2(4) DQ Living: All Eyes on Saudi Vision 2030

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 JULY-AUGUST 2018

ALL EYES ON SAUDI VISION 2030 The Way of the Future

Business Leaders in the DQ

Welcome to the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 Issue of DQ Living Magazine. It’s a privilege to witness history in the making.

With such monumental changes occurring in the country under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and also the celebration of the Saudi National Day, it is only fitting to publish an issue about this magnificent Kingdom that has given so much to all of us.

We summarize Saudi Vision 2030 in our cover story and proceed to highlight the changes in the sectors of transportation, entertainment, leisure and sports. Saudi Vision 2030 is also paving the way for a thriving economy that rewards opportunities to local entrepreneurs. We feature the young, dynamic trailblazers in the Diplomatic Quarter: these business leaders are spearheading the vibrant dining and real estate scenes in the community. The DQ is also seeing changes and we can expect to see more improvements for the betterment of all DQ stakeholders. Our new section, “What’s New in the DQ”, will provide the latest updates to make sure you are always in the know.

Women are now behind the wheel literally and figuratively, not only driving cars but also leading both public and private sector institutions. We can now enjoy a lot of events offered by the Kingdom’s authorities on Culture and Entertainment.

And of course, cinemas are now open for everyone!

Instituting change in Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East with a population of over 33 million, is no easy feat. However, Saudi Arabia is making enormous strides towards progress, sustainability, and a brighter future for its younger generations. We are proud to be here experiencing the journey.

God bless the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. Happy Saudi National Day! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to present you DQ Living.

Publisher Fayez Aldosari

Project Coordinator Maria Cometti

Marketing Coordinator Alyaa Malik

Aevan Caro Fariha Eshrat

Contributors

Alex Woodman Lynda Schmidt Kelly Downing

Distributed by

Photographer

Jaffar Razan

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Contents 08 COVER STORY | Building a Stronger and More Vibrant Nation

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Contributors

LIVE | Darraq Homes: At the Heart of Saudi Arabia's Changing Times

ON THE COVER: Saudi Arabia celebrates its 88th National Day on September 23, 2018.

12 FEATURE | The Way of the Future

26 KNOW | Business Leaders in the DQ

16 FEATURE | A Renaissance in Culture and Entertainment

36 EAT | Yokari's Sense of Taste

20 FEATURE | Saudi Sports in the Spotlight

40 DO | Zen in the DQ: Om Yoga Studio

ALEXANDER WOODMAN believes that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to the world and that the beauty of the country resides in its uncharted territories. He is currently a faculty member at the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University. His research interest is in global health, international health policy development, transnational and transcultural health politics as well as international diplomacy.

KELLY DOWNING is a stay-at-home mom with a background in real estate, sales management and business development. She’s a vegetarian since childhood. She also recently got her driving license in Saudi Arabia, one of the first expat women to do so.

LYNDA FAYE SCHMIDT dreams to move to Panama one day and open a restaurant with her husband. But for now, she’s a storyteller in Riyadh with a penchant for writing real-life experiences and relationships and a passion for food and conversations.

After being a dependent in Saudi Arabia for 16 years, AEVAN MAR CARO went back to his home country to study and work but was lured back to the Kingdom for three main reasons: job opportunity, shopping opportunity and the opportunity to eat shawarma non-stop.

JAFFAR RAZA likes capturing moments. He likes the culture of Saudi Arabia and it has been the subject of his photography for many years.

For 23 years in Saudi Arabia, FARIHA ESHRAT has been enjoying the diverse halal food that the Kingdom has to offer. She likes cooking, watching reruns of the Office and studying. She is a teacher and will soon be a doctor.

WHAT'S NEW

IN THE DQ

Oud Square Presents New Restaurants Oud Square, the newest hip and happening place in the Diplomatic Quarter, saw the opening of restaurants that will add more food choices for residents and visitors of the DQ. Whether you’re craving for breakfast and brunch to fuel your day or a late dinner to enjoy with your family, Ouq Square has something for everyone!

Starbucks

6:30 AM - 11:30 PM +966-11-511-5536 MUST-TRY: Americano, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, Croissant

IHOP

6:30 AM - 12:00 MN +966-11-511-5531 MUST-TRY: New York Pancakes, Big Steak Omelet

Draft Cafe

7:00 AM - 12:00 MN +966-11-2308189 MUST-TRY: Iced Spanish Latte, Rice Crispy Bites

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Urth Caffe Truck 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM MUST-TRY: Ice Blended Spanish Latte, Ice Green Tea Boba

WokX

10:00 AM - 12:00 MN +966-58-1674871 MUST-TRY: Mongolian Beef with Udon Noodles or Fried Rice, Dynamite Shrimps

OM Yoga Studio is Now Open (See page 40)

WHAT'S NEW IN THE DQ

Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments To Open in the DQ A 25,000 m2 piece of land is currently under development at the Diplomatic Quarter. The land, leased from the High Commission for the Deveopment of Arriyadh (ADA), is the location of the new Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments expected to be completed by the end of 2018. The hotel will consist of 80 rooms and suites while the Executive Apartments will have 140 5-star luxury executive apartments, in addition to a main restaurant, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and a health club.

Photo Credit: Jaffar Raza

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

THE DAWN OF A

Photo Credit: Jaffar Raza

A NEW ERA

Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman

COVER

SAUDI VISION 2030

Building a Stronger and More Vibrant Nation

BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN

O

n April 25, 2016, the Saudi government created the national program “Vision 2030,” an ambitious plan to affect the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The goal of the program is to build a more prosperous country, which reflects the goals, strengths, and potential of the nation and its people.

this region. As with many other accomplished nations, Saudi Arabia is working to continually invigorate and improve the systems and policies of their government. The ambitious and creative goals of “Vision 2030,” will continue to welcome experienced people who will support the programs of the government and its plans for development.

The abundant natural features, varied ethnicity, distinctive demography, and stable financial system of Saudi Arabia show a country that will continue to be among the leading nations in the world. The unique and strategic location of Saudi Arabia, connecting three significant continents, is just another quality of this revered nation. The implementation of the programs of “Vision 2030," will add to the prosperity of

This Vision will be constructed on three pillars which illustrate the competitive advantages of this program as well as the goal of this country: “to continue to be a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.”

“Vision 2030” essentially continues, in a larger format, an expanded form of the policies that the country has had in place for many decades. There have been some successes,

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but implementation has fallen short of the ambitious targets that have been set. These three main pillars represent the status of the country as the “heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds”; the determination to become a global investment powerhouse; and finally, to transform the country’s location into a hub connecting the three continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa).

An undertaking of this dimension is a work in progress, and all such projects begin with an idea; a vision. The Saudis believed that those visions should be based upon strong pillars.

Therefore, the first pillar would encourage the members of the society to live by the Islamic principle of moderation. It would urge its people to be proud of their national uniqueness and the ancient cultural heritage of the country in which they live.

The second pillar would stand tall as a representative of a flourishing economy which offers opportunities through the educational system according to market requirements.

It will open incredible economic prospects for the business persons, the small enterprises, as well as the large companies.

Lastly, the third pillar embodies an operative, transparent, responsible, and highly efficient government.

