VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 MAY-JUNE 2020
Moving FORWARD
CONTACTLESS BUT CONNECTED
AMAZING AMERICA
DARRAQ LUXURY APARTMENTS
The Italian author Pietro Aretino said, “A high heart ought to bear calamities and not flee them, since in bearing them appears the grandeur of the mind and in fleeing them the cowardice of the heart.” It has been almost four months since COVID-19 has made an overwhelming impact in our lives; but here we are, still trying our best to cope and adjust with the situation. And as Saudi Arabia returns to normal after lifting lockdowns and curfews, we remain optimistic and hopeful. Let this May-June 2020 issue shower you with more positivity amidst this pandemic. In our cover story, discover how people remain connected to their loved ones and practice charity in these challenging times. Travel within our pages as we take you on an amazing adventure to the United States of America, a country that’s been in diplomatic ties with the Kingdom for over 70 years. Find out why the third largest nation on earth is still “all within your reach.” We’ve been staying at home for the most part of 2020’s first half and we’ve quite made the most out of it. However, there are some things we still miss. Craving for your favorite restaurant food? Our feature on food delivery apps will solve this dilemma for you. Or check the directory of restaurants in the DQ for easy-to-reach culinary destinations. Tired of playing digital games? Gather your family and take them back in time with classic board games you’ll find in our pages. Staring at an empty corner in your house? It’s time to spruce it up with our recommended decors and furniture in our Shop section. Cooked all the dishes in your cookbook? We suggest trying healthy recipes for this summer using seasonal fruits and vegetables. Stressed from working at home? Follow our resident fitness instructor’s steps to reconnect with your body. If you desire a relaxing escape that doesn’t require flying out of Saudi Arabia, a staycation at the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel will be your new vacation. As we try to ease into our “new normal” way of living, let us continue to adhere to the Ministry of Health’s precautionary measures. Your DQ Living family wishes you all a stress-free, safe, and healthy life. Enjoy going through the pages of this issue, and see you on the next one!
Publisher Fayez Aldosari Project Coordinator Maria Cometti
Editorial Assistant Laurine Gayle Vales
Columnists Distributed by Fariha Eshrat Hannah Meraki Alexander Woodman The Pink Tarha IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Printed by Star Printing
Contributors Arlen Gargagliano Alla Kwieder Editorial Coordinator Kedibone Matlala Naureen Ahmed Reina Tejano-Berina Marketing Coordinator Alyaa Malik Facebook: facebook.com/dqliving ▪ Twitter: @dqliving ▪ Instagram: @dqliving Website: www.dqliving.com
The concept, style, and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Sharakah Media and are not to be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Sharakah Media can not accept any legal responsibility for any error or omission. Views expressed in this magazine are by writers and are not necessarily those of the publisher of DQ Living. Sharakah Media | PO Box 9468 | Al Safarat Riyadh, 11614 | www.dqliving.com | projects@sharakahmedia.com
Contents 06 COVER | Contactless but Connected
27 FEATURE | Calling Two Countries Home
12 LIVE | Darraq Luxury Apartments
38 FITNESS | Exhale
16 GO | Amazing America
42 SHOP | Summer Mix
20 FEATURE | A Union’s Purpose
46 EATS | DQ Restaurant and Cafe Directory
Contributors ALLA KWIEDER is a bilingual English-Arabic speaker who initially came to Riyadh as an English language lecturer before diverting into consulting and program management. As a charismatic, optimistic, caring and daring person, it’s no wonder that her ultimate goal is to move into leadership and youth mentorship roles. She’s been in the Kingdom since 2011, and now considers Riyadh as her second home.
A resident of Riyadh since she was five years old, the DQ holds a special place in REINA TEJANO-BERINA’s heart. Her mom used to work at Al Manahil in the 90s, had her senior graduation at the Philippine Embassy and her now husband proposed to her at one of the hiking trails of the DQ. She is also the co-founder of The Pink Tarha, an award-winning lifestyle blog about Riyadh.
ARLEN GARGAGLIANO, is a native New Yorker, home chef, former restaurateur, food writer, author/co-author of several cookbooks, and cooking educator, has been enjoying her culinary adventure here in Saudi for the past couple of years. Arlen believes that if we can all sit at the table and dine together; we will have world peace.
ALEXANDER WOODMAN believes that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to the world and that the beauty of the country resides in it uncharted territories. His research interest is in global health, international health policy development, transnational and trans-cultural health politics, as well as diplomacy. He is the author of "The Land of Adat".
KEDIBONE MATLALA, is a South African trainer based in Saudi Arabia. As a BA Human Movement Science degree graduate, with background and experience in strength and conditioning, Pilates, running and yoga, her passion is to guide people towards a healthier lifestyle. She is the founder of www.pawpawwellness.com, where they believe in the art of wellbeing.
ON THE COVER: Despite the changes that COVID-19 brought in our lives, we have to go forward. After all, life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep our balance, we must keep moving.
WHAT'S NEW
IN THE DQ
Watch this space for the latest announcements and promotions in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Submit your updates! Email projects@sharakahmedia.com
Enjoy Coffee Outdoors with DRAFT CAFE: MOT EDITION Located in the Ministry of Tourism’s courtyard, this Draft pop-up is open to the public from 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday). It’s closed on Friday and Saturday.
SPRING ROSE Reopens
Giving flowers to your loved ones on special occasions is made easier by the reopening of Spring Rose. Visit their branch in Al Fazari Plaza from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday) and from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM every Friday. For advance orders and more information, you can also call/Whatsapp 050133-8183.
TAMIMI EXPRESS Opens in DQ Finally, a store to do some quick grocery shopping has opened in the DQ! Although temporary, you can get basic needs and more at Tamimi Express.
VISIT US ONLINE: www.dqliving.com
DQGA Implements Covid-19 Precautionary Measures Through its supervisory and executive role in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), and in line with the precautionary measures approved by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority (DQGA) issued a circular to all developers and retail stores a list of conditions that must be implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus in public facilities. This includes providing educational posters that are placed in prominent places in stores and public areas within the neighborhood to educate residents and visitors. DQGA is also implementing more solutions across the vital areas in the DQ such as main gates, crowded embassy entrances, parking lots, retail stores, restaurants, and cafes by enabling technologies that would help in reducing the
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chance of getting infected by COVID-19. Some of the used technology: - Self-sterilization units - Thermal cameras with an alert system in the event of an infection - Mobile monitoring center - Hand-held temperature monitor devices Man-made efforts in early detection and constant testing in public areas such as bus stations are also carried out. With the support of the Ministry of Health and various concerned entities inside and outside the DQ, more measures will be rolled out to ensure the safety of the Diplomatic Quarter residents and visitors.
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COVER
CONTACTLESS BU
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UT CONNECTED BY REINA TEJANO-BERINA
Despite measures to keep us isolated - the rise of this “contactless culture” has revealed a silver lining. This pandemic, believe it or not, has connected the world more than it has ever before.
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The global pandemic brought upon by COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it. It’s an overwhelming shift that has countries and industries compelled to adapt to the “new normal”. Stay at home orders and social distancing rules are in place to prevent the virus from spreading. Large gatherings have become illegal and even the simplest of social interactions: smiling - can no longer be seen in public as people adhere to wearing face masks for protection. While there are efforts to keep people apart, the restrictions and lockdowns have brought out a new meaning to how we live, work and share in our community. Stronger Family Ties When we are faced with pain or danger, our instinct is to call out to our families. The prevalence of the virus has compelled us to stay inside our homes where support is both sought and provided. Courageous and challenging conversations had to be made between parents, children and relatives about how to deal with staying safe and healthy, which has become the unified goal. With “remote work” becoming the trend for most companies, working parents are now within their children’s reach on a daily basis. This new set-up has given families more opportunities to have meaningful moments with one another. Fayyaz Ur-Rehman, a resident of the DQ and a father to his young son says that the pandemic has created more family time for them and he can finally see first-hand how his son
is developing. “I always used to hear stories of what new thing my son did but now I see these new things – which is a priceless experience. My bond with both my wife and son has reached new levels and I feel that the pandemic has acted as a catalyst to that.” The Embassy of Sweden also conducted an online photo contest called “Quarantine Dads” to show what fathers look like while caring for their kids at home. The winning photo was that of a dad braiding his little daughter’s hair. While there is also a chance of kids driving their parents crazy during these times, modeling peaceful and positive language at home can make them feel more secured and loved. The practice of active listening and showing empathy can help maintain a peaceful and happy home environment. Connecting Through Innovation Technology has proven to be a significant tool in staying connected these days. With schools/offices closed and regular social events put to a stop, virtual meetings have become a safe and efficient way to communicate and continue fostering relationships. The use of online meeting room providers such as Cisco WebEx, Zoom, and Google Hangouts Meet are just a few of the popular platforms for online conferencing. Just recently, Ambassador Jorg Ranau and Consul General Holger Ziegler from the Embassy of Germany held an Ambassador’s conference online for the first time. Despite the restraints of a physical meeting, the video conference allowed them to discuss important issues such as what the world will
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look like after COVID-19 and how Europe can contribute to the crisis management of the coronavirus. Schools are now looking into developing online modules should the coming school year remain off-site. Many parents are also looking into the option of homeschooling which can be a challenge, especially for those without prior knowledge of its implementation. Nonetheless, this has created opportunities for educators and parents to be creative on how they can keep on track with their children’s learning goals. The Chance to be Charitable A lot of people have felt the negative effect of this pandemic: unemployment, hunger, and illness - just to name a few. Many people are now unsure of where their next meal will come from or if they will even be able to see their families again. As these hardships become more and more evident in each day, leaders, businesses and even regular people have stepped up and extended their helping hands.
Major corporations such as Saudi Aramco, Samba Financial Group and Bupa Arabian Company have donated to the Ministry of Health’s Health Endowment Fund, which supports the government’s health development efforts against the COVID-19. In the DQ, the Embassy of Belgium supported the Saudi Food Bank with more than 100 food baskets. They have also contributed to a project in Riyadh for vulnerable women in need, giving them basic necessities. Several embassies in the DQ have also been hard at work processing many of their nationals who need urgent repatriation despite the travel restrictions. Meanwhile, the DQ General Authority recently hosted a mobile blood donation campaign in cooperation with the Central Blood Bank Ministry of Health to help aid the lowering supplies in hospitals. WIthin the DQ community itself, residents such as Fayyaz and his son have done what they could to help others as well. They have been handing out food packets to the laborers working under the scorching summer sun, donating used clothes and offering to buy groceries for their neighbors who don’t have their own cars. It is efforts such as his and among many charitable works in the community that has shown the greatest strength of people at this time: selfless service to others. From the healthcare heroes to the frontline workers, from big corporate donations to individual acts of kindness, this pandemic has unveiled a new narrative to how we should live our lives. Giving higher value to the things we’ve taken for granted: a healthy family, a safe home, food on the table and compassion for our communities. This virus may have separated us in distance, but it has united us in spirit, faith and goodwill. We would like to acknowledge Mr. Fayyaz Ur-Rehman for sharing his story for this article.
