DQ Living Vol. 6 Iss. 1: Hello 2022!

THE DIPLOMATIC QUARTER MAGAZINE VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022

HELLO 2022!

DIPLOMATIC QUARTER, STILL IN BLOOM | OUTSTANDING OMAN | WHERE TO RUN IN RIYADH

FROM THE EDITOR Hello 2022!

It’s a special year for us as we celebrate DQ Living’s 5th year anniversary!

In our first issue of the year, we pay homage to the Diplomatic Quarter. Our community has come a long way and we’ll show you the developments and changes in the DQ. Continue your journey to a healthy lifestyle with a run in some of the city’s best trails or try out fitness centers offering new and unique ways to exercise.

Have you missed traveling? Now is the time to plan a visit to our neighboring country, Oman, known for its beautiful coastlines, rich cultural tapestry, and diverse culinary experience.

Back in Riyadh, it’s time to give attention to the most important meal of the day — breakfast! David Burke Restaurant is now offering a New York-style breakfast, the perfect feast to start your day.

Thank you for your valued support to DQ Living, your gateway to the Diplomatic Quarter and the Kingdom. Look forward to our Ramadan issue coming out this April!

Publisher Fayez Aldosari Project Coordinator Maria Cometti Editors Naureen Ahmed Ali Al Saad Hind Al Saad Marketing Coordinator Joselyn Tello Production Editor Alyaa Malik Editorial Assistant Laurine Gayle Vales Columnists Alexander Woodman Salma Siddiqa The Pink Tarha Contributors Mohammed Ameenuddin Zenia Duell Fariha Eshrat Iqra Lodhi Irina Perederko Printed by Star Printing

DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

CONTENTS

06 COVER

34 DO

Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter,

Where to Run In Riyadh

Still in Bloom

12 LIVE DUR Alwadi Perfect Residential Innovation

16 RECAP

44 TRAVEL Top 6 Side Trips in Makkah

48 SHOP For the Love of Stationery

Top Events in Riyadh (So Far)

24 GO

50 EAT Rise and Shine, Riyadh!

Outstanding Oman ON THE COVER A stream of sunshine covers the beautiful Al Kindi Plaza. Photo from the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The concept, style, and design of DQ Living Magazine remain the exclusive property of Sharakah Media and are not to be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Sharakah Media can not accept any legal responsibility for any error or omission.

Views expressed in this magazine are by writers and are not necessarily those of the publisher of DQ Living.

Sharakah Media | PO Box 9468 | Al Safarat Riyadh, 11614 | www.dqliving.com | projects@sharakahmedia.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

MOHAMMED AMEENUDDIN (@ameen.amster) is a project management professional by day and an aspiring writer/poet by night. He is a fitness fanatic, and is especially fond of long-distance running.

ZENIA DUELL is a communications professional working in Riyadh and living in the DQ. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, keeping fit, and cooking for friends. She is the founder of the DQ’s English language book club, @wadibookclub.

FARIHA ESHRAT is a medical doctor with an interest in writing, media and PR. Fariha enjoys covering health topics and is currently interning in a hospital in the USA. She has been an editorial and marketing team contributor at DQ Living since 2017.

IQRA LODHI is an Indian expat who’s lived most of her life in Saudi Arabia. She is a Biotech engineer and a mom who’s currently on a family adventure helmed by her two little boys.

IRINA PEREDERKO (@arriyadhlifestyle) is a lifestyle and fashion blogger in the Middle East. She considers herself lucky to be witnessing and participating in the changes of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

SALMA SIDDIQUA is an adventurer, a medical doctor in Riyadh, a foodie, and the founder of the travel blog “The Voyager Soul” (@thevoyagersoul_) highlighting the beautiful Saudi Arabia.

THE PINK TARHA (@thepinktarha) is an award-winning lifestyle guide composed of Janelle Vales Yasay and Reina Tejano Berina. They are considered as one of the pioneer bloggers in Riyadh for being online since 2009.

ALEXANDER WOODMAN believes that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to the world and that the beauty of the country resides in its uncharted territories. 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" (@thelandofadat).

ADVERTISE WITH US! Ready to deliver your message to the DQ Community?

DQ Living offers select sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

Inquire today at projects@sharakahmedia.com!

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

WHAT'S NEW IN THE DQ

Have a gastronomic adventure in these new restaurants in Al Kindi Plaza.

RUSSO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA (@russosksa) is

RAW.K (@rawk.sa) is a haven for everyone who

an Italian diner where families and friends can

loves quick, healthy, fresh, and delicious food.

gather around and have a taste of their fulfill-

Choose from their salads, pita sandwiches, and

ing dishes from freshly baked thin-crust pizzas

hot bowls that include Chicken Masala and

to delicious ravioli and risotto, cheesy lasagna,

Steak Stroganoff. They also offer cold-pressed

and mouthwatering creamy mushroom soup.

juices.

They are famous for their 28” pizza which you can customize for special occasions or events.

Looking for a new burger joint to try? BURGERATION (@burgerationsa) got you! They offer burgers like their Wagyu Special, Southern Crispy, and Grilled Chicken. They also have grills, fries, onion

GOT COOKIE? (@gotcookie.sa) will surely satisfy your craving for chocolate cookies! Partner them with your choice of cold or hot coffee.

rings, and drinks which are perfect matches to their burgers.

FISHFACE (@fishface.ksa) offers customized handheld sushi burritos and poke bowls! They also have makis, temakis, and nori tacos. Their cheesecakes are also must-tries!

Can’t get enough of burgers? Visit ABU NAJM (@abunajm.sa) for their delicious crafted burgers. The concept is based on the vintage late '80s and '90s era in the Kingdom; where having a short and unique menu will take you back to the good old days.

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

Email projects@sharakahmedia.com

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WELCOME

The DQ community is happy to welcome the new ambassadors of various embassies in Saudi Arabia. We wish them all the best in their new post.

HIS EXCELLENCY

HIS EXCELLENCY

AMBASSADOR OF PERU

AMBASSADOR OF PORTUGAL

CARLOS ZAPATA

The Embassy of Peru warmly welcomes the Ambassador of Peru to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Carlos Zapata. This is the second appointment of H.E. Zapata in the Kingdom. The Ambassador had the pleasure of serving as the Head of the Peruvian mission from 2015 to 2019. With this new appointment, H.E. Carlos Zapata looks forward to working with the leadership and government of Saudi Arabia. The Ambassador believes that the two countries will maintain cordial bilateral ties by strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, including Saudi Vision 2030.

NUNO MATHIAS

The Embassy of Portugal in Riyadh is pleased to welcome the Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal, H.E. Nuno Mathias, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ambassador intends to work hand in hand with the Saudi counterparts to strengthen the Saudi-Portuguese strategic relationship. Ambassador Mathias is keen to explore and understand more about the developments in the Kingdom, paving the path to new horizons of joint endeavors

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

COVER

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COVER

RIYADH’S DIPLOMATIC QUARTER, STILL IN BLOOM DQ LIVING STAFF Photography by DQ Office

In January 2017, the DQ Living Magazine was born out of sheer will and passion to showcase a place in Riyadh known as a “small city within a city” and to bring more information to this place’s residents and visitors. Five years later, the DQ Living Magazine is still as relevant as ever and the DQ is still one of the most sought-after addresses in the city with its award-winning architectural structures, lush landscapes and gardens, and new developments.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) is located in an ideal area in northwest Riyadh. Bordered by the Wadi Hanifa in the west, Salboukh in the east and the Makkah highway in the south, the DQ is a project initiated by then Governor of Riyadh H.R.H. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and carried out by the Arriyadh Development Authority (now the Royal Commission of Riyadh City) to accommodate foreign embassies and diplomatic missions, and KSA-based regional and international organizations. They aimed to develop a world-class neighborhood equipped with necessary urban infrastructure integrated with Riyadh’s progressive plan and strategy during a time when many other major government projects were being implemented.

Over five years of organization, planning, construction, and development saw the eight square kilometers of rocky, barren desert plateau turn into the DQ. Using the natural curves and slopes of the area and keeping in mind environmental sustainability, the DQ’s design integrated traditional elements and modern components to become what it is today: an oasis for people who call it home.

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Even with the developments and changes carried out in the DQ over the years, the place still reflects the traditional Arab city plan it was based on: a central complex that comprises a community center, a mosque, and souks. The overall building design in the DQ was inspired by HRH King Salman, who gave Riyadh's architecture and design a traditional, yet new soul. What is known to many as the "Salmani Style" is an approach that embodies an awareness of the past, a celebration of the present and a thought for an unknown yet exciting future. King Salman firmly believed in the combination of Riyadh’s glorious past and bold aspirations that come together to form a cohesive and authentic identity. This has lent vitality and flexibility to the capital’s overall look.

The residential areas inside the DQ also have traditional patterns that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. The DQ has won numerous awards for its layout and design: the Arab Cities Award for Architecture in 1990 for being the best architectural project built in an Arab city in a style that reinforces the credibility of Islamic Arab architecture and the Agha Khan Award for Ar-

JAN-FEB 2022 DQ LIVING MAGAZINE

chitecture in 1989 and 1998 for being a realistic and highly innovative, as well as a self-sustaining, project.

The Diplomatic Quarter has successfully reinforced the concept of an “oasis”. And truly it has continued to be so with the latest developments and additions to the place. In July 2021, HE Fahd Bin Abdulmohsen Bin Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) appointed Mr. Noble Coker as the DQ Steward. Mr. Coker has invited DQ residents and guests to a journey of discovering the DQ, which he describes as a “community that encompasses the world”.

Several DQ-based public services include educational facilities like the King Faisal School Complex, a premier school in Saudi Arabia that provides a well-rounded education to young people. The latest addition is the British School DQ, a private, non-profit educational institution that opened in September 2020. The new campus welcomes children aged 3-12. High quality concept-based learning, student well-being, and co-curricular programs make up the school’s philosophy.

The Tuwaiq Palace still stands tall as the heart of the DQ; its three main buildings link together like tents to show harmony and unity. The Cultural Center, a two-floor building that occupies 12,000 square meters, still sees celebrations and conferences from time to time. Though limited in its events because of the pandemic, the halls of the Cultural Center continue to shine in its historical glory.

The DQ’s unique building complex houses regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperating Council and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, along with businesses like Saudi Airlines and the newest one, Alsarh Travel. Several Saudi government bodies also call the DQ home: from the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Speaking of health, the DQ now has its own medical facility with the entry of the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center, a state-of-theart healthcare facility near the Richard Bodeker

Park. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency services, a pharmacy, and numerous clinics for various medical needs.

The DQ also saw the rise of the hospitality sector with the addition of the Marriott Riyadh DQ and Radisson Blu DQ. Both hotels are known for their luxurious accommodations and world-class restaurants and amenities. Visitors to the DQ will find a home away from home in these two prestigious hotels.

