DQ Living: Vol. 6 Iss. 5: Create and Connect in the DQ

MASHTAL

Creative Incubator and Community House

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the 5th issue of DQ Living 2022! Our pages are heaped with fascinating articles that cater to everyone.

The perfect community space for the creatives is right in the Diplomat ic Quarter. Al Mashtal provides a nurturing environment to grow your creative endeavor.

Exciting activities await those who love fun and adventure. Visit Planet X, one of the newest and most advanced indoor amusement centers in Riyadh, or check the list of physical activities that you and your kids can enjoy together.

If you’re into the food scene, a gastronomic adventure awaits at Florya, a Turkish steakhouse with two branches at the La Valle Mall and Riyadh Front, that highlights premium meat selections presented in a luxurious setting.

The CORE Spa in the DQ is a must-visit for those who are into pamper ing and relaxation. They’re home to an exclusive range of treatments designed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading brands and products. If a staycation is what you want, the Marriott Riyadh Diplo matic Quarter has world-class rooms and amenities to make your stay a memorable one.

For travelers, include on your list Qassim, Riyadh’s northern neighbor that’s known for its date farms. Plan an enthralling trip to Salalah, the third largest city in Oman known for its Khareef season and beautiful luxe resorts like Alila Hinu Bay.

For those who want to be always updated with the happenings in the Kingdom, our events section will be your guide and don’t forget to check our What’s New in the DQ.

Enjoy reading through our pages and we’ll see you in our next. We’ll end the year with a bang!

Publisher Fayez Aldosari

Chief Operating Officer Maria Cometti

Editors Naureen Ahmed Ali Al Saad Hind Al Saad

Marketing Coordinator

Joselyn Tello

Production Editor

Alyaa Malik

Project Coordinator

Laurine Gayle Vales

Columnists

Alexander Woodman

Salma Siddiqua

Palavi Kele

Contributors

Juhaina A. Aljehni

Aevan Caro

Zenia Duell

Iqra Lodhi

Danielle O'Connor

Irina Perederko

Sheridan Swathwood

Printed by Star Printing

06 COVER

Al Mashtal: Creative Incubator &

House

LIVE

Darraq Al Hada: The Privilege and the

14 OPINION

Being Saudi

18 WELCOME

Foreign Ambassadors to the Kingdom

27 DO

Active Kids and Families: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

COLUMNISTS

PALAVI KELE is a curious traveler and blogger. She is currently a Cultural Intelligence Consultant with Arabius. Having traveled to, lived and worked in 30+ coun tries, she documents her Saudi adventures on her Instagram page (@sojourn_in_saudi).

32 CULTURE

Where is Home?

HEALTH

5 Tips to Help Your Child with Back-ToSchool Anxiety

EAT

The Flames and Flavors of FLORYA

TRAVEL

Why Alila Hinu Bay is the

EVENTS

NEOM Launches Media Village

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.

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, trans national and trans-cultural health politics, as well as diplomacy. He is the author of "The Land of Adat" (@thelandofadat).

CONTRIBUTORS

JUHAINA Z. ALJEHNI is a young Saudi based in Riyadh. She has extensive experience in the profes sional fields of creativity, bilingual copywriting, and social media agencies. Her interests include traveling, arts in all forms, history, ani mals, technology, gastrono my, and being out & about.

AEVAN CARO is a journalism graduate who grew up in Jeddah and found a career in Riyadh which paved his way to build a family. Spending his life in Saudi Arabia for decades makes him firmly believe that with the continuous progress of the Kingdom, more stories are set to be written and told.

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

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

DANIELLE O’CONNOR is a veteran American educator living in Riyadh with her Saudi husband and children. She is currently an international school consultant and educational curriculum developer and deeply engaged in family life in and around Riyadh.

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

SHERIDAN SWATHWOOD is an American journalist temporarily living in Saudi Arabia and exploring its rich culture. She loves writing, hiking, and spending time with friends.

