Vol. 4 Iss. 4 DQ Living: Sustainable, Smart, and Self-Efficient DQ

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 JULY-AUGUST 2020

Sustainable, Smart, and Self-Efficient DQ

DQ: THE MAKING OF A SMART CITY

RIYADH GOES GREEN

SCENIC SINGAPORE

With the technological advancements and progress that are happening to the world, an often neglected aspect is our environment. However, people are now incorporating environmental sustainability with progress, and the Diplomatic Quarter is not an exception.

In this issue, find out how the DQ is becoming a smart city, a model district utilizing the latest technology to enhance the well-being of the community and to conserve the environment. Saudi Landscape Co. also shares the power of landscape architecture which blends science and art in designing gardens and outdoor spaces. On a greener note in the city, have a glimpse of the “Green Riyadh” project, which is one of the world’s most ambitious urban forestation plans.

For our featured country, what better nation to be presented than Singapore, a country that’s already showing its love for nature once you step in its airport — with the plants, trees and shrubs and even the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It will surely make you curious on what the country has to offer once you step out into its streets.

These efforts to preserve and conserve the environment also start with us. Browse through our pages of tips on how to live sustainably in Saudi Arabia, start your own garden with the limited space you have, and shop eco-friendly skincare and beauty products.

Have a ‘trip’ to Bateel Farms and also to Nofa Resort, A Radisson Collection Hotel within our pages and unwind with photos of lush farms and inviting private pools.

Have a greener summer to remember!

Publisher Fayez Aldosari

Project Coordinator Maria Cometti

Editorial Assistant Laurine Gayle Vales

Columnists

Distributed by Fariha Eshrat

Hannah Meraki Alexander Woodman The Pink Tarha

Printed by Star Printing

Contributors

Aevan Caro Maria Cometti Editorial Coordinator Yusuf Mario Germino Naureen Ahmed Yana Murash Jou Pabalate Marketing Coordinator Laurine Gayle Vales 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 | DQ: The Making of a Smart City

20 GO | Scenic Singapore

10 FEATURE | The Power of Landscape Architecture

29 DO | Freewheeling in Riyadh

14 FEATURE | Riyadh Goes Green

40 SHOP | Bloom Where You Are Planted

16 LIVE | Darraq Luxury Apartments

52 EAT | Keep Calm and Vegan On

Contributors Spending more than half of his life in the Kingdom, AEVAN CARO is a Jeddah-raised turned Riyadh-based Filipino who continues to explore the beauty of Saudi Arabia. A journalism graduate with a great passion for music, he listens to his favorite tracks prior to writing to propel his thoughts and ideas.

JOU PABALATE is the communications and outreach director for Saudi Design Week and its curatorial and cultural creativity firm: &Bouqu. An editor and raconteur at the core, she believes in the power of narratives paired with a strong cup of coffee.

MARIA COMETTI and her family have been residents of the DQ for four years. The parks and walking trails attracted them to the area but they were surprised by the lack of available information about the community. This inspired Maria to cocreate DQ Living in 2017. She is passionate about wellness and entrepreneurship and spends her time between Riyadh and Upstate New York.

LAURINE GAYLE VALES is a new addition to the DQ Living team as an editorial assistant. Her free times are spent listening to music and reading, especially psychological thriller books as she is fascinated by the ever-changing human behavior and the intricate power of the human mind.

YUSUF MARIO GERMINO is a trainer/facilitator on sustainable edible gardening and currently working as the Operations Coordinator for Aquaponica. He has conducted free workshops and seminars to Filipino and Indian communities in Jeddah and Riyadh and wishes to empower residents to have domestic access to fresh, organically grown vegetables and herbs to promote better health.

YANA MURASH is a lifestyle & fashion contributor based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is also working internationally as a Creative Fashion Event Planner and PR Expert in the fashion industry of the Middle East and Europe. She has a wide experience in high fashion shopping and styling across the GCC countries.

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".

ON THE COVER: The Diplomatic Quarter is fast becoming a smart city and we’re all here for it.

View our past issues at:

www.dqliving.com

COVER

DQ: THE MAKING OF A SMART CITY

BY MARIA COMETTI

The Diplomatic Quarter is fast becoming a smart city; a model district utilizing the latest technologies to enhance the well-being of the community and to conserve the environment.

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e have all heard of smart cities, but what really is a smart city and how does it help create a more sustainable environment? A smart city is an urban area that uses electronic Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to collect data. The data is then used to improve operations across the city and increase the connectedness of the community. All the elements of the city, from air quality monitoring to waste collection, are made easier or more efficient through a network connection. Smart cities meet our current needs without negatively impacting future generations.

The numerous benefits of becoming a smart city have been seen in some of the world’s most populous cities. The city of Moscow implemented an urban and metro smart surveillance system following the 2011 bombings, and was able to solve 1,200 criminal cases in one year. In the city of Pune, India, the Energy and Research Institute retrofitted 500 light poles with efficient ones and greatly reduced energy consumption to 30%, and 27 tons of Co2.

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In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is fast becoming a smart city and a model district. A major step towards enabling the DQ’s smart city transition took place on July 7, 2020, when the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority partnered with TAWAL, the leading integrated ICT infrastructure service provider in the Kingdom, for the development of the area’s telecommunication infrastructure.

TAWAL will be managing the DQ’s telecommunication tower services and working on securing wide mobile network coverage according to the highest global standards.

The new telecom towers will be environment-friendly and strategically-located as to preserve the splendor and beauty of the DQ’s landscape. This plan is unique in that TAWAL will be managing the grid in accordance with all the Kingdom’s telecommunication providers thus resulting in a strong centralized network with 5G coverage.

As the ICT infrastructure continues to develop, the DQGA is taking tech-driven steps to improve DQ inhabitants’

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quality of life, reduce the area’s environmental impact, and provide valuable data to businesses and investors.

Becoming a smart city also means becoming a safe city.

Safety doesn’t only mean low crime; it extends to ensuring that the streets are safe for everyone for both pedestrians and cars. Developing technologies provide an even greater opportunity to ensure the safety and security of the DQ, its residents and its visitors.

The implementation of real time traffic monitoring through sensors placed at the north and south gates provides valuable data that can be utilized to improve traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and aid in planning activities. The data is displayed on a visualization platform created by Sadeem, one of the Saudi companies emerging from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The DQ’s Smart Parking Service provides a solution to reduce congestion and wrong parking within the streets of the neighborhood. Currently, there are approximately 3,540 above and underground parking spaces after the project’s first phase was finished. The next stage of implementation will create more than 5,000 parking spaces.

After visitors park their cars, they can use the DQ’s free shuttle service to move around the place.

The ambiguous rules about who can enter the DQ premises have long been a source of frustration for guests. This will soon be resolved by a Centralized QR Code system that will be implemented to facilitate quick and secure access to the DQ. Biometric technology solutions that enable efficient control access will indicate who is going in and out of the area. When Jawazat, the General Directorate of Passports for Saudi Arabia, expanded its use of biometrics to facilitate traveler processing, entry was expedited to a maximum of 5 minutes in the queue.

Have you ever had a tour by a robot? As artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality experiences are implemented in the DQ, robot tours may be just around the corner. More beneficial for residents and frequent visitors however, will be an interactive application that will simplify and enrich the community’s life and communication with the DQGA. Through the application, residents will be able to report issues, conduct services, and receive updates from the DQGA about news and events happening in the DQ. Visitors of the DQ Parks and Gardens may have already noticed some of the other ways in which the DQ is transi-

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tioning into a smart city. Beta testing of several new technologies is underway. Smart Pole lighting brightens selected parks, streets, and sidewalks. The lights are operated via a remote control system and utilize solar energy. Smart benches have been installed to provide public WiFi, mobile charging, and provision of music through solar charging.

Soon, Smart Gardens that marries nature and technology will provide water leakage protection and smart irrigation. Also In the future, park visitors will be entertained by fountain and light shows.

Real time sensors that monitor the environmental indices: PM10, PM2.5, CO2, NO2, and O3 are already providing decision makers with useful air quality data. Implementation of a more efficient waste collection system is also undergoing testing, which will involve remote monitoring of waste bins.

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The Smart Masjid is yet another example of using the technology that we have come to rely on to create a more sustainable environment. The Smart Masjid combines technologies to provide a level of comfort for the worshiper. It controls the temperature, lighting, and security according to different prayer times and seasons, thus limiting waste of energy and water resources. The control of services is done over the internet via a digital cloud incorporated with the masjid systems.

As the DQ transitions into a Smart City, the benefits will continually be realized by the community and stakeholders. More efficient utilities, improved transportation, reduced pollution, enhanced connectivity and improved quality of life are only some of the advantages to be expected.

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AlNafel Park - Site Illustrative Plan Saudi Landscape Co. project design

FEATURE

THE POWER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Bringing Communities to Life!

When we think of inspirational art, great paintings and sculptures may come to mind, however, the design of outdoor spaces, parks, streets, and entire cities are works of art by arguably one of the most important professions in the world – landscape architecture. Long overshadowed by the fine arts and building architecture, landscape architecture is a social necessity today that shapes lifestyles and builds vibrant and healthy communities.

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andscape architecture is complex. Yes, it is about beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, but it is also so much more than that. Landscape architecture is responsible for transforming the way we live. It is about inspiring healthy living and wellbeing. It is about preserving our environment for generations to come. It is about enhancing biodiversity, and it is about bringing people together.

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Today, landscape architects must fuse science and art in order to address extraordinary social and environmental demands, such as stopping or reversing environmental damage, managing our precious natural resources, navigating the challenges of urban sprawl and preserving open spaces, repurposing derelict and dangerous areas, and protecting important history and culture. Landscape architecture greatly affects the quality of our lives.

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Designing the Landscape of our New Lives

A Benchmark of New Age Living

“Landscape Architecture is arguably one of the world’s most important professions in the world.” - Nora Alankari, Landscape Architect, Director Saudi Landscape Co.

Al Nafel Park, a Saudi Landscape Co. concept is a brilliant example of transformative landscape design. The project is centered on living in harmony with nature. At the heart of the master planned community space, is a small farm where people can pick their own fresh grown greens. The project also includes a number of “fresh eating” restaurants that use the produce in their cozy eateries and deliver to DQ residents using environmentally friendly electrical bikes. It is a complete healthy eating and commercial ecosystem. In synergy with the lifestyle offering is a sporting area with indoor/ outdoor exercise spaces.