To achieve all the goals of “Vision 2030,” the government of Saudi Arabia has already implemented several programs – “bridges” of “Vision 2030,” which will help them to reach its final destination. These programs are:

1. The Government Restructuring 2. The Strategic Directions 3. The Fiscal Balance 4. The Project Management program 5. The Regulations Review 6. The Performance Measurement 7. The Saudi Aramco Strategic Transformation 8. The Public Investment Fund Restructuring 9. The Human Capital 10. The National Transformation 11. The Strategic Partnerships 12. The Privatization programs 13. The Strengthening Public Sector

Governance program

Through the foundation of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the government began to study the expenses of the national capital, its authorization mechanism, and its assessable economic effect. One of the most significant achievements of the newly started “Vision 2030,” was the increase of non-oil related incomes by thirty-percent.

The companies and the organizations affiliated with the Kingdom have seen a series of improvements and alterations.

This has been accomplished under the supervision of the

A Number of Saudi Vision 2030 Goals

Current Numbers (%)

Expectation for 2030 (%)

To raise the non-profit sector’s contribution to GDP

1

5

To increase household savings

6

10

To increase the private sector’s contribution to GDP

40

65

To raise the share of non-oil exports in non-oil GDP

16

50

To increase foreign direct investment

3.8

5.7

To increase women’s participation in the workforce

22

30

To increase the localization of oil and gas sectors

40

75

To lower the rate of unemployment

11.6

7

To increase SME contribution to GDP

20

35

To increase the ratio of individuals exercising at least once a week

13

40

To increase household spending on cultural and entertainment activities inside the Kingdom

2.9

6

9

Visual representation of the expected effects of a successful Vision 2030:

Vision 2030 Goals Chart

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project management offices (PMOs) in the Council of Economic and Development Affairs as well as many of the other governmental organizations.

The Regulations Review Program studied numerous presentday laws and implemented new regulations which have been long overdue. These are the company law, the nongovernmental organization's law, the law concerning fees on non-used lands, and the General Authority for Endowments (Awqaf) law.

The Human Capital Program is one of the central projects of “Vision 2030.” It paves the way for every human being to be accepted as a fundamental element in the success of each monumental project. This program will calculate, evaluate, and investigate the productivity of civil service.

These actions will sustain the government organizations in addition to its workforce, researchers and research projects, and planned cooperation associated with human capital.

Another valuable goal of “Vision 2030” is the radical development of international relations between Saudi Arabia and the world-leading and developing countries of the world.

This accomplishment, in return, will result in increased experience and involvement on the world stage.

The most constructive comments come from the representatives of foreign countries regarding “Vision 2030.”

My conversation with His Excellency Ambassador of Mexico in the Kingdom, Mr. Alfredo Miranda, is worthy of mention, wherein he said:

“Vision 2030 will lay the foundation to reduce global challenges and generate prosperity for generations to come. This is an exciting time, and the opportunities in the International community continue to increase. Further communication between countries will change people’s lives, and benefit future generations.”

Each of the aspects of “Vision 2030” has its own undertakings and obligations which mirrors the goals and desires expected to be achieved. By continuing to develop the economy, the quality of services at all levels will continue to improve.

This will lead to the privatization of different governmental services, will refine the business scope, and engage the most globally talented and capable professionals.

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Photo Credit: Ministry of Transport Website

THE WAY OF THE FUTURE

BY LYNDA SCHMIDT

A

nyone who has driven in Riyadh can attest to the fact that traffic conditions can be congested and chaotic.

With women being issued driver’s licenses as of June 24, 2018 and the population expected to grow from the current 6.5 million to 8 million by 2030, the road situation will become more challenging. Fortunately, transportation and infrastructure play an important part in the Saudi Vision 2030. The goals reflect an integrated policy and include the building of Smart Cities concepts, construction of a new metro system, new city buses, tour buses and expansion of airports by following best practices.

Smart Cities are urban areas that use different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources effectively.

The concept of smart cities in transportation development is evident in the construction of the Riyadh Metro, which will run driverless trains with tickets issued through apps downloaded onto cell phones or electronic prepaid Smart cards.

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Riyadh Metro was designed and is being constructed by the BACS consortium. It will consist of six lines covering 176 kilometres and 85 stations, including the airport. There will be three classes of tickets; first, single and family. Free Wi-Fi will be available on all trains and at all stations and train screens and maps will be in both Arabic and English.

The undertaking is expected to be fully operational by 2021 and will cost an estimated US 22.5 billion, placing Riyadh Metro at the forefront of sustainable urban transport as the most expensive and largest public transportation system in the world.

In addition to the metro system, Riyadh is set to have 965 new buses provided by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO). The Riyadh "red buses" have been launched a few months ago. Tickets can be obtained through the use of smart cards available at vending machines or from the Urban app that can be downloaded onto your phone. Tickets cost from three to five riyals.

Learn more about the Riyadh Metro at their Visitors Centre.

These "red buses" replaced the "hafila", the local-transport mini bus.

Photo Credit: SAPTCO Website

One of the train statiom designs of the Riyadh Metro.

More than 30 check-in counters are serving customers at the new KKIA Terminal 5

Tour Buses are already in operation to transport people to the most important landmarks in Riyadh. Tickets are available for purchase on-line at citysightseeing-riyadh.com, on-bus, at most hotels or at tour departure points. Ticket prices are: adult: 112 SR (3 routes); 50 SR (1 route); children: 68 SR (3 routes); 30 SR (1 route); family: 294 SR (3 routes); 132 SR (1 route).

You can hop on and off at any stop on the itinerary to explore the attractions, which include several malls, the Masmak Fortress, Al Diriyah Historical City and the Aviation Museum, to name a few. The three tours are: ● RED: Culture Tour, starting @ King Fahd National Library Park, 70 minutes duration, running every 20 minutes ● BLUE: Entertainment Tour, starting @ Al Nakheel Mall, 80 minutes duration; running every 30 minutes ● GREEN: Historical Tour, starting @ Panorama Mall, 90 minutes duration, running every 30 minutes The new King Khalid Airport Terminal 5 is now complete and open for business. This newest addition handles all Saudi Arabia Airlines domestic flights. The expansion allows for an increase in the capacity of passengers from 14 million to an expected 40 million by 2038. The terminal features thirty-six check-in counters, shuttle service to the other terminals every ten minutes, and will be connected to the Riyadh metro once the metro project is completed.

The metro, city buses, tour buses and the new airport terminal comprise a promise for the future of a revolutionary transport network that will have the potential to facilitate economic prosperity and diversity in Riyadh.

RIYADH METRO VISITORS CENTRE A recent visit to this new destination to learn about the latest developments in public transportation proved to be informative and interesting.

Our guides, Noura Al-Smari and Rawan Al-Tworki, led us through the various exhibitions and interactive displays with enthusiasm and professionalism. Entrance was free and booking our tour was easy, with tickets available online at riyadhmetro.sa. Tours run between 4:00 and 9:00 pm daily, ten minutes after the hour in English and 40 minutes after the hour in Arabic.