ON THE COVER Hone your creativity in Al Mashtal, a nurturing environment that supports your artistry, imagination, innovation.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE DQ

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

Onda Coffee, a Saudi brand from the Eastern Province, is now in the Diplomatic Quarter. Order from their list of hot and cold specialty coffee and partner them with their freshly-baked croissants, cakes, and other pastries. Va rieties of coffee grounds are also available so you could brew your own cup of coffee right at home.

Visit them next to Tamimi Markets DQ. Follow Onda Cof fee on Instagram at @onda.coffee.

CORE Social Wellness Club launched Kids Club for chil dren ages 5-12 years old. Fun and exciting activities await them.

To become a CORE member, please contact Guest Relation at 9200 01223 or WhatsApp 053 1383188.

Follow CORE’s Instagram at @core.riyadh and visit their website at www.corelife.fit

The British International School Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter Campus marks another milestone as they of ficially opened their brand-new purpose-built Senior School on September 26, 2022. Mr. Mazen Bahamdaine from the Royal Commission, together with the Principal, Ms. Helen Olds, cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of the diplomatic community.

Follow BISR on Instagram at @bisriyadh and visit their website at www.bisr.com.sa

AL MASHTAL:

CREATIVE INCUBATOR & COMMUNITY HOUSE

Nestled next to the DQ’s largest park, Yamamah, is Al Mashtal, which means ‘The Nursery’ in Arabic. The elegantly designed and effortlessly calm creative community space was founded by Noura al Saud and Ala’a Ghanimah to support Saudi Arabia’s creative community, providing them with a nurturing environment to grow their creative endeavours from a side hustle to a full-time career.

ZENIA DUELL

As I walked through Al Mashtal’s large red gate, there was an instant sense of peace and security. From the swings in the front courtyard, to the sound of music being recorded in the creative studio, to the eclectic selection of art and de sign books nestled around bean bag clusters in the library, Al Mashtal exuded a sense of quiet and calm. The space felt welcoming but also fostered a sense of independence: I immediately got the impression that creatives could come here to think and create, away from the distractions of the rest of the world.

The creative industries in Saudi Arabia are enjoying a fren zy of activity at the moment, particularly since the creation of the Ministry of Culture and its eleven commissions, which are designed to foster creative development within Saudi Arabia in all areas from fashion and art to literature and heritage. Since the opening of cinemas in 2018, Saudis have been able to both enjoy and create film and visual arts in their own country, enabling them to share their stories and have their voices heard in the rest of the world. But cre atives, and the creative industries, still face several barriers to development: lack of support systems, infrastructure and engagement. I was curious to see how Al Mashtal, which was set up before the launch of the Ministry of Culture and is independent of the government, was working to support creatives and boost the creative industries from its hub in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Sitting down in one of the communal work areas with co-founder Ala’a Ghanimah, I asked her about how a beau tiful space like this came to be, what it offers the creative community, and what its ambitions for growth are.

What is the story of Al Mashtal? How did it start and where did the idea come from?

I met my co-founder Noura al Saud at a postgraduate pro gram in Amsterdam in 2017 and we started discussing and sensing what Saudi Arabia and the region needed to boost their creative economies.

Noura and I are often inspired by nature, so we came up with the name Al Mashtal, which means ‘nursery’, or ‘plant nursery’ in Arabic. We wanted to create a space that gave creatives the right environment, the right nourishment, to grow their ideas and their businesses and put down roots outside of the nursery.

What does Al Mashtal offer to its members and to the wider creative community?

Our audience is incredibly diverse, ranging from creative professionals to government entities that are related to the creative economy to corporations and businesses. We offer curatorial services to businesses, community and net working programs, exhibitions and design challenges. We also offer residencies for small businesses – right now we’re hosting the Noor Riyadh design team and the record label

KNZ LAB.

Our flagship offering is our twelve-week incubation pro gram, called the RY Jumpstart Incubation Program. It is available to creative professionals, providing them with training and networking to allow them to take their busi ness from a side hustle to a full-time career. The first stage is called Jumpstart and helps creatives to establish their unique selling point, show them how to present it as a pitch

and business model. We develop their personal skills as well as their business acumen, matching them up with mentors. The culmination of the program is a pitch session where they present their ideas to investors, stakeholders and enti ties that are related to their projects.

