar of Islam, and many companions would seek her assistance in matters of religion. Many companions also travelled the world in order to propagate the religion of Islam, and it rapidly spread far and wide.

It must be noted, however, that seeking knowledge is not limited to Islamic affairs only.

Secular education is also very important, and a brief glance at contributions of Muslims to the fields of science, math, geography, astronomy, medicine and many others attest to this.

What’s more, many aspects of secular education support the numerous miracles found in the Qur’an, thus further verifying the miraculous nature of the Qur’an and proving it to be true.

For example, the Qur’an states: “He has let loose the two seas, converging together, with a barrier between them they do not break through” (Qur’an, chapter 55, verse 20-19).

This was very recently confirmed by science; when oceanographers discovered that the physical force called surface tension does not let the waters of neighbouring seas mix. How would it even be possible for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to be knowledgeable of this phenomena, in the dry desert of Madinah, over 1400 years ago?! This example reinforces that knowledge is of paramount importance to a Muslim, both religious and secular.

If anyone is still in doubt about the stance of Islam on education or knowledge, or for inspiration, motivation and encouragement, please look up any of the following scholars.

Malik ibn Anas If anyone is still in doubt about (Imam Malik) the stance of Islam

Authored a book called on education or knowledge, Al Muwatta, which contains or for inspiration, hadiths motivation and rulings and pertaining to Islamic jurisprudence. encouragement, please It is still widely used by look up any of the Muslims today.

Muhammad Al Bukhari

Islamic scholar who compiled a collection of hadiths into a book called Saheeh Bukhari.

This is one of the most extensively used books by Muslims today.

Al Khwarizmi

A Persian mathematician, astronomer and geographer.

He is known for having introduced the decimal positional number system to the Western world.

Fatima Muhammad Al Fihri

Founder of the world’s first university, the University of Al Qarawiyin, which is still in existence today.

DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 85

SPIRITUALITY

EMPATHY

A Trait that Can Transform The ability to recognize Your Life Definition: and understand the feelings of another.

By Sheima Salam Sumer

In Islam The Prophet (PBUH) would always feel our suffering and is praised by Allah for his empathetic nature.

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.”

One account of the Prophet’s (PBUH) compassion in action is when he was sitting with his companions one morning, and poor members of a tribe approached. They had no shoes and their bones were visible from hunger. Immediately, he and his companions took up a collection for the tribe, generously helping them.

[Qur’an: Chapter 9, Verse 128]

[Muslim]

The Prophet (PBUH) himself also encouraged us to feel empathy for each other; he was reported to have said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body.

When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.”

There is also the famous hadith about the Prophet’s (PBUH) empathy for mothers in mosques that was narrated

by Anas bin Malik: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘I start prayer and I want to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make my prayer short, because I know the distress caused to the mother by his crying.’”

[Bukhari]

[Ibn Majah]

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The Prophet (PBUH) even had care and empathy for animals.

Once, upon entering a garden, he saw a camel that was just skin and bones. Upon seeing it, the Prophet (PBUH) began crying. He then put his hand on its head until it was comforted.

He said to the owner of that camel, “Don’t you fear Allah in this beast that He has placed in your possession?

It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily, and that fatigues it.”

[Abu Dawud]

How It Can Transform Your Life Socially

Empathy transforms your social relationships because it gives you a more accurate and deeper understanding of issues and conflicts. It is a key trait to becoming a better spouse, parent, teacher and friend.

Personally

You often think you understand yourself well enough, but when you take the time to name your feelings and really clarify them, you will be amazed at the relief and inner peace you feel within yourself.

The next time you are feeling a negative emotion, try being empathetic to yourself.

Name the feelings that you are experiencing.

Notice how just clarifying your inner thoughts and feelings helps you feel better.

How To Develop Your Empathy 1 The first step is to make the

SOURCE PHOTO/ METRO.CO.UK

intention to try to “walk in the shoes” of others.

2 The next step is to understand yourself and your own feelings better. Realize that your life experiences help you develop your empathy.

Empathy helps us make more effective decisions and shows that we care.

/ProductiveMuslim @AbuProductive

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

TRAVEL NEWS Hyatt Regency Makkah Opens

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of the first Hyatt Regency branded hotel in KSA, Hyatt Regency Makkah. It is only one minute away from the Holy Mosque.

The hotel is comprised of 656 guestrooms, including 26 suites. It also offers a wide range of services and facilities.

Another Hyatt Regency is set to open in Riyadh in 2016.

RELAX IN SHARM from SR 1,425

Take a break for four days and relax in Sharm El Sheikh.