Riyadh Metro Visitors Centre Al Urubah Rd, King Abdul Aziz P.O. Box 94501 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11614 Toll Free: 1 99 33 Email: info@riyadhmetro.sa Website: www.riyadhmetro.sa Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

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ALONG FOR THE DRIVE: Women's Perspective from Behind the Wheel

BY KELLY DOWNING

A

fter living in Saudi Arabia for five years, I was overcome with shock and relief when the royal decree permitting women to drive was announced last September.

Almost a year later, my license has been in my hand for three months and I have to pause to remember life before driving.

As an expat firmly planted in this country, by way of my Saudi husband and sons, I am thrilled with the changes happening here. There is a new lightheartedness among strangers, a sense of empowerment among women, and hopeful suspense as we watch Saudi Vision 2030 unfold in our lives. Yet, there’s no one more affected by this decree than Saudi women themselves. I spoke with four women to find out how they view the changes.

“accomplishment, relief, consciousness of being part of history, and silly for feeling this much about something that I should’ve had all along.” Also remembering her experience with a sense of humor, Jameela acknowledges that it “may seem silly, but I felt human, and free.” While Sarah Saktawi, a working mother of two, exclaimed that after getting her

Jameela Balahmar converted her foreign license this summer.

“I chose to begin driving myself because I feel a lot safer. I know I’m a safe driver compared to any drivers I’ve ever had.”

She also mentions saving money as a motivation for getting her license. Sarah Abdullah, who plans to attend driving school soon, agrees: “I hope we will become a more practical culture and how we view time and money will change.”

When Sarah's sister Hind first obtained her Saudi license, she experienced a mix of emotions. Hind remembers feeling,

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Hala Oueini gets her license after completing the driving exam.

for some of the surprises I faced on the road.” Fortunately, she reports there has been “nothing extreme or bad experiences from any male drivers on the road.”

The ability to drive is a significant step towards the fulfillment of Vision 2030. While this change is among the first to be implemented, it is clear that Saudi culture will continue to evolve as the transition continues. Sarah Saktawi is hopeful that the cultural evolution will benefit future generations and states, “change for the better is always wonderful to witness.” Hind is mindful of erasing Saudi culture and hopes that along with the changes, that “beautiful, valuable cultural Islamic ethics” are preserved.

To exchange your valid driver’s license, set up an Absher account (moi.gov.sa), if you do not have one already. Then, apply for the appointment through sdlp.sa. Your foreign license, national ID or iqama, and translation of the foreign license will be required for upload. Before your appointment, you must pay the fees (SADAD is a convenient option) and complete a medical check. Alternatively, if you do not have a valid license, register for driving classes at PNU (sds.pnu.edu.sa).

Jameela Balahmar holds her Saudi-issued driver’s license.

license, she “felt like a proud successful Saudi woman that can finally drive her kids to school and herself to work!”

Family obligations are a shared motivation in this group’s decision to drive. Hind points out,

“I can run errands for me and my family, avoiding the desperation of waiting for another person to get basic things done.”

TIPS FOR DRIVING AS AN EXPAT IN RIYADH - Traffic flow takes precedence over lane markings.

Lanes may end without signage and drivers often cut you off without warning, so it’s safest to follow the rhythm of the traffic.

- Use turn signals in roundabouts and construction zones. In these areas, drivers do usually yield if they know where you’re headed.

Yet, Sarah acknowledges that this shift in responsibility will affect the family structure, partly due to the ability of women to make their own choices and decisions. "And from that change,” she continues, “a new set of beliefs will emerge influencing our culture.” Some of these changes, Hind says, will “help many traditional conservative family members to re-think all applied cultural limitations.” Sarah Saktawi has a playful approach to her new family dynamics. “I do drive myself everywhere at the moment, unless we are going out as a family. I do enjoy being a DJ in the passenger seat.”

- Be aware of vehicles that merge onto the highway at very low speeds. This can make exiting the highway tricky as you decelerate in a shared area.

After a lifetime of being required to sit in passenger seats, taking the driver’s seat can be surreal. As Hind shares, “It’s still registered in my mind that I am doing something wrong.

Even though I drove for many years abroad, I have to convince my brain that this is okay here.” Yet Sarah Saktawi points out, the transition is not as difficult as one may expect since “We have witnessed a lot of inconsiderate drivers even just being in the passenger or backseat. So, I was actually pretty ready

- Let the road-ragers pass you. Even more so if their car is beat up.

- Approach neighborhood intersections with heightened awareness, as its difficult to see cross-traffic around the walls.

- If you’re a moderate driver, be prepared to change lanes often to find the correct speed. Right lanes are taken by drivers at half the speed limit, left lanes are well above the speed limit.

- Park a block from your destination to save a lot of stress.

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A RENAISSANCE In Culture and Entertainment

BY NAUREEN AHMED

Saudi Arabia is bringing new excitement in its midst and we’re here for the long, entertaining ride!

Photo Credit: SevenMoonsKSA

T

here was a time in our lives in Saudi Arabia when we often asked “what’s there to do?” If you ask me ten years ago, I would have answered, “go to the mall”.

But today, with the Saudi Vision 2030 promising a vibrant society, promoting culture and entertainment becomes one of the ways to further enjoy a good quality of life in the Kingdom. With this is the introduction of many events and activities, and of course, the re-opening of cinemas.

Meaningful Entertainment Saudi Arabia is committed to provide a number of cultural and entertainment events to its citizens and residents.

“Daem” is the national program that will focus on this goal.

It aims to create a network of clubs that professionally organizes events, encourage the exchange of knowledge and international experiences, and promote better awareness of more hobbies and leisure activities. Government funds will be allocated to open more event venues and to support the efforts of the Kingdom’s regions, governates, and non-profit and private sectors to hold festivals and other cultural happenings.

With such focus on culture and entertainment, Saudi Arabia introduced two bodies of recreation and culture in 2016: the General Culture Authority (GCA) and the General

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Entertainment Authority (GEA). The GCA is responsible for all cultural activities in the Kingdom while the GEA is responsible for expanding the Kingdom’s entertainment sector.

Enduring Culture I have been to various museums and traditional villages and have attended many festivals in the Kingdom: I have always been amazed with Saudi Arabia’s heritage. To see the GCA create programs to maintain, safeguard and revive this heritage is a great way to achieve the organization’s objectives which include stimulating and developing the Kingdom’s cultural sector, encouraging creativity and innovation, and fostering cultural talents. The GCA is focused on the following sectors: theater and performing arts, film and media content, literature, visual arts and music.

The GCA highlights the Saudi identity through their activities.

They participate in local and international conferences, forums, festivals, and exhibitions which are considered as bridges and channels to enhance the cultural standing of the Kingdom in the world. The Saudi Cultural Days, an international program of experiential exhibits, is one of their momentous events this year. It showcased a “whole-istic” exhibition of Saudi modern and contemporary art curated by Aya Alireza and Raneem Farsi. Activities like art and photography, screenings of Saudi

films, and musical performances were held in London, New York and Paris. The event showed a more complete image of what makes Saudi Arabia what it is today.

Locally, the GCA held Sikkat Ramadan in Riyadh, a display of arts, film screenings, and many interactive shows, for five days. They also had the Saudi-German Jazz Fusion Concert and invited the Cologne Academy Orchestra to perform in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. They also brought in violin prodigy Chloe Chua and Dr. Hiba Al Kawas, the pioneer in Arabic opera.

