Vol. 4 Iss. 6 DQ Living: Saudi Arabia in the Spotlight

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

SAUDI ARABIA IN THE SPOTLIGHT G20 RIYADH SUMMIT 2020

SHOP LOCAL

CHARMING BELGIUM

Welcome to the last issue of DQ Living for 2020 where we went all out to give you an amazing read!

Saudi Arabia has been on the spotlight for the past few months because of its presidency of the G20, the premiere forum for international economic cooperation. KSA is also ranked first among G20 nations as the safest country and is being featured in various media for its extraordinary efforts in tourism, business, and fashion.

In this issue, find out how the Kingdom had risen above the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic and held a successful G20 Riyadh Summit 2020. Within our pages, we also discover Belgium, a stunning cultural pearl of Europe. From medieval towns, historical sites, and parks, this country has a lot to offer.

With the cold months upon us, what better way to enjoy it than to go camping. We have prepared a quick guide for you so you’ll enjoy camping, an activity steeped in tradition and tranquility.

While planning for that camping trip, have a gastronomic journey in the neighborhood first. The Friday brunch at Goji Restaurant at Marriott Riyadh – Diplomatic Quarter will not disappoint as they serve an array of international and Saudi cuisines.

And as always, our December issue cannot end without our take on Saudi Arabia’s growing fashion industry. Get to know different Saudi brands that are already attracting attention for their stunning and high quality clothes, bags and accessories, perfumes, and furniture.

We thank you for making DQ Living a part of your 2020, truly a challenging but memorable year. We can’t wait to welcome the new year and show you more of what the DQ and Saudi Arabia have to offer. Cheers to 2020, and see you again in 2021!

Publisher Fayez Aldosari

Project Coordinator Maria Cometti

Marketing Coordinator Alyaa Malik

Editors Naureen Ahmed Ali Al Saad Hind Al Saad

Contributors

Seham Almubarak Laura Monsivais Yana Murash Janelle Vales-Yasay

Editorial Assistant Laurine Gayle Vales

Reina Tejano Berina Distributed by

Columnists

Fariha Eshrat

Alexander Woodman The Pink Tarha

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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

Inquire today at projects@sharakahmedia.com!

Contents 06 COVER | The G20 Riyadh Summit 2020

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CONTRIBUTORS

COLUMNISTS

FEATURE | Shop Local

10 GO | Charming Belgium

36 FEATURE | Riyadh's HCI Lab

ON THE COVER: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques HRH King Salman chaired the 2020 G20 Summit in Riyadh.

Photo credit: g20.org

18 LIVE | Darraq Luxury Apartments

38 DO | Camping in Riyadh

24 FEATURE | Dynamic Designs

42 EAT | Friday Brunch at Goji

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.

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".

SEHAM ALMUBARAK is the CEO of Takleem. She is a poet and has a strong passion toward spreading out the Arabic language worldwide as well as driving new approaches for making the Arabic language easier to learn. Seham established Takleem in 2019 to help people achieve their Arabic learning goals.

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.

LAURA MONSIVAIS is a native Texan who has lived happily in the DQ for the past 31 years. She has witnessed Saudi Arabia’s thrilling transformation and continues to live a life of contrasts herself; from her husband’s rustic camel ranch in the Nafud Desert to the comforts of an increasingly digitized leafy suburb.

Laura taught ESL at KSU and recently worked for SAIP.

A resident of Riyadh since she was five years old, the DQ holds a special place in REINA TEJANO-BERINA’s heart. Her mom used to work at Al Manahil in the 90s, had her senior graduation at the Philippine Embassy and her now husband proposed to her at one of the hiking trails of the DQ. She is also the co-founder of The Pink Tarha, an award-winning lifestyle blog about Riyadh.

WHAT'S NEW

IN THE DQ

Watch this space for the latest announcements and promotions in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

Submit your updates! Email projects@sharakahmedia.com

SPECIAL THURSDAY AND FRIDAY BBQ NIGHTS AT THE 10:10 LOUNGE

Treat your loved ones to a mouthwatering barbecue night every Thursday and Friday at the poolside of Marriott Riyadh DQ while enjoying a live entertainment show.

Address: Marriott Riyadh – Diplomatic Quarter, Abdullah Al-Sahmi Street, Riyadh, 11464 For reservations: +966 591 591 728 Rate: 299 SAR + taxes Instagram: @1010lounge / @marriottriyadhdq Twitter: @1010Lounge/ @MHRiyadhDQ Facebook: 10:10 Lounge - Riyadh / Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

NOZOMI GARDEN

Let Nozomi Garden satiate your cravings for delectable Japanese food while dining in a luxurious ambiance.

Address: OUD Square, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM Thursday to Saturday: 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM For reservations: 9200 22 395

BLUE GARDEN

Sip your favorite cup of premium imported coffee in a unique place bathed in blue. Turn the page to know more.

Address: Al-Kindy Square, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh Operating Hours: 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM Book through My Table app for reservations.

KALAMATA

Tabbouleh salad, tagines, briwats, anyone? This restaurant offers delicious Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy 10% discount for companies, organizations, neighborhood embassies, and security.

Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh For reservations, delivery and catering: 0114822215, 0118129000, 0530004312, 053481175 Social Media: @Kalamata_dq

DQ in Bloom

Two new unique venues have opened up in the Diplomatic Quarter. Both the Blue Garden and Secret Garden promise fascinating concepts that elevate the dining experiences of residents and guests.

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BLUE GARDEN Blue Garden is a different and distinctive place; the details of which have been carefully selected, with the color blue covering the venue and premium imported coffee satisfying guests. It’s the perfect place to enjoy and savor a cold winter night in Riyadh.

The Blue Garden idea is a whole new concept with different features, including the best coffee for visitors to enjoy, as well as photo areas that allow visitors to take souvenir photos.

The Blue Garden blends art and entertainment with fun nights, where music shows take visitors to another level of fun. It also extends to art as various groups of artists are invited to draw in front of visitors and their impressive works are showcased.

SECRET GARDEN Secret Garden is a special winter place!

Because winter, delicious food, and adventure are things that have been associated in people's minds in this fun and eventful season, DQGA launched the Secret Garden to blend the taste of food with the beauty of the place.

This innovative idea was created in a way that suits everyone, family or friends, by designing areas that are unique in character and interesting.

Secret Garden features live music performances that enhance the beauty and atmosphere of the venue. Rhythms from different genres of music will surely delight and please the crowd.

Visitors will also be allowed to celebrate their birthdays at the Secret Garden. Not only that, singing enthusiasts are allowed to enjoy the karaoke! This experience will let guests sing their heart out like their favorite singers and musicians.

In addition, the place has a photography area for visitors to document their experience in this different place.

For reservations at Blue Garden or Secret Garden, book through the My Table app.

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COVER

The G20 Riyadh Summit 2020 Empowering People in the 21st Century ALEXANDER WOODMAN

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n December 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commenced the Presidency of the G20 for the year of 2020. The Summit is one of the most powerful meetings for worldwide decision-makers, since G20 members represent around 80% of the world's economic output, two-thirds of the global population, and three-quarters of international trade.

In the run-up to the G20 Riyadh Summit, the Saudi Presidency has hosted more than 100 meetings and conferences, including ministerial meetings and meetings of officials and representatives from civil society. This year's G20 Summit has been even more significant as the world faces an unprecedented global health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and required even more efforts from participant countries, as well as from the hosting country.

The Finance track, comprising all G20 finance ministers, central bank governors, and deputy meetings convened several times throughout the year to discuss financial and economic problems due to COVID-19, such as monetary and fiscal policies, infrastructure investment, financial regulation, financial inclusion, and international taxation.

▪ The Think 20 (T20) submitted recommendations on evidence-based solutions that promote multilateralism, international cooperation, the digital economy, sustainable energy, the impact of COVID-19 on workers, among others.

▪ The Civil 20 (C20), hosting 65 discussion sessions attended by more than 30,000 people from 109 countries worldwide, submitted recommendations on COVID-19 response and recovery, economic and social justice, and the well-being of people and the planet.

▪ The Women 20 (W20) recommendations were oriented around promoting women's economic development, financial & digital inclusion, employment, and entrepreneurship.

▪ The Science 20 (S20) held a summit under the theme of "Science for Navigating Critical Transitions" and presented their proposals focusing on the future of health, developing a circular economy, and the digital revolution.

▪ The Urban 20 (U20) focused on but not limited to the climate action, social consolidation and integration, and sustainable economic growth towards prosperous communities.

The Sherpa track focused on socio-economic issues such as health, education, trade, women empowerment, employment, anti-corruption, tourism, agriculture and water, energy, climate, and the environment. The G20 Sherpas have been engaged in planning and negotiating the final Leaders' Declaration and coordinating various discussions on the G20 agenda.

Despite the global crisis, the eight Engagement Groups of G20 maintained their remarkable efforts and commitment to contribute to the world's better development in the future.

▪ The Business 20 (B20) presented recommendations focused on transformation for inclusive growth.

▪ The Youth 20 (Y20) called upon the G20 countries to take action in three overarching priority areas: future preparedness, youth empowerment, and global citizenship.

▪ The Labor 20 (L20) presented recommendations around COVID-19 recovery with resilience, social protection, and labor market policies.

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The final G20 Leaders' Virtual Summit kicked off in Riyadh on November 21, 2020. The Saudi Presidency of the G20 during this challenging year has proven strong and robust commitment to the initial vision and mission of the G20 countries. In 2020, for the first time in the G20 history, a Presidency has held two Leaders' Summit within one Presidency term (March 2020) to mitigate the healthcare, social, and economic crises due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Leaders’ Summit has been chaired by The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and attended by the heads of G20 states, guest countries, and international organizations.

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global economy. G20 has also provided emergency support to the developing countries, including the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative to the low-income countries.

Reflecting on the theme of the G20 Riyadh Summit, "Realizing the opportunities of the 21st centuries for all," King Salman reasoned: "Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adjust our focus rapidly to face its repercussion, the subject areas under this general theme, namely "Empowering People," "Safeguarding Planet," and "Shaping New Frontiers," remain essential to overcome this global challenge and shape a better future for our people."

The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the G20 Riyadh Summit's opening remarks. In his speech, King Salman welcomed the Leaders to the second Summit of 2020: "This has been an extraordinary year. The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented shock that affected the entire world within a short period of time."

G20 Leaders' Summit Riyadh concluded on November 22, 2020. The closing remarks of the Summit were delivered

by The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: "We have succeeded in sending out a message of hope and reassurance to our citizens and all people around the world through the Final Communique of this Leaders’ Summit. And it is my honor to announce that the G20 members have adopted this Communique."

The King underscored the economic losses and community suffering due to the global pandemic and Leaders' commitment to overcome this pandemic by mobilizing resources and raising more than $21 billion to support the

King Salman expressed his gratitude to partners in Troika, Japan and Italy, who supported the Saudi Presidency to achieve the program of 2020. The King passed the honor and responsibility of the 2021 G20 Presidency to the Re-

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public of Italy wishing them every success: "We stand ready to provide support in any way possible."