Imagine a world where our landscapes were buried, without thought or care, under the buildings and plantings of preceding generations; one on top of the other. Where blocks of industry repeated themselves between houses and highways, without a thought for colour, beauty, or life.

This is a world without landscape architecture.

Landscape architect Laurie Olin said it well: “It is hard to think of any field that has accomplished so much for society with so few people and with so little understanding of its scope or ambitions.”

Saudi Landscape Co. Landscape Architect and Design Director Stavros Charitos explains the magnitude of landscape architecture in today’s world; “When we design, we take into account the history of a site and its natural and social ecology. We regard design as a part of nature and of society and as such we aim to do more than just create beautiful outdoor spaces, we express societal progress and contemporary values with a respect for the past. Our latest project, Al Nafel Park in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, is a prime example of this, and testament to the evolution of landscape architecture as a profession.

Taking Luxury Landscaping to a New Level Saudi Landscape Co., a firm with extensive experience providing turnkey landscape architecture projects for governmental, public, commercial and private clients, brings together International expertise and brands and joins this with a deep understanding of the local climate and culture to beautify landscapes, foster biodiversity in urban environments, shape sustainable communities and enhance people’s lives.

By analyzing the history, the current state and the context of each project, the company develops sustainable landscapes that emphasize the beauty of nature and the importance of well-being. Saudi Landscape Co. is involved

Saudi Landscape Co. residential project design.

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Saudi Landscape Co. project design

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020 Saudi Landscape Co. project design

Saudi Landscape uses eco friendly products - earth solar brick light.

in urban design and masterplanning, and has transformed spaces such as parks, resorts, entertainment, sports and recreation areas, hotels, compounds, residences, palaces and more.

The scope of landscape architectural services goes way beyond what you imagine. From irrigation systems, drainage and the hard and soft elements of a garden, to water features and swimming pools, parking structures and gazebos, to outdoor kitchens, furniture and sound systems, Saudi Landscape bring together everything, including the lighting, artworks and more, to create inspirational spaces that breathe life into, well, life!

Designing for Tomorrow, Today The concept of sustainability is increasingly informing the design of not only buildings, but also of landscapes. “Green” infrastructure for improved energy efficiency, and recycling efforts to name just a few, has become the standard rather than the innovative way forward.

Companies like Saudi Landscape Co. are designing at massively different scales. Rather than designing a small urban space, they are designing sustainable ecosystems.

“The population is growing,” says Nora Alankari. “And we are now seeking ways to reuse and recycle, and that is also true with space and how we use it. This can mean transforming a derelict site into an open leisure space, or ba-

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sically taking a place that no longer has any real value to people and giving it a new lease on life. At Saudi Landscape Co, we pride ourselves on thinking outside the box to reimagine and reactivate spaces that pave a way for a new, more sustainable way of life.

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RIYADH GOES

GREEN

BY AEVAN CARO

Known for its vast arid landscapes, the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, is ready to set foot on its new journey to a greener pasture.

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FEATURE

T

he Green Riyadh project under the Royal Commission for Riyadh is an afforestation program launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at the initiative of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It is one of the four major Riyadh projects for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that aims to improve the quality of life in the Kingdom’s capital city.

Focused on the main goal of planting a total of 7.5 million trees in the next ten years, shades of green and shadows beneath growing trees will soon fill the surroundings of the city, including parks, mosques, schools, healthcare facilities, as well as main roads, streets, parking areas, and valleys.

One of the world’s most ambitious urban forestation projects, Green Riyadh will provide improvement in Riyadh’s air quality and reduce the city’s temperature.

As the project helps contribute to increasing the per capita share of green space from 1.7 square meters to 28 square meters through planting special species of trees, it will also save and provide natural territories and biological diversity within the city of Riyadh along with its provinces. It is also expected that from the 1.5 percent green areas within the total developed area of Riyadh, it will increase to 9.1 percent by the year 2030.

The first phase of the Green Riyadh project started before the holy month of Ramadan this year and is currently underway with an anticipated target of planting a total of 31,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs through Riyadh’s main highways such as Airport Road, King Salman Road, King Khalid Road, King Fahad Road, Makkah Road, Northern and Eastern Ring Roads.

The dry weather condition of Riyadh did not hinder the initiation of this greening project since they have looked into selected species of trees which will surely survive the desert environment and will not require huge amounts of water.

Water scarcity may be a threat but not for the Green Riyadh project. They have secured the water supply through new irrigation networks that use recycled water. It enables reusing of sufficient water from raw sewage treatment facilities that are usually drained out in the valleys.

In addition, the primary contribution of setting up the new recycled water network for this project is focused on the rate of water utilization for irrigation within Riyadh in which the current 90,000 cubic meters will be maximized up to more than a million cubic meters per day in the future.

“Riyadh”, a name derived from the plural of the Arabic word “rawdah” that translates to a place covered with gardens, meadows, and trees, will live up to its name soon.

With the city going green, together with all its environmental benefits, it will certainly encourage the citizens and residents to follow a healthier lifestyle by choosing to go out for walking, running, or cycling more often.

The Green Riyadh project, a key element towards becoming one of the top 100 cities in the world, awaits attractions not only from visitors but also for potential local and foreign investors.

Photos from https://www.riyadhgreen.sa/en/

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LIVE

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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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GO

Scenic

Singapore

BY FARIHA ESHRAT

The cleanest, best planned, and quite possibly the most entertaining place in the world - discover more about Singapore as a must-see destination.

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ingapore or “the Lion City” in translation from Malay, is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western traditions. This is an outstanding country rich in history and culture spanning several centuries. Singapore is home to centuries-old temples, the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, first nocturnal safari park, and some of the best cuisines in the world. You can explore Singapore for weeks and not get bored. This will become a breathtaking travel experience for all. Between the extraordinary gardens, exemplary architecture, world-class performance venues, shopping streets and experimental art galleries, Singapore offers a fascinating contrast of the old and new, the historic and the modern.

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The fifth most visited city in the world, the city-state consists of 63 islands, including the main island that was historically known as Temasek or “Sea Town”. Thanks to the government vision of creating a “garden city” to improve quality of life during the urbanization phase, nearly 10% of Singapore’s land has been set aside for parks and nature reserves to preserve the country’s natural flora and fauna.

More than half of the country’s native wildlife and plant life species can also be found in its nature reserves and zoos.

As a highly developed country, Singapore has an economic freedom index of 89.4, making it the freest economy in the world in the 2020 index. In 2015 the country ranked the second. In addition, Singapore is ranked second out of 190 countries for ease of doing business, according to the latest annual World Bank rankings. Singapore is a country with the highest percentage of millionaires in the world, with one out of every six households having at least $1 million in disposable wealth.

In addition, Singapore is a medical tourism destination.

With the lowest global infant mortality rates for the past two decades and the longest life expectancy in 2019 (84.8 years), Singapore’s healthcare system attracts almost 200,000 foreigners, seeking medical care annually.

These have all contributed to a stable, well-established and efficient country that is safe and enjoyable for tourists all year round.

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Bilateral Relations with Saudi Arabia Singapore and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in November 1977. This had followed the visit by Singapore’s first Minister for Foreign Affairs S Rajaratnam to Saudi Arabia in 1975, as part of his working tour of the Gulf countries. Economic links between Singapore and Saudi Arabia grew as Singapore’s energy needs increased amidst its rapid industrialisation. Both sides benefitted from a mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in port development, housing, shipping, and banking.

The bilateral relationship was further strengthened in the 2000s following the visits by Singapore’s then-Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to Saudi Arabia in March 2006 and then-Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s to Singapore in April 2006. Most notably, a joint communiqué was issued during then-Crown Prince Sultan’s visit which included support for the establishment of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Gulf Cooper-

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ation Council (GCC) countries and Singapore. An MOU was also signed to establish a Saudi-Singapore Business Council to bolster business ties between both countries.

During Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to Saudi Arabia in November 2006, Singapore and the GCC agreed to launch negotiations on the GCC-Singapore FTA (GSFTA). The GSFTA was eventually signed in December 2008 and represented the GCC’s first-ever FTA with a non-Middle Eastern country. Most recently, Singapore President Halimah Yacob made a state visit to Saudi Arabia in November 2019 at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. President Halimah was the first Singapore Head of State to visit the Kingdom.

Strong political engagement has bolstered all aspects of the bilateral relationship. Bilateral trade reached over US$9 billion last year. Singapore’s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific has attracted many Saudi businesses, including Saudi Aramco and SABIC, to set up offices. Likewise, many Singapore companies

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such as PSA International, SATS Ltd and ST Engineering have a strong business presence in Saudi Arabia. People-to-people exchanges are also frequent. Many Singapore pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia every year to participate in the Hajj and Umrah and an increasing number of Saudis visit Singapore every year. Many Saudi students pursue their graduate and undergraduate studies at Singapore universities, and hundreds of Saudi officials have participated in technical training courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.

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Where To Go Gardens by the Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Singapore. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest and 114-foot indoor waterfall are all exquisite sites to behold.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 161-year-old tropical garden, is Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is a breath-taking destination to visit and admire the serenity of nature.

Singapore Zoo has adopted an open zoo concept - animals are kept in open enclosures separated from visitors by hidden dry or wet moats. Guests are welcome to enjoy a river safari with over 300 species of animals, including numerous endangered species.

Haw Par Villa is an art park that is an inspiring feast for the eyes. With over 1,000 intricate sculptures and dioramas, demonstrating and teaching traditional Chinese moral values, this Asian cultural park is the last of its kind in the world.

Sentosa is an island resort that houses Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Tiger Sky Tower observatory. The island is known for its beaches, the Mega Adventure Park zipline, the huge Luxury Fashion Galleria, and the award-winning Sentosa Golf Club. This tourist hub is designed to attract and engage a wide range of people with various interests and preferences!

What To Do Watch a play at Esplanade. This theatre on the bay is a premier art destination with multiple performance venues hosting casual theater performances and jazz concerts. Esplanade is an architectural marvel!

Explore art at the National Gallery Singapore. With more than 8,000 works, this gallery owns the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. You can spend all day simply strolling through the museum’s many galleries and discovering the rich history and culture of Singapore and neighboring regions.