The governing body signed an agreement with Rotana Audiovisual Company last April to organize around 100 cultural events with more than 80 artists from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world participating. With these events, and more in the works, Saudi Arabia is truly having a rebirth by digging deep into their roots and at the same time sharing their skills and talents to the world.

Enriching Experience Ten years ago, we were struggling to find events to attend.

Fast forward to today and we can’t keep up with all the events happening in the Kingdom! The GEA was established to organize, develop, and lead the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. It aims to provide exciting entertainment options and tailored experiences for people from all walks of life. And they’re currently doing a really good job at it.

At the start of 2018, the GEA started its “Don’t Even Think of Traveling” campaign which encourages citizens and residents alike to stay in the Kingdom during vacation and holidays.

The GEA provided more entertainment options which are accessible to all through their online entertainment calendar, roznamah.sa. Everyone can check upcoming events and activities in the website and also in the app available for smartphones. It has been a handy tool to keep track of all the happenings in the country.

The GEA supported the first ever Comic Con in Saudi Arabia in 2017. It brought the world of films, comics, and anime to the Kingdom with celebrity appearances. This event delighted a lot of families and comic fans. The organization also backed the Monster Jam event in Riyadh, a worldfamous live motorsport that features legendary drivers in four-meter tall, five-ton trucks.

This year’s eid celebrations saw a lot of events! While the fireworks display is still at the heart if it, the circus came to town too! The Hollywood Circus set up their red tent and wowed guests with their acrobats thrilling actions and deathdefying stunts. Another part of the Eid-al-Fitr celebrations was the first ever South Asian Expatriate Festival at the King Abdullah Park. It showed the rich tapestry of South Asian culture with live dances and musical performances.

Groovz was the first ever jazz festival in the Kingdom which featured bands from Riyadh, Beirut and New Orleans. The

The first ever jazz festival in Riyadh featured Saudi and foregin musicians including Lebanon's Chady Nashef.

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Family-oriented "Land O’ Hara" in Wadi Nemar was one of the most entertaining events in Saudi Arabia this year.

People flock the first edition of Sikkat Ramadan, an event that featured local artists and creatives.

The outdoor concept of Ylaah Salt attracts a lot of people. It’s located beside Riyadh Park and will run until October 26, 2018.

The Hollywood circus came to town.

outdoor event had a vintage car display and food trucks.

Speaking of which, Riyadh saw a lot of food truck events this year that opened up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to try their hand on moveable food businesses.

I probably attended more events in 2017 and 2018 than the first 8 years of my stay in Saudi Arabia. With GEA announcing 5,000 events for this year, we can expect more fun and interesting shows to come!

With the Kingdom’s focus on creating a vibrant society and giving its people a happy and fulfilling life, we will be seeing a tremendous growth and improvement in their culture, entertainment and recreation sectors. We are not just witnesses but we are all part of the action. It’s truly a great time to be in Saudi Arabia!

Sikkat Ramadan installed interactive artworks where people can participate.

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Lights, Camera, Action!

We are truly witnessing sweeping reforms in the entertainment industry with the re-opening of cinemas in Saudi Arabia after over three decades. The landmark moment happened in April 18, 2018 with a showing of the movie Black Panther at the AMC Cinema. AMC Entertainment was granted the first license to operate cinemas in the Kingdom. Apart from giving people an avenue to enjoy the latest flicks, the re-opening of cinemas creates jobs and helps growing the economy.

AMC Cinemas As you enter the AMC grounds, every movie buff will be amused by the trinkets of movie references to be seen. From movie quotes to movie posters, it's worth a quick snap.

AMC Cinemas houses one huge cinema with standard and balcony seating options. The staff were especially friendly and accomodating with the guests. Once you start popping their popcorn on your mouths, you can't stop. www.amccinemas.net +966-11-222-1101 KAFD Conference Center North Ring Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

VOX Cinemas Owned by Majid Al Furraim Cinemas, VOX Cinemas is located at the bustling activity floor of the new Riyadh Park Mall. It is a multiplex cinema with four screens, including the country's first IMAX theater. They have a dedicated VOX KIDS concept, which is an exclusive viewing experience for children. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your movie schedule in order to go through security and the line for concessions. ksa.voxcinemas.com Riyadh Park Mall North Ring Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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SAUDI SPORTS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BY AEVAN CARO

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 not only addresses the Kingdom’s economy but also the opportunities in various lifestyle sectors like entertainment and sports. As part of the vision’s implementation of social and lifestyle changes, Saudi Arabia is focusing on sports, participation in worldwide sports and gaming events, and ongoing development of sports infrastructure.

P

ursuing the promotion and reinforcement of sports value among youth and athletes, the General Sports Authority (GSA) is among the government bodies that continues to spread-out historic changes currently happening in the Kingdom.

"GSA aims to achieve world class competitive sport which intends to attain higher participation and representation in international sports."

Suaid Arabia's Mohammad Al-Shalawi in action. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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They remain focused in increasing the number of sports activities and the involvement of more individuals including the Saudi women’s participation and contribution.

WWE staged its biggest Royal Rumble in Jeddah.

The football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Batin last January 12, 2018 marked a momentous evolution in the Kingdom’s sports culture where women were allowed to attend for the first time following the Saudi government’s announcement of lifting the ban on women in stadiums.

This historic event which initially took place in King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and followed by two more matches in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, is part of the Saudi government’s reform in providing greater rights for women.

The stadiums allotted a “family section” bordered by barriers separating the women and families from the male-only spectators. Designated entrances, parking lots, praying areas, and restrooms for female fans were prepared as well.

To achieve higher participation in international sports, GSA brought the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Greatest Royal Rumble to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah last April 27, 2018.

Around 60,000 attendees, both male and female, were entertained by WWE superstars including John Cena who defeated Triple H in a singles match and The Undertaker who won over Rusev in a Casket Match.

The highlight of the sold-out event was the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship won by Braun Strowman who was the last man standing in the ring outlasting 49 other WWE superstars including The Great Khali, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, and Rey Mysterio.

Prior to these, GSA Chairman H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh and WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon signed a tenyear agreement to host upcoming wrestling events in the Kingdom to boost its entertainment and sports industry.

In Riyadh, GSA launched the Riyadh International HalfMarathon held last February 24, 2018 participated by hundreds of all-male participants under three categories – Professional, Amateur, and Fun Run measuring 21, eight, and four kilometers respectively.

The professional half-marathon, the event’s highlight, with SR1 million cash prize was won by Ethiopian runner Tamira Mola.

Another world-class event happened in the Kingdom’s capital city earlier this year. The 2018 Race of Champions (ROC) went on in a two-day event, February 2-3, 2018, at the King Fahd International Stadium which was the first-ever international motorsport competition in Saudi Arabia.

On its first night, the racers battled for ROC Nation’s Cup title won by Team Germany’s Rene Rast and Timo Bernhard who faced Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves of Latin America in the Finals.

During ROC’s second night, it was the Scottish legend David Coulthard, a 13-time Formula 1 grand prix winner, who victoriously bagged the Race of Champions crown.