The gardens and parks of the DQ are still the best places to spend quality time with families and friends. Filled with flora and fauna unique to the desert climate and terrain, these spaces provide avenues for picnics, hiking, biking, and more.

The Al Khuzama Park is the venue of the Riyadh Season zone, The Groves. It’s filled with sparkling lights and high-end restaurants nowadays. The Yamama Park and Rock Park are still favorites for their wide spaces and playgrounds. Small parks are visited for some quiet time and relaxation.

Walking and running in the DQ trails are still the prevalent leisure activities.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

The DQ plazas were renovated recently.

The 6,080 square-meter Al-Kindi Plaza, one of the iconic plazas of the DQ and considered to be the standard of cities in the Arab and Muslim world, was expanded. The old restaurants were replaced with new ones to cater to the growing demand for more fresh culinary options. However, despite the renovations, the plaza still preserves the traditional bond between the mosque and public space. Likewise, the Fazari Plaza has undergone changes by welcoming new dining places and shops. A new, trendy plaza has joined the bustling DQ: Oud Square.

With its integrated modern complex of offices and shops, Oud Square increased the footfall in the DQ; its cafés and restaurants are always full.

The opening of a supermarket in the DQ has also ushered in excitement. Tamimi Markets, one of the fastest-growing supermarket chains in Saudi Arabia, opened their branch in the DQ giving residents a variety of fresh produce, grocery products, and high-quality essentials.

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The development and modernization are non-stop; the DQ is always bustling with activities! The DQ continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration to the people of Riyadh. It continues to uphold the integrity of the local and international communities while keeping up with the changes in Saudi Arabia. Truly, the DQ still holds the vision of peace and unity in its heart.

DQ Living Magazine: Then and Now In 2016, Maria Cometti had just moved to Saudi Arabia to live in the Diplomatic Quarter. At the time, she realized that there weren’t enough resources to find out information about the community that she was about to live in. With the DQ being one of the unique districts in Riyadh, she saw the opportunity to bridge the needs and interests of everyone by establishing a pioneer publication that would soon be known as the DQ Living Magazine.

It was not an easy start, as her initial pitch to a few consultants was met with discussion. It wasn’t until she met with two ladies

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In April 2018, DQ Living helped organize the DQ Community Picnic hosted by Darraq, one of DQ's premier properties. Held in Al Yamamah Park with over 200 attendees, it was a successful gathering of friends and families for one enjoyable afternoon. Later that year, the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority was officially established and the DQ Living Magazine became a media partner for the authority’s projects and events.

of The Pink Tarha, an award-winning lifestyle blog in Riyadh, that her idea finally came into fruition. With her background in marketing and community organization, and their creative skills in writing and designing, the wheels were now in place to finally make the magazine a reality.

The idea was embraced by DUR Hospitality, the largest residential real estate company in the DQ. At that time, DUR was also looking for a way to stay in touch with the DQ community. Sharing the same vision and mission with DQ Living of nurturing and connecting the community, DUR came on board as the magazine’s main sponsor.

By early February 2017, the first issue of the DQ Living Magazine was published and distributed to the embassies, businesses and residents of the DQ. Little did they know that they arrived at such a burgeoning stage in Saudi Arabia; as that year proved to be the start of the changes that would unfold and open the country to what it is today (and what it will soon become more of).

While the pandemic may have halted other print publications, DQ Living forged on through 2020 with a continuous message of resilience and hope to its readers. After all, the process of growth is always met with adversity.

The Diplomatic Quarter has grown through the years and the magazine has grown up alongside it. From what started out as a three-person team is now a team of 15; from a 25-page publication, it now averages 55 to 60 pages per issue. It is now a duly recognized niche magazine that is distributed to over 100 locations within the DQ and Riyadh. It also hosts a fully functional website of archived issues and has a digital reach of 20,000 users across its email database and social media channels. Needless to say, DQ Living is living up to what it had set out to do.

With five years under its belt, the magazine is eager to continue on with the groundwork it has established and more. The focus continues to be in service of the DQ community and expanding its coverage to all the relevant information it can share amongst its readers.

Since then, it has slowly grown as a part of the diplomatic and residential community of the DQ. The magazine has featured over 30 embassies, ambassadors and diplomats, philanthropists, business leaders, educational institutions, directory guides, events, and also helped DQ neighbors get to know each other a little more. It has showcased the diversity of cultures and bilateral relationships between other countries and Saudi Arabia, and how there is a growing number of activities and locations developing in the DQ.

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

DUR AL WADI

PERFECT RESIDENTIAL INNOVATION 12

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Dur Al Wadi Residential Compound combines warm traditional designs of residential units with innovative hospitality including well-arranged services and facilities that offer luxurious hotel experience.

This combination is the message that “Dur Communities” is keen to reflect in residential projects: household standards that reflect hospitality atmospheres. Once you have your unit, you will have a unique variety of services and facilities at a hotel-like ecosystem with matchless residential advantages that offer you integrated residential experience in one ecosystem.

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Once you visit Dur Al Wadi Residential Compound, you will be fascinated by the glorious and genuine Andalusian architecture which you will find everywhere around you. With a touch of the timeless Andalusian innovation, Dur Al Wadi reintroduces the Andalusian charm in a residential compound that combines practicality of the modern lifestyle with the beauty of the ancient Islamic civilization.

People love modern energetic lifestyles with the welfare it brings. However; they always feel eager to go back to the magic of the past. Dur Al Wadi seamlessly integrates the authentic spirit of the old Andalusian architecture into a smooth modern lifestyle with fascinating designs.

Integrated and attentive to details Home is our safe territory that provides us with what we need to face the world, thus, Dur Al Wadi is your best choice and the right point to start your journey to lead a fancy and peaceful life. The compound has a

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strategic location surrounded by many vital amenities such as major sporting clubs, malls, and internal swimming pool, in addition to a children’s football pitch, a large dressing room, and meeting rooms with a beautiful yard view. You should no longer worry about your car; Dur Al Wadi offers you underground parking to protect you from the burning sun in summer and torrential rains in winter. We do not forget your guests either; they can use our external car parking.

All these amenities are controlled through a huge security system with highly sophisticated security gates.

Here is where you belong Follow your feelings. Sometimes, over-thinking is not the right thing to do. Lifestyle becomes a daily obsession for Saudi and resident families alike across the KSA including doctors, engineers, and university students.

These families are always looking for improving their material and objective capa-

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bilities and having a better life. Dur Al Wadi offers you a consistent, safe, and unparalleled life. If you want to shop or swim, you will not need to move away. It is all in your hands at all times.

Balanced lifestyle to help you move forward Improving our standard of living becomes a target for every member of the society. It may be an easy or a difficult target to attain depending on how you are psychologically, financially, and intellectually ready. Dur Al Wadi can be your first step to improve your standard of living with its unique and modern lifestyle. To get a balanced lifestyle that can keep up with the latest developments, we should unleash our potential to achieve our targets.

Be unique… enjoy unparalleled luxury… everything you need is at your fingertips Here, you will have the best lifestyle in the KSA. You will only see luxurious units with deluxe exterior and elegant interiors. The units combine the beauty of Andalusian designs and the energetic nature of the modern lifestyle.

Own your apartment at Dur Al Wadi and live an unmatched life. You will enjoy several recreation facilities including gardens, playgrounds, spas, and swimming pools.

Luxurious and happy life Imagine a place where you can get amenities along with vibrant services. It is Dur Al Wadi Residential Compound where Andalusian- designed windows act like frames to the attractive nature outside overlooking palm trees and shrubs bordering the corridors.

Whether you wish to spend a good time with your kids, play your favorite sport, or enjoy a swim, just join Dur Al Wadi Community, where all you need is steps away from your apartment. Discover the apartments and choose the perfect location you want.

For more information or a tour of the residential compound, contact the sales team at Dur Al Wadi.

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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RECAP

TOP EVENTS IN RIYADH (SO FAR) IRINA PEREDERKO Saudi Arabia roared back to life with events that fascinated both locals and residents alike. Here’s a glimpse to some major events in Riyadh events that reignited the passion for entertainment and sports activities in the Kingdom.

Photo credit: twitter.com/mdlbeast

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RECAP

MDL Beast / DECEMBER 2021 MDL Beast’s SOUNDSTORM was a breath-taking, one-of-its-kind record-beating four-day multi-genre music, art, and culture festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The second edition (the 2019 music fest being the first) brought a record-breaking number of visitors to the biggest musical scene ever! The festival united all ages and nationalities in the capital city; over 200 artists performed in eight stages for four days. The food, art, and culture choices were also abundant.

The abundance of food choices was generously brought to MDL Beast by AHK-group. With more than 20 years of experience and operating 20 top restaurants, AHK-group made it easy for the festival guests to enjoy various cuisines and rock the concert full and fulfilled.

Photo credit: twitter.com/mdlbeast

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Fashion MOC, Fashion Commission, and Fashion Futures / DECEMBER 2021 The summit “Fashion Futures” was organized by the Fashion Commission (FC) and took place in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. FF is Saudi's biggest annual fashion event that offers enriching discussions and various activities presented from Riyadh to the world. FC held an exhibition of 100 Saudi brands at the King Abdullah Financial District to discover distinctive designs inspired by Saudi Heritage. It was a magical journey that embodied the fashion of the present and future. Elevate Female Leaders as a part of Fashion Commission’s initiatives, aiming to empower female leaders to develop the fashion sector in Saudi, provides opportunities for women to achieve their professional goals, through a 6 months period of sessions mentored by fashion experts who have contributed to the fashion industry’s rebirth globally.

In keeping with fashion events in the capital city, Riyadh's Jax District was the venue of Hia Magazine's Hia Hub where fashoin and art meet. The opening celebration included art exhibits, talks and workshops attended by talented creatives, influencers, and celebrities.

Photo credit: twitter.com/fashionmoc

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Diriyah Biennale / DECEMBER 2021 Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale is a journey of creativity, inspiration, and fresh experiences. It is a mega-scale international art exhibition presented every two years. This edition started in December 2021 and will continue for three months. It features a curated exhibition of 28 Saudi artists and 36 international artists, and a public program with creative experiences, talks, debates, films, and workshops held on the total space of 30,000 square meters. The displayed artworks reflect ideas of the present, allowing cultures to exchange values and ideas. Don’t miss the chance to see amazing designs, installations, contests, awards, enjoy fun activities and food experiences.

Photo credit: twitter.com/biennale_sa

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Dakkar Rally 2022 / JANUARY 2022 The 44th Dakar Rally, organized by Amaury Sport Organization, started in Hail and ended in Jeddah but parts of the route touched Riyadh’s stretches of sand dunes. This is the third time that Saudi Arabia hosted the event. The rally raid event consisted of one prologue stage and 112 normal stages that involved cars, quads, bikes, and trucks. Sam Sunderland and Nasser Al-Attiyah have emerged as the winners in the bikes and cars category, respectively. This year's edition has wrapped up after two weeks of gruelling racing in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.