Bask in the sun, swim in the sea, take a stroll on the beach and have as much fun as you possibly can.

Web: kanootravel.com

Oman’s New Sundus Rotana Hotel Sundus Investments Projects is initiating its Sundus Rotana Hotel. The four-star business hotel will be the first phase of the Sundus Airport Heights project and will open in February 2017.

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The hotel will be made up of 215 guest rooms, including suites, as well as a ballroom, six meeting rooms, an executive lounge, a boardroom, and fully-equipped business center.

A Spanish Tour

Enjoy Indonesia

A Fast Berlin Tour

Spend 10 days and 9 nights in wonderful Spain. You will wander around Madrid and Sevilla. Then hop onto a train and head to beautiful Valencia. Finally, end your tour in Barcelona where you will definitely make great memories.

Experience Indonesia and marvel at its beauty. Roam the picturesque country as you spend 11 days and 10 nights in total hopping from Jakarta, Puncak to Bali. All accommodation is accompanied by breakfast.

Spend three days in Berlin and enjoy the wonders of the city. Join the “City Circle Purple Tour” and visit the lively and historic places around. You can design your day according to your preferences, using 12 stops along the way - or enjoy the whole tour nonstop in just two hours.

from SR 5,015

from SR 3,750

from SR 525

Web: attartravel.com

Web: attartravel.com

Web: kanootravel.com

E-information Devices Helping KSA Tourists The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is helping tourists by installing more than 350 tourism e-information devices across the Kingdom.

They provide tourists with needed information from festivals, reservations to restaurants and more.

The First Holiday Inn in Tabuk

InterContinental Hotels Group opened its first Holiday Inn hotel in Tabuk. The hotel comprises of 90 rooms and is located close to the city center. The hotel also includes an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, fitness center and a tennis court.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi’s Four Seasons Summer Packages Launches New App

The resort is offering attractive summer packages tailor-made to accommodate weddings of different sizes in the majestic Roma Ballroom.

Coral Package For a reception of 100 to 250 guests with either a buffet or a set menu, the package includes venue rental, elegant furniture, along with a stage and dance floor.

Newlyweds will then spend the night in a Deluxe Room and have breakfast and a late checkout.

Saudia Introduces Onboard Chefs

The service will initially operate on direct flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport where the chef will cater to the first class cabin on the flights. He will personally take orders and talk about the menu with each passenger. The chef will also monitor all dining standards and get feedback from Business and Economy guests. This will definitely ensure a memorable flight.

Web: saudiairlines.com

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts launched an app that allows its guests to customize their stay on the go. The global app enables them to make and manage reservations, check in and out, order services whenever they need and much more.

Emerald Package Designed for a reception of 250 to 500 guests including a spacious Executive Suite and access to the Bridal Suite featuring a professional hair and make-up station, elegant dressing room and two lounges.

Sapphire Package For a reception of up to 800 guests, Sapphire package combines the benefits of Coral and Emerald packages while offering the couple a choice of accommodations in premium suites for one and two nights as well as various first anniversary celebratory options.

Web: ritzcarlton.com Email: rc.auhrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com DESTINATIONJEDDAH.COM 89

T R AV E L T R E N D S

SUPPRESSED

SWISS-LAM

Six years into a ban on building minarets, Tharik Hussain is in Basel, Switzerland hunting for a 19th century ‘convert’ with a Saudi connection.

By Tharik Hussain

“I think it is after the tram stop.” “Mosque?”

“Just carry on it is there, you will see it.”

But I couldn’t see it; in fact, I had absolutely no idea what to even look for. Mosques are not allowed to look like mosques in Switzerland ever since building minarets was banned in 2009. I was in Clara, an ethnic area north of the River Rhine in pretty little Basel, 90 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

home to Switzerland’s largest Muslim community. All around me halal shops and restaurants mingled with little independent boutiques as quaint trams trundled through the streets.

Yesterday, on a historic tour of the city, I learnt that Basel has a long history featuring religion. My guide Maria had pointed out that even the city’s coat of arms features a Bishop’s crosier - the medieval rulers of Basel. During that time, like everywhere else in Europe, Basel was suspicious of other faiths.

In the 14th century Basel Massacre, 600 Jews were burnt alive on an island in the Rhine - they had been responsible for the Plague apparently. Then, as anti-Semitism peaked at the

KF Mosque mihrab

end of the 19th century, kosher meat was banned, a ruling that now affects Basel’s Muslim community - the largest in the country.