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Darraq
Luxury Apartments BY NERMINE ISKANDARANI Marketing & Communications Section Head Dur Hospitality Co.
A Vibrant Location with Breathtaking Views
Open the doors of your home to the embrace of nature and enjoy breathtaking sights with Darraq’s Luxury Apartments; now, ready to own.
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From the comfort of spacious living, each luxuriously-designed Darraq apartment overlooks beautiful lanes, green meadows and gardens full of life. Here, you can enjoy charming views that stretch across all interior windows with rooms where you can apply your own tasteful touch before stepping outside to discover a range of state-of-the-art amenities just steps away from your home.
Homey spaces that warm the heart Designing Darraq Apartments
The 2- and 3-bedroom options are designed with exceptional features to be warmer and closer to your heart; an ideal choice for families seeking modern comforts and relaxation. Its dazzling design and sophisticated finish promotes prosperity while harmonizing modern styles that reflect the unique
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approach taken in the design stage. Enjoy fantastic and exceptional moments with your loved ones as though an ambience in each corner of your home, while you revel in the outdoors with the beauty of nature in your private garden, or at the communal park nestled between vistas of unrivaled scenery.
The authenticity of Arabian traditions with a blend of modernity Darraq Design Reflects the Beauty of Arabian Culture
Darraq Apartments embody many of the deep-seated concepts that manifest themselves in a Saudi society. If you observe the aesthetic values of the project, you will notice that the Darraq Apartments are situated within an environment that reflects the beauty of Arabian culture in its construction and design. Your Ideal Place Awaits Your Personal Touch Darraq is keen on creating an integrated protection system that will make you feel comfortable and secure within your property at all times, and has designed integrated entrances to buildings that can be completely closed-off and only opened by an access card. This is just one of the many features that makes Darraq an elegant community that allows you and your loved ones to enjoy luxury living amid worldclass facilities.
Smart Homes Your Smart Home is within reach
Darraq Apartments are characterized by their integrated smart home systems that adopt sustainable development methods and the rationalization of energy consumption in buildings in order to provide architectural stability that suit the aspirations of its inhabitants, while meeting their expectations to live in lifestyle homes that rely heavily on modern technologies. Smart systems can be controlled remotely using your smartphone to monitor and modify adaptive devices, lighting, surveillance cameras, smoke fumes and other internal functions within your home.
Perpetual Customer Service
When choosing Darraq, you will enjoy the luxury of a distinctive home with innovative, spacious designs, in addition to the many services and privileges that are unrivaled in the current market. The Darraq project brings you the concept of hotel services through the provision of free, round the clock maintenance and reduced subscription rates in all fitness clubs.
DUR Hospitality Co. P.O. Box 5500, Riyadh, 11422, Saudi Arabia Contact No: +966-11-481-6666 ext. 600 Email: leasing@dur.sa Social Media: @darraqsa
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Amazing America BY FARIHA ESHRAT
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One of the most popular tourist destinations around the world, the United States of America is a must-visit for all travel enthusiasts. Explore the cultural, geographical, and ecological variety of one of the largest countries in the world. The U.S. offers an adventure like no other!
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he third most populous country in the world, the United States of America (U.S.A.) is also the world’s third largest country. With coastal regions and wetlands, deciduous forests and deserts, snow capped mountains and volcanic islands, the U.S.A. has many varying landscapes as you travel across its 48 contiguous states. These states encompass megadiverse ecology with immense wildlife, plant varieties, scenic nature reserves, and shelters.
Some of the best higher education institutions in the world are in the U.S.A. These institutions attract the most prominent scientists and create space for many large corporations in the U.S.A. that are leaders in the fields of STEM, business, and art. The United States also attracts medical tourists with its healthcare system, as its medical schools are among the best in the world. Last but not least, the United States has significant political influence throughout the world, and in many international partnerships.
The United States is home to many cultures through the influence of several ethnic groups living across the country; creating rich experiences in cuisine, art, music, and theater in every state. The United States houses some of the most extensive museums in the world with well-curated international cultural exhibits. Owing to its rich history and contribution to pop culture, the U.S. is home to several fascinating museums of modern history, culture, art, and fashion. The country also hosts world renowned amusement parks, from Six Flags to Disney resorts. Moreover, you can find concerts, festivals, and events in every state celebrating popular artists and cultural heritage all year round.
Bilateral Relations Between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia And the United States of America
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Diplomatic ties In May 1931, the United States officially recognized Saudi Arabia by extending full diplomatic recognition. At the same time, King Abdulaziz Al Saud granted the U.S. company, Standard Oil of California, later named Saudi Aramco, the concession to explore for oil in Al-Hasa. Thus, in November 1931, the two countries signed an agreement. In 1940, a resident ambassador was sent to Saudi Arabia to establish the first U.S. Consulate in Jeddah. In 1945, a
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historic meeting took place between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the U.S.S. Quincy. This meeting formally announced the start of a deep and long-lasting friendship between the two nations. The Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement, signed in 1951, was also a significant step towards strengthening this new diplomatic relations. Thus started the strong, friendly, and prosperous bilateral ties between the U.S.A. and Saudi Arabia. Over the years, the two countries have become key energy and defense partners. Since the first official meeting of President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz, the leaders of the United States and Saudi Arabia have always maintained strong connections. Thus, King Saud and John F. Kennedy met in the King’s mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1962. King Fahd met with President Ronald Reagan in 1985. President Barack Obama made an official visit to Riyadh in 2015 and met with King
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Salman. President Donald Trump’s first overseas trip after taking office as President of the United States took place in Saudi Arabia in May 2017. Furthermore, President George W. Bush made two visits to Saudi Arabia in 2008, which was the first time a U.S. president visited a foreign country twice in less than four months. In turn, King Abdullah made three visits to the U.S. in 2002, 2005, and 2008, reiterating the strong bilateral ties that share the two countries. In early 2018, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visited the United States where he met with President Donald Trump and other top officials, as well as the representatives of business community. Most recently, Saudi Arabia appointed its first female ambassador to the U.S.A., Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud. The United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are interested in maintaining stability, security, and prosperity in the Gulf region and, hence, are conducting
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the main imports from the U.S. to the Kingdom are cars ($11.8B), airplanes, helicopters and/or spacecraft ($3.48B), packaged medicines ($3.48B), broadcasting equipment ($3.27B), and aviation parts ($2.18B). The two nations have also expanded their relationship far beyond oil and defense efforts. In the 1970s and 1980s, Saudi Arabia transferred $100 billion in negotiations with the United States for administration, construction, defense and higher education scholarships support. As of 2012, Saudi Arabian students form the 4th largest group of international students studying in the United States, representing 3.5% of all foreigners pursuing higher education in the U.S. These educational programs allow approximately 55,000 Saudi students to attend the U.S. colleges and universities, annually. The United States and Saudi Arabia also maintain strong cultural ties with dozens of exchange visits each year. In addition, Saudi youth and young leaders have the opportunity to get acquainted with the United States and its educational institutions through the various other exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program.
close consultations on a wide range of regional and global issues. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in working toward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and is a strong partner in security, defense, diplomatic, and financial cooperation.
The tourist numbers from Saudi Arabia to the U.S.A. have always been growing - from 39,000 Saudi tourists traveling to the U.S. in 2007, to 276,000 in 2014, and 286,000 in 2015. According to the U.S. government’s National Travel and Tourism Office, Saudi Arabia is the 30th largest source of tourists to the U.S.
Investment, trade, and other commercial activities form a vital pillar of the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To deepen our economic and commercial ties, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran are committed to supporting U.S. companies doing business with the Kingdom. Economic ties The biggest commodity traded between the two nations is oil. With the United States’ demand on oil throughout the postmodern era, approximately 10,000 barrels of petroleum have been imported daily to the United States since 2012. Saudi Arabia is the second leading source of imported oil for the United States, providing just under one million barrels per day of oil to the U.S. market. The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 program in April 2016, laying out plans to diversify the economy, including through increased trade and investment with the United States and other countries. In 2017, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took 20th place in the world export market of the United States of America and 21st place in import market. The United States is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is one of the United States’ largest trading partners in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s main exports are crude oil ($96.1B), refined oil ($13B), ethylene polymers ($10.1B), propylene polymers ($4.93B), and ethers ($3.6B). While
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Where To Go The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long Grand Canyon National Park, making it a top destination for whitewater rafting. The Arizona Park is also a superb spot to hike, offering breathtaking rails. Maui’s idyllic beaches and green parks offer ample opportunities to relax. Spend your days admiring the scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the island in a helicopter, or lounge across the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park. Known for its diverse cultural scene, museums, theatres, night life, soaring skyscrapers and relaxing parks such as the scenic Central Park or the artsy High Line, New York is a city for all. Enjoy the Coney Island Amusement park, sample authentic cuisine from all over the world at each bus stop in Queens or go kayaking in the Hudson. Aspen, the luxe Colorado mountain town, offers world-renowned ski slopes, high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants. Although skiing is the primary activity of choice for most visitors, travelers can also choose to spend their vacation hiking the beautiful twin peaks of the Maroon Bells or driving or biking the 20-mile Independence Pass. A true cultural gem and a blend of influences from the Caribbean, Europe, and other locales, New Orleans has a distinct personality. Music lovers flock here to immerse themselves in the city’s rich jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll scenes. Meanwhile, gourmets can feast on everything from gumbo to beignets to po’boys in between sightseeing.
What To Do Visit many museums of Manhattan. The city houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Fashion Institute & Technology, the Madame Tussaud’s among many other museums. Attend the tapings of your favorite show or theater! Reserve seats to see the tapings of Jimmy Fallon, Seth Myers or Samantha Bee at the Rockefeller Center, Trevor Noah at their studio by the Hudson, or Ellen and your favorite TV series at the NBC studios in LA. Attend a broadway play and be swept away in the magic of their unbelievably talented performers! Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, spend a day hiking or biking at the scenic Golden Gate Park and watch a breathtaking sunrise from the Baker Beach with the bridge in view over a picnic Go cave exploring at Miami beaches. A city with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and exciting sea aquariums. Miami has breathtaking caves waiting to be explored. Enjoy this magical adventure with a trained guide, for a truly memorable experience Chicago is a bustling city with skyscrapers; take a boat ride to see the city.