Photo credit: twitter.com/dakar

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Joy Awards 2022 / JANUARY 2022 The biggest names in the entertainment industry graced the purple carpet of the Bakr Al-Sheddi Theater in Riyadh to receive their trophies from the second annual Joy Awards, billed as the largest celebration of entertainment creators in the Arab world hosted by the General Entertainment Authority. More than 200 Arab and international artists from vast categories like television, cinema, social media, sports, and music were honored in the ceremony. Bollywood star Salman Khan won Personality of the Year while US actor John Travolta picked up his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photo credit: twitter.com/riyadhseason

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Saudi Design Festival 2022 / JANUARY 2022 The Saudi Design Festival is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Presented by the Architecture and Design Commission that transformed Riyadh into a hub for creative dialogue from Jan 9 – 29, 2022 at JAX District, the SDF this year expanded on all the things you’ve come to love about the past Saudi Design Week events. It exceptionally created new ways to amplify the voices of local talents and brought creative dialogue in the Kingdom, while putting Saudi Arabia’s designs and designers on the global design map. Notable displays include the AlUla pavilion and its AlUla Design Awards that recognizes exceptional design inspired by the heritage. landscapes, and history of AlUla. The Otrivin AirBubble ecoLogicStudio brings to SDF a concrete vision for a carbon neutral architecture with its playful eco-machine. SDF 2022 also featured a Design Forum, a collection of talks by distinguished designers, and a Design market where SMEs, concept stores, and retail lifestyle brands sold their products.

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ABB FIA Formula E World Championship / JANUARY 2022 Fans returned to the grandstands of the Diriyah, UNESCO World Heritage site, to witness the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship last January 28-29, 2022. Eleven teams and 22 world-class drivers started their journey to the FIA World Championship title. The thrilling opener set under the night lights of the historical district is the start of the biggest ever 16-race calendar. The first round of Diriyah Formula E-Prix 2022 was won by the Dutch driver Nyck de Vries. Music lovers also enjoyed the two-night concerts that featured international stars The Script, Craig David, James Blunt, and more.

Photo credit: twitter.com/fiaformulae

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GO

OUTSTANDING OMAN FARIHA ESHRAT

For beautiful coastlines, rich cultural tapestry, and diverse culinary experience close to home, visit Oman for a short weekend trip or a long vacation. This Middle Eastern gem is an exciting country waiting for you to explore.

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GO

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The Sultanate of Oman, a hidden gem at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, encompasses a fascinating combination of ageless heritage and modern life. With its rich wildlife, this region is popular among nature lovers. Travelers worldwide are welcome to join locals and stroll along the lovely waterfront, where white buildings and mosques are adorned by mountains and forts that glow gold in the evening light. Oman is the only country in the world made up primarily of oceanic crust and rocks originating from the Earth's mantle.

Even as summer temperatures rise sharply in the rest of the Gulf region, the Sultanate of Oman has cooler temperatures in Dhofar and the mountain peaks of the Al Hajar range. The magnificent ecology, diverse flora, and fauna are protected by nature reserves such as the Daimaniyat Islands near Muscat, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.

Oman offers a lot to visitors and adventurers looking for a unique holiday experience, such as hiking, scuba diving, fishing, kitesurfing, and caving, to name just a few. With an abundance of natural beauty, breathtaking mountains, windswept deserts, and pristine coastlines, Oman mirrors the modern face of Arabia, embellished with its ancient soul.

Oman's low-rise towns retain their traditional charm, while Bedouin values remain at the heart of Omani hospitality. Locals often invite visitors for Omani coffee and dates, a local courtesy and tradition. What makes the Sultanate of Oman a unique and exciting destination to visit over and over again is the hospitality of the Omani people.

Bilateral Relations The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman have a long historical relationship. In 1971, Oman and Saudi Arabia established official diplomatic relations. Oman has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah, while Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Muscat. Diplomatic ties are developing and flourishing based on the strong ties established by the founders of the two countries. Saudi Arabia and

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Oman have many joint investments in energy, petrochemicals, renewables, healthcare, and tourism.

In 2021, Oman and Saudi Arabia entered a new economic cooperation era, aiming to stimulate bilateral trade between the two countries and create huge investment opportunities. Saudi Arabia became the first country visited by the Sultan of Oman, HM Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, on his first official trip abroad since his accession to the throne in 2020.

His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq was greeted by HRH King Salman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During this two-day visit to the Kingdom, the two countries welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council, which will be led by the foreign ministers of the two countries.

The parties also agreed to expedite the opening of the border crossing point between the Kingdom and the Sultanate, integrating supply chains and allowing citizens of Saudi Arabia and Oman to travel smoothly between countries. During this trip, the officials also developed a number of agreements to expand cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, investment, security, culture, diplomacy, and education. The two countries also pledged to continue the bilateral cooperation and coordination achieved in the political, military, and security fields. In December 2021, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a state visit to Oman. During this visit, 13 MoUs worth $30 billion were signed between leading Saudi and Omani companies.

Saudi Arabia and Oman are full of promising investment opportunities that create fertile ground for establishing diverse investment partnerships between the two countries' business sectors. The MoUs are expected to increase investment in a number of areas, which will impact the development of services and the achievement of the Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040 goals.

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WHAT TO DO

Shop at Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest traditional markets in Oman, offers an

Scuba dive in Musandam, famous for its breathtaking fjords, desert mountains,

exceptional collection of authentic Omani products such as colorful fabrics, tra-

blue waters, and white sandy beaches. Visitors can take a dhow, a traditional

ditional clothing, silver and gold jewelry, ceramic incense burners, silver jewelry,

Omani boat, to explore the coasts or spot dolphins.

pashminas, turbans, genie lamps, fluffy camels, and souvenirs.

Go hiking on Jebel Akhdar, a part of the Al Hajar mountain range, with lush

Explore Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century fort with its circular tower overlooks the

green spaces dotting the hiking trails.

breathtaking mosques, souqs, distant rocky mountains, and the date palms surrounding the oasis city.

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WHERE TO GO

Built in 2001 in the Bawshar district of Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a natural reserve for endangered green turtles,

Mosque is truly an architectural marvel with its immense golden dome,

with approximately 20,000 turtles in the untouched golden sandy beaches and

minarets, arches, engraved walls, blue mosaic tiles, handmade rugs, decorated

crystal-clear waters. The picturesque fishing village of Al Ayjah, adjacent to the

interior, unique lamps, and central crystal chandelier.

reserve, has a must-see yard for building dhows.

Wadi Bani Khalid is a beautiful piece of paradise with several water pools and

Masirah Island is the biggest island of Oman. Explore the famous abandoned

a spring flowing inside the valley all year long.

shipyards along the sunny beaches, watch over 30,000 turtles arriving on the island during hatching season, and enjoy fishing from a dhow boat.

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DISCUSSION WITH

AMBASSADOR HH SAYYID FAISAL BIN TURKI AL SAID ALEXANDER WOODMAN What are the main achievements and goals of the centuries-old relations between Saudi Arabia and Oman?

Oman and Saudi Arabia have a long-lasting historical relationship, including political, cultural, and social interactions. Over the past five years, the pace of development of bilateral ties has been changing, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Omani Vision 2040.

Bilateral relations were also impacted by the 2020 global crisis, falling oil prices, and the death of His Majesty Qaboos bin Said, who has built a comprehensive relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for over five decades.

In terms of the achievements, I would like to discuss the road project, which began in 2016 and was recently implemented. Finally, both sides celebrated the official opening of the Empty Quarter Road, which directly connects Oman with Saudi Arabia. I consider this one of the most important successes and achievements of our joint efforts and cooperation.

Now, that His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq has ascended the throne, a new era has begun in bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia and Oman's foreign policy as such. These changes in Oman are known as the “New Renaissance.” Saudi Arabia was the first country where HM Sultan Haitham made an official visit, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman completed a remarkable visit to Oman at the end of 2021.

What is the mission and vision of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council?

The council oversees all aspects of cooperation - political, economic, cultural, to name a few. It will be a general umbrella that brings together all other committees and subcommittees to ensure that the goals and proposals of each sector represented as a priority for both countries are implemented and achieved as per written agreements.

This type of cooperation has become the model used by Saudi Arabia with many countries, ensuring

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that everything agreed and stipulated in the various memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements are implemented, delivered, and executed perfectly. Compared to the experience of Saudi Arabia, this is the first time that Oman has such a coordination council, especially with Saudi Arabia. After hard work and immense joint efforts, it is finally approved, and all stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the first formal meeting of the Coordination Council, possibly in the first quarter of 2022.

How do you envision expanding mutual economic, social, and diplomatic alliances as part of Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040?

I see visions as a driver. Vision is the path to longterm end goals and short-term results. Visions define the goals for which people work and the path that must be taken to achieve those goals. Overall, Saudi and Omani visions are quite similar, and they are likely to be very similar even within the GCC, regardless of the time periods they are launched. Essentially, the visions are about building better communities and societies, empowering youth, providing better job opportunities, to name a few. Reflecting on Saudi Vision 2030 and Omani Vision 2040, I believe they have a lot in common in terms of expected results and goals to be achieved.

In Oman, and also, as far as I know, in Saudi Arabia, visions are divided into five-year periods. Thus, efforts should be made to achieve the goals of the fiveyear plan and assess the accomplishments before moving forward. These five years are broken down into an annual plan, since now even a five-year plan is considered long-term. My duty as an ambassador is to apprehend how much we can achieve in one year in improving Omani-Saudi relations and what significant projects can be implemented based on the agreements signed between the two countries. I believe that the true enablers will be platforms that have already been designed to serve the priorities identified in these visions.

What makes Oman an attractive destination for the global community?

Any destination is unique, memorable, and worth visiting for its people, above all. The tourism sector

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is growing and developing in both Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Ten years ago, Saudi Arabia would not have been considered an attractive tourist destination for the world community as it is now. In the minds and hearts of Arabs and Muslims, it would be the primary destination for Hajj and Umrah. However, over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has made every effort to be perceived not only as a place for pilgrimage, but also as a country with attractive tourist destinations worth exploring and experiencing. While most Omanis visit Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, they should start traveling to Riyadh, as well. It is cosmopolitan, diverse, young, and unexplored for them that will allow to discover Saudi Arabia from another lenses.

Oman is the second-largest Gulf country with a long and rich history and if a Saudi or any other person visits Oman, they would find another added value in terms of the experience gained and memories. Oman has mesmerizing and gorgeous natural features gifted with lands, seas, deserts, and serene beaches.

The country offers countless small experiences, big adventures, and unforgettable culturally unique discoveries.

Oman can not only be seen but also felt thanks to the nature, spirit, and simple yet precious generosity of the Omanis. For example, if one travels to Muscat, one would get different impressions within a 2–3hour radius from north to south. These impressions will include both stunning views and people with their amazing and sincere way of interacting with the world around them and newcomers.