Learn about Peranakan culture at The Intan. This private home possesses over 1,500 objects from Peranakan culture arranged meticulously across every square inch of the home. The collector himself leads the excursions.

Learn about the kasot manek (ornate beaded slippers worn by Straits Chinese women) and admire the intricate floral patterns of the enamel hand-painted tiffin carriers.

Dine at Michelin-star restaurants at Marina Bay Sands. Michelin-starred restaurants, the 57-story SkyPark, a huge shopping mall designed by Moshe Safdie, and the most future-thinking museum, the ArtScience Museum, are some of the main attractions of this iconic Singapore site.

Shop at Orchard Road district, which encompasses multi-story shopping centers and world-class hotels. It is one of the best shopping centers in Asia.

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About the Ambassador

Chow Ming Wong Embassy of Singapore

BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN Saudi Arabia and Singapore have long been trading partners.

Besides the existing bilateral trade areas, what is your vision for additional areas of cooperation that can be successfully implemented? What is the potential of Saudi investments in Singapore, and vice versa?

We want to continue to promote excellent relations between Singapore and Saudi Arabia. This should not just be between our leaders and governments, but also between our people and businesses. We want to explore and develop more opportunities and avenues for collaboration and engagement.

Singapore may be a little red dot on the map, but we are the 35th largest economy and 12th largest trader of goods and services in the world. Saudi Arabia is our second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, and our 17th largest in the world in 2019. Our bilateral trade reached over US$9.1 billion last year. Singapore companies such as PSA International, ST Engineering, and SATS Ltd have established major operations in Saudi Arabia. Saudi household names like ARAMCO and SABIC have trading hubs and manufacturing facilities in Singapore.

The global health situation has pushed businesses to think out of the box and explore new areas of collaboration. For example, we are actively working on new trade flows between Singapore and Saudi Arabia, starting with food products. Our Prime Minister recently highlighted in a speech that we are now importing shrimp from Saudi Arabia. Singapore also hopes to export Halal Asian food to Saudi Arabia. Beyond agri-food cooperation, there is also increased interest among Singapore SMEs and start-ups to explore opportunities in the digital economy and Industry 4.0 space, including Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, in Saudi Arabia.

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His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Thousands of Muslims from Singapore visit Saudi Arabia every year for their Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. We hope that such exchanges will continue after international travel has resumed and the global health situation has stabilised. Saudi Arabia offers so much beyond the religious cities. There are major archaeological sites, breathtaking desert sceneries, and the pristine Red Sea coast. Many Saudis have also been visiting Singapore too as we eased visa requirements. Visitor arrivals in both directions were shooting up until they were halted suddenly by the pandemic lockdown. We look forward to the day when we can resume normal travel.

In November 2019, President Halimah Yacub paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia at King Salman’s invitation. What is the significance of this visit to bilateral relations? How can the cordial relations between the country leaders influence on people-to-people connections?

We were delighted that President Halimah Yacob was able to make Singapore’s first State Visit to Saudi Arabia last November at King Salman’s invitation. President Halimah had a very good meeting with King Salman, who awarded her the King Abdulaziz Medal, the highest civilian decoration in Saudi Arabia. It was also especially meaningful for President Halimah to have been granted special access to the Holy Kaaba and the Rawdah at Masjid Nabawi.

The visit was an opportunity for leaders on both sides to discuss concrete plans to bolster our multifaceted engagement, including via the establishment of a joint committee for regular consultations between Singapore and Saudi government agencies, and the reinvigoration of a business council to encourage better exchanges between Singapore and Saudi companies. On our end, it was also an opportunity

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for President Halimah to express our appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s good work in taking care of our pilgrims, and to also discuss how Singapore can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda and G20 Presidency in 2020.

We believe the positive engagement between our leaders will encourage both sides to further deepen our linkages and constructively contribute to the bilateral relationship.

Speaking of a vision, please describe how the Singapore government perceives the Saudi Vision 2030. What sectors do you think can be successfully developed in the Kingdom and foster its economy? Where do you see Singapore’s contribution to this initiative?

Singapore welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plans. This vital and bold initiative builds on Saudi Arabia’s strong development base to ensure the Kingdom’s socio-economic resilience in the long term. Singapore stands ready to support Vision 2030 reforms in its various areas of focus, including in the ICT, FinTech and tourism sectors.

The GCC-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, signed on December 15th 2008, is considered an important step in strengthening ties between the GCC countries and Singapore. Which particular segments and regional projects have benefited from this agreement? How would you evaluate the outcomes of this Free Trade Agreement after 12 years?

The Singapore-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is the first FTA that the GCC has signed with a non-Middle East country. It has helped to raise awareness of opportunities in the GCC markets and allows companies and consumers from both countries to enjoy a broader range of tariff-free products. The GSFTA has also opened the door for Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries not only to expand trade with Singapore, but also to partner Singapore to engage key economies in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific.

2020 will remain in the history of humanity as a year of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, not with medicine, but with solidarity. Please tell us about your understanding of solidarity and wise leadership during such global crises.

A coordinated global health approach, led by the World Health Organization, is key to overcoming COVID-19. International cooperation to find a viable vaccine is the only long-term solution to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. My Prime Minister has urged the world to engage in “vaccine multilateralism” to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

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In this context, Singapore strongly supports initiatives like the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility.

We are also encouraged that Saudi Arabia has leveraged its G20 2020 Presidency to rally the international community to tackle COVID-19. The G20 has pledged over US$21 billion to support funding in global health to combat the pandemic, with Saudi Arabia contributing US$500 million to this effort. As a Guest Country of the G20 2020, Singapore appreciates and supports Saudi Arabia’s exemplary leadership.

The Embassy of Singapore is located in the Diplomatic Quarter. In your opinion, how does the concept of Diplomatic Quarter contribute and strengthen bilateral relations of foreign missions with KSA? The vibrant environment of the DQ has helped me to forge many valuable friendships here. I am touched by the warm welcome extended to me by my Saudi friends and diplomatic colleagues who live here. We are also just a short drive to the Saudi MOFA and other Ministries, and an even shorter hop or walk to visit our fellow diplomatic missions.

One of the most important features of the Diplomatic Quarter is that it is very safe and, at the same time, a pleasant place. That is why I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for hosting the Singapore Embassy in the DQ. What is the daily routine of the Singapore Ambassador in DQ? What are your favourite places of leisure in DQ? Beyond my diplomatic activities and responsibilities, I enjoy jogging or walking in Boedeker Park, and cycling along the trails at Wadi Hanifah. On weekends, my companion is my bicycle, as I love to ride the trails amidst the splendid nature of the Kingdom, which is masterfully preserved at the DQ. Do wave if you see me cycling around the DQ perimeter.

I would like to also mention Oud Square, which is right in front of the Singapore Embassy, where we often go for lunch or coffee. In winter, when live performances and concerts take place in Oud Square, many people gather to enjoy the cheerful and active atmosphere of the DQ. I have the pleasure to have attended some of these performances.

Embassy of Singapore Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 3.30 pm (Sun - Thurs) Fri & Sat - Closed Contact No: +966-11-480-3855 Email: singemb_ruh@mfa.sg Website: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/riyadh

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Saudi Arabia’s First LEED Certified Hotel Marriott Diplomatic Quarter is the first hotel in the Kingdom to achieve LEED Gold certification; one of the most prominent green building certifications in the world.

Green buildings are a growing trend among developers and architects worldwide and of increasing importance to ecoand health-conscious guests. As Saudi Arabia implements Vision 2030, the country is positioning itself to become a leader in the green building industry. Marriott DQ is the first hotel in the Kingdom to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification requirements.

LEED-certification is the most prominent green building certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and

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Environmental Design and is a non-profit, independent, third-party rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). According to the council, “We believe green buildings are the foundation of something bigger: helping people, and the communities and cities they reside in—safely, healthily and sustainably thrive.”

To earn LEED certification, a building is awarded points for satisfying certain green requirements in six categoriesSustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere,

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Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design. The number of points the building has earned then categorizes it as one of the following: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

According to the USGBC, LEED-certified buildings - Have lower operating costs and increase asset value - Reduce waste sent to landfills - Conserve energy and water - Improve indoor air quality - Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions - Demonstrate an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship The 5-star Marriott Diplomatic Quarter and Executive Apartments cover a total area of 25,000 m2, and encompass 80 hotel rooms, 140 executive apartments, and an array of high-quality service facilities including a fitness center, a spa, a banquet hall for 400 guests, and an international-cuisine restaurant.

True to its context and pride of its roots, the hotel grew out from the strata of the ancient heritage of Wadi Hanifa, that inspired its design lines and character with a contemporary twist that blends the beauty of local Saudi tradition with the latest and trendiest architectural lines and features.

As the first LEED-certified hotel in the Kingdom, the project reflect Dur’s, owner of Marriott DQ, commitment to environmental wellbeing. Meeting the LEED Gold Certification requirement, the hotel site creates a protected micro-cli-

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mate. By amplifying useful daylight via a complex reflection process, the hotel can decrease its illumination needs during the day. Plentiful shaded areas and the building’s structure allow for natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning and additional cooling.

For further details about LEED certification visit http://leed.usgbc.org Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter 6781 Abdullah Alsahmi St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12511 Contact No.: +966 11 835 3000 Social Media: @marriottriyadhdq

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FREE WHEELING

DO

IN RIYADH

BY JOU PABALATE

A few years ago, there were only a handful of spaces where women could ride a bicycle, the DQ being one of those havens. Fast forward to today and cycling has become a rising activity and sport in the city.

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rowing up in Riyadh, I had always wanted to explore the city on a bike. After a decade of toying with the idea and seeing other women in Saudi champion the sport in recent years, I finally decided to get on board. I’ve only been solo cycling for a few months and I must say that urban exploring on two wheels is a liberating, exhilarating, yet equally meditative experience that highlights my week.

Below is a primer on how I went about getting into it. I cycle for leisure and see the city differently, hence, if you’d like to get more professional advice and take it up as one of your sports, I highly recommend connecting to a group or speaking to local veteran cyclists (the cycling communities in the city are mostly a friendly bunch and eager to share their knowledge).