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Interview with the Ambassador
John P. Abizaid
Embassy of the United States of America BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN
How would you describe the bilateral ties of Saudi Arabia and the United States starting from the establishment in 1940? How has the approach to leadership and governance changed since the first meeting of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1945? This year marks the 75th anniversary of the historic meeting between President Franklin Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the U.S.S. Quincy. For over seven decades, through 15 U.S. administrations and seven Saudi kings, Saudi Arabia has been, and continues to be, an important strategic partner in maintaining stability in the Gulf, protecting American interests in the Middle East, and ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Gulf region. The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is strong and multifaceted. We work together every day to protect the security of our two countries, promote prosperity and economic development, and build the people-to-people ties that keep our relationship strong. Since the foundation of Saudi Arabia, leaders of both our countries have always recognized the importance of this relationship. Along with prolific and productive relations, the governments of the two countries also witnessed several crises. For example, reflecting on COVID-19 pandemic, please discuss the importance of wise leadership while confronting this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of the United States and Saudi Arabia working together. For more than 30 years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) has been working in partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Embassy had a CDC expert based here in Riyadh since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, working with the Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Saudi CDC) to identify and control disease outbreaks. Today these American and Saudi experts are partnering to defeat COVID-19.
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Speaking of leadership, how would you define the ruling system of modern Saudi Arabia? What are the main factors for the successful leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman? The Crown Prince has outlined an ambitious plan for the country’s future. I am pleased that U.S. companies actively cooperate in the realization of Vision 2030 goals. AMC opened in 2018 the first cinema in the country in 35 years, and Six Flags has signed an agreement with Qiddiya to establish a theme park in the new entertainment city. Our goal is for the United States to be Saudi Arabia’s preferred partner for Vision 2030 transformation efforts by encouraging more U.S. firms to come to Saudi Arabia. What could be the third alternative sector of trade between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. that will be as successful as the current two main sectors: oil and security? Saudi Arabia and the United States have a substantial bilateral economic relationship totaling over $39 billion in two-way trade of goods and services. Investment is robust, flowing in both directions. U.S. companies are key investment partners in strategic Saudi industries – not just traditional industries such as oil and gas, but also growing sectors like entertainment. Aramco, SABIC, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and other Saudi companies have significant investments in the United States. People-to-people exchange is robust. Many hundreds of thousands of American Muslims have visited the holy cities of Mecca and Medina over the decades, and as tourism infrastructure grows in Saudi Arabia, I believe many more Americans will come to get acquainted with the Kingdom. Education and research are also a significant part of our relationship. Saudi Arabia is in the top five countries in the world in numbers of students studying in the United States and there are numerous cultural and educational exchanges between our two countries. Since 2010, over
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900,000 non-immigrant visas have been issued to holders of Saudi nationality, underscoring the flow of people and ideas between our two countries.
Saudi Arabia was the first country where you were appointed as an ambassador. What is your vision for this new field of experience? What are the challenges?
Saudi Arabia presides over the G20 2020. Can you discuss what has been the essential and most significant contribution of Saudi Arabia since its inclusion as a Member State in 2008? The United States congratulates Saudi Arabia on its G20 Presidency. This is a special opportunity for Saudi Arabia to highlight economic and social reforms that are transforming the country and to lead G20 discussion on key issues facing the global economy such as the virtual G20 leaders’ meeting it convened in March to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
As some of your readers know, I spent much of my U.S. Army career in this region, and it is a real privilege to work here again. I am honored to be representing the United States in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this pivotal time. I hope that during my time in Saudi Arabia we can continue to strengthen the ties between our countries, position the United States as the top bilateral partner of Vision 2030, and continue confronting the world’s foremost challenges, including the current pandemic, the economic downturn, and the threat of terrorism.
In addition to diplomacy, can you discuss the joint efforts of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to strengthen cultural, educational, and interpersonal ties between people?
What is your daily routine?
We work closely with Saudi institutions and organizations, U.S. academic institutes, and private sector partners on a variety of programs, including scholarships, training, and cultural programs. We sent more than 100 Saudi professionals, both in the private and public sectors, on short-term exchange programs to the United States last year, where they engaged with counterparts from all over the world from their respective fields. In addition, more than a dozen Saudi academics and experts are on long-term exchange programs to conduct research and teach at various U.S. institutes, colleges, and universities. The U.S.-Saudi educational partnership has a long history of success, as hundreds of thousands of Saudis have been educated in America. The U.S. Mission maintains a vibrant EducationUSA program to help Saudi students find educational opportunities in the United States. Roughly 40,000 Saudis currently study in the United States, making Saudi Arabia the fourth-leading place of origin for foreign students. According to the Institute for International Education’s Open Doors Report, there have been on average approximately 50,000 Saudi students studying in the U.S. each year since 2012, many of them accompanied by family members. The U.S. Embassy is located in the Diplomatic Quarter; how does this placement impact on the multilateral projects of the international offices in the DQ? In your opinion, how does the concept of Diplomatic Quarter contribute and strengthen bilateral relations of foreign missions with KSA? To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Quincy meeting, the Embassy organized a series of concerts, in partnership with Diplomatic Quarter General Authority (DQGA), which brought together U.S. and Saudi musicians on one stage. The concerts were open to the public, turnout was great as hundreds of people gathered to watch and listen, and people enjoyed themselves. The concentration of foreign missions on the DQ certainly makes it more efficient to interact with many colleagues from other countries, but I have also enjoyed seeing the rest of Riyadh and the Kingdom to gain a fuller picture of the richness of Saudi Arabia.
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My day begins in Quincy House, which has been the home of U.S. Ambassadors to the Kingdom for many years. Of course, Quincy House is named from the ship on which President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz held their famous meeting in 1945, and I am very pleased that the house has been a place where American and Saudi leaders have met with one another often over the years, continuing that great spirit of friendship. I spend my day communicating with various members of our large U.S. Embassy team who are spread out across the Kingdom, doing all sorts of great work to promote ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. I am also in frequent touch with our Saudi partners. Even though COVID-19 has made it more challenging to move around the city and country, our team has remained hard at work. What is your favorite place to visit in the DQ? I enjoy the trails around the perimeter of the Diplomatic Quarter, and especially the stunning views at sunset. It’s exciting to see the transformation taking place in the Diplomatic Quarter as more businesses open up in Oud Square and events like the Farmer’s Market take place that draw visitors into the neighborhood. I’m thrilled that we at the Embassy have worked with the DQ General Authority to host concerts at some of these venues, and I hope we can continue helping to make the DQ a great place to live, work, and relax. Do you have any recommendations for places to visit or activities in Riyadh? I think historic Diriyah is a wonderful and fascinating place to learn about the history of the Najd region and the Al Saud family. I am very impressed with the work that has taken place to help tourists from all over the world appreciate that history.
Embassy of the United States of America P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia Website: https://sa.usembassy.gov Social Media: @USAinKSA Contact No.: 011 488 3800
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
Interview with Ryan M. Gliha U.S. Consul General in Jeddah
BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN What are the main factors leading to such a strong strategic partnership between the Saudi Arabia and the United States, spanning over eight decades? The strategic partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia that was forged during the historic meeting between King Abdulaziz and President Franklin Roosevelt aboard the U.S.S. Quincy 75 years ago has brought the Saudi and American people closer together in an ever-expanding list of shared successes. From security, to energy, to education, to countering terrorism, Americans and Saudis together have contributed to the expansion of the global economy and ensuring the security and stability of the region. During the Cold War, we stood together against Communism and Soviet aggression. In 1991, our joint forces liberated Kuwait. We have stood shoulder to shoulder to counter the threat of terrorism. Our citizens have learned from one another through a rich slate of exchange programs. Hundreds of thousands of Saudis have visited, studied, and worked in the United States. Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s new visa regulations, more Americans will have the ability to travel to Saudi Arabia as business representatives, thought leaders, tourists, scholars, artists, athletes, and competitors. In 1943, the first U.S. mission to Saudi Arabia started its history in Jeddah. What are the responsibilities of the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah in the 21st century? The Consulate General in Jeddah represents and protects U.S. interests in the entire Western region of Saudi Arabia. Our Consular district includes seven governorates: Tabuk, Madina, Makkah, Asir, Al Baha, Jizan and Najran. As Consul General, I am the representative of the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to this region and concurrently serve as the U.S. Representative to the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. Consulates operate like little embassies. While processing visa applications is the first thing that comes to mind when the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mentioned, it is just one of many services they provide as a diplomatic mission. We provide consular services, conduct public outreach, organize educational and cultural programming, advise Saudi students looking to pursue their studies in the United States, promote commerce with the U.S., and meet with government officials and business leaders throughout the region. DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
What is the significance of the Western province? How does it differ from Central or Eastern provinces? The Western region of Saudi Arabia has great religious significance to Muslims around the world, including the United States, as home to Mecca and Medina, and the Two Holy Mosques. We work a great deal with the Ministry of Hajj to ensure that pilgrims from the United States are able to safely travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umrah. Jeddah is also home to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the team at the Consulate and I officially represent the United States at the OIC. As the Kingdom’s largest port city, Jeddah has a long history in trade and culture, as the gateway to Mecca. Today, Jeddah is evolving into a cosmopolitan city where visitors can easily access the Red Sea. Western Saudi Arabia has so much diversity or opportunity, from the mountains, to the deserts, to the coastal regions. The region also is home to three giga-projects under Vision 2030 – Neom, the Red Sea Project, and Amaala – all of which are great avenues for increasing partnerships between Saudi and American businesses. In fact, we see partnership possibilities throughout the region in many areas, like tourism, logistics, and manufacturing. This is your second assignment in Jeddah. Can you discuss changes you have witnessed upon arrival to the Kingdom almost two decades later? Returning to a place after so much time had passed - almost 15 years - has been a very interesting experience. At first you notice all the changes – in Jeddah, the city has almost doubled in size since I left in 2004. I used to drive to Obhur and think about how long a drive that was, but now it seems Jeddah extends past Obhur. There are so many more restaurants and entertainment options now. These are all exciting developments. But some things never change, even after 15 years. The weather is the same, and the feel of the air here on the Red Sea reminds me of my walks on the Corniche from 20022004. And most importantly, the hospitality and friendliness of the people have not changed. I feel just as welcome now as I did when I first came to Jeddah.