In hosting such events, GSA continues to develop Saudi Arabia’s innovative role in hosting international championships of various sports activities.

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LIVE

Darraq Homes

At the Heart of Saudi Arabia's Changing Times

BY DUR HOSPITALITY CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

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I

f there is one place both international guests and Saudis are opting to live, it is in the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter. There is no other area in Riyadh that reflects better the changes that are happening in the Kingdom. With its exclusive, trendy and luxurious feel, it is the most sought after neighborhood.

Dur Communities villas and apartments are a reflection of the change and modernization of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. Open, bright, finished to perfection, the homes are part of the movement in the Kingdom to bring the best of what there is to offer in all the sectors. The accommodation is also reflective of the social and economic change that is sweeping much of the capital.

The offer by Dur Hospitality Company is tailored to the new professionals who are looking for accommodation options to fit the changing and growing expectations of Saudi Arabia's young and talented professionals and their families.

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This project is composed of a range of villas and apartments finished to the highest standard.

They offer secure, bright, trendy living options at the heart of a changing capital. Only minutes walk from new cafes and restaurants, these two, three or five-bed properties are located in the center of the Diplomatic Quarter.

May you be a fitness freak, a foodie or simply looking for the best of what is on offer, this accommodation offers a lifestyle, rather than just a home. The area is known to be home to some of the best restaurants and will soon see two new international hotels open their doors.

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The professionalism of Dur Communities in providing professional services and adopting the best procedures for residential compounds` management has recently been recognized. Dur has indeed been awarded the ISO 9001 International Quality Certificate.

DUR Hospitality Co. P.O. Box 5500, Riyadh, 11422, Saudi Arabia Contact Nos: +966-11-481-6666 ext. 600

Email: leasing@dur.sa Website: www.darraq.com Social Media: @darraqsa

This certificate is a recognition of its commitment to the quality management

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system and its keenness to provide maintenance and facility management services in accordance with best practices and international standards by qualified and trained staffs with extensive experience in this field. The Quality Management System certification (QMS) is the world’s most valuable quality certification which ensures that Dur services are in line with the best international standards.

Business Leaders in the DQ

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving more Saudis to invest in the flourishing real estate and food sectors. For these business mavens in the Diplomatic Quarter, it’s not just simple businesses: these are their passions. They take pride in their work, persist in their endeavors and deliver the best. Meet the trailblazing business leaders in the DQ!

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KNOW

SULTAN ALOTAIBI DUR HOSPITALITY CO.

With almost two decades of experience in management and leadership, Sultan AlOtaibi is now VP of Property and Assets in one of the biggest hospitality brands in the Kingdom.

Can you tell us about yourself?

My history with Dur Hospitality dates back to the year 2000, when I initially started with the position of General Manager of Makarem, Dur’s Saudi grown hospitality brand. Following this, I was appointed as the Vice President of Property and Asset Management in July 2015 up to date. Complimenting my experience in hospitality is my MBA in International Hospitality Management obtained from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

My primary focus is leading and maximising returns of the real estate assets portfolio with the analysis of company investments, creating and maximizing value and ensuring the smooth flow of operations.

Why did DUR choose to develop in the DQ? What makes the DQ special?

As one of the few organizations granted a license to hold real estate in DQ, Dur Hospitality has been more than living up to that privilege and its well-earned reputation.

Chief amongst Dur's impressive portfolio of developments is the prestigious Darraq project. Distributed across three highly-desired locations within the DQ, Darraq comprises over 400 luxurious, premium residential units representing the height of lavish and modern living in the Kingdom.

DQ has always been known for being the living quarters of diplomats and embassy personnel serving as a home base for those who seek a lifestyle of luxury, convenience and comfort. It’s a place away from the city's noise: it's full of green landscapes and fascinating architecture. We headquartered in DQ as it's just a five minutes’ drive away from Riyadh’s center and a place that suits prestigious top-tier projects like Darraq.

How have your customers reacted to the new Darraq apartments and villas in the DQ? As Riyadh’s most illustrious address, Darraq positions residents amongst an active, highly sociable, international com-

munity. Numerous opportunities exist to forge international friendships through the hospitality of the many and varied diplomatic, cultural events.

We’ve garnered a significantly positive reaction to the new Darraq apartments and villas in the DQ. The concept of smart and optimized living has the perfect blend of urban architecture, sophisticated elegance and state-of-the-art smart home technology which contributes to the exclusive living experience at the DQ, with high standards of security, round-the-clock hospitality inspired services which significantly make for convenient and comfortable high-end living.

Furthermore, the satisfaction and popularity in Darraq was greatly reflected in the rate at which majority of units have been booked by prospective tenants even before the official launch of the fourth phase during the first quarter of this year.

What advice would you give to other aspiring business leaders at this time, in Saudi Arabia?

Regardless of the turmoil experienced by many industries currently, due to the significant transformations, my advice would be to continue investing in diverse opportunities, as the transformations brought about by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is also shining light on a promising future.

What are your future plans for DUR and Darraq in the DQ? Dur and Darraq have a handful of projects that are underway, out of which is the 5th phase of the development of Darraq Residences which has a completely new concept and covers an area of 8,736 square meters. The project features 55 fully furnished residential units equipped with the latest smart home systems. Additionally, there’s the 6th phase that covers an area of 31,980 square meters featuring 28 lavish villas.

As for Dur's plan in the DQ, the company is in the process of launching the Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in the DQ, both of which cover an area of 25,000 square meters and include 80 rooms and suites, as well as 140 5-star luxury executive apartments.

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ARCH. MOHAMMED K. ALDURAIBI OUD REAL ESTATE

With over 12 years of experience in development, strategic and operational leadership, Mohammed AlDuraibi is creating a difference in the real estate scene of the Kingdom.

Can you give tell us about yourself?

Currently, I am the Managing Director & CEO of Oud Real Estate Company. I'm also a MEFMA Board Member, Founder of the Sub-Committee for Property & Facility Management at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, and a Global FM Director.

Why did Oud choose to be developed in the DQ? What makes the DQ special?

Our aim at Oud is to create a unique experience in an exclusive, upscale destination inside the Diplomatic Quarter. The DQ has always been a special place since its establishment, and at Oud we choose to target DQ’s elite demographic.

How have your customers reacted to Oud Square in the DQ? We are blessed that our clients and visitors fall in love with Oud Square from the first sight. Our customers tell us that Oud Square has become the DQ hot spot where they like to enjoy a morning jolt, meet friends, or dine-in at one of our unique restaurants. The experiences we have been able to create at Oud Square continue to attract enthusiastic customers.

How is your business contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030?

The Vision 2030 is reforming the shape of business in terms of economic and social life. This change is focused on a new era of development as can been seen in the giga project that was announced recently and the changes in governmental institutions. We are happy to be serving various governmental agencies as our clients in Oud Square and Oud Dunes. We are witnessing the changes ourselves as our clients work on several Vision initiatives. We are looking 28

forward to participate in this endeavor, especially in the real estate sector.

We are true believers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's transition; we believe that the Kingdom is moving in the right direction. As a boutique real estate company, we hope to have a significant imprint on Vision 2030.

What advice would you give to other aspiring business leaders at this time, in Saudi Arabia?