“Alhamdulillah, life is OK here. We have masjids and halal food,” explained Ahmad, the owner of a small shop.

“Where do you get your halal meat from?”

“We buy from Germany...

Muslims here just want to live in peace and Basel is a good place.”

Ahmad was right; Basel is home to Switzerland’s oldest university and at the forefront of the nation’s arts culture. Rays of hope also emanate from the fact that it has long been a place of international mediation, starting with the medieval Basel Treaty right through to the 1989 Basel Convention.

I followed Ahmad’s directions and eventually found the mosque hidden up a winding metal staircase in the attic of a traditional Swiss town house.

Founded by the local Turkish community, Basel’s largest Muslim group, the mosque

Basel streets

had one tiny sign located high above street level. The sign is easy to miss if you don’t know it is there.

Inside, the main hall was dimly lit with few windows, one of which had cleverly been turned into the mihrab to compensate for the slanted roof overhead.

It lacked any real natural light and had a slightly clandestine air about it.

BASEL’S FIRST MUSLIM

Mosques aren’t the only Islamic things hidden in Switzerland.

Johann Ludwig Burckhardt is most famous for rediscovering Petra in Jordan, a feat that would normally demand a statue or a plaque somewhere.

Yet in Basel, I found nothing.

This might just be because Spalentor city gate

Burckhardt Garden

Burckhardt is potentially Switzerland’s first ever convert to Islam. Back in 1814, the young explorer performed the Hajj as Sheikh Ibrahim Al Barakat, having mastered Arabic and Islamic law. Of Makkah he wrote, “During all my journeys of the east, I never enjoyed such perfect ease as at Makkah.”

Burckhardt’s family deny this, claiming it was merely a disguise to travel through the east, something many Victorian explorers did. The truth remains a mystery as Burckhardt never returned home to set the record straight, dying aged 32 in Cairo.

My search for the fabled Hajji brought me south of the Rhine

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to The Museum für Wohnkultur which houses examples of 18th and 19th century Swiss life and was originally where Burckhardt grew up.

Predictably, the plaque outside only mentioned his father.

When I arrived, it had already closed for the day and so I went round the back and peered into a neat little landscaped garden through a beautiful wrought iron gate that had the letters JB across the top. Sadly I knew they were not Burckhardt’s initials and left with a familiar empty feeling.

Rathaus

THE SAUDI CONNECTION

King Faisal Mosque

My final destination was Basel’s largest mosque, which like the earlier one lay hidden down a quiet residential street behind a university. Only a small sign at the gate confirmed it was the King Faisal Mosque, though it was unlike any other mosque financed by the late Saudi monarch; a small and uninteresting converted block of flats with green psychedelic patterns on the wooden shutters.

Clearly the previous residents took pride in the fact that LSD had been invented in their city.

Entering the block, the familiar clandestine atmosphere returned. The main prayer hall was, again, a darkened attic.

A plain white wooden mihrab stood at the front, the walls were featureless and barren and the only color in the room was the red on the carpet.

The route back took me past a small balcony where a beautiful oriental lamp hung from the

Turkish mosque

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Basel Capital: Bern Currency: Swiss Francs Official Languages: French,

Turkish mosque hall City coat of arms

ceiling, framed by greenery. It looked just like the ones I had seen hanging in the mosques of Cairo, where Burckhardt’s body now lies. Had he lived, Burckhardt may have brought one back, along with his intimate knowledge of Islam.

But he didn’t, which is a shame really, because as much as I love this city, it could do with someone like Sheikh Ibrahim Al Barakat right now.

German, Romansch, Italian International code: +41 GET THERE • The best airline is Lufthansa which flies from Jeddah to Basel with one stopover in Paris and costs approx. SR 2,900.

MUST HAVE • Entry visa for Saudi nationals before travel.

• The Basel Card for getting about easily.

• A city map to avoid getting lost.

• A copy of Burckhardt’s Travels in Syria and the Holy Lands.

Burckhardt house The Author: Tharik Hussain is a freelance travel writer, journalist and photographer who regularly contributes to magazines and websites across the globe. Tharik lives with his family in London, UK and also teaches Sociology and Media Studies.

Web: tharikhussain.uk /TharikHussainUK @_TharikHussain

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EXPLORE KSA

AN ADVENTURE ON THE EDGE The Edge of the World is a stellar tourist spot for those who love road trips, adventures and great scenic views.

By Reina Tejano

Also known as the Escarpments of Tuwaiq, these towering sights are located 96 kilometers northwest of Riyadh and a drive that will take an hour and a half. It won’t be a smooth road trip though, as you’d have to make use of a 4x4 SUV to safely get there.