We also host a lot of events to bring our network togeth er and expand it to new people. Exhibitions, events, music concerts – last year we worked with the EU cultural coalition and the Goethe Institut to host an urban hackathon, which challenged teams to design new sustainable urban con cepts and solutions. We regularly launch design challeng es for the creative community to engage them, understand them better, and provide a platform for their products.

We also have a shop within the Al Mashtal space which sells local and regional artisanal products, such clothes and cushion covers by Inaash, a Palestinian embroidery de sign company.

I’ve got a tough question for you – how do you define cre ativity?

That’s actually a beautiful question! We strongly believe that creativity is not a job description, but a mindset. Cre ativity can be applied in any profession – from the mother who always knows how to make a delicious meal for her family from leftovers, to the physicist who pioneers a new scientific method. Anything that involves out-of-the-box thinking is creativity. We are trying to push the boundaries of what it means to be creative and what creative skills can contribute to society and the economy.

Why did you choose to put down roots in the DQ? What drew you to this place?

The Diplomatic Quarter is a unique hybrid of local and international culture, which we feel mirrors the reality of current Saudi culture. Saudi Arabia has a beautiful youth

demographic who are globalized digital natives. They are oriented towards an international outlook with a local mindset, which we see reflected in the environment of the DQ. Here, we’re a little secluded from the noise and pol lution of central Riyadh, we have space to walk around in a natural landscape and we can feel free to express our selves creatively.

A lot of what we do in the cultural field is related to cultural exchange, so being in the DQ is a great enabling environ ment for cultural attaches to engage with the culture, but also for locals to have that exposure and be able to ex change their point of view with international culture. When you want to drive creativity and create impact, you have to have this openness to different points of view, exchange opinions, and harness all of this in a safe space.

We found this building in 2019, after the schools that used to be in the DQ were moved outside the area and the build ings they used to use were abandoned. This building used to be a kindergarten for children with Down Syndrome – as soon as we visited we fell in love with the spirit, the layout, the beautiful building style and authentic materials. We de cided this was the perfect place to launch our incubator.

It took us a few years to finish construction (we were inter rupted by the pandemic) but even before we were able to open the building, we were starting to activate our concept. We had been working on establishing our network since 2017, so in January 2020 we launched our ‘Souvenirs Chal lenge’, tasking designers with designing and launching six unique souvenir products. After that, we hosted talks and activities through other spaces, until Al Mashtal was ready.

For more information or to join Al Mashtal’s creative com munity, visit their website https://www.almashtal.io/ or fol low them on Instagram @almashtal.house

DARRAQ ALHADA

THE PRIVILEGE AND THE PRESTIGE

Imagine a place that blends all the ingredients of a dream home.

Travel around the park-laden landscape in Riyadh and you will find a distinct style fusing Greek architecture with lush livable spaces. A property that stands out from all the rest. It’s new. It’s fresh. It’s CHARMING.

As one of the few companies building prestigious compounds, Dur Hospitality has been more than living up to that privilege and its well-earned reputation.

Chief amongst Dur’s impressive portfolio of developments is the recent, prestigious Darraq AlHada Compound.

Distributed across one of the highly desired locations in Ri yadh, Alhada, with 3 minutes drive to the DQ, Darraq AlHada comprises 76 luxurious, premium residential units. These de lightful 2 or 3-bedroomed properties represent the height of lavish, modern living, and are amongst the most eagerly-de sired in the Kingdom.

Discover Perfect Blend Of Modern Elegance

Celebrating the unique aspects of Greek ar chitecture and the brilliance of modern ur ban design, Darraq AlHada provides villas as forward thinking as its residents.

These are refined homes for sophisticated tastes. There is space to indulge in a lavish lifestyle with fully furnished three-bedroom (191.1sqm) and three-bedroom (295.8 sqm) options. Each villa comes equipped with the latest modern conveniences and luxu ries that make home life that much sweeter.

A Bubble Of Tech- filled Tranquility

The ultimate amenity is at the fingertip with Darraq’s Smart Home System. What makes Darraq AlHada even more attractive is the integration of technology. Every unit comes

with an integrated smart home system. This feature is set up so that you can adjust your home settings, remotely on a mobile phone or tablet with the use of a simple app.