GETTING A BIKE When I first started, I decided to buy a department store bike for SR 400. I kept to the paved streets of the DQ, so it was a relatively okay starter kit --- up until that time I decided to get on the trail and spent most of it grudgingly walking and pushing my bike uphill.

Wanting to further my two-wheeler adventures, I decided it was time to commit to a better bike. After asking cyclists I knew and doing some hard-core research (aka googling), it was a toss-up between a road or a mountain bike. My learned tip is to try out different ones (rent!) and see what works for you and consider the types of rides you’d mostly be doing.

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While road bikes are lighter, built for speed, and easier to pedal on roads; I prefer the versatility of mountain bikes and feel more confident traversing the hilly topography and at times, rocky, or under construction, surfaces of Riyadh. It’s more comfortable for me to be in an upright position especially on longer rides in the weekends--- plus, I like enjoying the views, so I don’t mind the slower pace.

There are also hybrid bikes, which gives you a little bit of both.

LET’S TALK SAFETY Admittedly, most of Riyadh’s streets, particularly the main ones are congested and are not bike-friendly. The first couple of times I ventured outside the backstreets and my comfort trails, it was daunting. However, once you get used to navigating your way and stick to some hard-fast safety practices, discovering different neighborhoods and sceneries you’d miss from your car window feels very rewarding. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Wear a helmet and safety pads (whether off-road or on-road).

2. Get head and tail lights. These will not only help you get through unlit streets at night, they also work in signaling drivers and make your presence known on intersections.

If you plan to ride on the streets or places in general that have car and pedestrian traffic, don’t wear earphones. Focus on the sounds and sights around you instead.

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3. Dress appropriately (as I’ve been advised by more experienced cyclists). It’s best to make your presence known, especially since drivers are conditioned to watch out for other cars, not you or your bike. Smartly placed reflectors on your helmet and your bike and wearing reflective gear are the ways to go.

4. Always inform someone you’re heading out, what’s your general route, and when you’d likely be back.

5. Other essentials for a 1-2-hour urban ride: multipurpose tool, tire repair kit + portable pump, and water bottle Tip: Those sharp dried thorns on the DQ trails can burst your riding dreams midway. My awesome mechanic down at Wheels eventually suggested I order some tire liners and masking tape. They have worked wonders against debris and thorn punctures since.

WEATHER The cool months between September – March are amazing, you can ride out pretty much anytime of the day (sans dust storms). During the summer peak months (June – August), the safest and most comfortable timings are from 5 am – 7:30 am, or when the temperature is between 3035°C. I also try to avoid open areas where there’s too much direct sunlight. Alternatively, a lot of cyclists also do their rides at the DQ in the late evenings.

Stay hydrated, take regular sips every couple of kilometers.

Use a cooling towel on your nape to keep your core temperature a few degrees lower. Lastly, wear sunscreen, regardless if the sun is fully out or not.

THE ROUTES MOST TRAVELLED Wadi Hanifah and Diriyah have bike lanes available, yey!

DQ Trails Wadi Hanifah Diriyah Edge of the World

BIKE RENTAL SHOPS SPiN Rentals Diplomatic Quarters Opening Times: 5-11pm +966 55 973 1117 Instagram: Spin.sa

Shack Bikes* Ad Diriyah Whatsapp: +966 54 961 2607 *Reservation required and only rents out to groups on weekends

CYCLING CLUBS AND TOURS Dovesride Female cycling group in Riyadh, arranges public events, classes, and bike tours too.

Instagram: @dovesride Venture Outdoors Best known for their Diriyah-Wadi Hanifah rides.

And they combine it with other activities, like archery.

Instagram: @venture_od Riyadh Wheelers One of the first cycling clubs in Riyadh catering to enthusiasts and competitive cyclists. They organize races and runs during the season (September-April).

Website: www.riyadhwheelers.com My Bicycle (Darrajati) A cycling club that organizes different events.

Website: https://www.darrajati.org/ Nkazdr A social club that organizes bike tours apart from other activities.

Website: www.nkazdr.wixsite.com/nkazdr Instagram: @nkazdr

BIKE STORES Wheels Bike Shop (TREK Bikes) Location: Prince Mamduh Bin Abdulaziz St, As Sulimaniyah Contact No.: +966-11-4643321 Instagram: @wheels_bikes Bike Lane Shaikh Abdulla Al Makhdub St Website: www.bikelane.com.sa

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Procycling Website: www.procyclingest.com Location: Abdulrahman Al Ghafeqi St, Al Quds Bikes Land King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Almasiaf, Riyadh 12467, Saudi Arabia Contact No.: +966-544083382 Instagram: @Bikesland_shop

My Bike SA Contact No.: +966-596416765 Website: dirajati.com Free Wheels SA Contact No.: +966-569696380 Website: www.freewheels.sa Bikes & Hobbies Whatsapp: +966-557627406

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NEW SCHOOLS IN THE DQ The Diplomatic Quarter will see new learning institutions in its grounds. The best education and training for children are within reach! Check out the schedules and information here:

ARTAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The Artal Preparatory School was launched in 2018 with the aim to provide children with contemporary learning skills according to his/her abilities, tendencies, and creations. The school’s philosophy is based on integrating education with life (STEAM education). This means translating theoretical science into practical reality by linking scientific, artistic, and cultural concepts to various life activities.

Opening Schedule: January 2021 Enrolment/Registration: Mid-November Students: Pre-schoolers Class/Training Offerings: - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - National Curriculum - Let’s Read Curriculum

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RIYADH DQ

The British International School Riyadh (BISR) is a multi-campus school providing education to children from over 50 different nationalities in Riyadh. BISR believes that learning should be personalized, challenging, and enjoyable. It aims to provide high quality learning experiences within the classroom, through residential programs and via co-curricular programs. The BISR adapts the National Curriculum of England.

Opening Schedule: September 2020 Enrolment/Registration: Now open Students: Age 3 (Foundation 1) to Age 11 (Year 6) Class/Training Offerings: - Foundation Stage - Primary School Requirements: - Completed registration form - Copy of child’s passport - All school reports at current school for the past year - Completed medical form - Application fee British International School Riyadh - DQ admissions@bisr.com.sa reception@bisr.com.sa Tel No.: +966-920033963 Website: www.bisr.com.sa Facebook: @bisr.reach Twitter/Instagram: @bisr_reach

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Artal Preparatory School info@artalschools.edu.sa admission@artalschools.edu.sa Tel No.: +966-508307830 Website: www.artalschools.edu.sa Social Media: @artalschools

TIME KIDS CENTER

Time is a recreational and enrichment center for children aged 10 months to 7 years old. The center specializes in creative and fun kids’ classes, active play, day camps, birthday celebrations and special events. Their mission is to provide over-the-top place space where children are free to move, play, and explore safely. Time is not categorized as a school so there is no grading system and pre-requirements to join.

Opening Schedule: October 2020 Enrolment/Registration: Now open Students: 10 months to 7 years old (kids under 3 years needs the company of adults) Class/Training Offerings: - Indoor Play Space - Drop Off Program (Explore Club) - Afternoon Program (Afternoon Club and Building Club) - Summer Camp - Birthday Parties Time Kids Center info@timekidscenter.com Tel No.: +966-50-187-2681 Social Media: @timecenter.sa

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A LOOK BACK TO MY TIME IN SAUDI ARABIA “The world can learn more from Saudi Arabia than Saudi Arabia can learn from the world.� - Ambassador Alfredo Miranda

BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN

F

rom 2017 to 2019, His Excellency Alfredo Miranda was the Mexican Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Currently, Ambassador Miranda is serving in Washington, D.C., and I had the incredible opportunity to meet with him. We discussed some of his reflections and thoughts about Saudi Arabia after he left the Kingdom.

Can you reminisce about your arrival in the Kingdom as the Ambassador of Mexico? Please discuss the time you spent there, and what it was like when you left.

I arrived in the Kingdom on January 31st 2017. On April 4th of the same year, I was received by HRH Prince Saud bin Abdul Muhsin Al Saud, the Governor of Hail, who invited me to visit the Hail region. The privilege of seeing Saudi Arabia within its interior created a new perspective for me. For me, a country and its people cannot be fully comprehended unless one can experience it first-hand and in person. I found that the spirit that lies within the heart of every Saudi family overflows with culture, tradition, and hospitality.

In addition to my diplomatic mission and the job responsibilities I had as the representative of Mexico in the Kingdom, I was allowed to enter deeper into the world of traditions and customs. At every familial gathering, I attended with my Saudi friends and every sightseeing trip we embarked on, gave me a better understanding of this unique culture.

Even the language barrier, which was often present, could

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not diminish the intensity that this experience had on my cultural curiosity.

Eventually, my time in the Kingdom came to an end on July 10th, 2019. I left the Kingdom feeling enriched culturally and emotionally, along with a host of many other positive feelings.

During the time of your appointment, what would you say were the main achievements of the Mexican embassy in the Kingdom?

My diplomatic journey was quite rewarding, as well. My time in the Kingdom allowed me, as the representative of the Mexican embassy, to establish excellent relationships with various foreign and local officials. It is important to emphasize how I saw the development of international cooperation, partnership, and simple mutual connections, which occurred at a pace similar to the direct cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

I participated in two very productive meetings with King Salman, where he spoke to us about the future of Saudi Arabia and the importance of strengthening bilateral partnerships with geographically distant countries. Ongoing projects were completed, and startup projects were put into action, a natural workflow for an embassy. It is safe to say that the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and

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Mexico will continue to move forward at a steady and reliable pace.

On a personal note, what did you learn and take with you from the time spent in Saudi Arabia and within the Saudi society?

A question that is as multifaceted as this one may require answers on several different levels. Personally, and professionally, I gained a great deal from my time in Saudi Arabia.

As a diplomat, one’s job in a foreign land is focused on relationship development, cooperation, and cultural exchange.

As one of the most prominent players in the current climate of the world, Saudi Arabia adds an additional layer of professional interest to anyone who works there. To deal with the weight of the responsibility that the Kingdom carries in the international arena, one’s actions in the region must be professional and thorough. Aside from work done on the G20, Saudi Arabia has exhibited significant leadership qualities by acting upon changes within its internal development.