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Recently, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, a member of the B20 Trade and Investment Task Force, participated in a virtual plenary meeting on issues related to COVID-19. Elaborate please. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. Government has committed more than $1 billion in State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) emergency health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance specifically aimed at helping governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fight the pandemic. Our team at the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah appreciates the close collaboration of the Saudi government, the public and private sectors and with our friends, the Saudi people to help defeat COVID-19. STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics - is the theme of the 2020 Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program. What are the main goals of this initiative?
We offer many youth-oriented programs, such as the Saudi Youth Leadership Exchange Program (SYLEP). We send dozens of Saudis to the U.S. on professional, academic and cultural exchange programs to gain meaningful experience with their American counterparts as well as to develop leadership skills and personal development. Our goal for exchange programs is to capture the diversity of Saudi Arabia and, of course, Saudi Arabia is more than just its major cities. SYLEP is open to Saudi undergraduate students or recently graduated university students between the ages of 21-26. I encourage you to follow us on social media to get the latest information about our exchange programs, news, and events. U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Twitter: @USAinjeddah Facebook: @USConsulateGeneralJeddah Instagram: @USConGenJeddah
The U.S. Consulate in Dhahran opened in 1944; however, the first female Consul General was appointed six decades later. How does it feel to be the first female Consul General?
Interview with
Rachna Korhonen U.S. Consul General in Dhahran
BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN
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When I left Saudi Arabia the first time after serving at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, I really wanted to come back. I wanted to learn more about the Eastern Province and energy. It was not until I spoke with the Consul General who was here at the time, that I learned that the State Department was looking for the first woman for the position. I did not want the job because I wanted to be the first woman, I wanted the job so that I could learn about energy, Aramco, what was happening in the Eastern Province and the connections between the United States and the Kingdom since 1933. I often thought about what was happening in the Eastern Province, as well as its value not only to Saudi Arabia but for the entire world, and then I got the benefit of being the first woman. It was a surprise. It was a lot of pressure. I am one of those people who tends to do well from pressure as it brings my mind to bear on what I need to get done. I arrived in Dhahran in August 2017, shortly before the celebration of Eid al-Adha. As early as my initial arrival, I was lucky to meet amazing and hospitable people. I was delighted that Prince Saud bin Nayef, the Governor of the Eastern Province, welcomed my family into the Eastern Province. He encouraged us to feel at home, to become familiar with the Province, and for me to help my family settle in and enjoy our new surroundings. I have continued to meet as many people as I could on various occasions, and the Saudis have welcomed me into their homes and shared their food and traditions with my family and me.
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Two of the major Saudi companies, Aramco and SABIC, are located in the Eastern Province. What opportunities does this create for Saudis and Americans interested in working at those companies?
how much they taught me. I know that we should never forget to show those feelings of appreciation to our loved ones but to also respect our elder generation and continue to forge a strong bond with the next generation.
The Eastern Province is the “Makkah” of the energy industry. If people want to learn about oil, gas, and chemicals, then this is the place where that can happen. In addition to Aramco, Sadara, and SABIC, many American companies, such as GE and Halliburton, are also here. All of these companies have clear reasons to be in the Eastern Province and invest their money, their workforce, and their ambition to succeed.
I also love the culture of meeting people and getting together on a regular basis to talk about everything. Saudis love talking about politics, the stock market, and even the fruits on sale in the market. Before the restrictions caused by COVID-19, we used to have diwaniyas, gatherings of people who discuss all types of issues, that I enjoyed and am now missing a great deal. Although we are now having virtual diwaniyas, I miss the process of meeting people and spending time with them. In Saudi culture, people can visit each other’s homes and are always welcome. That is probably one of the most important lessons I learned from the Saudis and I hope to bring that tradition home with me.
I do think that the Eastern Province is going to continue to grow. It will open up new opportunities for the gas and oil industry and many different types of entrepreneurship. With the companies already operating here and working with the well-established universities, the stage is already set for continued success. I anticipate that many smaller Saudi companies will continue to open their businesses in the Eastern Province, as has happened in Silicon Valley. They will eventually become giants in their industries since the Saudi ecosystem offers many opportunities not only for large companies but also for smaller ones. This allows for the creation of jobs in the energy industry as well as supporting sectors. This is the heart of the economic engine in Saudi Arabia and will remain this way for the foreseeable future. I understand that you will be leaving the Consulate this summer. What did you learn from the Kingdom and what will you take with you from this beautiful country? I am lucky enough to be invited to weddings and get to attend both the men’s side and the women’s side and during these times I have noticed something that touches my heart. What I have noticed on both sides of the weddings is that grandchildren really love their grandparents and you can see the connection. One of the things that Saudi grandchildren do with their grandmother or grandfather is they will go up to them, bow down, kiss their hand and forehead. This creates an affection and love between the generations that clearly reminds the younger generation to respect their elders. It reminds me of my parents and grandfather, and
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What would your final words be to the Saudi people? Thank you for the love. Thank you for the hospitality. Thank you for the support. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for the amazing food. Thank you for the conversation. Thank you for being you. U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran P.O. Box 38955 Dhahran Airport 31942, Saudi Arabia Contact No: 013 330 3200 Social Media: @USAinDhahran
The author would like to express his sincere gratitude to John Orak, Peter Brown, and Angie Smith for organizing the interview, collaboration, and making this interview possible.
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NOFA STAYCATION Is The New Vacation A mini vacation is less than an hour away from your homes. It involves little prepping and planning, transports you to an entirely different place, and upgrades your weekend to a vacation like no other. Welcome to the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, your new vacation destination in Riyadh.
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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
In these challenging times, most vacation plans and trips abroad were halted due to the suspension of international flights to and from Saudi Arabia, part of the precautionary measures to curb the spread of this century’s biggest threat yet: COVID-19. Many have been staying at home, trying to make the best of the situation by spending more time with family and trying all creative and fun activities that can be done at home. A reprieve has been given when most of the lockdowns and curfews were lifted. People can travel again, albeit locally and domestic.
A staycation is considered as a holiday spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involves day trips to local attractions. In our vocabulary, a staycation right now is traveling 45 minutes away from Riyadh city proper and venturing out to Nofa Resort, a one-of-a-kind retreat that boasts of secluded luxury villas tastefully designed with decors from Africa, the continent it’s inspired from.
With this, it’s time to take that Nofa Resort staycation, the vacation of your dreams that costs less, gives fresher experiences, and makes the perfect gift.
Staycations are considered cost-effective. There’s little preparation and planning involved in going on a vacation without leaving the province. There’s no flights to worry
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A Nofa Staycation Is Worth It
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about. Traveling to Nofa only involves a private vehicle and the road to the resort is quite scenic; say goodbye to the urban jungle and say hello to lush palm groves, undulating red sands, and amazing sunrises in the distance. The Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, is the perfect place to get a high quality resting time. It has 57 private villas to choose from, each one built to reflect African heritage with Arabian hospitality. Beds are draped with fabrics and amenities are within reach. Each villa has its own garden and pool making it truly a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The resort welcomes back its guests in the healthiest conditions. They are committed in delivering a clean and safe environment through various health and safety protocols that give guests peace of mind. A new 20-step protocol which includes round-the-clock cleaning and disinfection procedures, use of protective equipment and updated training for staff is in place. In keeping with the guidelines
of the Ministry of Health, physical distancing is being practiced inside the resort grounds, along with the availability of sanitation areas. Your safety is of utmost importance. A Luxe Vacation At the resort, your worries are lifted with fresh experiences like no other. The resort boasts of three restaurants: the bright and sunny Tswalu Restaurant where breakfasts start your day right, the refreshing Alfresco Italian Restaurant just beside the resort’s sparkling pool that offers freshly-baked pizzas, and the upscale Butcher’s Den that serves fresh-off-the-grill seafood and meats. Apart from the luxury dining options, the resort also lends guests electric bikes to see the beautiful landscapes and trails. The main swimming pool in the middle of the resort is stunning. While it’s not open for swimming this time, just looking at its pristine sparkling water will certainly melt stress away. Nofa Resort offers various water sports in its lake. It has also introduced a VIP safari tour. For SR 200 per person, the resort will arrange a Mercedes VIP van that will take a maximum of 6 guests on a 1-hour tour to their famous vast animal park. The park promises a learning and engaging safari experience. Guests will see over 700 animals, many of which are classified as endangered. Whether you choose to stay for a day or for the weekend at the resort, it will surely be a holiday like no other! It’s time to upgrade your days with a themed staycation at Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel.
Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel Riyadh Makkah Highway, Exit 857 Riyadh 66223, Saudi Arabia Tel: +966-11-8296800 Email: info.nofa@radissoncollection.com Social Media: @radissoncollectionriyadh DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
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A UNION’S PURPOSE
An interview with Michele Cervone d’Urso Head of European Union Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN The Delegation of European Union (EU) in Riyadh was officially opened in 2004. Currently, it represents the European Union in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, as well as to the Secretariat of the GCC. It is a fully accredited diplomatic mission and is one of over 140 EU Delegations around the world. When discussing the diplomatic ties between the EU and the KSA, as well as the potential of the Kingdom, His Excellency Head of the EU Delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Michele Cervone d’Urso emphasized, “Saudi Arabia’s youth is one of the most promising aspects of its future. There is much raw talent, which is being polished and refined through education.” Can you discuss the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the European Union since 1988 when the Cooperation Agreement was signed between the GCC and the EU? There has been a significant focus on the economic cooperation of the EU with the Gulf and the Kingdom. In December 2019, the third EU-GCC business forum was held in Muscat, which currently has the largest Business to Business platform. There have also been several engagements in support of the Saudi reform agenda. The European Commission has unique expertise, knowledge, and know-how in fields such as agriculture, transport, and the internal market space. We can share our own in-house expertise and knowledge. A key priority has also been engaging on regional issues with the Kingdom. For instance, the Finnish Foreign Minister had visited Saudi Arabia on behalf of the EU to discuss joint actions towards the transition in Sudan. Saudi Arabia is considered to be a crucial donor in this process. A similar collaboration of development is an ongoing process in Yemen, where the Kingdom has always played a significant historical role. The EU delegation in Yemen has been en-
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gaged with Saudi authorities on these issues for over ten years. Africa is a further area of engagement and the EU is stepping up cooperation in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel. The Red Sea is of growing significance for both the European Union and the Kingdom and we are discussing opportunities for cooperation with the recently formed Council for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In December 2019, there was another initiative with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies on tolerance and extremism. In 2020, a specific focus will be to open such activities to the Saudi public at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. The EU-GCC trade has been steadily growing between 2006 and 2016. Apart from the oil dealings, what are the other essential sectors of trade between the EU and the GCC resulting in such significant growth? Statistically, there has been an increase in trade, although this is not a reliable indicator of long-term success. The EU is still the most significant trade partner in the Gulf, but the market share continues to remain very unstable. There are new actors such as China, which is becoming increasingly active in the region. This should be a wake-up call for Europe to become even more engaged. More attention should be paid to the concept of “market irritants,” which may be relevant in the framework of the EU’s goals with the Saudi Arabian market. In order to promote trade, there is a process of alleviating European investments to the Kingdom regarding rule-making and burdens. For example, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), is at the forefront, addressing relevant trade issues. Furthermore, the Kingdom looks at the EU in terms of standards and regulations, which are the forefront globally. Therefore, it is reasonable for the Kingdom to be able to produce and export using the highest possible benchmark adopted from the EU.