More importantly, the security features of the villa allow the surveillance cameras to be monitored remotely so that you can keep an eye on your home at all times.

These features are something truly unique to the properties and make them amongst the most sought-after in the Kingdom.

The technology is also simple to use. All features can be managed and com bined in one application. In the homes, a home-control panel is also available at the entrance of each property for manual ad justments so that you can decide on a day, night or relaxing setting for the lighting for example.

Luxury Is Personal

Darraq AlHada addresses each resident’s preferenc es by adapting spaces to meet their desires. With homes that are expertly designed, every detail of dai ly life is considered. Built per the latest international architectural standards, Darraq AlHada provides ex pertly-designed living, offering high levels of protec tion, privacy, security and comfort.

Time at home is to be savored, the latest specifica tions in thermal and acoustic installation also en sure maximum serenity and peace. You can expect a 5-star, unparalleled, customized service all through out your accommodation, that’s why we offer a 24hour maintenance and support services.

Limited Time, Unlimited Options

Riyadh may be buzzing these days with new activi ties, tasty restaurants, and exciting events, but you don’t have to leave the compound to indulge in fine cuisine and experience the best Riyadh has to offer. The area is designed to be easily accessible with pe destrian-friendly streetscaping, making it simple to get around the neighborhood. This is where action meets tranquility. The hustle and bustle of business and di plomacy give way to quiet, peaceful surroundings.

Jog under the canopy of trees, meander through parks and playgrounds. Bike or stroll to your home. Make Darraq AlHada your home.

Luxury Address in A Landmark Setting

There is only one Darraq. Securely in the heart of this exclusive neighborhood, Darraq AHada offers the form and function that your family deserves. Friends, colleagues, and family are impressed by the access to restaurants, entertainment, and services only avail able to those within the compound . At Darraq AlHa da, this unique lifestyle is elevated new luxurious new heights. Live actively, rest comfortably.

The venture is one of the most prestigious to have ever been carried out in the capital and the quality of the accommodation is unrivalled within Riyadh.

Refined Homes for Sophisticated Tastes

If such features make it sound like the perfect home, it is because it is the perfect home. Here in the heart of Riyadh, within your grasp.

Have a glimpse of one of Darraq AlHada's units. Scan the code now to take a tour!

DUR Hospitality Co.

DARRAQ

BEING SAUDI

JUHAINA Z. ALJEHNI

Millennials are witnesses to a lot of technological growth and development. They are known as the generation that is more progressive, creative, and far-thinking than older generations. But what makes millennials who are born and raised and currently living in Saudi Arabia different? In celebration of the 92nd Saudi National Day, we give you a glimpse of a Saudi millennial’s mind.

Today, if you ask any millennial to describe their lives, most likely they will answer: “My life is like being on a never-end ing roller coaster ride. Everything is very fast-paced, intense, constantly changing, has lots of ups and downs, and senso ry overloads”.

Yet, I can guarantee that if you ask a Saudi millennial the same question, the answer would differ greatly, because what they are witnessing in their beloved Kingdom is noth ing short of a beautiful renaissance. I, as one, am beyond proud to be living here in these glorious times and feel deep ly grateful for our Kingdom’s founding father, King Abdulaziz.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been known for its safety and stability, and even as a child I would imme

diately miss these vibes while traveling abroad. My mind was always observing, comparing, and learning. I would al ways take notice that back home, government and private schools, hospitals, and clinics were present and accessible on every block. Our streets were always spotless clean, and everything was available for us. Subconsciously, I’ve always viewed Saudi Arabia as a huge parental figure and I always knew that Saudi Arabia is always taking care of me and its people.

When I was a teenager in the early 2000, I started hearing about all the changes occurring in the academic systems and job environment. King Abdullah (May God rest his soul) established scholarship programs for all Saudi citizens: both for males and females. Soon, Saudis (individuals or

OPINION

families) were traveling all around the globe, pursuing their educational goals, learning from other cultures, represent ing their country abroad, teaching other societies about us, and returning home with fresh experiences and boundless ambitions. At this point, I realized that everything in Saudi was expanding and evolving, and that my generation’s fu ture prospects will completely define what’s to come next.