Italian Prime Minister (PM) Giuseppe Conte gave a speech as the holder of the upcoming G20 Presidency in Italy. The PM pledged that his country will prioritize climate, energy, and carbon neutrality. He further added that Italy will support the deployment of clean and efficient technologies during its Presidency.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the final session of the second day of the G20 Riyadh Summit. The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his speech outlined: “This year, the G20 adopted priorities that we worked on together to implement, on top of which is addressing the healthcare, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic. We also took all necessary measures to protect lives and livelihoods and support the most vulnerable groups.”

As the part of the concluding remark, Crown Prince emphasized: "It has been an exceptional challenge but an absolute honor to hold the G20 Presidency during this trying year.

We wish we convened this summit in person in our capital, Riyadh, the city that tells the story of a nation proud of its old history, its genuine people, and its prosperous future thanks to its youths’ resolve and determination.”

PHOTO CREDIT: g20.org

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Charming Belgium FARIHA ESHRAT

Belgium - a stunning cultural pearl of all of Europe with numerous medieval cities, historical sites, and parks. This small country in the heart of Europe will surprise you and encourage to return.

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elgium is a beautiful balance between metropolitan cities and nature. This European country has a rich history and culture, complemented by stunning attractions.

The country's three regions, Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, are wonderful destinations, attracting tourists with their scenic landmarks. The history of UNESCO-listed Brussels sites starts from the 14th-century guildhalls surrounding the elegant Grand Place to the Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta, created in the early 20th century. Belgium sits at the crossroads of medieval and modern Europe; from canal-riddled fairytale cities like Bruges and Ghent to the urban centers of Antwerp and Brussels.

This nation has been at the forefront of Europe's history, and many of the continent's most important events took place across the country. It was in Belgium that Napoleon met his rival at the battle of Waterloo; and during the First and Second World Wars, Belgium was at the frontline. The World War I battlefields of Ypres are now important pilgrimage sites and some of the most popular places to visit in Belgium.

The natural beauty of this country is inexplicable. There are many magnificent parks and forests across the country to enjoy cycling, walking, or hiking, including the Ardennes forest that covers an area of over 11,000 square kilome-

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ters, the third in the country, as well as Hallerbos forest well-known for its stunning purple carpet of bluebells, blooming in mid-April. Those looking to spend the night in a unique location surrounded by nature can book an overnight stay at Tree Tents in Han, in the heart of a wildlife park. You will have the pleasure of admiring breathtaking views of the former Lesse river valley from a secluded tent in a tree and enjoy observing deer, horses, and other local fauna in their natural habitat.

Brussels is considered the diplomatic capital of Europe with the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. The capital is one of the most multicultural and multinational cities after Washington, D.C. and Dubai.

The diversity of tourists to Belgium is notable. Belgium hosts a number of top festivals that take place all-yearround. Tomorrowland, one of the largest electronic music festivals, attracts thousands of tourists annually. Moreover, Belgium is a growing hub for fashion enthusiasts with the diamond capital Antwerp and burgeoning high-fashion.

Gourmets will be delighted to enjoy the international cuisine of the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

The opportunity to taste renowned products such as Belgian chocolate and beer, as well as fries and waffles, will

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make this adventure an unforgettable experience for all your senses.

Bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia The first Belgian legation was opened in Jeddah in 1954, and the first Belgian ambassador was appointed in 1964. The first ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Belgium was appointed in 1963. Since Saudi Arabia and Belgium established diplomatic relations, the two countries have strengthened and deepened these strong ties with regular state visits. An early highlight in the relations was the state visit of King Faisal to Belgium in 1967 and the state visit of King Baudouin to Saudi Arabia in 1975.

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Regular communication between the governments of the two countries takes place in Riyadh, Brussels, or during international meetings through the discussion of trade or political cooperation in the region and beyond. The Belgium embassy in Riyadh is responsible for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen, while the Saudi embassy in Brussels is responsible for diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Belgium's cooperation with Saudi Arabia extends to the political, administrative, professional, and cultural fields, encompassing various official collaboration, as well as private initiatives. Belgium also holds bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia through the EU and GCC partnerships that

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began with the signing of a cooperation agreement over 30 years ago. It is of high importance to mention that the EU-GCC ministerial meetings take place regularly and aim to discuss all current global and regional problems, thus to strengthen the political dialogue between the EU and the GCC on topics of common interest.

Saudis enjoy spending time in Belgium. Once they discover the country, they tend to return and explore it even more.

The evidence is the growing number of visas issued by the Embassy of Belgium to the Kingdom. There are also Saudi students in Belgian colleges and universities, pursuing medical studies or graduate courses in management and engineering. On a more popular scale, there have been several notable football player exchanges between Belgium and Saudi Arabia. Thus, four Belgian players participated in various Saudi football leagues, and two Saudi players were members of Belgian football teams.

The economic relationship between Belgium and Saudi Arabia has remained stable and firm in the past years as the countries have expanded their cooperation as trade partners and investors. In 2019, Saudi Arabia was Belgium’s

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31st biggest export client (â‚Ź1.8 billion) with chemicals and machinery. Many Belgian companies operate in the Gulf region in a wide range of domains, such as construction, engineering, dredging, transport, medicine, and consultancy.

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Where To Go Ghent is a university city with carefully preserved historical sites and architecture. During your trip to the medieval center, be sure to explore the 1,000-year-old fortress, three medieval towers and the glorious two-row house on each side of the river, within a walking distance.

Knokke Zwin National Park is great for relaxing walks or bike rides through wonderful scenery, just minutes away from the busy shopping streets of Knokke. Visitors can also enjoy nature excursions, including bird watching, as well as exploring endemic fauna and unique flora.

Built in 1893 by Victor Horta, the Tassel House is the first manifestation of the Art Nouveau style in Brussels.

It was the first house where Horta applied his theories – the exposed metal structure, the integration of the decor with the structure, the fluidity of the spaces, and the skylights in the middle of the building. The house is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today is occupied by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC).

The Citadel of Dinant is an incredible merger of architecture, history, and nature, paying tribute to the best of Belgium. Located on a rocky outcrop and accessible both by steps (402 to be exact!) or a cable car, the citadel offers a spectacular panorama overlooking the splendid Meuse Valley.

Only two hours from Brussels, Durbuy, the smallest city in the world, and with a population of just 500, has retained a charming medieval atmosphere.

What To Do Take a boat trip through the channels of Bruges. For centuries, the canals winding through Bruges have been the veins for the city and are a splendid way to treat yourself with the magnificent views around every bend.

Discover secret gardens, romantic bridges, and medieval façades reflecting in the water while swan families will float past.

Explore the world diamond museum, DIVA. Each day, around 220 million dollars worth of diamonds pass through Antwerp’s Diamond Quarter. The district has a turnover of $54 billion annually, making it one of the top-grossing areas in the world.

Taste the Belgian food culture. From chocolate to beer, waffles to fries, Belgian cuisine is one of the most loved in the world, that tastes better on one's home lawn.

Stay at a fairy tale castle. There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world.

With over 3,000 to explore, it can be hard to know where to start.

Discover the caves of Han. Located in the heart of the very first Belgian UNESCO Global Geopark, Han Cave will take you on a journey to the center of the Earth. These are stunningly beautiful concretions with mesmerizing chamber sizes.

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Interview with the Ambassador

Dominique Mineur Embassy of Belgium ALEXANDER WOODMAN Saudi-Belgium relations go back to 1919 when Prince Faisal passed by Belgium during a visit to the UK. How would you define the centennial bilateral ties of the two countries? What are the challenges and opportunities in the 21st century?

Young Saudi Prince Faisal’s brief visit to Belgium in 1919 was a very profound and touching gesture. On his way to the UK, the Prince decided to stop by the fateful Flanders Fields to witness the devastation caused by World War I first-hand and to pay tribute to the young lives lost during the warfare.

This thoughtful gesture of goodwill remains a milestone of the relations between Saudi Arabia and Belgium. Later on, this simple expression of human compassion paved the way for a fruitful, diplomatic relationship, especially after Prince Faisal became the King of his nation and started cooperating with the Belgian King Baudouin. It is an incredible coincidence that you are asking this question on November 11th, the day commemorating World War I, when many young people died on Flanders’ fields, and which we continue to commemorate today. Many young soldiers from many nationalities paid with their lives for their nations.

In 2018, the two countries proudly celebrated the 100th anniversary of their bilateral relations. Hopefully, many more years and centuries worth of celebrations are yet to come in the future! As 2020 has proved, there will always be new challenges on the way. It is only by joining forces, collaborative efforts, and working together that perseverance will prevail.

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sions and expeditions in the Arabian Peninsula. A Belgian legation was inaugurated in Jeddah in 1954, while the first Belgian Ambassador was appointed in 1963. There were three official royal visits in the 20th century, which spurred more personal cooperation between the two regions' people.

The first visit took place in 1967 when King Faisal visited Brussels. The second visit was in 1975 by King Baudouin, and the third was by King Khaled in 1978. High-level economic missions are usually led by crown princes on the Belgian side, taking place almost precisely with a 10-year interval. In different years, these high-level economic missions were led by Crown Prince Albert, Philippe, the last one in 2014, led by HRH Princess Astrid (King Philippe's sister).

This shows that the relations between the countries are not only royal-to-royal but also business-to-business, which is the best way to promote people-to-people collaboration and mutual interest.

The trade balance between the two countries in the first seven months of 2020 amounted to €169.1 million. Can you discuss the main directions of trading at the moment?

Over the years, leaders of Al Saud and the Belgian royal families have fostered a robust and far-reaching bilateral collaboration through state visits. How do these visits contribute to mutual trust and people-to-people relations?

Using the year 2020 as an example would be statistically misleading, as there were many disruptive external factors, which skewed the figures unfavorably. For example, in 2019, the trade between the two countries reached about €5 billion, with a trade deficit of 1 billion for Belgium. The latter remained quite stable in the field of exports. The increase in imports was particularly noticeable for mineral products and plastics. Mineral products, chemicals, and plastics, followed by machinery and equipment, are the main trading sectors between Belgium and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The bilateral visits between the two countries goes back to the 1950s when there were already early exploration mis-

It is also important to mention that Belgium is a world leader in biotechnology and has one of the best healthcare sys-

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tems globally. Additionally, the Kingdom is also well-known for the quality of its entertainment sector. Some Belgian companies participated in the organization of the MDLBEAST concert during the Riyadh season. Despite already being a strong cooperation point, these are all fields, which pose a bigger opportunity for both countries in terms of investment.

"First All-Female Basketball Final Against Team of Diplomats from Around the World." Please, share the purpose of the initiative. How has this unique soft power initiative fostered public diplomacy and building bridges?

The idea came up in discussion with my friend Lina Almaeena when I visited her sport school providing football and basketball trainings for local boys and girls in Jeddah.

We found that it would be a very active and exciting way to build ties between people. My friend built the network to bring together a group of Saudi basketball players who would play against a female diplomats’ group. It was a wonderful and fun event. When I saw what she was doing in Jeddah, I have to pay tribute to her in particular. We had a terrific time and we are all missing it now! The Saudi team was very strong; the diplomats should work on improving their skills for future rematches.