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FEATURE
On the right Minister of Foreign Affairs of the KSA, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud.
Since the last negotiations focused on the creation of the GCC-EU free trade agreement (FTA) in 2009, the economic reality of the GCC has changed. What has changed in the EU and what are the factors needed to restart these negotiations? The EU-GCC free trade agreement negotiations are the most prolonged negotiations between any entities working on free trade agreements. The negotiations began in 1988 and were suspended in 2008, as the EU was not willing to accept export subsidies from the Gulf. Since then, both economies have drastically changed. The current “trend” is focused on diversification, and there is less dependence on petrochemicals. There is now the “Green Deal,” which is a new strategy in Europe. Their goals are to make the economy of the EU more resource-efficient and competitive and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from member States. The long drive towards new and cleaner technology has dramatically altered the course of the economy. With several other external and internal factors having been added, the pace is almost too complicated to follow carefully. Currently, there are efforts to restart the negotiations. The issue is that it is impossible to begin where the deal has been left 11 years ago since the latest generations of the FTA are already quite different. It is essential to take into account all of the changes, not only within the European and the Gulf economies but also globally. Saudi Arabia has
developed new industries that must also be considered. The EU has new leadership in Brussels, and the Kingdom has the Ministry of Commerce and Governor Trade Authority that are working in close collaboration with each other, and the GCC Secretariat. Hopefully, progress will be made soon. It is also important to bear in mind that the Kingdom is taking over the G20. The first Sherpa meeting was held in Riyadh on the fourth and the fifth of December, 2019. The scope was extensive, and most of the issues align closely with the EU agenda. The reform of the World Trade Organization, the digital economy and climate change are some of the key priorities. How is your life in the Diplomatic Quarter? Living in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) has been a significant part of me and my family’s personal livelihood transformation in the Kingdom. When I first arrived, we lived in a residential compound where we had difficulties in engaging with Saudis. Moving to the DQ has made it easier to meet people. The beauty of the DQ is that it is not only a diplomatic bubble; there are many Saudis who socialize and live in the DQ. Compared to the first year of my stay, I have been privy to many activities including concerts, social events, restaurant openings, etc. The DQ has become quite the bustling part of Riyadh, and it is thoroughly enjoyable. We also enjoy the surrounding areas of Riyadh and outdoor life. We usually go to the deserts and different parks in and around Riyadh. My new favorite is the Riyadh Festival. I recently visited Diriyah which is a gem and the Commission is doing a great job in organizing visits and spectacular shows. Part of the transformation is that virtually everyone, Saudis and foreigners alike, are living much more outside. In my three years, I have witnessed an upgrade of the hotels and restaurants in the DQ and throughout Riyadh – we now have some of the very top, globally in Riyadh, and there is no need to travel abroad!
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CALLING TWO COUNTRIES HOME BY ARLEN GARGAGLIANO
“Where is your real home?” This is a follow-up question I have been asked after announcing that my homes are in two very different places. Straddling different domiciles—in two distinct countries—is something to savor and relish, especially when the culinary component is considered.
“Sabah al noor,” she smiles broadly and waves. I’m speaking the language of my other home, while I’m in this home, and it feels good.
Food is solace. It has always been a crucial element in making different places my home. Growing up, my dad frequently said, “Food is love!” My mother embraced this adage and substantiated it through not only our nightly meals but also the numerous dinner parties, complete with an enticing array of appetizers and entrées, with a heavy Italian influence, thanks to my Sicilian-American father. The emphasis that my family placed on food still runs through my veins and now those of my children. I’ve found my familial respect for both food and hosting to be especially prevalent in Riyadh.
The idea of home being primarily a place of comfort, somewhere you feel both welcomed and at ease, is something that started to impress me in Riyadh. I’m of a generation that grew up repeating Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy’s ruby slipper utterance, “There’s no place like home.” However, I’ve made a slight change: now I say, there’s no place like homes.
Living in Riyadh has given me the chance to play with previously unfamiliar ingredients. There I toyed with pomegranate syrup, black lemons, cumin seeds and the other kabsa spices, the magic of zaatar, and all different kinds of dates. Not long after my initial arrival in KSA, now close to three years ago, I was taken by a lovely family to the national festival: Al Janadriyah.
“Sabah al khair!” I declare across the street. I’m jogging along near my house in New York, as I do every morning since I returned to the United States from Saudi Arabia in March. I move my niqab-like mask off of my face so that the woman walking on the other side of the street can recognize me. She’s wearing a hijab and an abaya, as she always does.
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Is it possible to have your home—at one time—in more than one place, in more than one country? How can this be? Well, there are certain constants that have to be present to make a place a home. These ingredients are the perfect blend of the intangible and the tangible: a level of self-comfort that comes from the “vibe” of a particular place, and then there’s another key component for me — food.
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FEATURE dishes that I had learned using my new spice and ingredient repertoire. And vice versa: when I returned to Riyadh, I started making my Saudi friends some of the dishes I grew up with—including my mother’s caponata, a Southern Italian roasted eggplant and tomato “salsa” that goes beautifully with all the wonderful breads I’ve had in the Kingdom. This very well-received culinary crisscrossing cemented my identification of two homes.
Appetizers in New York--reminiscent of Riyadh.
This visit served as my orientation to Saudi cuisine. After that, I had the honor of being invited into several homes. From the custom of greeting guests with sweets, sampling different family’s interpretations of kabsa, harees and gursan, to enjoying Hasawi rice in Al Hufuf, my life in Saudi became a tremendously rich and delicious experience. As a result, a place that was initially so different to me quickly became my home. At Janadriyah, I purchased a lot of spices, which I subsequently brought to my New York home. While I recounted the tales of my Riyadh-based life to my New York family and friends, I shared some of the
Sweets from my two homes: maamoul, brownies, banana bread, kleeja and chocolate chip cookies.
If I were to put my homes into a Venn diagram in order to compare and contrast them, you’d note some obvious differences on the outside circles. After all, my two homes lie in very different countries. But in the center, the part that shows shared values, you’d see some constants: people I love, a sense of comfort, and the joy of passionately created and shared meals. I feel fortunate to be in New York right now because I am with my family and friends. I continue to take great pleasure in developing our shelter-in-place menus which often include dishes I learned when I wasn’t here. But I am deeply missing my other home.
Nature near my New York home.
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“Bayti,” I yearn to say to any one of the young guards at the DQ who will ask my driver to roll down my window to announce my destination. The guard will smile at my mention of home. “Ahlan bik,” he will respond, and perhaps add an English, “welcome back,” as he waves me through.
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FEATURE
Sami Altokhais:
“The Guy With A Camera” BY ALLA KWIEDER
It’s not an easy feat but six years ago, Sami Altokhais quit his job and took off to Latin America on a one-way ticket to pursue his passion for travel photography.
From his early college days, Sami Altokhais was always known as “the guy with a camera,” be it on a family holiday or with friends or even amongst his peers as a youngster. When he discovered his passion for photography while travelling, taking photos became about living in the now and developing a narrative that can be reflected through his captures. People find themselves in different ways, whether it be writing, singing, painting, and in Sami’s case, capturing the marvels of his surroundings through his lenses. He describes his perspective on travel as “exploring the unknown and being out of your comfort zone.” He then shared his belief in feeling something special from being a traveller, which allows him to capture moments of his “visual diary” that are simply priceless! Born in the US to Saudi parents, Sami began his inquisitive documentary photography journey in Los Angeles in between his graduate programs in psychology back in 2005. Sami’s travel photography career took off in 2008 after being featured on the front cover of a piece on eolic (wind) energy in Italian magazine TV Sorrisi E Canzoni. Sami then continued to partake in various international photography festivals, including presenting a project on Guatemala’s Se-
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mana Santa (Holy Week), in Gulf Photo Plus’ Slidefest in Dubai, alongside becoming the first Fujifilm ambassador in the Kingdom. During this time, he worked in the financial industry on a regular nine-to-five schedule. The idea of him taking off to Latin America in 2015 came as a surprise to many, including his family members who had always seen it coming one way or another. Sami decided to quit his mundane lifestyle and pursue a journey of self-discovery in the South American continent he fell in love with after a short visit to Guatemala, a nation which he refers to as the “seed” country in Central America. After an avid 14-month gap year in South America, filled with trekking and exploring of the local indigenous communities by land, Sami then partnered with various global local travel guides, providing others with tried and tested travel solutions and advisory for various countries amongst the 83 he has visited. Specializing in local travel experiences, he decided to collaborate with local guides as a support for social enterprise. He describes that “going locally makes a huge difference to the money cycle”. Sami remains very dedicated to promoting local tourism and craftsmanship through working with Turquoise Mountain, a non-govern-
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mental organization focusing on reviving historical areas and local crafts in various countries such as Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Jordan, as well as his photography book which he is working on. Considering that celebrating his birthdays through travel had become a ritual, Sami wasn’t prepared to do things differently this year, even if it coincided with the COVID-19 breakout. Despite the uncertainty of what to expect from a trip during the rise of the pandemic, he decided to embrace the circumstances and opportunity of a lifetime. On March 13th, Sami managed to get on one of the last flights leaving Saudi Arabia. Having landed in New York with no expectations, he began to roam through the streets of the Big Apple documenting his unique experience, reflecting the silence and scarcity you wouldn’t normally expect when on a holiday. During this trip, Sami managed to visit five airports, including Heathrow, before having to be quarantined for two weeks upon his return to the Kingdom. The whole trip took six weeks where followers, including Sami’s mother, were able to have a glimpse of his very distinctive birthday celebration. Aspiring to be the full-time traveller that he is spiritually, Sami decided to take a back seat quite literally and quit driving upon his return from Latin America as he continues fulfilling his conscious experiences when travelling at all times. Instagram: @samitokhais Website: http://samitphotography.com
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FEATURE
CLASSIC GAMES, CHERISHED BY REINA TEJANO-BERINA
Video and mobile games can take hours and hours of our lives but playing classic board games help create memories with our friends and family.