I believe that many international players still fail to recognize Saudi’s rapid ascent towards more progression, advancement, and reformation. This has, in turn, resulted in a more positive influence on the Middle Eastern region and the world, in general.

As previously mentioned, Mexico and Saudi Arabia are geographically situated at a distance from each other.

However, the mutually cooperative relationship that they have built will undoubtedly contribute to the betterment of both countries. This comes from a secure and efficient assimilation of beliefs from both sides.

It may sound complicated given the distance, yet the observable similarities between Mexican and Saudi people have become a catalyst for the partnership. Ironically, there are even some physical similarities between the two nations! The famous Mexican saying “mi casa es su casa” (“my home is your home”) is a confirmation of the concept of generosity, which both countries share.

The final point worth mentioning might be viewed as controversial by some, but it stems from personal experience, similar to most of the information in this interview. How Saudi society operates internally is a valuable learning lesson. This is evidenced by the apparent success rate that the system carries as a philosophical doctrine.

The core of Saudi society are women. Mothers are the nucleus of the family with the responsibility of raising, nurturing, and educating the children, the future generation. With the continual changes and advancements taking place each day, women must repeatedly prove their ability to create and raise productive, caring, and intelligent members of society. They must apply what they have learned from their families and use it in their professional lives. The everyday progress of Saudi Arabia has been led by these hard-working women, whose determination and intelligence continue to nurture generations of leaders, change makers, and innovators!

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Upon reflection, what would you wish for the future of the Saudi society?

Recently, we have been thrust into life amidst a global pandemic, which has scared, damaged, and killed thousands of people every day. Even though during these past months, the world has had to adapt to an abrupt lifestyle change, the situation remains unpredictable and sadly still very dangerous. In an attempt to find something useful within the debris of this tragedy may seem somewhat cynical. However, since most things are not in our control, finding something positive might bring the world closer together internationally. It might also remind people that because of this deadly pandemic, we can step back and see that there are more significant problems than territorial wars and political quarreling. It is time to refocus and decide what is really important in this world.

I hope that the Saudi society can overcome these challenges without feeling that all is lost, and they have to sacrifice a small piece of their soul. Life is complicated now; touching, hugging, and kissing is one of the main symbols of affection in both Saudi and Mexican cultures. Hopefully, life will return to ‘normal’ soon. However, before that happens, I wish them strength, good health, and endurance until we get past these difficult times.

What is your vision for the 2020 G20 Riyadh Summit?

Since Saudi Arabia assumed the Presidency of the G20 in December 2019, the Leaders’ Summit in Riyadh has been a highly anticipated event in the International arena. Undoubtedly, Saudi Arabia has a well-constructed agenda, which many are interested in hearing about and contributing to when needed. They are working to develop an extensive infrastructure, which will help implement many of the touristic campaigns in a newly formed and efficient manner. I believe that the world has more to learn about Saudi Arabia and its people and should not miss the opportunity to do so.

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THE ORGANIC DATES OF BATEEL

Bateel established its prominent brand position by creating the market for gourmet dates and date confectionery. By uncompromising focus on the quality of their fine products, crafted with premium ingredients and decades of expertise, every Bateel date is a promise of excellence.

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Bateel’s organic date farms are nestled in a fertile oasis in the Al Ghat region of Saudi Arabia, north of the capital Riyadh. Over 100,000 date palm trees grow, basking in the temperate climate and naturally flowing sweet irrigated water. This unique terroir lends to the inimitable taste of every Bateel date.

Bateel takes great pride in their sustainable farming practices. Every date palm is watered from the naturally occurring desert wadi through the strategically placed irrigation system which is channelled across the farm. This enables farmers to recycle and preserve the readily available water of the land. Bateel groves also produce nearly 2,000 tonnes of organic waste per year, all of which is returned to the farm as nutrient-rich compost.

Each year, Bateel harvests more than 3,000 tonnes of the highest quality organic dates. Staying true to tradition, Bateel farmers climb the majestic date palms several times over the course of the season in order to pick each date at the perfect time. As soon as the dates are harvested, they are immediately stored to halt further ripening and lock in flavours. The fruit is then cleaned using state-of-the-art technologies, before being assessed and graded to match stringent standards for size, colour, translucency and skin condition. This ensures quality and consistency, and is why every Bateel date is considered the finest in the world.

Bateel presents over 20 premium, organic varieties to choose from, including their world-exclusive signature Wanan variety.

While dates have been enjoyed for centuries, Bateel has elevated the fruit to a luxury gourmet product, delighting connoisseurs around the world. Today, the Bateel boutique is considered the ultimate indulgence and gifting destination.

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Bateel Contact No.: +966 56 560 4676 Email: info.ksa@Bateel.com Website: Bateel.com Social Media: @bateelgourmet (IG and Twitter) and @Bateel.international (FB)

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FEATURE

START SOWING

BY YUSUF MARIO GERMINO

Too much time in your hands? Take this opportunity to discover if you have a “green thumb” by starting a garden in your free space - no matter how big or small it is. Here’s how.

T

hey say that the love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. When I started my own journey into gardening, I realized that no matter how challenging, frustrating, or tedious gardening in Saudi Arabia seems, I still find it to be calming and satisfying.

I was able to find myself in a space where I can use my time and energy experiencing life in another form: plants.

We have long believed that there is a “green thumb” or a person with an exceptional skill for gardening or for growing plants and a “black thumb”, the opposite which means an inability to make plants grow. I believe that there are no such things and that they are myths. ‘There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.’

especially when it comes to the amount of water and light, kinds of nutrients, and types of soil.

Water and Moisture ▪ Know your plant’s water requirement. Overwatering kills as much as underwatering your plant.

▪ Always check your soil before watering. Sticking your finger in it is an easy method to know when to water. Some plants need to be dried in between watering, slightly moist at all times, soaked regularly or need to receive occasional watering.

▪ Ensure your pots have drain holes and it is not clogged at any time.

▪ Combine your potting mix with equal parts of sand to aid in drainage and prevent caking over time. Perlite is a soil additive that helps your soil to maintain moisture and aids in drainage as well.

▪ For an outdoor garden, installing an automated drip irrigation system will go a long way in keeping your garden thriving even during summer without much manual effort.

The key to a successful and thriving garden, anywhere you are including Saudi Arabia, is knowing how much or how little of the following your plants need: water, sun, and nutrients. Make sure that these are available where you are, whether you’re planning your mini garden indoor or outdoor. It’s also important to know the type of soil your plants will be happy being planted in.

Here are tips on how to start, grow, and maintain a healthy home garden: First, decide what you want to grow. Do you want ornamental or flowering plants for beautification of your empty spaces? Do you want herbs and vegetables for your family’s consumption? Herbs in small pots are very popular nowadays. After deciding on what plants you want to grow, you have to research and focus on what they specifically need

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For an eye catching indoor mini garden, combine different plants with similar growing requirements but has varied foliage color, shape and texture.

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Light and Shade ▪ Light is necessary for a healthy indoor or outdoor garden.

▪ Your plant has different light needs: several hours of direct sun, several hours of bright light but not direct sun, partial or full shade, or intermittent lighting.

▪ For an outdoor garden in Saudi Arabia, many cities have extreme weather that could be difficult for plants unless an intervention is implemented. Shade cloth that would suppress up to 90% of the stress direct sun can cause to your plants is very beneficial.

Nutrients ▪ Plants, like humans and animals, also need food to grow and thrive.

▪ NPK (Nitrogen – Phosphorus – Potassium) are the three basic macro nutrients a plant needs.

▪ Other minerals necessary for plant growth secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, sulfur) and micronutrients: boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

▪ Nutritional needs of plants are supplied organically by applying compost or inorganically by using commercially available chemical fertilizers (liquid, powder, capsule root tabs, slow release pellets). You can easily create homemade compost by setting aside vegetable and fruit scraps from the kitchen (except citrus fruits) and combining it with potting mix or dried grass in a container that has drainage holes. Keep the mix moist to encourage decomposition and store it in a cool dark place. Top it up occasionally and harvest after 6 months.

Soil Soil creates a medium for moisture, nutrients and micro-organism to thrive and support plant life. In Saudi Arabia, the general type of soil is sandy and it is inefficient in holding both water and nutrients. It is therefore necessary to amend it by using commercially available potting mixes like peat moss, compost, or organic soil mix that are usually sold in bags. Mixing any of these mediums with sand (1:1) is necessary to aid drainage and prevent caking when dry or mushiness when water is clogged.

Each plant requires specific types of soil so it is important to know the soil requirement of your plant. The six types of soils are: ▫ Loamy – mix of silt, clay and sand (perfect for climbers, vegetables, root crops, berries) ▫ Chalky – usually overlays limestone bedrock or chalk and is alkaline (spinach, beets, corn, cabbage, sweet corn) ▫ Peaty – made of peat moss, dark and feels spongy when damp (root crops, leafy greens, brassicas) ▫ Silty – usually rich in nutrient, good drainage and feels soft and smooth to the hands (most vegetables, climbers, perennials, trees) ▫ Sandy – feels gritty, drains and dries fast (root crops, lettuce, strawberries, corn, squash) ▫ Clay – feels lumpy and sticky when wet (summer crop vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental trees) Soilless gardening A new trend sweeping the agriculture industry because of its efficient use of water and space is soil-less agriculture or DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

Cactus and succulents are easy to grow and maintain with very little care. Make sure that you do not overwater them as they are easy to have root rot and die.

gardening. Instead of soil, plants are planted in other media such as rocks, pebbles, sponge, coco coir etc. Nutrients that are otherwise sourced from soil is provided via recirculating water enriched with liquefied nutrients. This is called hydroponics.

Soilless gardening or agriculture utilizes between 5% to 10% of water only and plant growth is sped up by double or triple compared to conventional gardening/agriculture methods.

In Saudi Arabia, many home gardeners are switching to hydroponics for growing edible plants for family use. Hydroponics farms are also seeing popularity as a more profitable form of growing food. For a keen gardener who wishes to implement a more sustainable approach to modern gardening, aquaponics is another option. Aquaponics is the growing of fish (whether edible or ornamental) and plants together in a symbiotic, sustainable, recirculating and organic system. Aquaponics is suitable for home or commercial food production.

Now that you know which plants you want to grow and what type of garden you want to have (with soil and pots or soilless), choose the location or space for your garden.