Despite being a small initiative, suchlike events bring much satisfaction to the people. Even though there was a winning side, everyone took away a piece of victory for coming together and participating in something so unifying. Though, I will not deny the need for future improvement, as well.

Sports has always been one of the best ways to develop strong relations. It helps people to discover that at the end of the day, they all enjoy and appreciate similar things and that they have more in common than they could have imagined initially. This is the soft power that builds the strongest bridges!

As the first female resident Ambassador to the KSA, how did this assignment challenge you? What is the rewarding part?

Undoubtedly, it is an honor, and dare I say, a luxury to be the first female resident ambassador to the Kingdom. I have been accepted in Saudi Arabia with open arms and a homely warmness. The most rewarding part of this journey is the friendship that I gained from Saudi society at large. The relationships that bloomed with the Saudi people may be the most valuable takeaway from my stay in the Kingdom, which I will cherish forever.

As a witness of the development, which has been rapidly spreading in the country even well before my arrival, I can only testify to the ambition and the potential that the Kingdom and its people have. Now, Saudi Arabia has three women ambassadors, representing the Kingdom's interest in the United States (Reema bint Bandar Al Saud), the United

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Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Princess Haifa Al Mogrin), and Norway (Amal Al Moallimi).

This is just one example of growth; there are many more to come!

Similar to the location of most foreign embassies, the embassy of Belgium is located in the Diplomatic Quarter. How does this placement contribute to the multilateral projects of the international offices in the DQ? The Diplomatic Quarter is certainly a vibrant place, which has seen a lot of development in the past few years. As a foreigner with a deep appreciation for the Saudi culture, observing both the diplomatic and casual lives in the region is very rewarding. Yet, as an ambassador, I must say that staying amidst the same network all the time creates the effect of a closed bubble. Diplomats such as myself need to see and get acquainted with the entire country, starting from big cities and ending with small villages and deserts.

Saudi Arabia has a diverse cultural environment and very deep historical traditions. The best way to understand the country and its people is to speak to them and build a communication bridge through traveling and networking.

What is the daily routine of the Belgian Ambassador to the KSA in the DQ? Any favorite place you would recommend?

The delight of an ambassador’s job is that there is never a fixed routine. This profession is full with surprises and requires an intensely flexible and adaptive approach to work.

Of course, meeting officials at the Ministries, talking about investment opportunities with business representatives, and organizing events with the team are all a part of an embassy’s traditional job. Yet, it is also important to stress that one of the key parts of being an ambassador is meeting the Saudi people and better understanding the local culture. I like to travel to the countryside because big cities are not representative of the country. Learning about the country, the people, the culture, the economy, the nature, the changes, and conveying these messages to the capital that an ambassador represents, is also a very important aspect of the job.

Embassy of Belgium Riyadh P.O. Box 94396 Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh 11693 Contact No: +966-11-11 488 2191 Website: https://saudiarabia.diplomatie.belgium.be Twitter: @BelgiumKSA Facebook: @BelgiumRiyadh Instagram: @belgiuminksa

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LIVE

Darraq Homes A Place to Call Home

BY NERMINE ISKANDARANI Marketing & Communications Section Head Dur Hospitality Co.

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the go-to destination for millions of visitors with Riyadh at the epicenter of this boost in overall tourism and entertainment.

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Riyadh is the largest city in the Arabian peninsula and a modern metropolis with a vibrant culture.

From modern architectural masterpieces to the UNESCO heritage sites in the old city district.

cultural event in Saudi Arabia held in its gorgeous winter season, offering a variety of activities and programs showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural history.

This vibrant city is home to world class dining options, vast park spaces and shopping options and endless promenades. Shopping experiences ranging from the culturally rich souks to the mega malls of which are home to the largest brands.

Located in the highly secure Diplomatic Quarters, home to the embassies and ambassadors from around the world, Darraq Homes’ spacious apartments are the ideal accommodation during a stay in Riyadh, designed to the highest international specifications with features that make them truly unique such as smart home technology, intelligent appliances along with a state-of-the-art security system and twenty-four hour/seven-day maintenance team with access to housekeeping, laundry and other services upon request.

A frequent host to a variety of options for entertainment and leisure, the choices are endless in Riyadh with international sporting events, concerts with grammy award winning artists, horse racing events and the annual Janadriya festival , the most famous

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Darraq’s location is optimal to access some of the best tourist attractions that Riyadh has to offer such as Ad Diriyah and Bujairi Heritage Park , a stone’s throw away from the DQ with Riyadh’s most picturesque valleys. Within close proximity to Riyadh is the remarkable natural desert wonder, the Edge of the World, also known as the mini grand canyon.

Some of the surroundings and best features of Darraq’s location are the large lush parks, Al Yammama, Al Arudh and Rock park, equipped with playgrounds, picnic areas, trails and pathways providing fresh air and tranquility and the smaller quaint Nafal and General parks, immersed in nature with ponds and waterfalls. Al Aghar equestrian club, one of the largest equestrian clubs in Saudi Arabia, offers horse riding lessons and provides many facilities such as an out-

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door cafe, swimming pool, event and guest rooms.

When leaving the club one is treated to one of the greenest areas of the DQ overlooking a picturesque stream.

For more information, a tour of an apartment or house, contact the sales team at Darraq: DUR Hospitality Co. P.O. Box 5500, Riyadh, 11422, Saudi Arabia

Contact No: +966-11-481-6666 ext. 600 Email: leasing@dur.sa Website: www.dur.sa

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A Lasting Friendship 75 Years of U.S.-KSA Ties An Interview with the U.S. Consul General Ryan M. Gliha ALEXANDER WOODMAN

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he United States has a long history in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah. Jeddah was home to the first U.S. diplomatic mission to the Kingdom in 1942, which was then elevated to an embassy in 1949. Back in the 1940s, the Embassy was located in the old part of Jeddah, in Al-Balad. In the 1950s, the U.S. mission moved to Al Hamra district and remained there until 2019. In 2019, the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah moved to a new consulate compound in Al-Mohammadiyah district.

a chance to learn more about the core issues at the heart of this vital region.

This move to the new consulate has become a symbol of a strong commitment to the U.S.-Saudi relations. It is important to note that in addition to the new building in Jeddah, a new consulate in Dhahran and Embassy in Riyadh will be built to symbolize the pledge to constant and productive U.S.-Saudi collaboration.

The 75th anniversary of the meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz was celebrated in 2020. In general, how do leaders' meetings and reciprocal visits contribute to multilateral progress? How has the concept of leadership changed over 75 years?

The U.S. Consul General Ryan M. Gliha assumed his post on September 16th, 2018. Since February 4th, 2020, C.G. Gliha also serves as the U.S. Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, headquartered in Jeddah.

I had a great opportunity to sit down with Consul General Ryan M. Gliha to talk about bilateral relations between the two countries.

As a career Diplomat, you have mainly served in the Middle East. How do your assignments in the Middle East challenge you, and what is the most rewarding part of your service?

I love this region and I love the people that I have come to know over years of service here. My very first assignment as a U.S. diplomat was in Jeddah, nearly twenty years ago, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Since then, I have served in Lebanon twice, Yemen, and Qatar, which gave me

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I was thrilled when I learned that I would be returning to Jeddah for the second time. This is an exciting time to be living and working in Saudi Arabia. I see opportunities for joint initiatives in the arts and entertainment, in tourism, in developing sustainable and renewable sources of energy, in developing the Kingdom’s human capital, and for working toward peace and stability in the region.

It is important to note that we are not just marking 75 years since the first meeting. This year, we are celebrating 75 years of a partnership that keeps growing and evolving. Of course, we have a shared interest in developing the vast petroleum resources in Saudi Arabia and in working together to ensure security in the region. But the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia extends far beyond those areas now.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 lays out a bold roadmap for the future of the Kingdom. We have seen how Saudi Arabia continues to grow into a global leader, as it presides over the G20 this year. Tens of thousands of Saudi students’ study at American universities each year and return home to invest their time and talents in building the future of their country.

And while American businesses remain strong partners in the energy sector, innovative American companies have also expanded their interests into sectors that are emerging out of Vision 2030, including infrastructure development, logistics, transportation, healthcare, and tourism, to name just a few.

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INTERVIEW

This is an important moment in our relationship and the United States is committed to working with Saudi Arabia as it works to realize Vision 2030.

During the 21st century, the business community has become an inseparable part of politics and diplomacy. Can you discuss the business potential of the Western Region of Saudi Arabia?

The business potential of the Western Region is massive and still growing. Vision 2030 lays out ambitious and groundbreaking plans to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy through increased trade and investment with the United States and other countries. We are committed to supporting this plan.

The Western Region enjoys a strong competitive advantage and is well situated to play a leading role in helping Saudi Arabia realize Vision 2030. Several emerging sectors have already attracted the attention of U.S. investors and the international business community, including logistics and transportation; hospitality, entertainment, and tourism; healthcare; trade and retail; construction and real estate development.

The focus provided by Vision 2030 makes this an unprecedented time to do business in the Kingdom. I believe that the Western Region offers some of the most unique and potentially profitable opportunities in the country, ranging from the research and start-up possibilities emerging from the world-class King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, to the massive opportunities offered by the Giga-projects in the area, and all the way to the burgeoning sports and entertainment-related sectors. As Saudi Arabia looks to beyond energy, U.S. companies will make excellent partners for growth and development.

One of the central features of Vision 2030 is the participation of women in community and country development. As such, Princess Reema Al Saud became the first woman Ambassador to the U.S. Can you discuss the role of women in community and politics?

We are excited to see the increasing role of women at all levels in Saudi Arabia. Research has shown that when women are economically empowered, they re-invest in their families and communities, producing a multiplier effect that spurs

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economic growth and contributes to peace and stability. In addition, when women are involved in discussions about the future, their contributions lead to countries that are more stable, peaceful, and prosperous.

Saudi women play a vital role in Vision 2030 and in developing the future of Saudi Arabia. From the Jeddah municipality, to the Muslim World League, from the Shura Council, to the growing movement of successful women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Kingdom, we are witnessing a powerful and positive change. An important sign of that change came with the 2019 appointment of Princess Reema as Ambassador to the United States - the first ever female ambassador from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I saw that her appointment was followed recently by a second female ambassador from the Kingdom, this time to Norway.

How would you describe the Western Region, and what makes this part of the Kingdom so special?

Like the West Coast of the United States, Western Saudi Arabia weaves together the strands of different cultures and customs in a unique and vibrant tapestry. Situated on the Red Sea, this region has a long history of welcoming visitors who, for centuries, have come to worship, to trade, and to live.

Of course, the holy cities of Mecca and Medina make this region uniquely important in the eyes of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. Millions come each year as pilgrims, facilitated by the modern infrastructure built by the Saudi government and hosted by the thousands of local citizens who play an important role in making each pilgrimage meaningful.

With its long history as a center for trade and commerce, we might say that business is in the DNA of Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Vision 2030 seeks to build on the history of the Western Region, the capacity of the local workforce, and its strategic location by making the region home to several Giga-projects: Neom, Amaala, Red Sea Islands, Al-Ula, Jeddah Downtown and King Abdullah Economic City. Together with ongoing projects, these large-scale investments will translate to opportunities for economic development and an even stronger economic partnership between American and Saudi companies.