You’re playing solo on a mobile phone. Eyes glued to the screen. An eerie silence befalls the room. No one is exclaiming with you as you win or feeling frustrated with you as you lose. There’s just you and the computer-generated foe - playing with you and taking your time. We’ve all been there -- living rooms packed with youngsters (and even adults) but no one is speaking nor interacting with each other. Everyone’s necks are curved down to their screens, probably only moving to the sound of food being offered or a ringing fire alarm.
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It’s up to the older generation to take these kids out of their phones and video games every once in a while and (re) introduce them to the fun world of board games. They may see them as primitive modes of gameplay but these are abundant with benefits: mental agility, improved knowledge and strategic skills, keeps traditions alive, and best of all, strengthens family ties. Here are our picks for the best games of the past to try while in quarantine.
CHESS
Did you know that the oldest chess manual was referenced to a renowned Arab chess player from Anatolia named Al-Adli ar-Rumi? Chess is an ancient game from as early as the 6th century and it’s amazing how it has remained a significant sport for the cleverest of minds. Each move a player makes demonstrates his/her strategic tactics (or lack thereof). Exposing children to the game of chess raises their ability in problem solving and decision-making.
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CARROM / “FINGER BILLIARDS”
One of the traditional and social board games in Saudi is made out of this square of lacquered plywood called “Carrom”. Originally from India, the game was said to have arrived in the Kingdom when Indian traders came in the Hijaz region. This is a popular game played indoors or at camping trips and cafes. It is mainly interactive, challenging players to flick the small wooden disks at the corner circles of the board. It is a game that is enjoyed by both men, women, young and old.
BACKGAMMON
Known as the oldest game in the world, Backgammon traces back to 3000 BC from Mesopotamia. The game has managed to stay popular especially in Arab countries, with the goal being to move all fifteen checkers (game pieces) off the board by roll of the dice. Developing your countermoves are key to winning the game, although part is played by luck because of the dice. It’s a game that older folk can teach their grandkids to keep it alive for more generations to come - a passing of the torch so to speak.
SCRABBLE
Entice your friends and family to stretch their vocabulary with the classic word game of Scrabble! The game originated from the US in the 1930s by an architect named Alfred Mosher Butts. Playing the game is a combination of strategy and wit as you need to maximize your points with every word you compose by using the power squares of Double Word/Letter or Triple Word/Letter. It’s a great way to teach kids how to spell and learn new words.
SNAKES AND LADDERS
An oldie but a goodie! This colorful board game is a hit with everyone as it’s easy to understand and fun to play. The icons of the game are considered symbolic of life’s ups and downs, with the ladders signifying one’s virtues and the snakes pertaining to vices. Luck is mainly needed to win the game at the mercy of the dice but the road to winning is surrounded by clean, family fun.
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COPE WITH COVID-19 (PART 2) BY FARIHA ESHRAT, MBBS Fariha Eshrat is a medical doctor with an interest in writing, media and PR. Fariha enjoys covering health topics and is currently a junior faculty at Alfaisal University. She has been an editorial and marketing team contributor at DQ Living since 2017. Instagram: @_eshrat Email: feshrat@alfaisal.edu
With the many new stressors in our lives, focusing on our mental health is becoming increasingly important. In these days and in the months to come, let us increase our understanding of mental health to be better prepared to tackle the world.
According to the United Nations (UN), ‘mental health is one of the most neglected areas of health’. With our increasing fears about health, social gatherings, familial stress and finances, the pandemic has created a need for us to better care for our emotional health. The UN and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended applying a whole-of-society approach to promote, protect, and care for mental health. They’ve also recommended increasing the availability of psychosocial support to reduce loneliness within communities and if needed, even utilize more psychiatry consults to identify and treat mental health concerns as they come to light.
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HEALTH The WHO has placed the following reminders on Google for searches related to mental health: Be KIND to your mind. PAUSE. Breathe. Reflect. KEEP to a healthy routine. CONNECT with others. BE KIND to yourself and others. REACH OUT for help if you need it. These reminders are a perfect summary to help you notice changes in your emotional energy as it waxes and wanes during these worrying times. They also remind us to focus on components of our emotional well-being which are in our control, such as choosing to maintain a routine to help ground your day as we spend most of our time at home, choosing to be kind as a way to care for those around us, and choosing to reach out and connect when we feel the need to be taken care of. With the rise of insomnia, the app CBT-i coach created by the US Department of Veterans Affairs has gained popularity in the medical community. Even without the app, just maintaining healthy schedules, winding down your daily activities at night and practicing sleep hygiene is a valuable way to improve emotional and physical health. In the following interview, we asked our burning mental health questions to Dr. Maha Faqi, a long term Ministry of Health (MoH) consultant neurophysiologist and psychiatrist, a specialist in addiction, and a skilled psychotherapist and psychoanalyst. Dr Maha is also a resident of the Diplomatic Quarter who has recently shifted to a private telemedicine practice to ensure accessibility of her care to her patients. Dr. Maha also shares very helpful mental health related Arabic content across various social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook and on her website MahaFaqi.com. We are grateful to her for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions and we hope you benefit from her expert and intuitive recommendations. How has COVID-19 affected your patients? From the beginning, the coronavirus has caused a lot of anxiety among people and so most of my task now involves supportive reassurance. I have seen more patients with OCD, social phobia and insomnia needing reassurance. As the need to disinfect, the fear of interacting with other people and the presence of worrying thoughts increases, it is important for people to acknowledge their feelings but find healthy ways to deal with them. As we are all forced to think about death often during these times, not feeling hopeless and helpless is important. Those who are out of the country now and away from their families are facing uncertainty and loneliness. Stay connected with them.
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
What level of stress or sadness would you recommend for patients to seek medical support? They have the right to seek reassurance whenever they feel overwhelmed by their thoughts. The earliest you start to take heed of your situation, the more beneficial it can be. Early reassurance, including seeking medical help even to just help identify your unhealthy thinking patterns and help redirect you to healthier ones through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be helpful. What are some resources you can recommend to better understand mental health? I would recommend reliable resources such as the MoH website resources or speak to the MoH lines to talk to a psychiatrist. Do not use social media as your primary source of information, they can be misleading due to imbalanced information representation, where the wrong things are exaggerated and important things are minimized. Therefore, reliable resources are important. How do you recommend talking to children about COVID-19? We often underestimate children and forget they are curious by nature. Sit with them and explain through play, drawing, YouTube cartoons, etc. Remember to not scare them and to make them feel like you are in control. Let them make their own schedule, encourage them to get creative in this time and tell them to be responsible. How can parents help identify mental health concerns in children? Look for a change in behavior - if a friendly child becomes isolated and quiet and has stopped playing with siblings or a peaceful child becomes violent and starts hitting siblings or breaking things around the house, you should be concerned. Children can’t tell you when they feel depressed or anxious, so look for sudden changes in habits, even a decrease in appetite should be noticed. What are your final recommendations for our readers? There is a lot of fear and panic now but show gratitude and use this time to rethink your habits, behavior and lifestyle. Find gratitude and use it to help you find hope and motivation. Utilize the time at home and the availability of social media to exercise, meditate, and find your internal peace so you can help others find their peace. Connect with your family and friends, and now that we know we can work from home, think of how you can utilize that moving forward. Dr. Maha Faqi Consultant Neurophysiologist and Psychiatrist Email: Dr.faqi911@gmail.com Social Media: @MahaFaqi Website: MahaFaqi.com
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EXHALE. This article explores how you can disconnect from technology to reconnect with yourself. BY HANNAH MERAKI Hannah Meraki is a movement practitioner. Her career started as a dancer and choreographer in the UK. She now works in fitness as a personal trainer, yoga teacher and STOTT pilates mat and reformer instructor. She’s a free spirit and brings movement into life with her love for traveling, moving and inspiring others to live their best life. Instagram: @hannahmeraki Website: www.merakimovement.org
Due to COVID-19 many of us have had to adapt our working environment to being at home and are having many video conference calls online. After doing so for several months now, we are experiencing what we call ‘zoom fatigue’. The nature of a video conference call makes our bodies work harder to focus, process body language, facial expressions and voice. This, along with being ‘center stage’ on a call adds stress. Working from home has also meant longer working days for some and more meetings scheduled back to back. All of these together means that we consume more energy and are becoming more exhausted from working this way. In this article, I will share some suggestions on how to disconnect from technology and reconnect with your body to help reduce stress and fatigue. 1. Start your day with movement. Back to back meetings likely means sitting for a long time in one spot. So start the day with some Pilates so you can keep practicing good posture throughout the day instead of settling into a couch slump. You can also start your day with a sweaty workout. Doing so will boost your happy hormones. Even if it’s just 10-20 minutes it will have a lasting effect on your day. 2. Try and schedule space in-between meetings. This will allow you time to switch off, walk around the house, stretch, and mentally close the previous meeting and prepare for the next one.
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FITNESS 3. Do grounding/Earthing. This is simply being in nature. You can stand barefoot on grass or lay on it for at least a few minutes. By doing this, the body realigns its electrical energy by reconnecting to the earth. Earthing has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and pain. 4. Breathe. Bring some awareness to your breath. This will create a mindful moment for yourself which will relax you. You can try this simple breathing exercise: Square Breathing - Breathe in for 4 counts - Hold your breath in for 4 counts - Breathe out for 4 counts - Hold your breath out for 4 counts Repeat the patterns for a few minutes to bring yourself some calm. 5. Switch on your blue light filter in your electronic device. Being exposed to screens longer means more blue light exposure which can potentially damage the eyes but it also causes us to stay ‘on’ for longer. Most devices have a blue light filter that you can either turn on all day or you can set a timer for it to come on at a certain time in the evening. It can be found in your display or screen settings; on iPhone, it’s called Night Shift. Doing this later on in the day, especially on your phones, will help you switch off better and unwind for the night for a more restful sleep. If your device doesn’t have this, you can buy blue light filter glasses.