The Embassy of Oman is located in the Diplomatic Quarter. How does this contribute to the multi-lateral projects of the international offices in the DQ? I would like to start answering this question by sharing my first impression upon arrival in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). When I entered the DQ, I noticed the immense size of the area that has existed for a long time and continues to evolve in its way. As an ambassador, I discovered how convenient is the area, allowing to hold more than five meetings a day. These meetings are not limited to regular "meet and greet"

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meetings, they are often lengthy discussions, and the proximity of foreign missions allows very productive and secure cooperation.

I should acknowledge the unique concept of the DQ contributing to the foreign policy of the Kingdom. I have learned that the number of DQ community is more than ten thousand people, which is quite sizeable. What I would like to know more about DQ is how management maintains the balance of a diverse community of diplomats, business community, and the general public. I am looking forward to learn more about the DQ development and being part of the community.

In addition to official meetings and celebrations of national days in the DQ, what connects the community of the DQ? As you rightly pointed out, diplomats often meet only when there is an event or when a project needs to be discussed. However, I believe that the concept of the DQ aims to connect not only the diplomats but their families and representatives of the community by sharing hobbies and pursuits other than politics. I hope to be one of the participants in bringing people together from the diverse community of the DQ. This can ultimately lead to both successful diplomacy and thriving people-to-people connections.

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TACKLING COVID-19 IN THE KINGDOM SP. SUMAIA JALLOUN, INFECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST Since the third week of December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus has appeared causing a pandemic disease around the world which killed a huge number of people in days. It became the main virus to focus on and fight against. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made all the efforts to help save people's lives and care for patients with special cases to the fullest. And since among the absolute rights of every individual in this country is the preservation of his security and mental, physical, and psychological health, and not tampering with matters of religion and the safety of family and economic status, the authorities imposed precautionary measures to limit the spread of infection among the people by breaking the chain of infection between the infected groups from the principle of no harm and no causing harm either.

In order to fight this war against the coronavirus, some of the preventive measures that the country has undertaken are providing free vaccines to everyone in the Kingdom to build a protective shield against the virus; sharing information on protection, prevention, isolation, and treatment on social media platforms and audio-visual broadcasting organizations; and directing instructions in food and public procurement stores until the situation was generally controlled.

With continued adherence to these restrictions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was able to be among the top developed countries in addressing this pandemic, with fewer deaths and injuries than the rest of the world, and was also ranked second place in the Nikkei COVID-19 recovery index among 120 countries based on the recovery rate from the pandemic.

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Starting from common influenza virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS coronavirus), until the last mutant Omicron variant of COVID-19, respiratory diseases became more dangerous to the public health worldwide and waiting for such thing called the end of a virus will lead to end the life cycle on this planet.

Life cycle, in Biology, is the series of changes that the members of a species undergo as they pass from the beginning of a given developmental stage to the inception of that same developmental stage in a subsequent generation, and in real life we can translate this definition by simply saying that man feeds on plants or animals, and in turn, they feed on insects and microorganisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye, as well as life goes on. Once you look closely at this cycle, you will psychologically accept that it is okay to adapt with your current situation, as you read this article and received vaccination doses against this virus and that you are in a great blessing.

We, at the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center, are one with the government in continuing the fight against COVID-19. We encourage everyone to visit our center for full shots of COVID-19 vaccines and for emergency medical checkup upon suspicions of infection. The Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine clinics follow up on all kinds of infection.

We encourage everyone to perform hand hygiene, learn the respiratory hygiene steps to reduce chances of infections, and wear protection equipment. Once you have the symptoms and tested positive, please isolate to protect the people around you.

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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DR. AHMED ELHAG Committed to providing the highest quality primary healthcare services, the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center offers 24/7 services that includes their Emergency Department (ED). Find out more about this Department as Dr. Ahmed Elhag, Resident Adult ER, answers some questions about the ED. Which types of services are provided in your Emergency Department?

When a patient presents to the ED, he/she will be seen first by the ED registered nurse and she will take an initial history and place the patient in the bed and take his vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature), then the ED physician will assess and examine the patient and make a provisional diagnosis.

What if a patient prefers to be examined and treated at his/her home, are there such services provided by your Emergency Department?

We have our Rapid Response Team (RRT), which consists of our professional paramedics, ER registered nurse, and the ER physician.

The team will be prepared with all the necessary equipment. If a patient requests such a service, he/she should call (011-52-59555).

What are the operating hours at your Emergency Department?

We have 24/7 services that include the Emergency Department, Radiology Department, Laboratory Department and Pharmacy. In case of emergency, please call 011-52-59555.

Based on the patient's symptoms, the ED physician will decide whether the patient needs IV analgesia, IV fluids, to extract blood for investigations or to request an imaging modality that fits the patient complaints.

What will you do if a service is not available or if a patient needs further management and/or hospital admission?

When we encounter such cases that needs either to be evaluated by a specialized physician or needs an imaging modality (eg. CT scan or MRI) that will add more to the diagnosis, at that event, we will coordinate with our command center, Tele-Emergency Center (TEC), to transfer the patient to another HMG branch that has the required facility.

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GREET

DISCUSSION WITH

AMBASSADOR OF MOZAMBIQUE, H.E. FAIZAL FAQUIR CASSAM ALEXANDER WOODMAN What are the achievements of the 23-year diplomatic relations between Mozambique and Saudi Arabia?

Although bilateral relations between the two countries have lasted for over twenty-three years, the Embassy of Mozambique opened just ten years ago.

During these ten years, representatives and diplomats of the two countries have been working to lay the foundation for robust cooperation. Today, the most significant achievements are political cooperation and humanitarian assistance. There is an enormous potential for public-private partnerships in the coming years, especially in agriculture, agro-industrial production and processing, fisheries, mining, renewable energy, tourism, finance, and textiles.

Mozambique has rich natural resources, vast arable land of about 36 million hectares, great availability of water, energy, and a favorable climate for agriculture and livestock.

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Recalling Saudi Arabia's government interest and vision for renewable energy, I would like to emphasize that Mozambique has huge energy potential from hydroelectric to renewable resources, amounting to solar energy 23,000 GW, followed by hydro 19 GW, wind 5 GW, biomass 2 GW, and geothermal energy 0.1 GW. I also envision productive cooperation in tourism, as marine and protected areas cover about two million hectares of the country and can attract Saudi travelers interested in ecology and nature conservation.

What specific areas of cooperation are included in a General Cooperation Agreement?

In 2016, the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the General Cooperation Agreement to boost the bilateral partnerships in various fields. According to article three of the agreement, both parties agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in infrastructures, finance and investments, agricul-

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GREET ture, environment, forestry, tourism, trade, energy, water, science, technology, and mining. In addition, several agreements are currently under negotiation, including promotion and mutual protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation, agriculture, technical and vocational training, justice, energy, employment, chambers of commerce, and industry.

What are the current rates of trade cooperation? Why should Saudi entrepreneurs invest in Mozambique?

In 2019, exports from Mozambique to Saudi Arabia totaled $1.68 million. Undoubtedly, the bilateral trade balance remains low. However, I believe the agreements will significantly change and improve the status quo, especially if increased mobility for entrepreneurs and tourists is ensured.

There are several reasons Saudi investors and entrepreneurs are welcome to invest in Mozambique, despite the risks of a developing country. Mozambique has good transport links to South Africa through the Maputo corridor, Malawi and Zambia (Nacala corridor), Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and the DRC (Beira corridor). The country has great potential for a green economy, including fertile soil, abundant water resources, dense forests, marine and fish stocks, wildlife, fascinating landscapes. The development of the gas and other extractive industries also opens up many opportunities for the manufacturing sector.

Mozambique offers a competitive labor force. In addition to access to domestic markets for an estimated 31 million people, another advantage to be reckoned with is access to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) (250 million people) and international markets such as the European Union (500 million) and the United States (326 million). This opportunity is available under specific regional, bilateral preferential agreements, namely the SADC - European Union Economic Partnership Agreement and the African Growth Opportunity Act of the USA (AGOA).

Where do you see the potential of Mozambique for equally beneficial cooperation as part of Saudi Vision 2030?

Competitiveness is the key to the development of a nation and economy. In the concept of development of both countries, Mozambique's National Development Strategy (2015-2035) and Saudi Vision 2030 pay great attention to improving the competitiveness of their economies. Therefore, I consider it appropriate for the two countries to cooperate to achieve their goals.

Diversification is another important step. As the saying goes, "do not put all your eggs in one basket."

That is why the more diversified a country's economy is, the more prosperous the nation will be. The

National Development Strategy (2015-2035) has as a central objective to adopt a more diversified and competitive economy, intensifying productive sectors to raise income generation and create more employment opportunities, especially for the youth. To that end, sectors such as agricultural production, economic and social infrastructure, fishing and aquaculture, tourism, extractive industry, and statistics were defined as strategic. Three priorities or pillars were defined as part of Mozambique's vision: human capital development and social justice, boosting economic growth, productivity, job creation, and strengthening the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment.

Hence, the visions of Saudi Arabia and Mozambique have common goals that can be achieved in a winwin approach.

You also serve as Mozambique's Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). What will be your remarks on interfaith dialogue?

Undoubtedly, the events of recent decades have brought the civilized world to the edge of collapse and caused many misconceptions and misperceptions in the dialogue among civilizations. The most dangerous consequences are the risk of a conflict of diverse societies, common phobias, hate speech, and, ultimately, extremism and terrorism. To mitigate tensions between the West and the Muslim world, we need more than ever strong institutions that can foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

In this regard, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) plays an important role through the Dialogue and Outreach Department, facilitating dialogue with the various faiths and societies worldwide. A recent positive development in this regard was the establishment at the OIC General Secretariat of the Sawt al-Hikmah Centre for Anti-extremist Rhetoric. As a founding state and one of the most influential members of the OIC, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in the context of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for Inter-faith and Inter-Civilizational Dialogue (KAICIID). However, it is a collective effort that should be taken by all. Governments, international organizations such as the OIC, the United Nations through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and UNESCO, the Holy See, social media, global enterprises, and civil society play a decisive role. They can demand and contribute to positive cultural diplomacy as a viable tool for developing interfaith dialogue. If successful, this endeavor will be essential in shaping the future, specifically for the youth, the owners of the world, figuratively speaking.

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COLUMN HEALTH 5 HEALTHY WAYS TO DEAL WITH LIFE’S STRESSORS SALMA SIDDIQUA With unprecedented changes brought about by COVID-19, pandemic-related stress continues to take a toll on every domain of daily life. As the world heads into the third year of the pandemic, stressors have become persistent and indefinite, heightening everyone’s risk of burnout. As we adjust to this new era and try to remain healthy in a time of COVID-19, focusing on mental health offers tremendous benefits.

Identify your personal triggers. It is important to take time and label what you’re stressed about in order to manage your stress in a healthy way.