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FEATURE

DYNAMIC DESIGNS YANA MURASH AND JANELLE VALES-YASAY

Get to know four Saudi brands and the empowered, creative and beautiful women behind them.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2020

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audi fashion and accessories designers continuously break the mold and put their brands out there, not only in the local market, but also in the international arena as well. The makers and designers behind the brands Aseel, Naïve, Mine and Jwalher talk about their beginnings, inspirations, and plans. With a rich culture, noteworthy history, vast ideas, modern designs, and the support from Saudi Vision 2030, these designers see a brighter and livelier future for their dreams and goals.

ASEEL COLLECTION Sisters Aseel and Suha Al Zamel are inspired by the beauty of every day and they see it in the simplest things around, thus, they wanted to bring this beauty through their collections of abayas, coats, jalabiya, and dresses. The sisters love fashion and trends from a young age with their mother as their role mother. “She is elegant and has a high taste in fashion. She also has an eye for good fabric.”

Aseel Collection started in 2014. “We felt the need for fashion similar to European brands to come to Saudi Arabia. We wanted a brand to represent us,” the sisters said.

Their inspiration comes from their surroundings, from something as simple as a book they read, a city they visited, or a person they met along the way. They also design for the elegant and charming woman who celebrates life and her femininity. Their designs are perfect for every day wear.

“Our brand moves away from the stereotypical image of the traditional abaya. We’re moving towards pastel colors and we’re introducing modern touches,” they answered when asked what makes their creations unique. The combination of formal suits and the abaya ushers in modernity yet preserves the Saudi identity. Their collection is available in their own website; some of their pieces are available in Harvey Nichols Riyadh and Mira Y Mano. The brand has participated in exhibitions in Riyadh, Kuwait, Dubai, and Doha. With their love for art and fashion, they believe that the Saudi women like them influence international fashion with refined taste and appearance. The development of the abaya has come a long way and it has contributed to the introduction of Arabic fashion to the world.

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With the Saudi Vision 2030, they believe that the Kingdom is witnessing great changes in a lot of fields including fashion with its support and encouragement for Saudi fashion designers. “We are proud that we are two Saudi designers representing the Kingdom,” the sisters said. “We are open to opportunities like new collaborations and entrance to the world of jewelry. We aspire to push Saudi designs to the highest level in the fashion world.”

Aseel Collection Price Range: SR 1500 - SR 5000 www.aseelcollection.com IG: @aseelcollection

NAÏVE LABEL The book Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso inspired Mary Melkumyan. She saw the book and thought highly of it. “I read and finished the book during my 8-hour flight. The sentence ‘An advantage of being naïve is being able to believe in oneself when no one else will," this is where Naïve The Label came from. The brand is all about minimalism, comfort and elegance which suit powerful women, women who continuously grow and educate themselves regardless of the obstacles in life and their social and marital status.

Naïve The Label is for the women who doesn’t know her full potential yet but are on their way to embracing herself and making her dreams come true.

Naïve abayas and kimonos are handmade by women for women. Mary shares, “We pay attention to details and the

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MINE Noor Zahid met Meriem Tamerzizt in 2017 and from there, a friendship and an accessories line flourished. These two friends launched the brand Mine in February 2019. Noor has a background in jewelry design, Arabic calligraphy, fashion buying and marketing while Meriem is into corporate strategy, finance, and business transformation. Her family is in the leather business as well. These became the perfect foundation to Mine.

Their aim in creating Mine is to make something for everyone. “Our key values are versatility, practicality, and being true to your own personal style. We are in what is considered “slow fashion” industry which makes our line timeless yet ever-changing. We try to always have items that are made in Saudi Arabia. We support local talents and work with local NGOs to support women in Saudi Arabia.” Mine is often identified as a Saudi brand but in fact, it’s “pan-Arab”.

quality of our work. Because we are against overproduction and the harm that it brings to the planet, me and my professional team always ensure to make limited quantities of each design to contribute to the environment’s protection and also to keep our collection exclusive to customers.” Some of Naïve’s bestseller is their oversized pinstripe abaya in monochrome colors that’s easy to wear for work, errands, or fancy events. They are available in Mira Y Mano Boutique in Riyadh.

Mary sees Naïve as a more recognized and appreciated fashion line in the following years. “I believe in constant growth, new strategies, and the ability to leave old ideas and move forward with new ones,” she said. She also sees the brand bringing together like-minded women and creating a stronger community around Naïve.

For the past few years, changes in the Kingdom have also ushered in changes in its fashion industry. Transformations in social norms boosted people’s confidence and have a big impact on how everyone dresses in Saudi Arabia today.

Mary noticed a new wave of self-expression using different garments, shapes, prints and colors. “Black is no longer the only option!” Mary also loves seeing emerging Saudi designers that deliver their message and vision through their art and design and conquer new heights in the industry.

“Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry is still in its blossoming stage and buying/supporting local brands is very important for the region’s designers and artists to grow and be widely recognized. Their potential is undeniable!”

Naïve The Label Price Range: SR 1000 - SR 2000 www.naivethelabel.com IG: @naivethelabel

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This year, the brand focused more in their “Made in KSA” line. Their embroidered totes and zipper pouches are musthaves in the Kingdom. Their small pouches have also been in demand. “We source local fabrics, sew and embroider the items in local factories and incorporate Arabic calligraphy and local culture in most of our designs,” they shared.

Their products are available in Mira Y Mano and Hub 27.1.2 in Riyadh and Home Grown Market, Grey Collective and The Concept Story in Jeddah. While their products are gaining popularity, Noor and Meriem take each day as it comes. They like that they are in a relatively niche field that is growing slowly and organically. “We love to get feedback from our customers, friends, and resellers. We often listen and evolve through reviews and demands, and our own styles, moods, and circumstances surrounding us.”

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They believe that the art world in the Kingdom is flourishing and the Kingdom might become an international hub for fashion, art, and expression soon. While waiting for more establishments and manufacturing factories to enable designers to produce more locally and quickly, Noor and Meriem are currently enjoying buying from and supporting fellow Saudi brands.

MINE Bags and Accessories Price Range: SR 70 - SR 2200 Contact No.: +966—59-0590780 IG: @mineofficially

Sara believes that the Kingdom has seen major developments in entrepreneurship. Small business development is a major factor in the Saudi Vision 2030. It helps enable more people to enter businesses and this in turn help in making the economy stronger. In particular, she sees this as a great start to encouraging Saudi women to enter the jewelry market. “Saudi women are considered among the most fashionable in the world. Saudi women entering the jewelry market means more fashionable avenues to venture into and more styles to discover.”

Jwaher Jewels Price Range: SR 1000 - SR 7000 jwaherjewels.com IG: @jwaherjewelsksa

JWAHER JEWELS Everyone knows that Saudi Arabia is the land of gold. “Saudi gold” remained to be the preferred gift for any occasion.

This demand in the market and her passion for jewelries inspired Sara Al Sudairy to establish Jwaher Jewels in 2018.

When she came up with Jwaher Jewels, she had busy people in mind: that person who needs to buy a gift or have a nice piece of jewelry but has little time to shop. “Our pieces, made of gold, diamonds, and gemstones have eye-catching designs focused on being unique and timeless,” Sara said.

Their bestselling items are the heartleaf earrings and the Saudi design necklace. “I love my brand and have strong hopes for it in both the short and long term. One of our main goals is to be the leading online jewelry store in the world. Jwaher Jewels has forged its strong online presence through their website.

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FEATURE

SHOP LOCAL FARIHA ESHRAT

Over the recent years, local businesses have been growing with young entrepreneurs at the helm, a return of traditional stylistic influences and Riyadh’s bustling economy at the epicenter. In this issue, let’s dive into the Saudi brands gaining traction.

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here’s no arguing that Riyadh’s favorite Riyadh pastimes include eating and shopping. You can find our guide to Riyadh’s best brunches in DQ Living’s Issue 5. For this issue, we’re taking you shopping! If you want products that are uniquely Saudi, here’s a list of homegrown local brands we’d love for you to shop from.

ARWA ALBANAWI

Bridging gaps between high-end fashion and streetwear, Saudi designer Arwa AlBanawi has used an eclectic mix of contrasts, blending traditional tailoring with contemporary “east meets west perspectives”. AlBanawi stands for empowering women and communicating the Arab culture through her brand.

Her travels abroad instilled a deep love and appreciation for fashion. A former investment banker, she saw a void in the market for womenswear that is both professional and fashion forward for the young business woman. After studying at the London College of Fashion in Dubai, she launched her namesake brand in 2015.

AlBanawi’s urban-tailored suits and statement tees in Arabic writing have been spotted in the pages of Vogue, the New York Times, Grazia, Marie Claire and on stars worldwide.

Products: Suits, graphic shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, athleisure dresses Website: http://arwaalbanawi.com/ Instagram: @arwaalbanawi

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RAZAN ALAZZOUNI

From an early age, Razan exhibited a strong passion for all things related to art. Determined to pursue her passion formally and further develop as an artist, Razan applied to The School of Museum of Fine Arts and TUFTS University in Boston, Massachusetts where she spent her college years.

While there, she concentrated on sculpture, screen-printing, and papermaking. Running parallel to her passion for art all these years was Razan’s love of fashion. Since graduating, Razan has dedicated herself exclusively to this field, and developing her own clothing line. Rather than abandoning her art roots, Razan’s education paved the way for creating articles of clothing that are not only creative and original but sculptural as well and which heavily draw on her earlier influences.

Razan’s clothing is all about exuding the femininity, delicacy and grace of the female form. Razan derives most of her inspiration from the natural poise of women. Playful and elegant, the use of soft luxurious textures is dominant and allows for movement in her designs. The combination of chiffon and silk lends to the idea of women as soft, ethereal beings, which only enhances their femininity. The unique hand beaded pieces of the collection reflect the meticulousness, layers, and detail that have gone into creating each of Razan’s signature flowers. Razan’s pieces maintain sculptural and artistic integrity, as well as transport the wearer into the glamorous and sophisticated realm.

Products: Clothing such as kaftans and dresses, jewelry and shoes.

Website: https://razanalazzouni.com/ Instagram: @razanalazzouni

CHADOR

Chador is a clothing line designed with style and comfort in mind. Specializing in abayas and traditional Arabic dresses, Chador has set out to create timeless, high quality classic and sophisticated designs.

Chador was established in 2013 By Nora Aldamer (Parsons NY Graduate). Nora decided to enter the fashion industry due to the high demand for traditional clothing with top international standards. Coming from the same background and having the same needs as many Middle-Eastern women, made her know what the market was lacking and the brand quickly made its name in her hometown of Riyadh.

Nora was able to attract the modern woman in this traditional society that didn't find what suited her contemporary taste. The dramatic change in the brand in the last year made her eager to improve and expand this sophisticated brand to other clothing categories and accessories.