6. Have a creative task or hobby away from an electronic device. I would strongly encourage you to take part in an activity that is creative and fun and doesn’t involve an electronic device. Some suggestions are: reading, gardening, exercising, arts and crafts, or playing games. Being creative naturally allows us to be present and brings about mindfulness that will help reduce anxiety and stress. 7. Do some light stretches. Lastly, here are some light stretches for you to do after long periods of sitting. Hold each stretch for approximately 30 seconds and focus on deep breathing and letting go of any tension whilst in each position. Glute Stretch
Standing Back Extension
Lying Twist
Standing Side Stretch
It is especially important for us to look after ourselves and improve our health during this time, this may involve trying things that feel unusual to you. But making even a few small positive changes for your health will accumulate in a happier and healthier body and you! You can find free workouts on my Instagram page @hannahmeraki or for a more specific and personalised program, you can contact me for online training by emailing hannah@merakimovement.org.
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A DIARY OF DIGITAL ORDERS AND DELIVERY BY THE PINK TARHA Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina TejanoBerina are the power duo behind the successful multi-awarded blog “The Pink Tarha”, an online lifestyle guide in Saudi Arabia. They started their blog in 2009 and since then have inspired many people by showcasing the fun and interesting side of living in KSA. What started out as a hobby for the girls has gained so much positive attention and appreciation in the process winning them the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Award. Facebook/Instagram: @thepinktarha Website: www.thepinktarha.com
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When the coronavirus pandemic hit Saudi Arabia, one of the first hit sectors was the food and beverage industry; restaurants were ordered to close their dine-in facilities and were relegated to take-away and digital orders. Enter food delivery apps.
Food delivery applications became a trend overnight and they have changed the game for restaurants. They also changed the way we consumers eat. When we found ourselves with a fridge near empty but were afraid to go out, we turned to our phones and click away. Food is within the door in a matter of minutes, we eat, and we are left with no dishes to wash after. It’s been months since we were required to work from home and from there, we’ve had experiences ordering in some of the Kingdom’s top food delivery services. Somewhere along the way, Uber Eats, one of our favorites and probably the most popular, quit their market in Saudi Arabia. Some apps emerged bringing all types of cuisines to our doorstep, and we’re still using them today.
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
JAHEZ
Jahez is a Saudi food delivery platform and one of our most used application because of the variety of restaurants it has in its list. We’ve discovered a lot of new restaurants - far and near - with this app. Ordering and tracking are easy and delivery is mostly on time. Payments are made via Apple Pay or credit cards. What we personally love about Jahez is that they tell us when the app is busy and can’t take new orders yet and notify us when they’re ready to take new orders. While their app is easy to use and navigate, it’s not easy to find certain dishes or restaurants if you’re not sure with the spelling.
HUNGER STATION
Hunger Station is not new to the food delivery app game. Developed in Alkhobar, Hunger Station is one of the Kingdom’s most known app. Its cheery yellow design is easy on the eyes and very memorable. Most popular restaurants, mainly fastfood, are available in the app. Apart from food, Hunger Stations also delivers groceries from grocery stores, bakeries, and pharmacies. They also have a unique feature in their app: Faza’a, a personal shopper that can do the buying for you.
THE CHEFZ
We downloaded The Chefz app when it was only available in Arabic version a few years ago. The app has since been updated in English and it is now known as the food delivery app that connects customers to the “top and elite” restaurants in the city. Its list of fine dining restaurants which includes Charcoza, Muuni’s, Yokari, Lusin, NOBU, and even hotel restaurants like La Brasserie of Al Faisaliah and Elements of Four Seasons is impressive. Tracking of order is available but sometimes, delivery needs some following up.
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
TO YOU
To You is an “all-in-one” platform that promises a seamless experience backed by strong logistics and cutting-edge technology. It’s no wonder it fast became a popular app in the Kingdom. It doesn’t only have restaurants, it also has different stores for pets, oud, flowers, and even fashion. Granted that these stores are not “open” all the time, it’s nice to know there are options to shop for them via an app. To You’s reach is immense and wherever a customer’s location is, they also have access to restaurants that are far from their location.
MRSOOL
This app has been very popular to the locals and it fast became one of the largest delivery platforms in the region. It can literally bring “anything from anywhere in the city”. The name Mrsool comes from the Arabic root word Rasl which means “to send”. Basically, you are sending someone on your behalf to get something whether that be from restaurants, hypermarkets, stores, etc. Mrsool’s app is different from other apps because it serves customers through a chat-based ordering experience which allows them to describe the exact service or product they need and couriers are given the option to bid with their price they see fit. It can be quite confusing at first but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to do these shopping errands yourself (esp in this hot weather). Other food delivery apps you might want to check out: Careem Now, Talabat, Walem, Ngwah, Wssel, Luqmety Restaurant delivery through apps is not a trend that will go away any time soon. And while it’s making our life more convenient and easier in these challenging times, it also comes at a cost to our environment with the use of a lot of plastic and the waste of excess food. We’d also like for some sustainable and eco-friendly solutions from them. Hopefully they come up with those soon.
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SHOP
Summer Mix
Summers in Saudi Arabia are not exactly a walk in the park; it’s too hot to go outdoors and with the COVID-19 pandemic still upon us, it’s better to stay indoors. Why not spruce up your living spaces to make it brighter with touches of tropical vibes. After all, who doesn’t miss the sun and the beach these days? And the best thing about these? You don’t have to go out of your house to buy them. Order online any time!
WEST ELM Ceramicist Vase, SR 65 These vases come in different sizes. But their glazed finish is the same throughout: shiny, bright, and rich in color. IKEA Folkja Mirror, SR 79 Add touches of nature to your home with this mirror with polar woven panel and pine frame. Warm yet modern look in an instant!
NICE STORE Candle Holder, SR 118 Made of metal and glass, this candle holder emits a pretty glow. Perfect for slow, cozy evenings.
IKEA Soderhamn 1-seat section, SR 890 You’ve been looking too long at that empty corner in your living room. Breathe some life into it with this light pink seat. Easy breezy!
HOMECENTRE Chicago Printed Rug, SR 699 A splash of color from this rug tailored from wool will remind you of brighter days ahead.
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H&M Cushion Cover, SR 89 Whether you pick dark yellow or turquoise, you’ll never go wrong with this cushion cover with jacquard-weave front and smooth back. Plop it in your neutral sofa.
H&M Porcelain Plate, SR 45 Wow your family and friends with your table setting that will give them some vacay vibes. Printed bowl also available.
EAT
NICE STORE Lamesa Dinner Set, SR 94.5 Serving dinner hasn’t looked so chic with this set of plates and mugs in pink with rugged edges. Trendy and timeless!
EAT
POTTERY BARN Kaplan Trunk, SR 4375 With its gorgeous custom hasp and metal braces inspired by an antique trunk found in India, this Kaplan Lift Coffee Trunk with hidden storage will be the centerpiece of your living room, and of conversations. NABATATY Plants Whether you’re looking for outdoor or indoor plants to take care of, Nabataty has them. You can even order plants in various patterned pots.
Where to order online: ikea.com/sa/en/ homecentre.com/sa nice.com.sa sa.hm.com westelm.com.sa potterybarn.com.sa nabataty.com/store/
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DQ RESTAURANT AND CAFE DIRECTORY From trendy cafes to international food favorites, the DQ has it all.
The DQ restaurant scene has evolved, to the delight of residents and visitors alike. No longer is the DQ only a quiet exclave for diplomats; it now hosts a diverse social scene, a place to gather with friends over tasty food, delectable desserts, and of course, specialty coffee drinks. The establishment of Oud Square has brought trendy cafes and international food favorites. Plus, all the restaurants and cafes have outdoor seating! If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music. Here is our list of restaurants and cafes in the DQ. The operating hours and services are fluctuating due to COVID-19, so be sure to call or check the restaurant’s Instagram for updates.
Urth Caffe This international cafe franchise offers organic coffees, fine teas, and health conscious cuisine. They have friendly and attentive staff too. @urthcaffesaudi Cafe Bateel Cafe Bateel is known for its artisanal Italian pastas, gourmet French patisseries and innovative Arabian-inspired creations such as date chocolates, date-olive tapenade and sparkling date juice. @bateelgourmet +966-55-447-5957 12 Cups This cafe is the first coffee provider in KSA to allow customers to choose different coffee blends and brewing methods to find sweetness, aroma, acidity, flavor, and body in their cup of coffee. @12_cups Chunk Chunk is a cafe that offers global dessert in a distinctive and attractive way paired well with their hot and cold drinks. @hello_chunk IHOP This long-standing chain serves a wide variety of pancakes and other American breakfast and diner fare. @ihopmiddleeast
OUD SQUARE
Amr Aldamri Street Between Circle 4 and 5 @oudsquare
Leila Min Lebnan A casual Lebanese restaurant offering authentic Lebanese food prepared with the freshest ingredients. @leilarestaurantsriyadh 920029039 Draft Cafe Draft Cafe caters to creative people who want to write, read, design or work in a calm environment that’s serving different kinds of coffee, tea, sandwiches, and desserts. @draftcafe +966-11-2308189
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Monopoly Monopoly is an outdoor fine dining restaurant specializing in pizza and fusion food. @monopolysaudi +966-11-810-2324 Starbucks Who doesn’t know this Seattle-based coffeehouse chain popular for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability? @starbucksmiddleeast Deera Cafe Deera serves authentic Saudi drinks and desserts with a modern twist. @deeracafe
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
FAZARI PLAZA
EATS
Amr Aldamri Street Between circles 2 and 3 Scalini Scalini is a restaurant that serves a wide range variety of cuisines including pasta, pizza, Arabic food, and sushi. @scalinidq +966-11-4810621 / +966-11-4810569 Pancake House The American franchise is a family-oriented breakfast restaurant. @thepancakehouseksa Kalamata Looking for Moroccan and Meditteranean dishes? Kalamata is here to serve up the best savory grills and dishes. @kalamata_dq +966-53-000-4312
AL KINDY PLAZA
7542 Amr Aldamri Street Between circles 2 and 3 dr.CAFE dr.CAFE is a leading Saudi coffee company that provides quality products and knowledgeable and friendly services. @drcafeksa +966-58-075-1793 Kudu Kudu is a Saudi fast food chain specializing in sandwiches. @kuduksa 920006999
HOTEL RESTAURANTS Larder Restaurant Larder Restaurant features a famous breakfast and time-honored Middle Eastern delights for lunch and dinner, in a stylish restaurant, leafy terrace, and elegant lounge. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter 7826 Amr Aldamri Street, Between circles 2 and 3 @radissonbluresidenceriyadh +966-11-297 9400 Goji Restaurant Goji Restaurant serves a creative international buffet in an elegant dining atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter 6781 Abdullah Alsahmi Street, Between circles 7 and 8 @marriottriyadhdq +966-11-835 3000
Eggs and Flour Located near Alliance Francaise, Eggs and Flour offers international cuisine in a casual, friendly atmosphere. @eggsandflour.ksa +966-11-488 0707
PETROL STATION
6575 Abdullah Alsahmi Street Between circles 7 and 8
Starbucks Another branch for this popular coffee chain to go to when the one in Oud Square is busy. @starbucksmiddleeast Dunkin Donuts Long-running chain serving signature donuts, breakfast sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks. @dunkindonutsksa
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RECIPES FOR Summer BY KEDIBONE MATLALA
It’s summer in Saudi Arabia and it’s a task to go outside in this very hot weather. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen cooking some fresh seasonal ingredients to make a comforting soup and a healthy dessert. Enjoy!