When you don’t have words to articulate what you are internally experiencing, it’s harder for the mind to comprehend it. If you don’t know what it is, that creates more anxiety of the unknown. One of the first stresses APA talks about is dealing with stress of uncertainty.

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Research shows that people react differently to uncertainty, and that those with a higher intolerance for uncertainty may be less resilient and more prone to low mood, negative or down feelings, and anxiety. No one can avoid the unexpected. But these evidence-based tools can help you combat stress:

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HEALTH COLUMN ELIMINATE THE STRESSORS. It’s not always possible to escape a stressful situation or avoid a problem, but you can try to reduce the stress you are feeling by evaluating whether you can change the situation that’s causing you stress. Some tips: ▪ Be cautious of your calendar. Don’t overcommit. Remember it’s okay to say no. Say no with the reason of reality of the situation. Use your calendar cautiously to make sure there is never a time that you’re back to back.

▪ Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control.

When uncertainty strikes, many people immediately imagine worst-case scenarios. Get out of the habit of ruminating on negative events.

▪ Control what you can. Focus on the things that are within your control. Establish routines to give your days and weeks some comforting structure.

▪T ake your own advice. Ask yourself: If a friend came to me with this worry, what would I tell her? Imagining your situation from the outside can often provide perspective and fresh ideas.

CULTIVATE SOCIAL SUPPORT. Many people isolate themselves when they’re stressed or worried but strong social support can improve resilience to stress. Reach out strategically. Some friends or family members may be good at listening and sympathizing; others might excel at practical help. Giving support can also increase positive emotions and decrease negative emotions. Just make sure your relationships stay in balance.

SEEK GOOD NUTRITION. When confronted with a stressor, the central nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, combined with high sugar consumption may prompt the deposition of fat around our internal organs — visceral fat that is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A diet high in a variety of nutrients can both protect health and provide more physical energy to deal with

challenges. Aim to consume a rainbow of fruits and vegetables as part of your daily diet.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP. Sleep is a critical biological process, and as we juggle the mental, physical, and emotional demands of the pandemic, it’s arguably more important than ever. Experts agree that getting consistent, high-quality sleep improves virtually all aspects of health. How to sleep better?

▪ Try to have a consistent sleep routine that allows time to wind down before lights out. Meditation and relaxation can help with insomnia.

▪ Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.

▪ Put down your screens as blue light can suppress the sleepy hormone melatonin (and checking social media may ramp up your emotions).

GET PHYSICAL, RELAX YOUR MUSCLES, AND MEDITATE. Keep moving, and rest when you feel tired. Brisk walking does not only improve sleep, it can also directly combat stress and boost your immunity.

Give time for some physical or leisure activities and exercise everyday. When you feel tired and stressed, combat it with stretches, massage or warm baths. Or try progressive muscle relaxation, a method that has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. Meditating can also reduce stress and anxiety. Set aside five minutes to sit and breathe in a quiet place, reflect on past success and eventually, gently refocus on the present. Create a positive space for peace.

These are only some tips to deal with life’s stressors. If you feel overwhelmed and self-help is no longer working, don’t be afraid to seek help from a psychologist or other mental health providers.

He or she can help you identify situations or behaviors that contribute to your stress and then develop an action plan to change the stressors, change your environment and change your responses.

Have a happy, stress-free 2022!

Dr. Salma Siddiqua earned her MBBS from Batterjee Medical College for Sciences and Technology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She is currently working as a pediatrician in the Ministry of Health Hospitals in Riyadh. She has particular interests in Research and Pediatric Cardiology. She is also a mental health advocate.

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COLUMN LIFESTYLE NEW WAYS TO MOVE THE PINK TARHA

It’s a new year, and every time the first few months roll in, a lot of us are motivated to turn over a new leaf - mostly in terms of our health and fitness. Let us feed your fresh and eager energies by sharing fitness centers that are offering something new and unique.

AQUA MOVE Did you know that exercising in water helps you burn more calories and lose more weight? This new facility is taking water fitness to another level with their private sports water devices such as the Aqua Run and Aqua Bike. Each equipment is fitted in a personal room that is cleaned and sterilized after use. They have programs available for fat burning, physical therapy, pregnant women and the elderly.

Rates start at 200 SAR per session and personal trainers are available depending on the package acquired.

Aqua Move KSA Abi Bakr As Siddiq Branch Rd, Al Wadi, Riyadh https://aquamoveksa.com Download their app for bookings “AquaMoveKSA” Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-11:00 PM daily except Fridays: 2:00 PM-10:00 PM Tel: +966592016679 Instagram: @aquamoveksa

OUCH AND SPIN No pain, no gain, right? Perhaps that’s why they started with the “ouch” in their name. But true to the adage, the feature highlight of this new fitness center is their spin classes with a virtual reality screen, giving the participants the sense that they are actually cycling outdoors. Their Hip Hop Spin classes are a hot pick. They also offer cardio, yoga, and belly dancing classes. Rates start at 150 SAR per session with weekly schedules available on their website.

Ouch and Spin Takhassusi St, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12341 https://ouchandspin.com/en Opening Hours: 4:00 PM-9:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday) 3:00 PM-7:00 PM (Saturday); Closed on Fridays Tel: +966557885509 Instagram: @ouchandspin

Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina Tejano-Berina 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.

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LIFESTYLE COLUMN STANCE Looking to improve your posture, muscle tone, and balance? This wellness center aims to help you find your stance with their pilates studio and spa. They offer Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, and Barre classes for both beginners and advanced practitioners.

Prices are in set packages of 10 sessions, starting at 2,530 SAR for Group Classes.

Stance Hittin, Riyadh 13512 http://www.stance-sa.com/ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM-10:00 PM (Daily, except on Fridays: Closed) Tel: +966532000541 Instagram: @stance.sa

9ROUND Developed by World Champion Kickboxer, Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson, they employ a system of nine rounds aimed at burning calories, strengthening your muscles, boosting stamina, and releasing endorphins in a jiffy. They have 23 branches all over Riyadh that cater to both men and women, with the nearest one in the Al Ramaniyah District. You can also get a free 30-minute trial class by booking on their website.

9Round Al Takhassousi, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12341 (Men’s and Women’s Branch) https://sa.9round.com/ Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday) 3:00 PM-11:00 PM (Friday) Tel: +966920019910 Instagram: @9roundksa

TRIBUS “You never know until you Tri” is the battle cry at Tribus, a women’s gym focused on empowering members in weight training, boxing, and tailored workouts. You can opt for a per class basis that starts at 275 SAR or avail of their monthly memberships that start at 1,860 SAR with unlimited classes and a plus one (for a friend).

Tribus 4112 Al Urubah Branch Road, Riyadh 12341 https://www.tribus.sa Opening Hours: 10:30 AM-9:00 PM (Daily, except on Fridays: Closed) Tel: +966560060019 Instagram: @tribus.ksa

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DO

WHERE TO RUN IN RIYADH MOHAMMED AMEENUDDIN This new year, go for a quick run to start a healthy lifestyle.

If you’re up for it, go for a long run. Just keep running!

Running is the most natural form of sport.

We learn basic running the moment we are able to walk. It is a good exercise that doesn’t cost a lot to do and can be done any time. Enhancement of basic walking or jogging or running can give rise to the athlete inside each of us.

Watching them has its own bewitching effect. Sure it can distract for a moment but it can also bring some inner calm.

Over my last 3 years of running, I have realized that running not only helps physically but is a great source of positivity. Running builds stronger bones and strengthens muscles. It also improves cardiovascular fitness and helps maintain a healthy weight.

More than 10 kilometers of straight road routes, picnic spots and amazing views Frequented by many running groups, Wadi Hanifa is one of the most visited picnic spots in Riyadh. There are certain road routes that stretch up to 10 km straight which are very good if you are considering long runs.

One of the main tips for running is finding and planning the best route to do it. In recent years, Riyadh has become a good place for running. Many places were improved by the excellent initiative of the Saudi government to motivate the community to live a healthy lifestyle.

Below are the places I have been training for the past few years for my races, which have evolved with time and have become more secure making runs stress free and safe for everyone. The patrolling personnel are doing a marvelous job in being vigilant at the places mentioned below.

WADI HANIFA https://goo.gl/maps/sVorrcyFncyFyfHB7 20 km away from the DQ

KING ABDULLAH WALKWAY https://goo.gl/maps/Eyamwit5N6GMH jwA9 13 km away from the DQ Familiar, common place, solid pavements, and refreshing flora Situated on the main road near Prince Sultan University, this is one of the most common places to have small runs while enjoying the fresh breeze from the trees and flowers around.

DIPLOMATIC QUARTER https://goo.gl/maps/JosJHsf4WMpf2i6f8

KING FAHD MEDICAL CITY https://goo.gl/maps/JSYaJUaGLhQ3tLcG7 11 km away from the DQ

Beautiful roads, well maintained gardens, and numbered roundabouts If you are interested in some scenic beauty and want to get a challenging run, the trails in DQ are must-run places especially during winters when the mornings are cold and the sunrise and sunsets are vivid.

Like-minded crowd, popular walking spot, and center of the city One of the most accessible walking places is the area around King Fahd Medical City.

Easily accessible and popular with a lot of locals and residents, you’ll enjoy the walk and run with like-minded people who also

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Foot bridge along Wadi Hanifa.

One of the running trails in the DQ.

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want to insert a quick exercise in their daily life routine.

GHADEER WALKING TRAIL https://goo.gl/maps/DELyEXFXQ9CWeD1y7 19.5 km away from the DQ Corniche-like feels, Winter Wonderland view, and open spaces This walking and running trail has a corniche-like ambiance, minus the water. It’s beside the ongoing Winter Wonderland though and its lights and activities create

an energy-filled backdrop. You just have to be more careful here as this area is used by others for biking, riding scooters, and also walking their dogs.

I love running. It is something I do by myself or sometimes, with friends. We can control our pace, decide on which direction to go, and attain new goals. It doesn’t matter if we go slow or fast, if we come first or not; the only thing that matters is we start and finish our goal.

WALKING TRAILS IN RIYADH PARKS There are many trails in the deserts outside Riyadh but not everyone has the time and experience to walk or run in these desert trails. Opt for the huge parks in the city for solid, flat, and stable areas to start your running journey.

Ishbiliyah 2nd Park https://goo.gl/maps/6vT9F9zkUDWdzHPM8 Nahda Park https://goo.gl/maps/neu5iNtrFuCthjCQA King Abdullah Park https://goo.gl/maps/n1ikjY6h6idjcFBAA Salam Park https://goo.gl/maps/q2WAahrC2416d8mz6 Interested in hiking trips and trails across Riyadh province instead? Read DQ Living’s article here: http://dqliving.com/hiking-across-riyadh/

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TRAVEL

TOP 6 SIDE TRIPS IN MAKKAH IQRA SULTANA LODHI

The land of piety and faith is a city that is steeped with beautiful history. The charming lanes of Makkah gravitate towards the Sacred Mosque where thousands of pilgrims visit daily to circumambulate the House of Almighty Allah. However, there are more places for pilgrims to visit in this beautiful city. Enrich your pilgrimage with these historical and religious sites.