Products: Abayas, traditional Arabic clothing Website: chador.com.sa Instagram: @chador

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SLEYSLA

Sleysla was founded by Princess Fahda Bint Saud as a project under Al-Faisalya Women's Welfare Society in 2004, with the intention of keeping traditional Saudi crafts alive through incorporating them into modern products. Sleysla was established as an attempt to improve the economic conditions of young Saudi women, solve the issues of poverty and unemployment, while also encouraging the appreciation and knowledge of products. This allowed for new markets and job opportunities to open up for women weavers of palm fronds around the Kingdom. Sleysla's name and reputation, as a Saudi brand is known around the Kingdom, and in the Gulf region, and appreciated for its modernized, Saudi designs, and perfection of handmade products, and seasonal fashion collections. With sustainability, original designs, and the empowerment of Saudi women in mind, Sleysla has created its distinctive Saudi identity.

The products featured include eco-friendly handbags made of Sadu weave patterns with palm frond and palm fibre weaving, Sleysla original patterns and designs fabric printed on silk screen cloth, handmade pottery, high quality in-house hand-printed fabrics designed with modernized traditional Saudi motifs, and traditional hand embroidered pieces.

Products: Home decor, handbags, clothing, pottery and accessories Website: sleysla.com Instagram: @sleysla

TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN

Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit organization dedicated to the craftwork of Saudi artisans and the preservation of Saudi heritage crafts. With a focus on the importance of preserving and developing endangered crafts of Saudi Arabia, they have toured the country to find skilled artisans and provided the essential training, budget, and marketing for those artisans to thrive in the current market. A large portion of the profit from the handicrafts goes back to the artisans themselves, so they can be empowered and motivated to participate. Currently, you can support Saudi artisans by purchasing their product in Sogha, a retail store located at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Products: Household items, jewelry.

Website: https://www.turquoisemountain.org/arabia Instagram: @Turquoisemountainarabia

LAMB & LU

Lamb & Lu is a passion project that is designed to bring sentiment back to daily jewelry. Founded by two long-term friends who share a mutual love for fine jewelry, Lamb & Lu celebrates personal connections by introducing their new approach to jewelry retail. Their jewelry are all minimalist, classic and well-curated to fit the needs of beautiful everyday wear.

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Today, Lamb & Lu is an exclusive fine jewelry destination in the Gulf, and houses a number of local, regional, and international fine jewelry designers. Making everyday jewelry widely available within the GCC. Products: Fine jewelry Website: lambandlu.com Instagram: @lambandlu

STUDIO 23

A young brand based in Riyadh, Studio 23 has been doing collaborative projects with other Saudi brands and occasionally releasing t-shirts and posters for the past 9 years.

In early 2020, the brand launched independently. Studio 23’s designs focus on daily streetwear, with their aesthetic based on celebrating retro Arabian typography and infusing 80s/90s style.

Products: Graphic shirts, hoodies, athleisure wear Website: 23-id.com/ Instagram: @studio23.sa

ZAH JEWELRY

Zah Jewelry is a carefully curated jewelry platform. Designed to bring sentiment back to daily jewelry, with the aim to make classic, understated, second-skin jewelry easily accessible to the effortless minimalist.

Zah Jewelry is an exclusive fine jewelry destination and houses a number of local fine jewelry designers, making everyday jewelry widely available.

Products: Fine jewelry Instagram: @zahjewelry

CHAHINE JEWELRY

Chahine Jewelry is a fine jewelry brand based in Saudi Arabia. Passionate about jewelry, Chahine showcases handpicked fine jewelry in the latest designs, trends, and fashion to be worn as everyday jewelry.

Products: Fine jewelry Website: chahinejewelry.com Instagram: @chahinejewelry

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MUSE RAWAN

Muse Rawan was launched in the last quarter of 2016 by Rawan Alsehli, a Saudi designer with a degree in fashion and accessories design who followed her passion in jewelry design.

Rawan’s Ohain pendants are inspired by the Ohain mountains, in the province of Hanakiyah, east of Medina. The mountain is known for its unique shape and features drawings of animals, plants and humans along with Thamudic inscriptions – all indicative of an ancient civilization. Her collaboration between artist, photographer, and explorer Moath Alofi is an ode to the richness of the desert, the beautiful rocks, inscriptions, and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

The daily wearable Musnad script inspired pendants, explains the designer, symbolises an ancient language developed around 9th century BC.

NAJEEL PERFUMES

Najeel Perfumes was established earlier this year, inspired by the Vetiver, an aromatic plant for perfumery. Their fragrances are inspired by popular aromatics in refreshing combinations. Najeel's 'leather' fragrance has undertones of amber and tunica, their 'fresh spice' fragrance contains base tones of jasmine, oud and vanilla sandalwood while the 'floral' scent contains hints of raisin and oud to balance the rose and ameryllis fragrances. All these intriguing smells and more are available on their social media pages and can be ordered over Whatsapp.

The Minaret earrings are adapted from the architectural silhouette of minarets, the multiplicity of layers, and different angles. “I changed the often-seen cylindrical shape to one that aligns better to the ear. Crescents too figure above the minarets of the mosques to indicate sanctity.” She drew on the repeated forms and the Islamic eight-pointed star, revisiting it in her own style. Architecture played a key role, in the form of the Prophet’s Mosque, for her Masjidi line. “I want to change the gold market that is replete with designs that have no art or life. So, I meld the art that I see and inspires me with my distinct vision for jewellery.”

Products: Perfumes Instagram: @najeel_perfumes

Their most popular products among the Diplomatic Quarter's community are their cufflinks. Two-eyed statue cufflinks are based on the two-eyed statue which is located in Taima and dates back to the fourth and fifth century BC. The man of suffering cufflinks are based on one of the most significant archaeological treasures in Saudi Arabia.

The mysterious Suffering Man dates back to 4000 B.C. and was founded in Al-Khafa village near Hail.

Products: Fine jewelry, cufflinks Instagram: @muserawan

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DEEM PERFUME

Deem Perfume was established in 2017. The perfume library aims to create happiness for its customers and sell the finest quality perfumes and home fragrance. Deem is distributed by Modern Perfume Company which has over 20 years of experience in the perfumes industry. This specialization with expertise in the local market has allowed Deem to create distinctive and rare perfumes that reflect the sophisticated and distinctive taste of Saudi customers.

At Deem, perfumes are selected and formulated from the highest quality perfume ingredients characterized by the protocols of safety and standards of the international perfume The passion, professionalism and dedication to provide customers with fragrances that compliment the daily and special occasion needs of the regional market distinguishes Deem from other experienced perfume brands.

The best seller of Deem Perfume is Baby Powder Perfume, which takes you on a sensory journey back to the innocent, comforting childhood days. Suitable for all ages, this powdery scent is elegant, relaxing and simple. Deem Perfume has on its library more than 36 different scents with components used from all across nature and from around the globe, each taking you on their own unique journey.

Products: Perfumes Website: deem.shop Instagram: @deem_perfume

COCO SABON

Established in 2015, Coco Sabon features handmade luxurious skincare from natural ingredients. Influenced by Arabian culture, scents and regional ingredients, the brand was created to provide a local natural skincare line for those who are looking to avoid harsh chemicals in their everyday care routine.

Indulge yourself in your own beautiful self care rituals with their fragrant and relaxing bath bombs, deeply moisturizing and nourishing creams, gentle soaps, and luxurious body oils. Oriental ingredients blended into handcrafted products that offer you a beautifully simple yet deeply sensuous and meaningful skin care experience.

Products: Soaps, body oils, bath bombs Website: cocosabon.com Instagram: @cocosabon

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TEAK WOODWORK

Established in 2015, Teak Woodwork was opened to create high quality and artistic furniture where each piece is customizable to fit your personal needs and expectations.

This high-end bespoke furniture designer is known for their elegant, sleek, and modern style. When styling or furnishing a space, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the wide selection of items. Creating a cohesive look can be an even bigger challenge. Working with a furniture designer like Teak Woodwork allows you to consult the expert artisans who pay close attention to your sense of style and needs, and help you come up with timeless designs. Providing you with a great array of classic and statement items, Teak Woodwork is the ultimate solution to creating the sophisticated and refreshingly serene home of your dreams. An epitome of classy luxury furniture, Teak Woodwork tailors each product to celebrate your style.

Teak Woodwork’s owner and designer Deema Aljaafari finds inspiration in many different ways and from many different places for her designs. “It could be nature or pieces of art, and sometimes I find inspiration from the simplest thing you can imagine.”

Created from solid wood such as oak, high-quality veneers, pure leather, and stainless steel which then has handcrafted details added by artisans, your furniture receives great attention to detail to ensure the highest quality finish every time.

Products: Custom-made furniture Instagram: @TeakWoodwork

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Common Saudi Phrases You Wished You Had Known Sooner SEHAM ALMUBARAK

As with any language learner, it is very important to know that the language is not just a communication tool but it is also about a country’s culture.

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akleem, an organization founded by Seham Almubarak, is a platform for Arabic language learning to non-native speakers. They offer Arabic online courses provided by high qualified tutors with experience in teaching Arabic as a second language. With Takleem, you can speak Arabic more fluently, as well as gain confidence in your ability to communicate with Saudi and Arab people.

In this article, let the Takleem team share with you some phrases that are commonly used in Saudi society that you will enjoy incorporating into your speech as they reflect an important part of Saudi culture.

Absher (m) / Abshery (f) This word is used when someone asks you to do something for him/her and you respond by saying “Absher” if he is a male, and “Abshery” if she is a female. It means “Okay, I will do it, no problem”. It is a polite way to express being fully prepared to do something, which is an explicit expression of generosity and assistance to the other as if you say, “Sure I will do what pleases you and makes you satisfied.

Don’t worry about it.” This word is part of Arab civilization where the noun of it is “besharah” meaning good news and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was always loving good news and used to say “Absher” a lot.

It is commonly used in Saudi Arabia and reflects politeness and magnanimity in carrying out matters and helping peo-

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ple and making them satisfied. So the most famous electronic system for the dealings of citizens and residents was appropriately named Absher.

Hayyak Allah (m,f) - Allah yehayyeek (m,f) “Hayyak Allah” is a welcome phrase, such as “hello" and "As-salamu alaykum”. It means, "I pray that Allah may greet you." It is a sophisticated phrase with a deep and beautiful meaning. And the response to it, “Allah yehayyeek”, comes in the same meaning but in a different way, Teslum (m) / Teslemeen (f) Allah yesallemek (m,f) These words are used to give thanks. When a person gives you something, you could say “Teslum” if he is a male or “Teslemeen” if she is a female. It is in the form of a wish (may you be peaceful) which literally means wishing safety for you.

And the response “Allah yesallemek”, and it has the same meaning of the prayer for safety, “that Allah saves you and protects you.”

Sum (m) / Summey (f) The word “Sum” for male, and “Summey” for female. It is always said when someone calls you by your name. So instead of replying yes, it’s good to answer with “Sum” if the one who called you is male, or “Summey” if the one who called you is female.

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FEATURE

The meaning is derived from an original Arabic expression which is “sum hajatuk” which means “Tell me your need.

What do you want?” but it was shortened with the first word only which is sum or summey. And this response shows reverence and respect for the one we respond to, that is as if we say: “Ask what you want, I hear you with interest and fulfill your request with respect.”

Taal O’mrek (m,f) This phrase can be said to the male and the female alike, and literally means prayers and requests to Allah to bless the person with a long life. Its metaphorical meaning is to show reverence and respect for the person, such as saying to him/her, "O senior, O Respected, O sir."