Everyone should aspire to be more creative and more adaptable in their ways of doing business. Business leaders should keep reading the government announcements, especially those related to the Vision 2030. They should also work to understand the guidelines, identify the areas of opportunity, and be ready to take these opportunities in each sector.

What are your future plans for Oud Square in the DQ? Our main vision is to be the hub of the DQ. We want to demonstrate that a local product can provide an upscale experience. Especially in the DQ that has more than 120 foreign and expat organizations, we are glad to be a remarkable Saudi product among them. Our project is ongoing and additional tenants are joining. The services that we promise to provide, and will announce soon, will reshape the service offerings here in the DQ. We are currently preparing concierge services such as chauffeur and shuttle options for the residences within the DQ. Furthermore, we will host various initiatives and events in the DQ which will reflect the ture essence of the Kingdom's culture.

ABDULELAH BIN ALI AL-SUDAIS

KALAMATA & FRUTTI DI MARE In just 5 years, Abdulelah Bin Ali Al-Sudais has garnered enough experience and expertise in the business sector to start his own restaurant. This Saudi entrepreneur shares the secrets of his sweet and savory success.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I have a long history in the DQ; this is where I attended primary and intermediate school. I went on to receive a Bachelors in Finance from King Saud University and a masters in management from the University of Technology Sydney.

I finished studying abroad in 2013 and returned to Saudi Arabia to start my career in business and trading. I became a partner in a sports facility then went on to establish a Saudi rocks company. I decided to open a restaurant in the Diplomatic Quarter: Fresh Grills Restaurant officially opened in the DQ in March 2017. Sports is my passion, especially football. I’m married and have a young daughter.

Why did you choose to open a restaurant inside the DQ? What makes the DQ special?

The DQ is definitely one of the finest places in Riyadh. It’s a prestigious locale with people from all over the world.

And in the past there weren’t many restaurants in the DQ, especially those serving traditional Arabic food. A new kind of restaurant was needed to satisfy the growing number of DQ residents and so the idea for Fresh Grills was born. We changed the name to Kalamata after a few years.

What kind of experience can customers expect at Kalamata in the DQ? Customers will come to Kalamata for good food and ambiance. We have spacious outdoor seating with ACs and misting machines, making it comfortable to enjoy the outdoors all-year-round.

How is your business contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030?

The government has taken many steps to encourage Saudis in the market. Likewise, Saudis want to show their personalities, in the food industry in particular. You can see this in the local food truck scene. By 2022, a big positive change will be realized. As a Saudi myself, I like to think I’m contributing to this movement through developing my own restaurants.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs at this time, in Saudi Arabia?

I recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B field to develop your own concept. If you use your own style, it will be better and less costly. However, be sure to hire the right consultants, especially if this is your first time entering the food business. The right consultants will help you develop your concept, and save you time and potential loss. It’s also important to keep in mind that it is difficult to obtain visas to bring qualified labor from abroad.

When you receive your certificate to start your business, you still have to wait 45-60 days to apply for labor. The visa process takes time. Even though the labor issues are challenging, it's crucial to do your best to put together a good team.

What are your future plans in the DQ? Kalamata, formerly Fresh Grills, will be serving Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. Frutti di Mare will serve fresh quality sea food and also provide catering. Both are located in Fazari Plaza.

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SAUD SHAFAI EGGS & FLOUR

Driven by his passion for the food and beverages industry, Saud Shafai opened his own restaurant Eggs & Flour, which quickly gained fame and is now preparing for expansion into other branches and collaborations across the Kingdom.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I am an aircraft engineer, businessman, registered freelance recruiter and restaurant & café owner. After starting my career as an aircraft engineer, I discovered it wasn’t for me. So I returned to school and studied business administration in Canada from 2009-2013. It was in Canada that I developed an in depth understanding of the food and beverage business, mainly by learning from large scale franchise operations. During my time in Canada, I also started to develop a plan to open a restaurant called Eggs & Flour, as most of our food either contains eggs or flour. Today, I run Eggs & Flour Restaurant and also work as a freelance HR recruiter, helping local and international companies fulfil their staffing requirements here in KSA.

happens at Eggs & Flour; we see many customers holding meetings here. According to some of our customers, they love Eggs & Flour because they are treated as if they're family and it’s not the standard commercial food outlets that populate the city. Our customers enjoy trying our new menu items, and when they order it again, we know it’s a winner!

Why did you chose to open Eggs & Flour in the DQ? What makes the DQ special?

We decided to open Eggs & Flour in the DQ in late 2016, with a promise to offer great quality food. We have done and continue to do our best to meet all our customers' needs and satisfaction. Eggs & Flour is the best place to enjoy your meal because of its friendly atmosphere and music. In consideration to DQ’s culture and society, we have met all of its needs by offering international cuisine.

At Eggs & Flour, customers have a great opportunity to taste and eat different types of food from other cuisines especially at the lunch buffet that we do.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs at this time, in Saudi Arabia?

Many aspiring entrepreneurs come to Eggs & Flour and ask me for advice in starting a restaurant or cafe. I try to give them my tips and insights to help them succeed. This is exactly what aspiring entrepreneurs need to do: seek the advice and guidance from experienced professionals in their desired field. To build a business, one needs to be patient. Success is a long process. A lot of time and energy are required to start a business, especially in the beginning; other areas of your life will suffer but once you establish your business, you will eventually find a balance.

How have your customers reacted to Eggs & Flour in the DQ? Our restaurant is open to everyone. However, we have found that most of our customers are professional executives, business owners, and diplomats. A lot of networking

What are your future plans for Eggs and Flour?

Eggs & Flour will be launching in other areas of Riyadh very soon! We also have further plans to open in other major cities in Saudi Arabia with our sister bakeshop Eggs & Flour Bakery and Pastry.

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How is your business contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030?

Eggs & Flour is dedicated to contribuing to Vision 2030 The welcoming and comfortable atmosphere facilitates the networking required to continue to connect with other professionals to elevate business.

NOURA AL-BAZAIE FUS:HA

Motivated to help children eat better and educate them about the importance of healthy eating, Noura Al-Bazaie came up with Fus:Ha, which is improving the healthy food culture in Riyadh.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m a mother of two boys, Majed and Sultan, who were my motivation to get into the healthy food business.

Why did you choose to open FusHa in the DQ and what makes the DQ special?

The DQ has been my home for 16 years now. When I had kids, I was lucky enough to find the best school for them just a few steps away from my door. King Faisal School is such a pioneer school and it seemed like the perfect start to such a special idea. The vibe of the DQ as a community is very much present in King Faisal School and that is part of what makes it special.

How have your customers reacted to Fus:Ha in the DQ? Thankfully we were very well received from those who knew about us, we still feel that we need to reach out more to this beautiful community.

How is your business contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030?

The Saudi Vision 2030 has the theme “vibrant society” who are leading fulfilling lives, nothing more than health would get us to be vibrant and live our lives to the fullest.

Health education needs to be taught from a young age to lower the numbers of diabetes and other diseases, and that is where Fus:ha comes in.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs at this time, in Saudi Arabia?

Hard work pays off! If you have a strong feeling about an idea and you execute it with care, passion and determination, you will reach your potential.