Makkah holds an esteemed position in the hearts of the millions of Muslims worldwide for being the birthplace of Blessed Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Every year, people from around the world visit Makkah for religious purposes namely Umrah and Hajj.

Visitors to the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah make sure to visit other places of religious importance once they are done with the pilgrimage. These visits are termed in the local jargon as “Ziyarah”. Tourists visit these places honoring the lives and struggles of the Blessed Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his companions.

Here are a few places that should not be missed when in Makkah.

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TRAVEL Masjid Taneem or Masjid Aisha The historical significance of this place is that the Prophet Mohammed’s wife, Aisha, made her intention of Umrah from this particular mosque. It is 12 minutes away from Masjid Haram and is located at the boundary of Haram. It provides amenities for bath, ablution, and for changing into the ihram.

Jabal Al Nour (Mountain of Light) This mountain houses the Cave of Hira where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) received his first revelation of the Holy Quran. The verse, “Read! In the name of your Lord.” was brought down to him by the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel). This cave was the meditation spot of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) from before prophethood. It is located 5 km away from Masjid Haram and the mountain is quite distinct due to its hump-shaped peak. The peak provides magnanimous views of the city of Makkah.

About 5-6 people can pray or meditate at a time. According to most pilgrims, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the top. It’s preferable to visit at dawn to avoid the rush. The cave is open all day long.

Jabal Thawr (Mount Thawr) The cave at Jabal Thawr was the hiding place of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his beloved companion, Abu Bakr, against the Quraysh, when they were migrating to Madinah. This incident has been mentioned in the Holy Quran and is of great importance to the Muslim world as it signifies the beginning of the Hijri calendar. It is located 8 km away from the city of Makkah.

Abraj Al Bait It is a fabulous shopping and hotel complex that houses the Makkah clock tower, the largest clock face in the world. Located meters away from Masjid Haram, it is a prime spot for shopping, dining, and hospitality. The Makkah Fairmont is located in the clock tower.

The Abraj Al Bait complex comes under the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project which aims to modernize the city in order to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. It’s a 5-storey structure that also houses an Islamic art museum, prayer space for 10,000 people, and an observatory to sight the moon.

Shop Timings: 9:30 AM to 12.00 PM and 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

King Abdul Aziz Complex for the Ka’bah’s Kiswa (The Kiswa Factory) The Kiswa is the covering of the Holy Ka’bah (the House of Allah). It’s a beautiful piece of black silk cloth that’s embroidered with pure gold threads and perfumed. The Kiswah is changed yearly on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (the last month of the Hijri calendar). It comprises a curtain and a belt. The Quranic verses are embossed and embroidered on the components of the covering and here is where the Kiswah factory comes into the picture. Every year, a multitude of artisans work on the dying, weaving, detailing in a government owned factory that is located 17 km west of Makkah.

Jabal Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) This is a small mountain located in Arafat, 20 km south-east of Makkah. The Prophet Mohammed gave his farewell sermon on 9th Dhul Hijjah, 10 AH (during Hajj) from Jabal Rahmah. It’s a place that holds great importance for all Muslims worldwide.

On the Day of Arafat, the religion of Islam was perfected.

Visitors can visit in groups of 20 to 100 on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Registration can be done on an online portal:

Most of the aforementioned places are open 24 hours and don’t require admission tickets. Private tour operators are available in most hotels in Makkah for guided tours. If you’re a lone ranger, Google could easily take you around too! Enjoy and bask in the experiences in the holy city and its surrounding areas.

https://eservice.gph.gov.sa/visit/Home.aspx Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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Muslims not performing Hajj keep a fast on this great day. If one happens to visit this place, they can also perform prayers at Masjid Nimrah which was built at the spot that the blessed Prophet (PBUH) gave his sermon from.

DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

SHOP

FOR THE LOVE OF STATIONERY NAUREEN AHMED Start the new year with the right office and school supplies. With these items, you’re not only on the road to productive and efficient working and studying days but also to stylish and beautiful weeks ahead!

Hobonichi Planners and Covers, Starts from SR 100 https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/

Typo 2022 Art Series Calendar, SR 60 namshi.com

Stabilo Boss Pastel Highlighters, SR 25 virginmegastore.sa

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Herschel Settlement Backpack, SR 339 6thstreet.com

JAN-FEB 2022 DQ LIVING MAGAZINE

SHOP

Swarovski Pens, Starts from SR 255 swarovski.sa

Prickly Pear Spiral Notebook, SR 50 namshi.com

Career Girl London Self Love Planner, SR 170 namshi.com Muji Pen Set, SR 60 muji.com.sa

Moleskine Small Backpack, SR 539 virginmegastore.sa

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EAT

RISE AND SHINE, RIYADH! SALMA SIDDIQUA There’s nothing quite like breakfast. From health geeks to avid foodies, many agree that it’s the most important meal of the day. So, it needs to be done right! The perfect New York-style breakfast for this cool weather is now introduced at David Burke Restaurant.

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EAT

With menu items all the way from the concrete jungle of NYC to Riyadh’s bustling metropolis and glittering high rises, David Burke aims to elevate its breakfast fare. In this food-driven city, Chef David Burke is confident that their innovative cutting-edge menu with a Moroccan-Middle Eastern twist will resonate with locals of Riyadh and their lifestyle. Pull up a seat next to the scenic view of the dancing fountain, in the outdoor courtyard for wonderful views of the city life during warmer weather, or cozy up next to the outdoor space heater when it’s chilly.

Located in the prime hub of restaurants in Riyadh, The Zone and Riyadh Front, David Burke Restaurant presents award-winning celebrity chef David Burke’s modern American cuisine, with a flair

of whimsical approach and a seasonally-driven menu. A classic fare and a show-stopping presentation. The space hums with style, sophistication, and creativity with an outdoor seating facing a stunning view of dancing fountains at both the locations. Don’t miss the striking floor-to-ceiling backlit sea salt brick wall, a decorative nod to Burke’s famous patent on Pink Himalayan salt dry aging technique.

With more than 30 years’ experience, Burke was one of the youngest executive chefs at the world-famous River Café. He is the only American chef to be honored with the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Diplome d’Honneur. And just to get some idea of his tongue-in-cheek personality, he’s previously been named “Time Out New York’s Best Cu-

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linary Prankster”. Chef David Burke, brings modern American fare to Riyadh with a local culinary twist.

The menu showcases America’s melting pot of flavors with an emphasis on fresh organic ingredients.

The creative seasonal menu is bursting with options, each more delicious than the next. Whet your appetite with a freshly squeezed juice – we recommend the orange, pomegranate, lemonade or fancy yourself a beautifully presented mocktail. Then, settle in for an item or two off the all-day breakfast menu, which includes unique twists such as Moroccan omelets wrapped in Moroccan warga dough with your favorite choice of toppings, Casserole eggs with Foul (Egyptian beans), sour dough toast with avocado and poached eggs, poached eggs with sweet potato fritters, and classics like eggs benedict poached eggs on avocado and American power breakfast (think beef bacon, hash brown, roasted tomato pancake with syrup) For a decadent kickstart to your metabolism, try the sticky cinnamon buns which melts in your mouth, Danishes, and berry or chocolate chip muffin. A must-try is the bonafide New York-style homemade Bagel selection: cream cheese, smoked salmon pastrami, bacon scrambled egg, and grilled halloumi, and also their fluffy homemade croissants.

The famous highlight of the breakfast is the Banana Foster French toast which steals the show!

Literally prepared next to your table - onsite with

Join us for live music & romantic dinner on Valentines day, ‫اﻧﻀﻢ‬ ‫إﻟﻴﻨﺎ ﻟﻼﺳﺘﻤﺘﺎع ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻮﺳﻴﻘﻰ اﻟﺤﻴﺔ واﻟﻌﺸﺎء اﻟﺮوﻣﺎﻧﺴﻲ ﻓﻲ ﻳﻮم ﻋﻴﺪ اﻟﺤﺐ‬ FEBRUARY 14th, Monday - 8 PM 14 ‫ ﻣﺴﺎ ًء‬8 - ‫ اﻷﺛﻨﻴﻦ‬، ‫ﻓﺒﺮاﻳﺮ‬ FEATURING, UP AND COMING POP SINGER "CHARLENE" SINGING ROMANTIC TUNES AT THE RIYADH FRONT DAVID BURKE ‫ ﻣﻐﻨﻲ اﻟﺒﻮب "ﺗﺸﺎرﻟﻴﻦ‬، ‫"ﻣﻤﻴﺰ‬ ‫اﻷﻏﺎﻧﻲ اﻟﺮوﻣﺎﻧﺴﻴﺔ اﻟﻐﻨﺎﺋﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺮﻳﺎض أﻣﺎم دﻳﻔﻴﺪ ﺑﻮرك‬ https://www.davidburke-ksa.com/newyearevereservations

fire and sound of sizzling butter and melting sugar is a feast for all the senses! The divine taste of the French toast is unmatched according to us.

No stone – or grain – has been left unturned in the quest to boost flavors and optimize the nutritional value of every dish at this gem of an eatery. The creativity and passion of David Burke’s culinary expertise is translated into each one of his dishes.

Whether you opt for a freshly baked pastry, scrambled eggs or a granola bowl, you’ll leave satisfied.

Whether you are on the go or opt for a fine breakfast dining experience, a late brunch, or looking for a business meeting spot, David Burke caters to all your needs and more.

This February is a special month for DQ Living readers as David Burke is offering a 10% discount for their New York Style Breakfast, just mention that you read the magazine and that you want to avail the discount. It’s that easy!

A memorable evening also awaits their guests this February 14th as they will be enjoying a romantic dinner specially curated to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Guests at the Riyadh Front will be serenaded by the up and coming pop singer, Charlene. For reservations, please visit https://www.davidburke-ksa. com/newyearevereservations.

It’s a date!

DAVID BURKE RESTAURANT *Riyadh Front, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Front Mall Gate 3 Opening Hours: Saturday–Wednesday: 8:00AM–12:00AM Thursday–Friday: 8:00AM–12:30AM Contact Number: +966 11 481 2279 / +966 50 044 0202 *The Zone, Al Takhassusi St. Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh Opening Hours: Saturday–Wednesday: 7:00AM–12:00AM Thursday–Friday: 7:00AM–1:00AM Contact Number: +966 50 062 0101 Social Media: @davidburkeksa

Reserve Now / ‫اﺣﺠﺰ اﻻن‬ https://www.davidburke-ksa.com/newyearevereservations DAVID BURKE info@davidburke.com

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COOK

HEALTHY EATS ZENIA DUELL

Start your year with healthy foods that are easy to make and easy on the pocket!