WanneA’am (m,f) WanneA’am feek (m,f) Ma A’alaek zood (m,f) Have you ever heard someone say to you “WanneA’am” when you told him your name? We suspect many have heard it because it is so popular. The word “WanneA’am” is used as a method of praise for a person.

Akramk Allah (m,f) / Akramkum Allah (p) Sehhah!

Saudi people are so generous, and it is rare that no one has invited you for a meal or coffee at home, in a restaurant, or even at the business office. Have you thought about how to thank the person who invited you using a word different than “shukran”?

We often say in this situation when we finish eating a meal or coffee: “Akramk Allah” for the male and female, and “Akramkum Allah” for more than two people. For example, this phrase means “May Allah honors you, blesses you, and gives you a lot!”

The simple response is to say “Sehhah” or “Afyah” or “Sehhah wa Afyah,” both of them have the same meaning, which

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is “I wish you health and wellness with what you ate and drank!”

Kafou (m,f) We often say to someone who is doing well: excellent, good, well done, bravo! In Saudi, we often say "Kafou", which means being encouraged and admired for what a person has done. It means: “You are worthy of that, capable of it, and qualified enough to achieve it.”

Wesh men Jedeed? - La Shai!

In communicating with others, perhaps the best way to get into a conversation with someone is to say “Wesh men Jedeed?” which means what's new?

We often use it to give the person an open space to talk about his/her latest news at work or at home, or to talk about their goals, plans, and what happened to them in the recent past days. If the person has no new news, he/she will say “La Shai!”

Qeddam!

If you receive an offer from a friend for a new adventure, to travel, to go to the cinema, or to do anything that you are ready and excited about, do not hesitate to say “Qeddam!”

It means that you are ready to go. It is like “Go ahead” in English.

TAKLEEM Website: www.takleem.co Email: info@takleem.com Instagram and Twitter: @takleem_ar Facebook: @takleem.ar

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RIYADH’S HCI-LAB:

Innovating for Social Impact

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LAURA MONSIVAIS

SA’s globally recognized Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab ideates and produces new assistive technologies, often co-designed with input from local people living with disabilities. It also identifies new talent and develops the capacity of young Saudi scientists and technologists, introducing them to “the transformative power of applied computing and HCI design,” and pointing them towards professional careers in emerging technologies.

Founder and Director Dr. Areej Al-Wabil launched this monumental endeavor in 2010.

HCI all day, every day In case you hadn’t realized it, you probably engage in HCI several times a day. Whether using Google Maps, converting text-to-speech or wearing an Apple watch, we have all come to depend on these brilliant, intuitive innovations that make us better at our work, pamper us with convenience, and amplify our audio-visual experience. At its most basic, HCI is the study of how computer technology influences human work and activities.

are two ends of the spectrum. “For the past 20 years, AI has been about getting machines to think and behave like humans. HCI has been about getting machines to adapt to humans. AI and HCI intersect in the field of emotion research, where machines are being taught to understand, classify, and process emotion in all its nuances. Now, we see the two fields merging into a single specialty called Human-Centered AI research.”

"AI has been about getting machines to think and behave like humans. HCI has been about getting machines to adapt to humans."

The talent The HCI Lab Team is comprised of three principal investigators including Al-Wabil, who is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Ideation Lab;

HCI can also be applied to Humanistic Co-Design to create assistive technology (AT) such as mobility devices, speech-generating devices, hearing aids and eye-gaze trackers that can function as a person’s legs, voice, ears or eyes to improve quality of life. Including the end-user as a collaborator in the design process can ensure more thoughtful, targeted products that solve or mitigate physical or cognitive challenges faced by community members of all ages.

When asked about the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and HCI, Al-Wabil explained that AI and HCI

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Shiroq Almegren, PhD, affiliated with MIT Engineering, and Sharifa Alghowinem, PhD, affiliated with the MIT Media Lab. Another affiliate is Dr. Kyle Keane of MIT’s CSAIL program and Director of the Humanistic Co-Design Initiative.

"The Lab is determined to create the next generation of interactive technologies."

Together with its vibrant network of computer scientists, designers, engineers, social scientists, cognitive psychologists, physicians, and entrepreneurs, the Lab is determined to create the next generation of interactive technologies.

They do community outreach, teach and research in such areas as ubiquitous computing, social computing, social robotics, eye tracking, and brain-computer interaction with a view to finding new solutions to old problems. Al-Wabil, who has a PhD in Computer Science, is always thinking ahead about community-driven problems and their socio-economic impact, and how the needs of people can best be reflected in our future technologies.

In keeping with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of creating a knowledge-based economy and creating employment, HCI-Lab facilitates multi-disciplinary study, research and training for faculty and students that lead to enhanced career opportunities and contribute to the global body of knowledge in the form of joint intellectual property and publications.

The tools The HCI Lab designs and develops prototypes that use virtual reality (VR) in surgical training, augmented reality (AR) in speech and physical therapy, and extended reality (XR) in occupational therapy. They also work with physiological sensors, interactive AI and machine learning. Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) restores or replaces useful function to people disabled by neuromuscular disorders. HCI-Lab is actively advancing this emerging field with award-winning technologies and interventions. The Lab is accessible to students and practitioners alike, providing equipment like 3D printers that make it possible to design and rapidly build prototypes for their research projects.

From R & D to Commercialization HCI-Lab is laser-focused on developing assistive technology because KSA already leads the region in this relatively new field. Their in-house incubator, Co-Create, shepherds projects through iterations that typically last 3 to 6 years, after which the Lab helps inventors commercialize their finished product. Strategic partners at this stage include the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Saudi Health Council’s National Lab for Emerging Technology and King Fahad Medical City.

"In keeping with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of creating a knowledge-based economy and creating employment, HCI-Lab facilitates multi-disciplinary study, research and training for faculty and students that lead to enhanced career opportunities."

“Sawty,” which translates to “my voice,” is an alternative communication tool for Arabic-speaking children with language impairment, and an example of a rising MedTech AI startup that began its journey as a concept at the HCI-Lab. Now, this spin-off is enrolled in the Taqadam Accelerator via KAUST Innovation for 2020-2021.

Reflecting on the ascending visibility of HCI over the past 10 years, Al-Wabil mused, “I think like-minded people come together. In our team’s case, we share the same enthusiasm about technology for a specific scope of work, which is to piece together sensors and understand more about the human side of interaction; how people think, how they move…..and how to make them more comfortable.”

Human-Computer Interaction HCI Design Lab HCI Lab at Alfaisal University P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533 Saudi Arabia T: +966112157777 F: +966112157611 Email: team@hcilab.info Website: hcilab.info Twitter: @HCI_Lab

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DO

CAMPING IN RIYADH REINA TEJANO-BERINA

If you have lived in Saudi Arabia for quite some time and have not tried desert camping yet, then you’re missing out! It’s an activity rich with tradition and tranquility that is at the heart of Saudi culture. Here is a quick guide for you as the camping season runs full swing this month.

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he roots of Saudi Arabia lie in the desert. Their ancestors were the Bedouins: desert dwellers whose lives revolved in sustaining the land around them.

They were simple and peaceful people; traits that modern life today has us longing for. Fortunately, the desert is just an hour or less of a car ride from the city center, and people can partake in a quick getaway for a genuine Saudi camping experience.

I sought the expertise of Mr. Abdulrahman Alzahrani, a licensed tour guide in Riyadh. He has been in hundreds of camping and hiking trips for various organizations and he shared details on what we should know about camping in Riyadh.

You have toured many expats around Saudi Arabia. What can expats expect from a camping experience in Riyadh and in Saudi Arabia in general?

For the expats, they can expect to experience our Bedouin lifestyle. The camping experience helps show them how Bedouins used to live, prepare their food, how they make their drinks such as gahwa and how they gather at night around a bonfire to talk to each other and maybe enjoy a little music. Camping is also a refreshing experience, especially during the moments that you watch the sunrise or the sunset over the desert or the mountains. For me, the best part of camping is when you achieve some peace of mind.

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What should people know before embarking on a camping trip? What are the do’s and don’ts?

First of all, choose the right location when setting up your camp. This will ensure your safety and is the most important thing to consider. It is best to choose hill top or higher land locations so that you will be visible to other campers.

There are many cars that tend to roam around in the desert and if you are in a low area and the cars are playing around, they might not see you and it is possible that it may result in an accident.

Second, make sure that your vehicle is appropriate for the desert. Sedans are not advisable as they do not travel well in rocky or desert terrains. SUVs or 4x4 AWD are most suitable for the trip and will ensure that you can get in and out of the dirt roads easily.

Finally, bring the essential equipment needed. You’ll need your tent, some carpets for seating, enough food and water, blankets and jackets to keep you warm during the night, a set of flash lights, wood and fire materials (if you plan on making a bonfire), and musical instruments (if you want some entertainment).

WHERE TO BUY CAMPING MATERIALS:

- Al Rimaya for Outdoor and Camping Equipment - SACO - Kuwaiti Souk / Souk Taibah - Carrefour - Lulu Hypermarket

CAMPING ESSENTIALS:

- Awning/tent - Majlis or camping chairs - Sleeping bag - Pillows - Flashlights - Tent repair kits - Spare batteries - First aid kit - Two-way radio (in case there is no cell service)

Which sites do you recommend for camping in Riyadh?

The Red Sand and Thumamah National Park are the most popular camping spots in Riyadh. However, they can be crowded already.

I personally recommend the Altoggi area (near the Camel Souk and about an hour away from Riyadh center); Nesah area, which have buggy rides; and the Almuzahamiya area, which is optimal for an overnight camp.

There are also camp-ready sites that already have the facilities in place, such as the outdoor seating, a bathroom, kitchen, and tent. They can always contact me if they want to explore these options.

Other notable camp sites in Saudi Arabia are Al Soudah Mountains (Abha), Al Habala and Tanumah (Asir) and Wahba Crater (Taif).

Desert camping is one of the simple pleasures of Saudi life and it is something that you cannot always experience anywhere else in the world. Bring your friends or family together for an outdoor activity that will create memories of your stay here. More importantly, have a taste of that scenery and serenity that the desert offers.

For Riyadh camping inquiries, contact: Abdulrahman Mohammad Alzahrani Licensed Tour Guide Member of the Saudi Tour Guide Association Mobile: +966 56 9313493

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Layer Up! NAUREEN AHMED

Winters in Riyadh don’t see snow but it sure can still bring the cold. It also brings the opportunity to use trench coats, knitwear, and boots and claim the streets of Riyadh as a runway for modest yet stylish ensembles. Show up in your winter best with our fashionable, trendy, and most importantly, warm selections of apparel and essentials in every budget.