What are your future plans for Fus:Ha? Fus:Ha is part of the Healthy Catering Group with a sister company called Hafla that brings the same healthy standards to your children’s birthdays and home celebrations. Our main goal is to make healthy clean, food that is reasonably priced and accessible to anyone who needs it.

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MOHAMMAD AL ROBAIAN ca/le/ndar

ca/le/ndar is a new and trendy addition to the food scene of Riyadh. Its founder Mohammad Al Robaian talks about his experience starting, running and growing a business in the Kingdom and its importance to the Vision 2030 goals.

Can you tell us about yourself?

I consider myself as a culture collector; visiting countries but mostly collecting experiences wherever I go. I design and develop thoughts and things. I am the founder and CEO of |done is a [noun]|, a design and development discipline based in Riyadh with branches in Istanbul and Kuwait. I graduated with a master’s degree in Brand Identity Development and Communication Strategy. I have worked with global companies with exciting accounts like DDB Worldwide in New York, Google, Lowe Campbell Ewald in Los Angeles, Citibank and PIMCO. My personal business portfolio includes restaurants/cafe’s in Riyadh, a line of retail and merchandise, furniture, cosmetics as well as a design and development office. I enjoy designing, developing and managing each business concept I own from scratch.

Why did you choose to open ca/le/ndar in the DQ? What makes the DQ special?

I have always been intrigued by different cultures. As a person who enjoys traveling and has lived abroad for a while, the DQ is the epitome of “everywhere in one": different people and different cultures all in one place. Who wouldn’t want that! The concept of ca/le/ndar which celebrates every new day and every new experience just seamlessly blends

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with the DQ. We are so lucky to be among such diverse and dynamic people.

How have your customers reacted to ca/le/ndar in the DQ? We are so blessed to see ca/le/ndar growing day by day.

People love the concept and enjoy the food and coffee experience. We have so many regular customers who support and encourage us which push us to do better every day and we are trying to do just that.

How is your business contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030? ca/le/ndar is a Saudi and Kuwaiti partnership representing the Vision 2030’s goals of local success, Saudi empowerment and entrepreneurial growth. We are a local business with a goal of global expansion.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs at this time in Saudi Arabia?

The time couldn’t be any better: the need keeps getting stronger and the country is thriving so begin your business and let Vision 2030 see the light now.

What are your future plans for ca/le/ndar in the DQ? We will be launching our home delivery and catering services in and around the DQ very soon.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL GROUP VISION 2030 OUTREACH

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ince their establishment in 1946, InterContinental Hotel Groups (IHG) has been the world’s first luxury hotel and resorts brand. With over 30 hotels in 11 cities around the Kingdom, InterContinental Hotel Group is a leading name in hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Growing with the needs of the rapidly developing country, InterContinental Hotel Group is expanding and increasing their hotels. During this change, IHG is also aware of its social responsibilities and is constantly improving its effort in supporting the local hospitality sector.

InterContinental Riyadh has organised two job fairs over the past year, one with the Saudi Tourism Commission and the second one at the hotel, to help Saudi youth understand and develop interest towards the various sectors of hospitality.

The brand is providing training for both it’s employees and new students. The highest number of individuals in a single hotel in KSA were trained at the InterContinental Riyadh this year, where local Saudi employees were trained to lead and host through the IHG programs. This commitment to enhance and empower the skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia

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is also apparent from the 3 rounds of IHG Academy courses completed in just the last year to train Saudi Tourism graduates from different faculties and help them towards employment in the discipline locally. The vigorous promoting and training is one of the highest in the Kingdom.

InterContinental Riyadh has also taken steps to empower Saudi women by employing women in almost all departments such as Human Resources, Security, Culinary services, Reservations, Accounts, etc. This has lead to a 20% increase in the the employment of women at IHG. The aggressive localization efforts of the HR team has also secured InterContinental Riyadh the honour of being the highest localization done at an individual hotel in KSA. With nearly half of the staff and 82% of the leaders as Saudi locals, IHG is continuing its promise towards supporting and improving local empowerment in the field.

IHG was also awarded best employer in Saudi Arabia by the Aon Hewitt Colleague Heartbeat Survey and 3rd best by the Great Place Work organisation. IHG takes great pride in the

title of best place to work at, and is constantly involved with the staff to ensure they enjoy their employment.

In order to provide local tourism to IHG’s international guests, IHG is developing a curated experience of unique tourist attractions within the Kingdom. This is aimed to highlight the many fascinating culturally and historically rich venues across the Kingdom. IHG is also working with the GEA to promote and support local entertainment. InterContinental Riyadh has the largest golf course in the heart of the city. This allows InterContinental Riyadh to promote its golf course as a lavish event space. The open gardens of the golf course create a unique venue in the heart of the city that can be made exclusive to unique guests and is booking up with many requests for upcoming winter season. Events already successfully completed at the location include the upbeat ksa food truck event that hosted around 3000 guests per day and the jazz live concert held earlier this year. InterContinental Riyadh also has the only 24 hour Gym in the city and the largest outdoor swimming pool in the province. With these exquisite facilities, InterContinental Riyadh looks forward to hosting the local Saudi population and continue to provide them with the excellence as they always have in the years to come.

YOKARI'S SENSE OF TASTE

BY ALYAA MALIK

This upscale and trendy Japanese restaurant has calibrated its menu and image to attract the most coveted clientele.

The chic entrance to Yokari exudes a young, modern vibe.

It is bright, spacious and plays a distinct upbeat house music in the background. The surroundings are woven with shades of cream, teal and brown, giving the dining area a nod to natural earth tones. A shelf adequately filled with books about food, culture and Japan makes the space feel like a piece of an elegant home. It was a stark contrast from what it looked like back in 2014 when it first opened where the interiors were mostly dim-lit, quiet and somewhat strict in ambiance.

As I was seated with my friend across its bustling open kitchen, I could see and hear the chefs working, occasionally uttering Japanese words to indicate service by the ticket. We noticed the Executive Chef giving direction to his staff before walking over to meet us.

He introduced himself as Chef Taki Sato and he is the only Japanese Executive Chef in Saudi Arabia. He looks younger than his age but in fact, he already has over 20 years of experience as a chef.

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EAT

We spoke with him briefly and learned that his professional introduction to cooking was actually in French cuisine.

After his classical training, he went on to focus more on harnessing his skills in traditional, Japanese food. A brief internship in the United States, specifically New York City, further broadened his insights on food culture and culinary techniques. I then realized how snippets of his inspiration from these cities were reflected in the manners and matters of Yokari. From the custom-designed plates all the way from Japan to the reconstructed menu that caters to the foodies of Riyadh.

Chef Taki recognizes the power of their location. Being situated inside Centria Mall where lavish, signature brands are, he modified their menu to fit. He had also initiated sushi-making classes in the restaurant in hopes of sharing a deeper appreciation of Japanese cuisine with their clients.

The food began to arrive, starting with green salad.

Its mustard miso dressing made the most impression on us: earthy, rich and made us want more. The mix of green lettuce, edamame and thinly sliced asparagus offered a play on textures with every bite. It was then followed by a tray of tiny crispy beef tacos. I thought it was an unconventional item to be seen in a Japanese restaurant but its dainty appearance seems to bid well with its women diners as we were told that it was one of their bestsellers.