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COOK MANGO BANANA “NICE-CREAM” Gluten free | Egg free | Dairy free Time to prepare: 1 hour and 5 minutes Makes: 4 scoops Serves: 2 people Calories: 160 per serving Ingredients: 2 frozen medium chopped bananas 1 frozen medium prepared mango (peeled, chopped and pitted) 5 tablespoons of non-dairy milk (I use coconut milk.) Equipment: High speed blender Spatula Plastic container Scooping spoon Bowls (or a split coconut) 1. Add 2 tablespoons of your non-dairy milk to the bottom of the blender along with the frozen fruits. 2. Blend on medium speed until smooth (add a bit more milk, only if needed, a tablespoon at a time to keep ice cream-like consistency, use spatula to clean sides). 3. Place the blended mix into a plastic container, cover and freeze for an hour (stir every 20 minutes). When firm, scoop and serve immediately!
“CHECHU” BUTTERNUT SQUASH SUMMER SOUP Gluten free | Egg free | Dairy free Time to prepare: 1 hour 40 minutes Makes: about 1.2 liters Serves: 4 people Calories: 120 per serving Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash 1 large onion 1 large yellow capsicum Half a garlic bulb 1 liter vegetable stock (or as much as you need for preferred consistency) 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil (optional) Spray olive oil to coat for roasting Salt and pepper to taste Equipment: An oven A stove A medium deep pot A fine sieve and a blender
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Bowls to serve Foil to cover vegetables Chopping board Knife Baking tray 1. C lean vegetables well, (you can leave the skin on). Don’t throw the seeds out! You can roast them for 5 minutes (or until they are slightly brown, roast them with salt and olive oil); they taste amazing as a snack or garnish for the soup. 2. L ightly coat the vegetables in salt, pepper and olive oil spray. 3. R oast the vegetables at 220 degrees until soft (about an hour to an hour and a half) (40 minutes covered and the rest open) make sure they are well-cooked and soft. 4. Add the vegetable stock to the blender along with the roasted vegetables and blend until smooth. 5. P our mixture gradually from the blender through the sieve into the pot to remove the rinds of the vegetables and make the soup extra smooth. 6. S immer over low heat in a pot. 7. Add coconut or olive oil (optional). 8. S erve with the roasted pumpkin seeds on top or add coconut cream to decorate (optional). Serve chilled, you can make this recipe a few hours before serving or the day before (it can be enjoyed both hot or cold).
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WSB: The “Home-Grown” Organization With A Difference
WOMEN’S SKILLS BUREAU
In 2000, a group of diverse expat women came together to create the Women’s Skills Bureau (WSB), a community organization aimed towards helping expats in Saudi Arabia navigate this special country. Twenty years later, the WSB has diversified from solely focusing on expat spouses to a vehicle of bringing professional women of all nationalities – Saudi and expats – together. The WSB continues to be a dynamic source of information, advice and networking events. But beyond the monthly newsletter, “The Bridge”, the workshops and the monthly networking events, a group of women have connected in supporting and empowering each other to flourish and to find opportunities whilst looking at ways to support the Kingdom’s vision and mission with a number of programs.
WSB Programs
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Website: wsbksa.com | Email: info@wsbksa.com | Instagram/Facebook: @wsbriyadh
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“The Bridge” is WSB’s free monthly themed newsletter sent out to subscribers on the 1st of the month. Through the newsletter, the WSB is able to help support both individuals and organizations through interesting and informative articles, ads and reviews. June’s edition is all about “HOME”. Looking at homeschooling, home businesses, home cooking, home improvements & more.
If Riyadh is your temporary, permanent, or simply “home away from home,” then reaching out to connect with others is something all women should consider. Home is not a place, it’s a feeling. There are many benefits for women to network and connect on all levels: - Helping to settle into your new home - Exchanging ideas and experiences of coping with home-sickness - Support groups discussing matters affecting women at a certain crossroads in personal or professional life - Stimulating creativity, brainstorming or getting back on track when working from home or starting your home business. - Learning more about the traditions and etiquettes of your host country and those of other home lands - Gaining new friends and or clints, helps many people succeed and feel at home. - Partnering, volunteering, or collaborating on initiatives to help those who are less fortunate helps fulfill the soul and appreciate the comforts we have at home.
Monthly feature: Inspirational Woman in addition to our Sponsor’s Tips & Ads
An inspirational team of ladies work together to connect, inspire and support all women in Riyadh to reach their potential.
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Kenya Seeks UN Security Council Non-Permanent Membership, 2021-2022 Amb. Peter N.R.O. Ogego, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Kenya in Saudi Arabia releases Kenya’s statement of promise on the country’s candidature in the upcoming United Nations Security Council elections. Kenya is the African Union candidate for the non-permanent seat and is vying to represent the continent in the 2021-2022 session. His statement reads: Kenya has an exemplary and enviable record at the multilateral context and also at the regional level. Kenya has established meaningful relations and partnerships with countries that are part of major intergovernmental negotiations including the P5 (Permanent Members of Security Council- China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States), the A3 (African Non-Permanent Security Council Members, currently Niger, South Africa and Tunisia), G77 & China, the African Group, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Western European and Other States Groups (WEOG), Latin American and Caribbean States, the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the Pacific and Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and the BRICS – (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Kenya aspires for a United Nations (UN) rooted at the center of a rules-based international system. A UN where all states exercise all rights due to them equally as enshrined in the Charter of the global body. Kenya will work with the entire UN membership in executing the mandate of the UNSC in an inclusive, responsive and consultative manner irrespective of size and military might. Since admission to the UN, Kenya’s commitment to the principles and ideals of the organization has been resolute and consistent, particularly on matters of peace and secu-
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rity, sustainable development, global environmental and climate change issues. Kenya believes strongly that sustainable development, which is humanity’s aspiration, can only be achieved when there is peace and security for all. Similarly, peace and security will be at risk in any situation where development is not inclusive, gender-balanced and sustainable. Located along the coast of the Indian Ocean, making it the Eastern gateway to Africa, Kenya has strong links with East Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, Southern African regions of the continent and across the Indian Ocean with India and other Asian countries. Owing to the fragility of her locale, Kenya has been relentless in the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability in Africa, and the world at large. Our anchor role in pursuit for peace particularly in the Horn of Africa has led to a strong and evolving peacemaking doctrine within and beyond our borders. Kenya is an open democratic country that is an expression of the spirit and the letter of the Kenya Constitution promulgated in 2010. Kenya’s free market economy continues to be the anchor and bedrock of Kenya’s economic development, stability and growth. Kenya’s promise is to bring its wealth of experience in preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction to the UNSC. This orientation frames our campaign for the UNSC seat: Peace and Security for Sustainable Development. Kenya will hold true to the foregoing promise and seeks the vote of member states at the upcoming elections.
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020
MEET
Mohamad Almasri
Country Head of Retail
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.
How would you describe yourself? How would family and friends describe you? I’m an outgoing person. If not busy at work, then I’m busy with indoor/outdoor activities with friends. I am an arts lover and a copperplate/Spencerian calligrapher. I love electronic music and I do travel for it. I like networking, knowing more people and having new friends. People who know me always describe me as energetic, caring, funny and responsible. Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life? I am influenced by success. Whether successful people or their stories, these have an impact on me and I always read and follow what can help me grow in business and in my personal life as an individual. That’s why I consider reading and travelling essential in our lives. What brought you to Riyadh? As a Lebanese retail professional, I worked in Kuwait for 10 years before moving to Jeddah in 2013, then to Riyadh just last year after being invited by SACO, a big retail store chain. It wasn’t actually planned and I was a bit hesitant to do that move, but I eventually took it because I wanted to go through this big market and huge geographical space experience. Learning retail experience on such a big scale has enriched my knowledge and capabilities. I wanted to also learn the Saudi culture which I found amazing. What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals? I love what I do with passion even though it’s a very tough job to take. For me, the beauty comes from that toughness, especially when it comes to problem solving and turning businesses from losses to gains. Saudi Arabia has helped me a lot by opening the door, by giving that big spot to play and operate and by meeting a huge and diverse number of people from different backgrounds and experiences. It is just like more than a country in one. People whom I met and worked with have taught me a lot to get to where I am today. What are you most proud of accomplishing so far? I am proud of participating in the growth of the organization that I work for and to have it as a listed company in the Saudi market, and to hopefully make that Saudi-born brand go international in the very near future. I am also proud of having such great friends and community that made me feel like I am home.
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What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia? I didn’t know that Saudi Arabia has variations, many cities and beautiful spots that I enjoy when travelling domestic. I started to visit all of them ever since arriving and I still have a lot more places to go. On the other side, we have all that we need to live a decent life presented in an easy manner here. How long have you lived in the DQ? I am still fresh, almost six months. What were your first impressions of the DQ? Coming to Riyadh just last year and searching for a place to live, I was astonished when I first visited the DQ, and it was like yes, this is where I want to live. It is a decent, organized, and lovely landscape. What do you like most about the DQ? DQ is a well-established place that has all the facilities, nice landscape, great neighborhood and decent people. You would enjoy the parks, the fresh breeze as you go for a stroll. What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t? Good fitness centers, pools and a big supermarket. Besides this magazine, which I found as an amazing tool to engage people as a community, I think there are more rooms to have the community gather and connect more often. One important note is having the tenants’ vehicles registered with cards on them to be recognized upon accessing the gates (digital gate pass). Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors? I would recommend we gather more and get to know each other more; for these, we need activities and organizers. We can do electronic music, coffee-making, calligraphy or painting events. Any additional information you would like to share? Nothing more than wishing well to everyone in and out the DQ. Please be cautious and stay safe all until we get over this pandemic and return back to the normal life where we can socialize more and get together.
DQ LIVING MAGAZINE MAY-JUNE 2020