Double-Breasted Coat, ZARA, SR 959

Puff Sleeved Jumper, H&M, SR 119

Chance Eau De Tendre, CHANEL, SR 424

Women’s Sunwear, COACH, SR 950

Crafty Speedy Bandouliere 25, LOUIS VUITTON, SR 8,600 Leigh Suede Boots, MICHAEL KORS, SR 1,670

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Men’s Watch, COACH, SR 500

SHOP

Gather 3-Wick Candle, BATH & BODY WORKS, SR 110

Plumes En Fete Shawl, HERMES, SR 5,005

Prive Figuier Eden, ARMANI, SR 915

Reversible Mohair Cardigan, GUCCI, SR 9,200

High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans, MARKS & SPENCER, SR 275

Crafty Pochette Metis, LOUIS VUITTON, SR 13,200

Marcella Leather Ankle Boots, MICHAEL KORS, SR 1,280

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EAT

Friday Brunch at Goji REINA TEJANO-BERINA

Weekends are all about relaxing and unwinding.

Let the Goji Restaurant of Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter take care of you and your family’s appetite on Fridays as they serve up an array of international and Saudi cuisines - from start to finish.

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runch, as most of those living in Saudi knows, runs on a different time frame in this side of the world. The conclusion of noon prayers (Asr) every Friday signifies that the day is just beginning, hence marking “brunch” as anywhere between 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Brunch at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter is hosted at their elegant Goji Restaurant. The striking afternoon sun reflects its way to the golden decor of the Goji Restaurant, serving as a warm welcome to those who make their way to their tables. An oud musician serenades the guests in the background.

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The selection of food is generous and it combines wellloved Saudi dishes and international recipes for diners to choose from. From the salad bar, the deconstructed Nicoise salad and Fattoush salad were both crowd favorites. The soup selection varies every week but there are other starters to choose from such as the cold meat cuts, samosas, smoked fish, kibbeh, shrimp cocktail, and a lovely cheese platter.

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Strolling along the main course options, a large serving plate housed the Lamb Ouzi, which easily grabs everyone’s curiosity and attention. Beside it, a humble rump of beef roast rests under the watchful eye of a heat lamp. Both meat items are tender and juicy; they are the shining stars of the line, and chefs are on standby to cut a piece for you (and pour some gravy). The rest of the serving trays are a mixture of other seafood, chicken, meat, and pasta dishes

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such as seafood paella, grilled chicken, beef tagine, and ravioli. These selections however, may be rotated every week to feature other recipes. For those who want something fresh off the grill, you can step out to the al fresco dining area and find a live barbecue station that offers grilled steak, lamb, burgers, and prawns. Just beside them as well is a traditional Saj bread maker who will prepare it right in front of you.

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For the final course, you may weigh your options on whether to indulge in their sweet and glistening pastry items like the red velvet cake, meringue and cheesecake; or the rainbow of healthy, freshly-sliced fruits: melons, oranges, strawberries, kiwis and more. Arabic desserts such as the Umm Ali, Kunafa, Luqaimat and Mahalabia are also present in their own stations.

Going for seconds are most welcome, along with requests for coffee or tea for your brimming satiation. The first few hours of the brunch are naturally busy but the service does not waver in attending to the guests, who can stay and lounge with friends/family for a few more hours until the kitchen closes by 5 o’clock. By then, it’s time to head back home for a proper nap. All of which makes for a Friday well spent.

Goji Restaurant Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Friday Brunch Rates: 299 SAR per adult / 150 SAR for kids aged 6-10 years *VAT exclusive Operating Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Reservations are a must.

T: 011 835 3000

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FEATURE

The Yoga for Special Children

Yoga is a mind and body practice. It is a common notion that it is mostly done by adults because it combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. What if we say that yoga is for everyone, that it is also a good activity especially for children with special needs? Let Reem Mallawi of Special Souls Yoga tell you more about it.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am a highly motivated yoga teacher who has a Master’s Degree in Speech Therapy with 10 years of experience working with individuals with special needs. My clinical knowledge helped me provide depth and better understanding of yoga for various disabilities.

When did you start teaching yoga to children with special needs, and what is your motivation?

Three years ago, I started my own journey with yoga; and soon after, I started practicing with my younger sister who is a beautiful girl with Down syndrome. I realised the importance of improving wellbeing for everyone including individuals with disabilities. I found the perfect program to have the required training and started my freelancing business two years ago.

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What are the benefits of yoga to children with special needs?

Individuals with special needs such as Down syndrome, Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and other learning disabilities have difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, decreased body awareness, communication and speech.

Therefore, yoga poses ‘Asana’ and breathing exercises ‘Pranayama’ will help improve muscle tone, body awareness, increase flexibility, concentration, memory, and communication.

Yoga is a lifestyle which requires commitment and continuity in order to see results and improvement. Yoga for

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individuals with special needs does not replace the rehabilitation therapies such as speech, physical, occupational, and behavioural therapies but rather complements them.

What are the methods that you use in teaching yoga?

I follow the footsteps of my teacher Sonia Sumar who developed the ‘Yoga For The Special Child’ method while keeping in mind the practises that are culturally appropriate here in Saudi Arabia.

The program implements the Hatha yoga style, but of course with special considerations to the physical and cognitive skills of the individual with special needs.

What should we expect of a yoga program?

The yoga classes are best delivered in a one-on-one session style, which is ideal for individuals with special needs to focus on their strengths and abilities and then build on that.

The other option would be group classes but it’s usually done if the individuals had similar levels of performance.

A typical yoga class will include practicing breathing techniques and yoga poses. Of course, each class will progress into more advanced practises depending on the individual’s level and performance.

What is the age range of the children that you can teach?

The method can be applied on any age.

Having a disability is never a hindrance for children with special needs to grow as an individual, and yoga will be an additional help for them to reach their full potential.

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SPECIAL SOULS YOGA Reem Mallawi Email: specialsoulsyoga@gmail.com Instagram: @specialsoulsyoga

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SKINCARE 101 As the weather gets cooler and more enjoyable, skin concerns tend to flare. To answer your common skin care questions, we’ve turned to an expert.

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

Skincare social media gurus and the growing number of products available with varying claims have made taking care of our skin more and more confusing. To discuss our burning questions with regards to skincare, we had the opportunity to sit with Dr. Juhainah AlJababili, dermatology specialist since 2002. From the most common skin conditions to the various active ingredients in our creams and products, Dr Juhainah shared with us her professional opinion.

What are some of the most common skin concerns that bring patients to your clinic?

Skin conditions across the Middle East are often similar with the lack of humidity in our weather causing skin dryness in adults, and making eczema in children and the elderly difficult to treat. Hyperpigmentation with patches of uneven skin tone and acne are also some of the most common causes of patient visits to the dermatology clinics.

It seems like acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tones are the three most common skin concerns here. How do you recommend handling them?

Many studies have been issued about acne and the causes of acne, and because it is caused by a mixture of many factors, we cannot stop it by using any ordinary soap or creams. For acne in anyone over

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HEALTH 16 years of age, I would recommend visiting a doctor and treating it very seriously from the beginning with oral medicines if needed.

For those who have sensitive skin and dryness, you should avoid using ordinary soap. I recommend using oil-based shower gels and cleansers that are specified for dry skin.

This will not remove the naturally existing oil on your skin and stop your skin from becoming extra dry. I also recommend using Vaseline after shower - especially on the elbows, knees, feet, and the top of your forearm - for people with normal skin type. For the face, use a proper moisturizer based on your skin type.

People with uneven skin tone should apply sunblock. It is very important, especially in the Middle East, as the sunlight is strong even in winter. Using a good quality sunscreen that has an SPF 50+ is the most important part of protecting yourself from uneven skin tone. Over the counter Vitamin C is a very safe and good option for improving your pre-existing uneven skin tone also.

There are skincare products that have active inbgredients in them that are popularized and became on trend in recent years, kindly share your opinions on them.

them more soft and smooth. Salicylic acid is mainly used for acne prone, greasy skin, and lactic acid is mainly mixed with emollients and body lotions because it will make the skin feel velvety and smooth.

Vitamin Serums Vitamin A and its derivatives such as retinol are very good and very helpful for anti-aging routines, especially if it is combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They will play a good role in maintaining elasticity of the skin and enhance the collagen that links your skin surfaces. I recommend using anti-aging products for ages 33-35.

Retinol can be very drying and irritating so do the treatment every other night, and when the skin starts to tolerate the cream, you can use it everyday. Start gradually and then we will tailor according to the patient's case. During this time, stop using harsh cleansers, cleanse only once a day and apply sunblock and moisturizer at daytime.

Vitamin B5, also called Niacinamide, is good for skin healing because it is an antioxidant. Mixing it with Vitamin E, derivatives of vitamin A such as retinol and Vitamin C are good for skin radiance, rejuvenation, and healing from hyperpigmentation.

Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera gel is very helpful to soothe the skin and anyone with sensitive skin, dryness or redness can benefit from it.

It’s also very good for hair growth. If it’s possible to have a plant in your house and grow it, you can cut it and use it while it's fresh, that would be best!

Caffeine Caffeine is very good for dark hollows around the eyes. Caffeine is also mixed with other body lotions to reduce and minimize the appearance of cellulite if you massage it in well.

Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid has the property of absorbing water, so it can soothe the skin and leave it feeling plump. This is very good for people with mixed skin types such as those with acne but also rough patches of dry skin.

People don’t understand how bad smoking is for the skin. Of course, smoking cessation is the goal but for those struggling to stop smoking, I advise them to use Vitamin C products as it is good for the collagen synthesis. Whether they eat more Vitamin C-rich meals, supplements or apply it to their skin, it minimizes the bad effects of smoking on the skin.

Toners, Face Scrubs, Chemical Exfoliants I don't recommend toners to my patients at all, especially here in Riyadh, because most of them struggle with dry skin.

As toners alter the pH of the skin, it makes the skin drier and it removes the naturally existing oil on the surface. As for scrubs, it is good to use scrubs once a week and not more as it is helpful to remove the dead skin. If you use it wisely, such as following up the scrub with a good moisturizer, it will play a good role in helping absorb your creams better.

As for chemical exfoliants, although the medicated ones contain high concentrations of the active ingredients and require doctor’s supervision, most of the products that are available over-the-counter at pharmacies or online are safe for use at home. So Glycolic acid at 5-15% is safe to use as a mild exfoliant to revitalize the skin, remove the dead cells and give you a more radiant, glowing effect. Higher concentrations are used for rough elbows and rough knees to make

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Any additional advice for our readers?

We hope the next time you’re in the skincare aisle while shopping, you are able to utilize the information we gathered above and create a skin care routine most beneficial to your unique skin care needs!

Dr. Juhainah AlJababili Cosmetic Dermatologist Malesa Clinic 3232 Saeed Bin Khalid Street, Northern Maathar, Riyadh Instagram: @juhainah68

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WINTER HAS COME

BY THE PINK TARHA Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina TejanoBerina are the power duo behind the successful multi-awarded blog “The Pink Tarha”, an online lifestyle guide in Saudi Arabia. They started their blog in 2009 and since then have inspired many people by showcasing the fun and interesting side of living in KSA. What started out as a hobby for the girls has gained so much positive attention and appreciation in the process winning them the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Award.

Facebook/Instagram: @thepinktarha Website: www.thepinktarha.com

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While the cold season has rolled in, it doesn’t mean we have to hibernate. There’s still some fun and worthwhile things to do during winter in Riyadh. Pass that hot chocolate!