Indoor or outdoor? How much space do you have? Once you select a spot, it’s time to buy some basic gardening tools like shovels, pots, watering cans, etc. Of course, don’t forget the seeds and soil.

When it’s time for planting, make sure to read the instructions that come with the seed packets, or research online on the best methods to do them. Nurture your garden.

Even when you become busy with work or other activities, do not forget to take care of your plants and you’ll reap and harvest your rewards from it. Gardening teaches patience and brings joy in more ways than one.

I hope that this article gives you the basic information you should know to start and maintain a thriving garden in Saudi Arabia. For more practical tips, you can check out the Facebook page of “Jeddah Gardeners Club” (https://www. facebook.com/JeddahGardenersClub).

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Bloom

WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

BY NAUREEN AHMED

Or help the place where you are planted bloom! With these tools and plants in our list, you will be inspired to create your own mini garden at home. Whether you choose to keep plants in pots or make use of an empty spot in your front lawn or backyard (we even envisioned your garden already complete with fountains and swing chairs), gardening is one of the most fulfilling hobbies you’ll ever do. Get started!

Hand Trowel, SACO (SR 35)

Decoration Stones, Sultan Garden Center (SR 17)

Ficus Elastica Plant, IKEA, (SR 108) Fertilizer, Al Afaq Al Alamiah (from SR 8)

3-Piece Ceramic Pots, SACO (SR 192)

Swing Chair, Sultan Garden Center (SR 2715)

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SHOP

Fiber-Glass Fountain, Sultan Garden Center (SR 1247)

Watering Can, IKEA (SR 49)

Solar-Powered Garden Light, Sultan Garden Center (SR 25)

Various Seeds, Al Afaq Al Alamiah (from SR 5)

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Mini Aloe Plants, Alrugaib Furniture (SR 205)

Bougainvilla (SR 25) https://www.nabatik.com/ Plant a tree in three steps with Nabatik. Just choose your tree from their website, locate your address, and pay online. Batik would source, transport and transplant the trees that you purchased within a few days.

Websites https://www.saco-ksa.com/ https://sultangardencenter.com/ https://www.alrugaibfurniture.com/ https://agri.al-afaq.com/ https://www.ikea.com/sa/en/

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SAUDI SUMMER Staycation

AT NOFA

Time to beat Riyadh’s summer with a retreat at Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel.

Jump into the blue with your very own pool just outside your chic bungalow complete with world-class amenities and services. Nofa Resort embodies the spirit of a Saudi summer - it’s hot, fun and definitely memorable!

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he Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel is less than an hour away from Riyadh. It’s the greatest adventure you can go to now that the summer season is in full swing in Saudi Arabia. It has majestic views of the desert, mesmerizing sand dunes, and a surprising burst of greenery. It’s a place rich in culture, activities, and adventure with its own safari park and golf course. But it’s pièce de résistance is not what’s easily visible: the secluded luxury villas with its private pool and gardens.

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The resort boasts of 57 villas for all kinds of travelers, whether it be for pleasure or business. The rooms are complete with free wi-fi and in-room coffee and tea facilities that make a Nofa staycation a wonderful experience: unwinding yet always connected. Each villa is built to reflect the diverse African heritage with unmatched Arabian hospitality. Each villa has its own private garden and private pool making it truly a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

The need to take a dip in Riyadh’s scorching hot weather is at an all-time high and there’s no better way to quench that longing for swimming than to take a plunge in a villa’s private pool. Like all of Nofa’s villas, the one-bedroom Collection Villa comes with a private swimming pool with jacuzzi beside a garden that moves you closer to nature.

Their Terrace Villas and Luxury Villas also have their own private pools for you and your family’s enjoyment. The blue water is enthralling and inviting. And for the duration of your stay, the pool is yours and you can swim and have fun to your heart’s content!

After a swim, you can satiate your hunger for good food by ordering from the in room dining options or visiting the three exciting on-site restaurants. Nofa Resort will take you on a culinary journey starting with Tswalu, an informal African eatery that serves an international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy lake views at the outdoor seating of The Butcher’s Den and marvel at the luscious grilled meats that the staff offers. Dinner here can be a feast for all senses! The relaxing ambiance of Al Fresco is perfect for its Italian comfort food: stone-fired pizzas and pastas

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that will tickle your taste buds and warm your hearts. After heartwarming meals, relax in their African Tea Room where world-class selection of coffees and teas along with freshly-squeezed juices and delicious mezzes are served.

Nofa Resort, A Radisson Collection Hotel is committed to delivering a clean and safe environment for its guests during this Covid-19 pandemic. It has vigorous health and safety protocols in place that will give their guests peace of mind while staying in the resort. The Radisson Hotel Group 20-step protocol is the industry’s gold standard and involves round-the-clock cleaning and disinfection procedures, use of protective equipment and ongoing training for staff. In keeping with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, physical distancing and other measures are practiced inside the resort Enjoy your time at Nofa Resort, A Radisson Collection Hotel, an eco-friendly resort that offers absolute comfort amid nature. This oasis of luxury in an amazing landscape will be your best summer adventure yet!

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

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SHOP

BRANDS WITH A PURPOSE We stan companies that are doing their bit for the planet!

Here are some of our picks from eco-friendly skincare products to clean beauty brands to Saudi Arabia’s very own sustainable fashion line.

Apart from producing skin, hair, and body care products of the finest quality, Aesop packages their products in vessels that are functional, humble, and have minimal impact to the environment. Their stores are also known for their sustainable designs and while we’re still waiting in KSA for an Aesop branch, you can buy their products online at en-saudi.ounass.com.

Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream, SR 462 The Reveller Elaborate Body Kit, SR 446

Lush is undoubtedly a pioneer in innovation and ethics when it comes to their fresh handmade skincare products and cosmetics.

The company has a strict policy against animal testing and it supports fair trade initiatives. They started selling “naked” products, or products without any packaging at all to reduce waste. Lush has branches all over the Kingdom. They’re also online at https:// lush.sa.com/.

Nana Naked Shower Gel, SR 92 Sultana of Soap, SR 52 Karma Bubble Soap, SR 63

L’Occitane promises to respect the environment, support communities and guarantee the quality and safety of their products. Their commitment to sustainability can be seen in every stage of their product life cycle from sourcing to formulation to distribution. Their Almond and Shea Butter lines are favorites.

Shop at https://sa.loccitane.com/.

Almond Shower Oil, SR 209 Shea Butter Gift Set, SR 649

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Rituals only uses ethically-sourced ingredients and takes into consideration the environmental and social impact in the entirety of their processes. It offers luxurious yet affordable home and body products that have their unique signature fragrances. They’re known for their indulgent scrubs and long-lasting fragrance sticks. Shop Rituals online at 6thstreet.com.

Sweet Jasmine Fragrance Sticks, SR 230

Tarte is a cosmetics brand that has sustainable products in their repertoire. Apart from its commitment to creating all-natural and cruelty-free beauty products, the brand also supports cooperatives and develops reusable and recyclable packaging to help reduce environmental waste. You can shop Tarte products at sephora.sa.

Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette, SR 217

Sadeem is a fashion brand by Saudi designer Aljawharah Alshehail.

It advocates for sustainable design by using non-toxic fabrics sourced from companies that employ sustainable practices. Its core value is to provide fashion that has a positive impact on the global environment and society. The latest collection titled “Abwaab” or Doors is a collection inspired by Saudi Arabia, a nation moving forward without letting go of the past. Check out Sadeem, a ‘slow fashion’ brand at http://www.bysadeem.com/.

Fashion brand Stella McCartney is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. It’s known for their use of eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and regenerated cashmere. Their bags are made of organic and synthetic fibers with vegetable coatings and are at least 70% handmade. The Falabella handbag is one of the most popular non-leather handbag styles of all time. You can shop Sustainable Steps fashion items at en-saudi.ounass.com.

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Black Falabella Tote Bag, SR 4250 Purple Falabella Mini Tote Bag, SR 3700

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 101

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

Have you ever considered how the air you breathe, the water you drink and the ground you walk on affect your health? In this article, we explore this field of healthcare in connection with your environment.

Every day, the environment around you influences your health and the health of those around you in countless ways. Exposure to polluted air and water can cause numerous adverse health effects ranging from digestive diseases to asthma and much more. According to the World Health Organization’s report, nearly a quarter of all diseases can be linked to the environment. This means that being mindful of our surroundings and how we interact with them should be an essential part of our healthcare plans.

Environmental health is the science of pursuing a safer and healthier planet by educating the public, safeguarding employees at workplaces, creating knowledge through research, redesigning cities to fit environmentally friendly plans, ensuring sustainable and safe products for human consumption, impacting public policy to address all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person that can potentially affect health such as food safety, noise pollution, and more.

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HEALTH Here are some environmental effects on your health that you should be mindful of: 1. Air pollution can cause different respiratory conditions.

The use of car filters and the separation of industrial zones from residential areas has been highly impactful in reducing these risks. Avoiding smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, keeping plants at home or at your work desk and taking walks in nature over weekends or whenever possible are other great ways to ensure healthier air exposure.

2. Unsafe water consumption can cause gastrointestinal conditions. Make sure to drink bottled or filtered water.

Also, check the chlorination of your swimming pools as both water with too much and too little chlorine can cause health risks to y ‎ our skin and hair.

3. Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects are vectors for many diseases. They can arise from waterlogged areas at home and are present in tropical climates and outdoor spaces when you travel. Be sure to always research or ask locals about what disease-vector insects are common in their area and how they present them while traveling. Wearing long sleeved clothing and sleeping with bed nets are good for camping and outdoor trips, and while insect repellent sprays and creams are also useful, be sure to patch test on your skin first to check for any adverse reactions.

and causing muscular injuries. Finally, an ergonomic sitting arrangement such as this can help you prevent many shortterm and long-term discomfort. Start being mindful of the spaces you live in and work at so that you can maintain a healthy mind and body that is ready to take in the challenges of everyday life.

8. Social environmental health is how you interact with those around you, your family, friends and colleagues.

Open communication, honesty and clearly divided responsibilities are often able to create the healthiest social environments. However, mutual kindness, compassion and care are necessary for all interactions and whenever you feel unmatched, expressing even your slightest frustrations in clear words can go a long way in alleviating most situations.