Up next, they served us with a plate of Hamachi, which is Yellowtail fish carpaccio in Yuzu dressing.

The citrus flavor was very pronounced and tangy yet it seemed necessary in order to counter the raw fish taste. It was interesting to see how such a small dish could pack a large volume of flavors. Meanwhile, the Unagi Saku Saku was a crunchy maki dish composed of eel (unagi), shrimp and mushrooms that’s been lightly covered in tempura batter and deep fried. The eel was meaty and gelatinous as expected and the toppings of chopped spring onions and varied sauces gave it some contrast.

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For the main course, there was the Yakiniku - a plate of finely sliced rib-eye steak marinated in soy and dressed in fragrant truffle sauce atop buttery mashed potatoes. Its savory notes are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more bite. Should you want to try a noodle dish, their Yakisoba is a stir-fried concoction of fresh egg noodles in Worcestershire sauce that can go along with your choice of seafood, chicken or vegetables.

Finally, the closing meal of the night was the Dates Pudding, arranged to emulate the scenery in the land of the rising sun. This dessert paired with a teapot of their powdered matcha green tea made for the perfect Japanese touch to punctuate our visit.

Armed with their experience and inspiration for innovative dishes, Yokari’s sense of taste is spot on. Their plans to expand the brand through out KSA and conduct more possible activities shows that the evolution of Yokari is headed towards the right direction.

YOKARI Open daily from 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM With Family and Single Sections 2nd Flr, Centria Mall, 210 Olaya St. Riyadh 11672 Email: reservations@yokari.com Tel: +966-11-288-6999

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ZEN IN THE DQ: Om Zaina Yoga Studio

BY FARIHA ESHRAT

Photo Credit: Jaffar Raza

Meet Bethany AlHaidari, a popular yoga instructor who has been sharing her passion for yoga and teaching sessions for the past two years. This September, Bethany is opening her all new yoga studio in Kindy Plaza. In this interview, she discusses her inspirations, aspirations and experiences.

How did you discover yoga and why did you make it such a prominent part of your life?

I first came across yoga when I was diagnosed with postpartum depression, after the birth of my daughter Zaina. I was not interested at first because I thought that yoga was going to be slow and all about stretching.

Once I discovered the diversity of styles in practising yoga, I began to discover my own flow. I learned that yoga can be intense and challenging or calm and restorative. I am a full-time mom to a toddler, a PhD candidate in human rights law, and running my own yoga studio! My personal yoga practice adds value and balance into my life as well as help me identify and accept where I am at.

How has your experience as an instructor been thus far?

It has been an honor to teach yoga, especially here in Saudi Arabia where it is still new and being explored and discovered. I'm honored to find my flow and interact with so many different individuals through such an authentic and incredible practice.

What do your students say about their yoga experience?

People are often surprised at how accessible it is, and how diverse the styles of yoga are. I have seen life transformations - physically, mentally and socially. People are attracted to yoga for various reasons, and it's been special to experience that unity.

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What makes Om Zaina's Yoga Studio different from others?

We focus only on the practice of yoga at the studio, and we are very open to breaking stereotypes about yoga and showcasing the diversity of the practice.

There is no "true yoga", it can be different things to different people and we believe in celebrating that diversity and authenticity.

eigner here, but we accomplished the impossible, and we will need all the support we can get! We have our grand opening in September, and we’ll start posting our class schedules online. We look forward to meeting all the people we will share this experience with.

OM YOGA RATES:

How soon can students start to see results from practicing yoga?

Every individual is different, but breathing deep and moving the body in a mindful way generally creates instant feelings to relieve stress, or to make someone feel better overall.

What encouragement would you offer someone who is considering yoga?

There is so much freedom and diversity in yoga. You have the power to create your own experience and your own journey, and because of this, I trust that there is a yoga practice for everyone.

What made you decide to move from your home-based studio to a commercial facility?

An initiative by SAGIA allowed foreign ownership of companies in the country, and yoga legally became recognized as a sport. With these new opportunities, there was no justification for me to have a home studio anymore. A couple of weeks before I planned to leave the country, I ran a week-long yoga training with some women in the community and felt moved and inspired by them. I partnered with an amazing client who became a great friend, and we decided to push through with our plans together. I never imagined how difficult it was going to be to start a company as a for-

Om Zaina Yoga Studio Door 67, 7320 Umro Adhamry Street Kindy Plaza, Diplomatic Quarters (Eggs & Flour and the Cultural Palace) Instagram: @oz_yoga_studio Email: Omzainayoga@gmail.com Website: www.omzainayoga.com Phone: +966555757987 (English) +966559292929 (Arabic)

MEET

Majid Al Desouki

Doctor and Outdoorsman

Over 10,000 residents call the DQ home. Meet Your Neighbor profiles interesting people in our international DQ Community. Learn about the diverse experience, interests, and backgrounds of DQ dwellers. Read on, and Meet Your Neighbor.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Majid Al Desouki, and I’m a medical doctor.

I’ve been living in the DQ for over 10 years now and it has been a wonderful experience for myself and my family. It is truly a lovely place to be.

What were your first impressions of the DQ? We used to visit this area a lot for family gatherings in the late 80s and early 90s. It was a place where people from all walks of life could enjoy their time with close friends and family. The cooler weather and the extensive landscaping were refreshing changes from the busy streets of the city. I remember running in Hajar Park as a child—it was always packed with people—laying mats in the grass and enjoying the spring weather. Hajar Park reminds me of the BBQ feasts we’d have; the sight and smell of family barbecues is always a delightful memory.

What is a typical day like for you?

My mornings typically involve work with treating clients at the hospital, teaching, training, and some research or administrative work. But I always make sure to set some time aside to spend with my family and get a good workout.

Long walks between the parks and tracks around the DQ are really helpful for that. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle around the city.

What do you like most about the DQ? The opening of new restaurants and cafes is a welcome addition, with Oud Square being a lively spot to grab a quick bite, or relax when it is quieter. However, I still love being out and about and spending time in the parks with my family, or going out for late night or early morning strolls. It is also always good to know that the temperature is cooler than the rest of the city, probably because of the valleys (wadi) in the vicinity and the parks. It is also quite serene after working hours with less traffic than the rest of Riyadh. Last but not least, the culturally diverse array of individuals from all over the world has helped me build really good friendships.

What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?

Although the sports center is massive with two roadside entrances, it has become quite dated overtime and isn’t 42

as highly equipped or family friendly as it used to be. I see some work being done to change that and look forward to seeing the improvements.

Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?

Riyadh is changing a lot these days. Our new favourite place to visit keeps changing, but it’s almost always an eatery, cafe or mall. My personal favorite is going on a desert trip. For an outdoor trip, I would highly suggest visiting the Edge of the World.

Would you like to share any recommendations for your DQ neighbors?

The DQ Residents of Riyadh Facebook group is a great way to find out about walks, activities and events in the DQ as well as share knowledge and experience. Use this to get out more and get to know your neighbourhood!

What are you looking forward to in the coming season?

I’m waiting for the weather to cool down a bit so my family and I can go back to spending time outdoors.