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ain showers have descended upon Riyadh. And while the dark clouds make for a gloomy backdrop to our days, we need not feel sad like the cold, dry days of winter. In no time at all, we’ll be back to the long, sweltering heat of the desert so let’s make the most out of Riyadh’s short winter season while we’re at it. Here are some activities you might want to consider with your families and friends.

Go camping under the stars! Like what DQ Living is featuring this issue, camping in the desert is one of the best activities this winter season. Of course, check the weather for the day as rain can make camping in the valleys dangerous. Whether you join a group or do it yourself with your family and friends, camping is fun but it’s best to have some basic skills before venturing out into the dunes.

If you’re worried about unpredictable elements when it comes to camping in nature, Thumamah Park has some camps for rent so you can do it within the comforts of adorned tents, majlis (seats on the floor), bonfire (no need to use rocks to make a fire) and modern toilets.

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LIFESTLYE

Savor a cup of coffee and good conversations. If you’re not adventurous and would just like to relax, then Riyadh has hundreds of coffee shops to choose from. Most of them have outdoor spaces too so customers can enjoy the good weather while nursing their hot cups of coffee or tea. This is Riyadh’s “nightlife”. In the DQ, you have Draft Coffee, 12 Cups, Starbucks and Dr. Cafe. Venture out a bit into Turki Street and you’ll find specialty coffee places like Elixir Bunn, Pandemic, Jolt, and Dose.

Enjoy a stroll in the park. The areas around universities and medical cities are perfect for walking but when the weather is cool, parks are good places to stroll and enjoy moments with your loved ones. Slow down and catch the beauty of your surroundings. Strolls can be moments of reflections or can be opportunities to bond with the people you do it with. Because a stroll is not as strenuous as brisk walking or running, you can talk anything under the sun with your loved ones and friends. It’s a great way to catch up on each other’s lives.

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Cozy up! A lot of us are still not comfortable going out because of the threat of COVID-19 so stay at home and get some much-needed self-care. Burn your favorite candles (holiday scents if you must), cuddle up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book. Experiment in the kitchen with new recipes for savory dishes or baked goods.

The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting our lives and as it stretches nearly one year on, let us continue to adhere to precautionary measures when out and about Saudi Arabia. When enjoying our recommended activities outdoors, don’t forget to wear a face mask and socially distance.

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Ambassador of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba and the Embassy staff.

EMBASSY OF ZAMBIA CELEBRATES 56TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY ALEXANDER WOODMAN

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n October 24, 2020, the Embassy of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated Zambia's 56th Independence Anniversary. The holiday has been celebrated under the theme "One Land, One Nation – Building the Future Proud and Free." The Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba, sent a celebratory note to mark this special occasion and to congratulate Zambians living in the Kingdom and abroad.

Ambassador Mumba conveyed warm greetings and congratulations to the President of Zambia Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. In 2020, the Independence Anniversary has been celebrated at a time of global health, economic and social crises due to COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Ambassador Mumba, in his message, appreciated the Governments of Zambia and Saudi Arabia, as well as all international organizations, for the highly professional precautions aimed at reducing the adverse outcomes of COVID-19.

Further, in his note, His Excellency Mumba highlighted that since the re-opening of the Zambian Embassy in Riyadh in

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2013, the two countries' representatives have continued to work diligently to maintain the shared values, thus enhancing cooperation between Zambia and Saudi Arabia.

One of the milestone evidences of this productive collaboration was the state visit of the President of Zambia, Dr. Edgar Lungu to the Kingdom in 2016. During this visit, Zambia and Saudi Arabia agreed to negotiate and sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement to facilitate unified trade and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to facilitate investment. In addition, this visit led to signing two important agreements: 1) a $100 million deal to build the King Salman Specialist Hospital; 2) a $5 million export program agreement with the Saudi Export Program.

Recalling the Saudi-Zambian diplomatic ties and mutual trust, His Excellency Ambassador Mumba extended his appreciation to The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for promoting a favorable environment to maintain excellent collaborative and result-oriented relations between the two nations.

DQ LIVING MAGAZINE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

The social, diplomatic, and worldwide cooperation of two countries, including the United Nations, is evidence of joint goals towards peace and prosperity. Even though the two countries' relationship was formalized only half a decade ago, it has been enduring for more than forty-five years. The establishment of the Embassy has accelerated the procedures necessary to complete the bilateral agreements. It has also helped to establish a clear sense of cooperation and bring a vision for the future. The expectations of the two sides have reached a clear harmony. The economic cooperation has sought to promote mutual opportunities for large, medium, and small-scale businesses across the various sectors, including agriculture.

"Zambian embassy employees are committed to sharing the very best of Zambia every day, among other things, demonstrating integrity through mutual respect and exploring the cultural diversity of the two countries," underpinned the Ambassador.

Reflecting on Zambia's development and achievements over these 56 years, Ambassador Mumba noted that Zambia and its people have witnessed tremendous social and political transformations, thereby embracing the principles of democracy with greater political maturity.

The most striking result of these changes is that the vast experience of democracy has created the appropriate

conditions for the successful presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections. Note: new elections in Zambia are scheduled for August 2021.

Moreover, various essential reform programs have significantly advanced the productivity and competitiveness of the Zambian national economy. Thus, currently, Zambia is considered to be an excellent destination for foreign investment, specifically the tourism sector. It is of high importance to mention that Zambia remains the pearl of tourism in Africa.

His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba concluded his message by wishing all Zambians a happy Independence Day, reaffirming the commitment of the Government of Zambia to strengthen the existing relationship between the Republic of Zambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Zambian government and embassy aspire to work in the same welcoming environment with Saudi Arabia and expand bilateral relations to the level of business-to-business and people-to-people collaboration.

"I thank you, my Saudi brothers and sisters, for your continued friendship and partnerships. The Embassy of Zambia will continue to be committed to guiding principles and objectives of the Zambian government for the future," concluded His Excellency Ambassador Mumba.

Ambassador of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Excellency Ibrahim Mumba and Mr. Amin Hassan Nasser, the President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.

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OVER 50 AMBASSADORS AND DIPLOMATS JOIN “LET'S MAKE IT GREEN” CAMPAIGN

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n the presence of His Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour AlMushaiti, more than 50 ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations to the Kingdom participated in the “Let's Make It Green” tree planting campaign that took place in Huraymila National Park on November 7, 2020.

This comes as part of the ministry’s plan to plant 10 million trees by the end of April 2021 in 165 sites across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover, public and private sectors, and volunteer associations.

Eng. AlMushaiti stressed the importance of such activities in promoting pro-environmental behaviors, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for all, by planting millions of trees in all regions of the Kingdom to develop vegetation cover and fight desertification. He pointed out that the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is working to activate projects and events that aim at increasing environmental awareness and promoting community participation to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.

Dr. Khaled AlAbdulqadir, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, emphasized the significance of this campaign in maintaining the environmental balance in Saudi Arabia, noting that these events are of great importance in raising awareness on sustainable reforestation, and promoting practices that contribute to the preservation and development of vegetation cover across the Kingdom. He added that there was an active participation of more than 45 embassies and diplomatic missions in planting native and endangered trees and shrubs in Huraymila National Park.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

ROYAL DANISH EMBASSY CELEBRATES WORLD DIABETES DAY

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n November 14, 2020, the Royal Danish Embassy marked the World Diabetes Day in Riyadh. The Embassy of Denmark and Novo Nordisk organized a 12-kilometer cycling event in the Diplomatic Quarter, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Sports, Diplomatic Quarter General Authority and the professional cycling club Wesaya.

The event welcomed women, men, and children of all ages as well as special guests from the Saudi Ministry of Health.

After finishing the 12-kilometer ride, all participants were able to enjoy healthy snacks and have their blood sugar measured.

On the same day, all four Nordic embassies and several prominent buildings in Riyadh lit up in blue on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. The Saturday afternoon was well spent, with a lot of local media coverage to help raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living. The embassy is proud to support a relevant and important cause like this.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

NORDIC EMBASSIES HOLD FILM FESTIVAL

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n November 24-25, 2020, the Nordic Film Festival was held at the Riyadh Front VOX Cinema. During these two days, the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden in Riyadh had screened one award-winning movie each to private audiences.

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MEET

Anna Theron Administration and Consular Affairs

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

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in the heart of Sweden and had a big family. I grew up in the countryside playing sports. Much like Saudi, so much of our life revolved around the seasons - you had to make the most of the weather. The winters were dark, cold and snowy; and summers were light, warm and sunny. And if you didn't like the weather, well, just wait a minute.

but true. I think that it is so important to get out of the DQ and meet the people and experience the culture. I am proud to have met so many Saudi and international friends for life.

I have learned to set up a proper desert campsite and cook a really good kabsa.

I left Sweden when I was only 20 years old and have only lived there for two years since. I go back whenever I can to see my family and friends. My time abroad has been incredibly fulfilling. I have been fortunate in my career to have traveled much, learned many languages and cultures, and made so many international friends. I even met my husband in the USA while shopping in IKEA.

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

It is nothing like I heard. I was quite lucky to come at a time when we had so many fantastic events in Riyadh Season and Diriyah Season. I experienced most of these and was delighted to witness the reaction of the Saudi crowd. It wasn't all perfect, but it is certainly going in the right direction.

How would family and friends describe you?

I think that it is hard for some people to comprehend how I can just pick up and move every five years to a different region of the world. Most people live within a short distance to where they were born. I would say that most of my family and friends have traveled enough to understand me.

Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?

The joke is, "What is the best thing about Riyadh? Bahrain."

Of course I would disagree as Riyadh has so much to offer. I feel the number one asset is the people. I am so lucky to have so many warm and generous friends that have added depth and meaning to my experience here. I have been invited to so many homes, farms, break houses and desert trips; and I am so grateful. If I had to give you one answer, it would be the desert.

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

I think my mum was my biggest and strongest influence in my life. How she managed to have five kids while being a big sport icon. I don't know how she made it, but she did.

What brought you to Riyadh?

I’ve been here for 2 years and 4 months. What brought me here was my work at the Swedish Embassy. I don’t always get my first choice when considering my next posting but I have been lucky in that regard. I was in South Africa when Nelson Mandela was elected president. I was in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. I was in America when Barack Obama was elected. And now I am in Saudi when so much change is happening. I don't think I would want to be anywhere else.

What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?

I wanted to pursue a career that had meaning to me while helping others. Having the opportunity to travel and experience so many ways of life has been the blessing. Saudi has taught me patience.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?

To start, I am the first Swedish female driver in Saudi. Haha,

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What were your first impressions of the DQ? At first it was the security, speed bumps, circles, walls, and of course cats. Once settled, you realize that the DQ has a local and international presence and culture that is so diverse, interesting, and adventurous.

What do you like most about the DQ? I enjoy the trails and quiet streets. I can bike, take long walks and be out and about in the surrounding. I liked the Farmer's Market and I hope they bring that back. The Tamimi was a nice addition.

We have also attended many programs and events here in the DQ including some fabulous live music. There is a lot of growth and construction happening now. I hope that they will be able to find a balance.

Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?

The DQ is a community - but you have to work to become a part of it. If you do, you will really get a lot in return. Some of our best friends started with a simple greeting.

DQ LIVING MAGAZINE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020