NO-FAIL EVERYDAY GRANOLA I love eating granola for breakfast. It’s sweet and crunchy and fills me up for the day. I started making my own granola at university to save money. My flat mates had to endure me trying out all sorts of different ingredients and occasionally burning my batches of granola as I figured out a foolproof recipe! But after a year of trial and error, here it is: Ingredients: - 2 tbsp peanut butter - 2 tbsp oil (coconut oil is best) - 2 tbsp honey - 500g oats Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, oil and honey to form a paste.

3. Add the oats and stir to form a slightly clumpy mixture.

4. Spread out on a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes, or until browned.

5. Leave to cool.

6. To serve, mix the granola with dried fruit, then sprinkle over yoghurt or pour over milk.

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COOK

AFGHAN RICE PUDDING The challenge of moving into a new house is always followed by a second challenge: filling that house with furniture. I decided to buy as much furniture as possible second-hand, which was not only more environmentally friendly, but also allowed me to meet many interesting people; one of which not only gave me furniture but also a recipe to a dessert that has become a favorite.

I had the pleasure of meeting Humaira who was from Afghanistan. Although she was busy packing up her flat ready to move to Jeddah, she still made time to host us, generously serving us coffee and this delicious cardamom rice pudding. She was happy to share the recipe for her authentic rice pudding.

Ingredients: - 2 litres milk - 1 ½ cups sugar - 1 litre water - 2 cups short grain white rice (Egyptian) - Ground cardamom Method: 1. Wash the rice and soak for 15 mins.

2. P ut the rice, half the milk, water, and sugar in a pressure cooker.

3. Set the timer for 20 minutes.

4. After 20 minutes, slowly let the steam escape.

5. When the pressure has reduced, open the lid of the pressure cooker and stir in the remaining milk and the ground cardamom.

6. Serve, sprinkled with chopped pistachios and a dash of rosewater, if you like.

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EVENTS

MEMORIAL EXHIBITION HONORING HRH PRINCE TALAL BIN ABDULAZIZ ALEXANDER WOODMAN HRH Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz and HH Princess Sora bint Saud launched the second memorial exhibition to commemorate the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The exhibition is a due diligent tribute to the journey of the life Prince Talal lived. Preparation for the exhibition took 336 hours of hard and dedicated work. As a result, a team of 100 creative people planned, executed, and worked with passion and faith to share the message of the late Prince Talal.

This exhibition has become a showcase of Prince Talal's personal amenities, manuscripts, letters, photographs, and articles arranged in different sections - 'The Beginnings,' 'Talal's Thought,' 'Human Development,' 'Talal's Humanity, 'Talal's Office,' 'Talal's Memory,' 'The Legacy.'

The late Prince Talal was an extraordinary visionary man with an innovative, inclusive, and open-minded approach to life that inspired his journey and encouraged others to share their best then, now, and in the future. The exhibition has been visited by more than a thousand Saudis and international guests. Her Excellency, Amal Bint Yahya al-Moal-

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limi the Saudi Ambassador to Norway, Nathalie Fustier, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF's Representative to the Gulf Area, H.E. Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), were among the guests who honored the exhibition. The exhibition was also marked by the visit of HRH Princess Reema bint Talal bin Abdulaziz, HRH Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, former Minister of Education, to name just a few.

Remarkably, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz while observing the pieces that made up the great legacy of the late Prince Talal, recalled his memories, highlighting Prince Talal’s unconditional passion for humanitarian, developmental and cultural contributions to society.

Throughout his life, the late Prince Talal believed in and encouraged to “give generously to charity." This exhibition has become a proof to the connection between thoughts, ideas, and ways to bring these ideas to life to change the world for the better.

JAN-FEB 2022 DQ LIVING MAGAZINE

EVENTS

Top: HRH Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz and HH Princess Sora bint Saud and the team. Lower left: HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman; Lower right: Ambassador of Switzerland to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. André Schaller

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

EVENTS THE SPRING FESTIVAL AT THE DQ IS BACK! Get ready for the Spring Festival in the Diplomatic Quarter and save the date!

The traditional one-day Spring Festival at the Turkish Embassy is back. The 2022 edition of the Spring Festival will be organized at the Turkish Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter with the participation of the Embassies of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The Festival will open its doors to visitors at 1:00 PM and will last until 5:00 PM. Face masks and social distancing will strictly be followed.

The visitors will enjoy the coming of spring with world famous Turkish delicacies. A variety of traditional goods and handcrafts from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye will be on display, including ceramics, copper, silver items, and souvenirs.

The traditional Turkish Art samples of “Ebru” will be performed, which is an art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water and then transferring this pattern to a special paper.

Tickets will only be available at the gate for 25 SAR per person. Entrance is free for kids under 10 years old. Keep your tickets until the end of the Festival and don’t lose your chance to win generous surprise gifts.

See you there!

The Turkish Spring Festival in the DQ back in 2019.

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FIND

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

PETROL STATION 6575 Abdullah Alsahmi Street

Kudu Kudu is a Saudi fast food chain specializing in

Between circles 7 and 8

sandwiches.

Amr Aldamri Street

Starbucks

920006999

Between Circle 4 and 5

Another branch for this popular coffee chain to go

@oudsquare

to when the one in Oud Square is busy.

OUD SQUARE

@kuduksa

7 Ribs

@starbucksmiddleeast

If you’re looking for the most flavorful and highest

A casual Lebanese restaurant offering authentic

Dunkin Donuts

one of the first local smoked meat restaurants in

Lebanese food prepared with the freshest ingre-

Long-running chain serving signature donuts,

dients.

breakfast sandwiches and a variety of coffee

@leilarestaurantsriyadh

drinks.

920029039

@dunkindonutsksa

Leila Min Lebnan

Draft Cafe

quality smoked ribs, then don’t forget to visit 7 Ribs, the Kingdom. @7ribs 0597273787 Yogi It is the destination for simple, seasonal, fresh, and

Draft Cafe caters to creative people who want to

FAZARI PLAZA

write, read, design or work in a calm environment

Amr Aldamri Street

that’s serving different kinds of coffee, tea, sand-

Between circles 2 and 3

and coffee too.

@draftcafe

Starbucks

054 767 4187 (for delivery inside DQ only)

+966-11-2308189

Who doesn’t know this Seattle-based coffeehouse

wiches, and desserts.

chain popular for its signature roasts, light bites,

healthy food that is affordable and accessible. They offer salads, sweets, and they also serve great tea @yogi.sa

Press’d Juicery + Kitchen They offer 100% fresh juices, smoothies, sandwich-

Urth Caffe

and WiFi availability?

This international cafe franchise offers organic cof-

@starbucksmiddleeast

es, bowls, and hey are the first to offer traditional

have friendly and attentive staff too.

Scalini

@pressdjuicery

@urthcaffesaudi

Scalini is a restaurant that serves a wide range

fees, fine teas, and health conscious cuisine. They

variety of cuisines including pasta, pizza, Arabic

Vietnamese coffee in the Kingdom

Caribou Coffee This café offers a selection of coffee, sweet and

Cafe Bateel

food, and sushi.

Cafe Bateel is known for its artisanal Italian pastas,

@scalinidq

gourmet French patisseries and innovative Ara-

+966-11-4810621 / +966-11-4810569

like the Campfire Mocha or Turtle Mocha drinks.

date-olive tapenade and sparkling date juice.

Kalamata

@cariboucoffeesa

@bateelgourmet

Looking for Moroccan and Meditteranean dishes?

+966-55-447-5957

Kalamata is here to serve up the best savory grills

bian-inspired creations such as date chocolates,

and dishes.

savory pastries, and smoothies. Try their bestsellers Al Kindy Plaza beside the Cultural Palace +966 58 166 5077 Russo’s New York Pizzeria This Italian diner is known for their delectable

12 Cups

@kalamata_dq

This cafe is the first coffee provider in KSA to allow

+966-53-000-4312

dishes from freshly baked thin-crust pizzas, pastas,

brewing methods to find sweetness, aroma, acidity,

La Rustica Terrazza

@russosksa

flavor, and body in their cup of coffee.

Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza where the best

@12_cups

and freshest raw materials meet the elegance of

customers to choose different coffee blends and

simplicity.

Chunk

@la_rustica_sa

Chunk is a cafe that offers global dessert in a

For DQ reservations, call 055-445-8813

distinctive and attractive way paired well with their hot and cold drinks. @hello_chunk

and its famous customizable 28” pizza. +966 59 496 4200 RAW.K RAW.K is a health food restaurant offering salads, pita sandwiches, hot bowls, and cold-pressed juices. @rawk.sa

AL KINDI PLAZA 7542 Amr Aldamri Street

+966 53 615 7170

Between circles 3 and 4

Burgeration

specializing in pizza and fusion food.

dr.CAFE

mouthwatering burgers like their Wagyu Special

@monopolysaudi

dr.CAFE is a leading Saudi coffee company that

+966-11-810-2324

provides quality products and knowledgeable and

Monopoly Monopoly is an outdoor fine dining restaurant

friendly services. @drcafeksa +966-58-075-1793

It’s a new burger joint that offers a selection of and Grilled Chicken. @burgerationsa Got Cookie?

Satisfy your cravings for chocolate cookies and cold/hot coffee at Got Cookie? @gotcookie.sa

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

Fish Face

Heraa St., Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Combat Club

Fish Face is another restaurant that offers healthy

(Beside Alliance Francaise)

The club focuses on effective martial arts from

food. You can’t go wrong with any of their custom-

@dolceragusa

Brazilian jiujitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and

ized handheld sushi burritos, poke bowls, makis,

0555015046

kickboxing for kids and adults. They also have a

and cheesecakes. @fishface.ksa

Riyadh Combat Ladies Section. dr.CAFE Drive-Thru No need to line up inside the café to get your favor-

Building 76, Al Kindy Plaza

Abu Najm

ite dr.CAFE drinks

+966552562111

The latest addition to Al Kindi Plaza is Abu Najm

Abdullah Alsahmi St., Al Safarat, Riyadh 11566,

https://www.riyadhcombat.com/

where you can taste some delicious crafted burgers

Saudi Arabia (Near Marriott DQ)

dq@riyadhcombat.com

that are grilled to perfection. @abunajm.sa

riyadhcombatclub@gmail.com Le Maschou

Instagram: @ry.combat

A French fine-dine restaurant that serves traditional

HOTEL RESTAURANTS Larder Restaurant

French food. They are known for their exceptionally

Exhale Yoga Studio

authentic array of wood-fire smoked meats.

They offer different types of yoga such as Ashtan-

Tayma St., Al Safarat, Riyadh 11564

ga, Prana Vinyasa, Dynamic hatha, and more.

@lemaschou_sa

Pilates and Barre sessions are also available.