The environment broadly includes everything external to ourselves, including the physical, natural, social and behavioral environments. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and is not merely the absence of disease or illness. The government here has ensured safe water, air and has high food safety standards which has drastically improved environmental health over the last century. We hope you are able to thrive in environments most conducive to your benefit.

4. Ultraviolet light (UV) exposure is important to control your risk of malignant skin growths. There is an understanding that those with low sunlight exposure will develop Vitamin D deficiency, however the consumption of Vitamin D rich foods is often sufficient. Therefore, make sure to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30+ and reapply it every two hours to prevent sun exposure-related adverse effects.

5. Second-hand smoke exposure has been linked to low birthweight in infants and asthma/ear infections in young children, along with the array of heart and lung diseases adults can experience from it. Avoiding exposure can benefit the health of all.

6. Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic in water, lead in paints and housing established before the 19th century have been linked to many diseases. Although these are often well regulated here, during your travels be sure to ask the locals and neighbors of possible heavy metal poisoning sources or avoid booking housing in underdeveloped areas of the city.

7. Ergonomics is an important part of how you interact with your environment. While arranging your home or workplace, ensure your most used items are kept between eye to waist level for easy access and avoiding arm sprains. While lifting heavy items, be sure to squat instead of bending forward to avoid back injuries. While taking down heavy items, be mindful of using a ladder or chair instead of stretching

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REFERENCES 1. Barton H, Grant M. 2006. A health map for the local human habitat. The Journal for the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health 126(6): 252–261. doi: 10.1177/1466424006070466 2. Resnik DB, Portier CJ. 2008. Environment and Health. In M Crowley (Ed.), From Birth to Death and Bench to Clinic: The Hastings Center Bioethics Briefing Book for Journalists, Policymakers, and Campaigns (pp. 59–62). Garrison, NY: The Hastings Center.

3. Prüss-Üstün A, Corvalán C. 2006.

Preventing Disease Through Healthy Environments. Towards an estimate of the environmental burden of disease. Geneva: World Health Organization.

4. DEOHS Department. 2020. Environmental Health. Washington University. https://deohs.washington.edu/environmental-health 5. 2020. Office Ergonomics. MayoClinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169

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HOW TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY IN SAUDI ARABIA

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

Living sustainably is a life-long commitment but it has a long way to go before everyone gets on board. We share the small steps that we can all take for a more mindful lifestyle that will benefit our future.

If you’ve been following our website and social media accounts, you’ll probably doubt our credibility when it comes to living a sustainable lifestyle. However, we are attempting to reduce our carbon footprint through out own little ways.

Reducing our environmental footprint can be a daunting task, but if we break it down to easy steps or small changes here and there in our everyday lives, we realize that we can do more to consume mindfully and live sustainably in Saudi Arabia.

Here are some of our tips: 1. When shopping for groceries, use reusable eco bags. Easier said than done here in KSA especially when hypermarket staff insist on using their plastic bags and eye your eco bag curiously. But you can always insist on using your eco bags too. There are times though that you fill up your carts when

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LIFESTLYE shopping and eco bags won’t fit all of your purchases.

When using plastic bags can’t be avoided, try to use as few as possible. Hypermarkets here are notoriously known for using A LOT of plastic bags to separate several types of products. Fill one up! Once at home, reuse the plastic bags and get as much use of it as possible.

2. Reduce household energy. In Saudi Arabia, we are enjoying lower electricity bills compared to other countries and so we usually don’t mind using a lot of appliances and gadgets. Hello air-conditioner 24/7! We feel that’s justified because of the heat, yes? But time to conserve energy! Turn off lights and appliances that are not in use.

Unplug charges and gadgets that are not going to be used overnight. Get energy-efficient appliances when you’re replacing an old one. Use LED lights that can last longer.

3. Recycle. We’ve known the 3Rs for so long: reduce, reuse, recycle. These are ways to eliminate waste and care for our environment better. For electronic waste, check out Holoul Electronic Recycling Treatment Company (www.holoulrecycling.com) that evaluates your e-waste and gives you a quote. They accept phones, hard disk drives, tapes, USB drives, and more. For used clothing and accessories, you can donate them to bins that you will usually see near mosques. You can also contact charities like Al Birr National Society (albr.org/) or Bunyan Charity (bunyan. org.sa - for branded clothes and bags) to donate.

4. Reduce carbon footprint. Times are changing and gasoline prices aren’t what they used to be in Saudi Arabia

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anymore. It’s no longer practical to have more than one vehicle for the average household and while we understand that the heat in this country implores us to use cars instead of walking, carpooling and/or using bicycles (especially within the DQ) to reach nearby destinations will be a conscientious choice. Bikes & Hobbies store along Olaya has bikes for beginners and advanced riders. That or we wait for the Riyadh Metro to finish.

5. Try going vegan/vegetarian. It‘s a very drastic lifestyle shift but it’s a known fact that cutting out meat/poultry decreases the need for farmed animals, which consumes a lot of resources (i.e. land degradation, water shortage) and accounts for a majority of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. There are so many other healthy reasons to support vegetarianism and the science supports it. But in terms of sustainability, imagine if one person a day can commit to becoming a vegetarian, it can really make a difference in the long run.

6. Buy local products and support eco-minded businesses. When we buy locally, we help lessen the fuel needed to transport or import goods. The products are also fresher and you can purchase them with less packaging (when direct from farms). It also won’t hurt to educate yourself on companies and their businesses’ corporate social responsibility/sustainability development programs. Are they ethical? How do they support the environment? Do they test on animals? Things like these should matter to the conscious consumer so that one can rightfully support businesses who care about the world we live in.

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KEEP CALM AND VEGAN ON

BY ALYAA MALIK

If you’ve always wanted to become vegan but find it challenging to prepare your own dishes, you will find comfort (and flavor) in Ayla’s Vegan Kitchen with her delicious meals delivered right at your doorstep.

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hree years ago, Ayla Dimitriadis made a life-changing decision to become vegan. As with most vegan novices, her journey treaded a slow and steady pace. It was a process of unlearning her past eating habits and removing one item off at a time. Once she realized how many vegan options there were, it propelled her to take on the lifestyle change at full speed.

Ayla’s Vegan Kitchen was born out of the lack of healthy food choices that Ayla noticed within her community. She realized that if she couldn’t find it, she should create it instead. Her background as a chef coupled with her newfound passion for veganism allowed her to create her home business in the Diplomatic Quarter which is modeled after the way she aims to eat too: healthy yet delicious and all preservative free! Since then, she has expanded her knowledge by taking on more courses about recipes and nutrition so that she can continue to add new dishes to her menu.

Her carte du jour is regularly announced over her social media (@aylaskitchen) for customers to place their lunch

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EATS orders in advance. Each day features a different set of meals which includes an appetizer, main course and dessert. We tried one of her set menus on a Sunday, which listed the Chickpea Salad, Lebanese Style Molokhiya with Roasted Pepper and Garlic Dip and a slice of Orange Cake. Delivery times are usually between 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. For a non-vegan like myself, I was interested to see how I would react to the flavor of the dishes. Surprisingly enough, the molokhiya dish was extremely flavorful and scrumptious that I could not stop at one bite. My hefty spoonful of brown rice and molokhiya had a savory garlic taste paired with the sweetness from the roasted bell pepper dip; it almost made me a vegan believer. The chickpea salad had a good crunch and zest about it while the orange cake was classic perfection right out of a recipe book. It was all as good as it looked and I was delightfully full. Other best-selling items on her menu are the vegan cheeses, smoked salmon, pizza, Greek dishes and cakes.

When I asked Ayla how would she pitch the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle to a non-vegan like me, she said: “Most people think that vegans are extremists that eat nothing but salads.

There’s nothing extreme about not wanting to be a part of the pain and torture that animals go though especially when there’s really not much I don’t eat. Pizza, burgers, nuggets, pasta, cake, ice cream you name it! And whatever I don’t find an alternative for, I make. I make my own smoked salmon, cheese and more, and believe me I’ve been able to fool a lot of people into thinking it’s the real deal. The one thing I can say about turning vegan is I wish I’d done it earlier!”

Ayla collaborates with local farms as much as possible when sourcing her ingredients. She also prepares the daily lunch menu for an entire month (check the Highlights section of her Instagram for details) and customers can avail a package of their choice: 1 day, 3 days, 5 days or a full month. For catering events, Ayla’s Vegan Kitchen provides a varied set of menu upon request.

Ayla’s Vegan Kitchen Contact No.: 966-50-263-9822 Social Media: @aylaskitchen Accepts orders from inside and outside the DQ. DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

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PAY IT FORWARD: A CYCLE OF KINDNESS Basma Altwejri, Founder of Pay It Forward KSA

“Because it proves that you don’t need much to change the entire world for the better. You can start with the most ordinary ingredients. You can start with the world you’ve got.”

– Catherine Ryan Hyde

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ho can ever imagine that a novel published in 1999 would spark a movement that will affect lives worldwide? Such is the book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde titled “Pay It Forward.” Catherine got the inspiration of the novel when she was driving home late at night in a dangerous neighborhood. Her engine broke down and the vehicle started to emit smoke which prompted her to go out of her car. Out of nowhere, two strangers suddenly came to rescue her; and afterwards, the fire department arrived quickly, and everything just turned into a whirlwind of activities. When she turned around to thank the two strangers who not only saved her life but risked their own while doing so, she realized that they were gone.

Because of that, it got her into thinking that she had to find a way to “pay the favor back”. It was then that she started to always look for someone in need of help when driving and before she knew it, the “Pay It Forward” concept was born.

The novel, which was later adapted into a movie, became a success and the concept became a movement everywhere.

BY LAURINE GAYLE VALES Pay It Forward is a social initiative with the concept of a person doing a kind deed to someone and the beneficiary has to do another kind deed to someone else to ensure the continuity of impact and to have a wider reach. It might sound like a simple concept but it’s actually a mindset and a habit to always be proactive, helpful, and not belittle any act you do.

The Pay It Forward movement came to life in Saudi Arabia when Basma Altwejri founded it in March, 2016. She started the initiative to provide each person with the needed ideas and resources to implement it in the way that suits them independently. The group has already made steps in making their cause known.

Pay It Forward cards were made available to the public to make it easier for people to explain and apply the concept.