Any other car will let you run the risk of being stuck or broken down due to the rough terrain that you’d have to traverse as you enter the dessert grounds. We were humorously warned before our trip started that there was going to be a lot of “shakin’ and bakin’’ involved and we just laughed off those remarks by our funny and charismatic tour guide.

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An hour later, there we were: six women enduring the bumpy and wobbly ride in the middle of the dessert with the tour guide shouting, “We’re shakin’ and bakin’ baby!” If I was feeling sleepy at the beginning of our trip, I sure was awake now! It’s a good thing that all the women in our car were in festive spirits and I didn’t hear anyone complaining. Reminder to future travelers: Know what you signed up for so you know what to expect.

We made two stops before finally making it to our destination. The first stop was at the entrance of the gates of Acacia Valley wherein we saw a dam structure and

a small house for the rangers who lived there. The second stop was in the middle of Acacia Valley itself, wherein we were able to see a herd of sheep being led by a donkey and some camels with their newborns.

We eventually arrived at the base of the Edge of the World. From where we were standing, I could already see the vast land ahead and I was extremely excited that I was able to hike up the vertical cliff without even thinking how dangerous it was. In just less than ten minutes, I was on the Edge of the World.

I picked one of the cliffs as my vantage point and admired the view from there. Now I knew how it got the name. I saw the glorious panoramic view of the plains of Arabia extending as far as my eyes could see, portraying an endless edge of the land.

There were more cliffs to hike up to on the eastern part and deeper areas of the site but my friends and I were happy enough with our spot that we took numerous photos, videos and even jump shots of each other.

After we savored the moment with the view and wished on rocks as we threw them on to the plains, it was now time to head back. This, for me, was when my fears set in.

Not during the climb, not out there on the cliff, but on the way down.

The cliff is completely vertical and there’s very little room to trek downwards other than to sit down on each surface to solidly plant yourself to the next one. It’s not like a flight of stairs where you can determine your next step. If it took me only less than ten minutes to get up there, it took me half an hour to make sure I don’t go tumbling my way down to the base. I was only able to let out a sigh of relief as my feet reached ground zero.

What a complete experience of highs and lows!

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Words of wisdom for your visit This is not for the faint-hearted.

The height of these cliffs are extremely dangerous and the terrain is rocky and trekking up and down certain parts is a risk you have to take with great care.

Be sure to be in comfortable and reliable shoes that won’t easily get pierced by sharp rocks and can support you properly during the hike. Stay hydrated, alert and don’t wander off from your group because there are no signs or fences that determine the scope of the area in case you got lost.

96 DESTINATION JEDDAH AUGUST 2015

It’s best to visit with a group of people and with those who have experience in going there because there are no deliberate road signs leading to the location. It’s all based on the GPS coordinates and of experienced drivers who have been there before. I reckon the best time to explore this area would be during winter and spring, otherwise you’ll be scorched under the merciless summer heat.

GPS Coordinates: N: 24 56’ 31.9” E: 045 59’ 31.2”

EXPLORE KSA

HISTORIC SAUDI

KHAMIS BIN RIMTHAN Skilled guide, intuitive geographer and long-time employee of Aramco, Khamis Bin Rimthan is credited to have helped with the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia.

By Mohammed Mirza

Born during the early 20th century in Jubail, Khamis hailed from the Ajman tribe. He was renown for his ability to assess geographical distances precisely and was soon employed by the government as a guide. Initially, he led trade caravans from Jubail to Dharan and then from Dharan to Abqaiq.

that eventually help set up the largest oil company in the world. Then in 1942 he served as chief guide for Aramco's Exploration parties.

team; he introduced them to Bedouin life and its rich traditions. He was consequently considered the guide of all guides.

He served as more than just a guide for the exploration

Khamis knew the geography of Saudi Arabia like the back

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of his hand. It is said that on numerous occasions his knowledge of the country proved to be more accurate than the maps of his time.

.

Khamis, on the left, with two of Bin Mansur’s soldiers near Wadi Dawasir. The Tuwaiq Escarpement is in the background.

SOURCE PHOTO/ OUTINTHEBLUE.COM

Aramco pioneers Tom C. Barger, geologist and later CEO of Aramco, and Khamis.

ARABNEWS.COM

In 1938, Bin Rimthan guided an American exploration team through the Eastern Province. He guided a group

KING SALMAN BIN

ABDULA ZIZ AL SAUD

PRINCE MUQRIN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD

Prince Mishaal Bin Abdullah

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