Larder Restaurant features a famous breakfast and time-honored Middle Eastern delights for lunch and

Cultural Palace, Al-Kindy Square

dinner, in a stylish restaurant, leafy terrace, and

+966555417550

elegant lounge.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter 7826 Amr Aldamri Street, Between circles 2 and 3 @radissonbluresidenceriyadh

BUSINESS DIRECTORY FITNESS CENTERS, SPAS, AND SALONS

+966-11-297 9400

www.exhaleyogasa.net info@exhaleyogasa.net Instagram: @exhaleyoga.sa Villa Blanca Spa Lounge Villa Blanca Spa and Lounge is a one-stop shop for

Saray Spa at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic

your beauty needs. They offer waxing,

Goji Restaurant

Quarter

Goji Restaurant serves a creative international

Wellbeing and fitness is the top priority at Saray

Al Fazzari Square, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh,

buffet in an elegant dining atmosphere. Open for

Spa. Guests can have a pampering session from

Saudi Arabia

breakfast, lunch and dinner.

a wide range of luxury spa services from body

+966-11-4888250

Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

scrub, foot bath, massages, as well as a Turkish

villa_blanca@hotmail.com

6781 Abdullah Alsahmi Street,

"hammam" bath.

Instagram: @villablancaksa

@marriottriyadhdq

6781 Adullah AlSahmi Street, Diplomatic Quarter,

Four Spa

+966-11-835 3000

Riyadh 12511 Saudi Arabia

They may be known for their nail spa and studio

056251 0172 or 0532621781

but they also want to indulge you with their other

The Coffee Table

Instagram: @marriottriyadhdq

services such as eyelash extensions, hair treat-

A perfect spot for coffee lovers at the Marriott Ri-

Twitter: @MHRiyadhDQ

ments, and different massages.

desserts, and unique products that guests can

Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence Health Club

Al Kindy Plaza, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi

enjoy in an elegant and chic setting.

adisson Blu Hotel & Residence also offers an

Arabia

Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

extensive health club with a well-equipped gym

+966 11 201 4444

6781 Abdullah Alsahmi Street, B

that caters to both male and female guests, an

www.four.com.sa

etween circles 7 and 8

indoor swimming pool, two treatment rooms and

info@four.com.sa

@thecoffeetable.dq

two steam rooms.

Instagram/Twitter: @4spa

Between circles 7 and 8

yadh DQ. It specializes in high-end coffee, delicate

+966-11-8353000 ext. 4105 7826 Umro Adhamry Street , Riyadh, 12512,

The Salon and Barbershop at the Marriott Riyadh

10:10 Lounge

Saudi Arabia

Diplomatic Quarter

Indulge in their theme nights while enjoying a

+966 11 297 9400

They offer men and women’s haircuts, hair treat-

delectable dinner and an exceptional BBQ night by

Email address: info.dq.riyadh@radissonblu.com

ments, and manicure and pedicure services.

the pool. Shisha is also exclusively available here.

Instagram: @radissonbluresidenceriyadh

6781 Adullah AlSahmi Street, Diplomatic Quarter,

Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

Riyadh 12511 Saudi Arabia

6781 Abdullah Alsahmi Street,

Al Manahil Ladies Center

0118353000 ext. 3040 / 0567946460

Between circles 7 and 8

From the year that it started in 1990, Al Manahil

Instagram: @marriottbarbershop

@1010lounge

now has Al Manahil Fitness Center and Al Manahil

+966 59 159 1728

Sports Club where ladies and their children can get

The Gentle Man Barber and Salon

fit and practice sports. They also have the Al Mana-

The Gentle Man Barber & Salon is the first male

hil Spa & Salon for beauty, care and relaxation, and

barbershop in the DQ. It promises a perfect groom-

the Al Manahil Mind & Body and Al Manahil Ballet

ing experience with highly-skilled staff to tend to

& Performances Studios.

your hair and other salon needs.

Sicilian sweets such as the famous Cannolis. Their

Diplomatic Square, Ibn Zahr Street, P.O. Box 61174,

Al Kindy Plaza, Car park No. 13, Stair number 38,

delicious sweets show the ultimate union between

Riyadh 11565

Ground floor, Center number 61, Diplomatic Quarter,

high quality healthy ingredients and amazing taste.

+966 11 488 1069

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

info@almanahil.com.sa/ hr@almanahil.com.sa

0504537766

Instagram: @al_manahil

Instagram/Twitter: @gmbarber1

OTHER AREAS IN THE DQ Dolce Ragusa Dolce Ragusa offers high quality collection of

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JAN-FEB 2022 DQ LIVING MAGAZINE

SCHOOLS

HOSPITAL

REAL ESTATE

Artal Preparatory School

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center

Darraq Residence by DUR Hospitality

The Artal Preparatory School was launched in 2018

It is a world-class medical center that offers the

DUR Hospitality, known for managing, developing,

with the aim to provide children with contempo-

highest quality primary healthcare services with

and operating hotels and residential communities

rary learning skills according to his/her abilities,

their comprehensive medical services, qualified

across Saudi Arabia has one of its largest luxury

tendencies, and creations. The school’s philosophy

medical team, homecare, and 24/7 emergency and

residential projects right in the DQ — The Darraq

is based on integrating education with life (STEAM

ambulance services and pharmacy.

Residences.

education).

Al-Towqi St., Diplomatic Quarter, PO Box 12511,

+966 11 481 6666 ext. 600

+966 50 830 7830

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

www.dur.sa

www.artalschools.edu.sa

+966112614444

leasing@dur.sa

info@artalschools.edu.sa /

www.hmg.com

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @darraqsa

admission@artalschools.edu.sa

DQ.Admin@drsulaimanalhabib.com

@durhospitality

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @artalschools

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @alhabibmc

British International School The British International School Riyadh (BISR) is a

HOTELS

CAR RENTAL Budget Saudi

multi-campus school providing education to children from over 50 different nationalities in Riyadh.

Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

Budget Saudi is the leading car rental and

BISR adapts the National Curriculum of England.

Leading with innovative design and inspired by

leasing company in the Middle East region and is

the ambiance of Wadi Hanifa, the hotel has been

synonymous with the highest levels of quality and

+966 92 003 3963

designed to achieve the Leadership in Energy and

customer service.

www.bisr.com.sa

Environmental Design (LEED) Golden certification.

Budget Desk at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence

admissions@bisr.com.sa / reception@bisr.com.sa Instagram and Twitter: @bisr_reach

6781 Adullah AlSahmi Street, Diplomatic Quarter,

7826 Umro Adhamry Street, Riyadh, 12512, Saudi

Facebook: @bisr.reach

Riyadh 12511 Saudi Arabia

Arabia

+966 11 835 3000

0533300141

King Faisal School

Instagram: @marriottriyadhdq

www.budgetsaudi.com

KFS fosters respect for Arab Islamic heritage while

Facebook: @MariottRiyadh

ryd.radissonblu@budgetsaudi.com

embracing an international perspective that is vital

Twitter: @MHRiyadhDQ

Instagram and Twitter: @budgetsaudi Facebook: @Budget.SaudiArabia

to meet the demands of the 21st Century. They have preschool, KFS Boys’ School for boys from grades 1

Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Riyadh Diplo-

to 12, and KFS Girls’ School which currently accepts

matic Quarter

girls from grades 1 to 9.

The hotel’s 110 distinctive rooms and suites boast

LAUNDRY

an elegant Italian interior design with a vibrant +966 11 482 0802

Middle Eastern touch.

Bubbles Laundry Service They provide washing and ironing services for all

www.kfs.sch.sa Instagram: @k.f.school

7826 Umro Adhamry Street , Riyadh, 12512, Saudi

personal and household belongings from clothes,

Facebook: @kingfaisalschool

Arabia

dresses, bedspreads, shoes, and bags. Customers

Twitter: @KFSCHOOL

+966 11 297 9400

can expect quality service at a competitive price.

info.dq.riyadh@radissonblu.com

RECREATIONAL CENTER

Instagram: @radissonbluresidenceriyadh

Al Fazari Square

Facebook: @RadissonBluHotelRiyadhDiplomatic-

0539187879

Quarter

www.bubbleslaundry.sa

TIME KIDS CENTER Time is a recreational and enrichment center for children aged 10 months to 7 years old. The center

Instagram and Twitter: @bubbles_l_s

TRAVEL AGENCY

specializes in creative and fun kids’ classes, active play, day camps, birthday celebrations and special

Alsarh Travel and Tourism

events.

One of the Kingdom’s most trusted travel agencies.

They can help plan your trips — both domestic

Al Kindy Plaza

and international, and can also help manage your

+966 50 187 2681

business trips.

info@timekidscenter.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @timecenter.sa

Fazari Square, Diplomatic Quarter Business Management Solutions 011-4944333 bms@alsarh.com.sa Hiyyak Platform Services 011-8103838 info@hiyyak.com www.hiyyak.com Instagram and Twitter: @alsarh_travel Facebook: @alsarhtravel

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DQ LIVING MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2022

MEET

DR. REEM AL TORKI ADVISOR FOR INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT 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 am a Saudi female who had the luxury of growing up, living, and working across the world; the bulk of it was in the UK. I am a trilingual communicator with a PhD and an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

I like to think of myself as the new image of females in Saudi. The image that reflects Saudi 2030 vision: open to the world, an international mandate to welcome and share business, culture, and people experiences.

I am passionate about transforming my knowledge and experiences to build capacity building and support developing Saudi.

I am currently the Advisor for Investment Development in the Ministry of Investment, bringing new initiatives in Education from around the world to Saudi Arabia; my passion is to build and improve our human capability to fulfil our vision. And to wrap up, I will use the slogan and logo I breathe and work for: Invest Saudi, “we are open for business and open to bring the world to Saudi.”

How would family and friends describe you?

My family and friends would describe me as a workaholic, friendly, and very social.

Who has been the strongest influence in your life?

The person who has a great influence in my life is Professor Val Curtis of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

What brought you to Riyadh?

My husband moved to a job here and we welcomed it to be closer to our friends and family. After spending 20 years abroad in the UK, Scotland, and Africa studying and working, I returned to Saudi four years ago to also live and experience the astonishing transformation. We love being a part of it and love the buzz.

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

I would say that a good solid education and an exposure to the world’s experiences are the factors that made me who I am now. The government of Saudi Arabia gave me a scholarship to study abroad.

A chance for education is key and all the efforts for women empowerment will put more women in leadership positions.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?

I am most proud of getting the environmental award with my colleagues and students for an education institute in Saudi.

Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?

I love to visit the scenic Wadi Hanifah, Alamariah, and the King Abdullah Financial District.

What were your first impressions of the DQ? I’ve lived in the DQ for two years. The first thing that caught my eyes was the beautiful architecture of the Diplomatic Quarter. I also love the environment where I can play with my dogs and go for a walk or a swim.

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

I wish the DQ has sports facilities for residents and also a community hub/club house.

Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?

Please drive slow and force kids to wear helmets and lights when they are on their bikes for everyone’s safety.