These can be found and printed from their website in Arabic and English. The website also includes several deed ideas and a guide to apply it in schools, workplaces, and even creative corporate social responsibility projects.

They activated their first project virtually. It was a campaign called “A Month of Giving” wherein their team and their followers applied a simple good deed and then shared it in their social media using the hashtag #PayitForwardSA. To gain higher exposure and reach different segments, they also did various activities that included visiting schools, events participation, and products development.

The group also organized few events to show people the applicability of the idea. These included an art gallery called “Craft it Forward – the Art of Giving” and a speakers-led event called “Speak it Forward”. They also collaborated

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FEATURE

with local cafes to implement “Suspended Coffee” which is a prepaid coffee or beverage that a customer purchases for the person behind them. And for their love of coffee and the arts, they extended their coffee-related projects by hosting a competition called “Doodle for a Cause” for artists in which they can participate in through drawing about a social cause that they’re passionate about in any coffee cup. The three winners had their own art gallery as a prize.

About two months ago, Basma released her book, From Society for Society, to share the lessons she gained through leading Pay It Forward. She also interviewed 16 social pioneers and advocates who contributed to different causes to inspire and enable readers to make a positive difference in their community. She is planning to organize workshops once it’s permissible to share the knowledge she gained on both the initiative and writing the book.

Basma and her team are encouraging everyone to join the Pay It Forward movement. With what’s going on in the

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world right now, even the simplest act can make a big impact. Be a part of this cycle of kindness and join in changing the world one good deed at a time.

PAY IT FORWARD Website: www.payforwardsa.org Email: Hey.PayitForward.sa@gmail.com Social Media: @PayForwardSA

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Animal Rescuers: A New Breed of Heroes

BY YANA MURASH

Heroes are people who show courage and selflessness in helping others. They are everywhere and they are in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) helping, not only people, but also animals.

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ot many people know that the DQ has groups of concerned people who rescue and take care of injured or abandoned pets as well as trapping, neutering and releasing street cats. They help, as much as they can, to treat, to foster or find foster homes and eventually put up for adoption those that can be rehomed. Every day, rescuers receive calls from all around Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia about animals needing help.

Ayla is a vegan chef who runs her successful business, Ayla’s Kitchen. She loves animals and has been rescuing as long as she can remember, bringing home any injured animal. When she moved back to Riyadh five years ago, she was able to rescue and adopt Chika, her gorgeous Akita who was found in a terrible state on the DQ. She has been fostering and rescuing for years and now has a little rescue “mini zoo” at her home including dogs, cats and birds.

Meet DQ residents Rachel, Leila, and Ayla who have many years of experience in helping these animals. Read on and let them give you a glimpse of their lives as animal rescuers.

From all your experience in animal care, approximately how many animals have you found a new home for?

This is hard to answer exactly because I have really lost count. Sometimes I have had direct contact with the animal and been able to rehome him or her. Other times, just being able to connect people together helps to find the animal a new home. We have also sent dogs and cats to their new homes abroad – many seriously injured from abuse including being shot. I would say among us, it is over a hundred rescues that we have been involved in.

Can you tell us about yourselves?

Rachel: We are very happy to have the opportunity to help spread awareness about animals in need in Saudi Arabia.

I have lived on the DQ since 2007 and I immediately saw that pets and street animals alike need help here in the Kingdom. I work from home as a freelance copywriter but I spend most of my time involved in animal rescue. I help run Coexistence.sa along with other dedicated people and volunteers at Riyadh Animal Shelter.

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Leila is busy studying for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and in her spare time, she likes to do boxing, gaming, art making, reading and of course, helping animals in need. She also volunteers at the shelter.

She is currently looking after a foster hamster and cat as well as taking care of our adopted local dog and cat.

What is the role of your daughter, Leila, in animal care?

Leila has always been involved in animal rescue with me. If she could, she would adopt all the animals herself. She looks DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

after sick animals and gives medication and injections. She has fosters that she is responsible for and that stay in her room. She has a lovely and gentle manner with animals, and they can sense that and feel comfortable and at ease with her instantly.

Do you feel that Riyadh citizens have a passion for animals?

I definitely feel that there are people who do. Riyadh has the first licensed shelter in Saudi Arabia. There are adoption days organized by the shelter and some by other Saudi rescuers in Riyadh. The younger generation seem to be more aware about animal welfare too. Unfortunately, there is also a massive problem of breeding, pet shops, inadequate vet care, pets being abandoned and street animals being poisoned and/or dumped which is truly horrific.

What are some of your memorable stories in doing this mission?

There are so many like Ayla’s Chika who was in such a bad condition that it was hard to recognize what type of dog she was. Some people even thought that she was a coyote. On the Diplomatic Quarters (DQ) Pets’ Facebook page, I posted about Kuro, a very emaciated and injured house cat who obviously had been abandoned. He was so sick that he could barely stand up. We temporarily fostered him, then found a foster to nurse him through his illness and get him ready for adoption. He was then taken by Riyadh Shelter totally transformed into a beautiful fluffy cat and now has his forever home. We could not have done that without also the generous help towards his vet bills and care.

Do you work sometimes with Riyadh Animal Shelter?

Yes, we go on a weekly basis to volunteer. We also take cats from the DQ to be trapped, neutered and released (TNR) as this is the best and only humane way to deal with and control feral cat colonies.

What is your recommendation for people who are thinking of getting a new pet?

Firstly, instead of buying, please adopt a pet. There are literally hundreds of animals in KSA who need homes. Secondly, do your research before you get a pet, especially their basic needs like food, housing, vet bills and beyond that, about how to make them a member of your family who needs patience, love and care. Finally, I would strongly advise researching the necessary procedures and costs of taking them with you if and when you leave Saudi Arabia.

What are your future plans regarding your advocacy?

For the DQ in particular, it would be great for residents here to have a vet clinic and more pet friendly spaces like a dog park, and in Saudi Arabia in general, to have more protection for animals and more awareness of how to treat all creatures with respect and dignity.

We, of course, plan to continue doing what we do – helping animals, by doing more yard sales to pay our bills and finding fosters and forever homes for pets either here or abroad.

All of which would not be possible without help from the community. Please reach out to us if you think you can help.

For the people who want to know more about our advocacy, you can find and contact us on our different social meDQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

dia sites. Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/ groups/734606573940037, follow our Instagram page at www.instagram.com/coexistence.sa and like us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SaCoexistence.

Other DQ Pet Facebook groups which you can search and also be a part of are the Diplomatic Quarters (DQ) Pets, Pet Sitting Exchange Riyadh and DQ Riyadh pet community.

Animals also need our love and care and we cannot thank enough the animal rescuers like Rachel, Leila and Ayla who are raising awareness about animal welfare, and for reminding us that these creatures do not deserve abandonment but they are gifts that need nurturing. May more people be like them and become the new breed of heroes we need.

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READ

The Riyadh WHOM Cookbook has been a long time coming and I am delighted that at the end of my tenure as Chair and in my final year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the drive and commitment of my fellow spouses and friends, we have finalized this book for the Saudi public and expat community. In this beautifully photographed book, the spouses of 20 ambassadors to the Kingdom invite readers to their homes and introduce the tastes of their respective countries. Many are family recipes and will bring unique flavors to your kitchen.

It ranges from appetizing starters and savoury dishes to succulent meats and delicious desserts. These recipes have been tried and tested and will be great to serve in a vast range of occasions and events in Riyadh.

Have pieces of the world in your plates. Enjoy cooking and eating! Bon appetit! Shahiat jayida.

Dr. ManÚ Cervone d’Urso Lucarelli Wife of the European Union Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia President of WHOM 2018-2019 Find the following recipes inside the WHOM Cookbook: https://rb.gy/ufgcbh

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BAHRAIN: Quozi and Bahraini Nikhi Kebab

UNITED KINGDOM: Steak and Kidney Pie

BRAZIL: Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

LEBANON: Fattoush Salad

VIETNAM: Sticky Rice with Bean and Onion

BURKINA FASO: Gaonre (Steamed Black Eye Beans)

DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

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MEET

Ed Mills Diplomat

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 am fun to be around, friendly, open-minded, and occasionally funny. I would like to think that my family and friends would describe me in the same way, though they would most likely change the order.

Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?

It is difficult to say. I do recall some choice moments that may have had more of an impact than initially intended. A line from a teacher, some advice from my dad, the words of an old, or in some cases, new friend, had huge impacts. I remember the specific moments — most of them positive, some of them negative. I’ve tried to learn from them all. Aside from people, it is the moving around, living in different countries, and doing very different jobs under different circumstances, including my time in Riyadh, changed my life and I feel very fortunate for these opportunities.

What brought you to Riyadh?

A job and an opportunity and I’m glad to say that it has been excellent so far.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?

Making more friends than enemies! It sounds simple and most people achieve it. But I hope that where I have been and to the people that I have met, I’ve left more positive impressions with some lasting friendships. I would be thrilled to know that I have impacted someone in a hugely positive and influential way. I’ll only know if someone tells me, but I like to think it has happened.

How long have you lived in the DQ? Since I arrived in September 2018.

What are your thoughts and insights on being a resident of Saudi Arabia?

In the 18 months that I have been here, I have seen a lot of changes. The country has really opened up. Tourist visas are available! There is a whole lot of the county I have yet to see, but Al Ula was sensational and the Diriyah Season with the Anthony Joshua fight was amazing and very special.

What were your first impressions of the DQ? They like this color of brick don’t they?

What is a typical day like for you?

Long hours working in and out of the office, hopefully followed by dinner with friends at home or a restaurant.

What do you like most about the DQ? That I can walk around it. I love walking around cities; it gives you a feel for them. Unfortunately, Riyadh isn’t set up like that (the hot weather doesn’t help) but the DQ is!

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

A coffee shop, only kidding; Oud Square has approximately 53 already. A shisha cafe would be excellent and a casual performance space.

Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?

There are a couple of cheap restaurants that I VERY much enjoy visiting. I’m not sharing where; they’re busy enough already. Otherwise I regularly visit the AMC cinema; it has a beautiful screen.

Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?

Remember there is a world outside the DQ. As nice as ours is, get out and discover Riyadh and elsewhere. There is a whole world of nature and beauty about 40 minutes away by car.

Do it.

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