Now, as a Saudi woman in her 30s, I can confidently tell you that my intuition was indeed spot on, and ever since HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman became the Crown Prince, the narrative completely changed, starting at the precise moment on April 25, 2016, when he announced Vision 2030 and the great plans that came with it.

From 2016 until this moment, under his Majesty King Sal man’s rule and patronage, everything in Saudi Arabia has been developing, upgrading, and taking huge leaps. Legal and social reforms took place too at the same time of dig itizing and connecting all government databases together. Take for example the Absher phone application, which can connect us to a lot of services with just a click on a smart phone, from issuing new passports, payment of utilities, availing of government services, and more. A few years ago all these steps had to be done in person and would take several days.

Nowadays, new sectors are constantly opening, and job opportunities for the Saudi youth (who are statistically the majority of KSA’s population) are to be found all over Saudi Arabia’s vast regions, whether it’s in the field of technology, business, science, investments, education, tourism, sports, e-gaming, media, arts, fashion, hospitality, events, and health and wellness.

All these changes in our country have reflected positively on our society. The Saudi society’s collective consciousness has elevated immensely. People are now happier, more ed ucated about our country’s diversity and acceptance, open to newness and modernization while remaining loyal and proud of our history and heritage. The current modern Sau di identity stems from its deep and strong roots planted by our faithful forefathers.

Although Saudi Arabia has just celebrated its 92nd Nation al day, I have been celebrating it and appreciating it every single moment. I’m privileged to be a Saudi woman in this era; it genuinely fills my heart with joy. Everything is just radiating with positive energy and hope. I can’t wait to tell my future grandchildren all about it! It is an honor for me to be witnessing all that happened and is happening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. May Allah always bless our country, leaders, and people.

WHERE BEAUTY MEETS WELLNESS

Many of us delight in going for our regular spa days. Now, CORE Spa in Riyadh is giving you more than one reason to visit its beautiful premises with its One-Day Spa Wellness

Membership. Here’s what makes this development so noteworthy.

CORE Spa is boldly redefining global beauty and wellness standards. Located at CORE Social Wellness Club, the spa is a popular feature among Riyadh’s more discerning crowds. CORE Spa is home to an exclusive range of treatments de signed in collaboration with some of the world’s leading brands and products.

What Sets CORE Spa Apart

There are spas, and then there’s CORE Spa.

As part of the CORE Social Wellness Club, CORE Spa pro vides separate facilities for men and women. The spa strives to provide the highest-end treatments using the most sus tainable products that are the epitome of both beauty and wellness.

The latest newcomer to its collection is ELEMIS – a selection of scientifically researched and formulated products that harness the power of natural ingredients to deliver visible

results. The ELEMIS range includes face and body products, supplements, and – of course – spa treatments to beautiful ly complement CORE Spa’s existing menu.

ELEMIS makes the perfect addition to the CORE Spa family. The spa has a holistic approach to all its treatments, be cause they don’t only want their clients to look good, but feel great from the inside out.

CORE Spa’s friendly team of technicians exercise the high est levels of professionalism, taking great care to explain the spa’s full offering and provide treatments of the most superior standard. This is key in ensuring that the spa’s cli entele keep returning to take advantage of their excellent facilities and outstanding beauty and wellness treatments.

An All-Access Pass to CORE Spa

The One-Day Spa Wellness Membership grants you full ac cess to CORE Spa’s vitality pool, steam room, sauna, and

relaxation room. You’ll also have access to the ENCORE restaurant and the spa’s tea lounge as well as the swim ming pool.

With your One-Day Spa Wellness Membership, you get to choose from a 60-minute ELEMIS Facial or the Swedish full body massage – also 60 minutes.

The One-Day Spa Wellness Membership also makes a great gift that anyone can appreciate.

For more information on CORE Spa in Riyadh, their exclusive One-Day Spa Wellness Membership, and their selection of superb products and treatments, click here

CORE Spa is located at the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 11587.

To get in touch, mail info.dq@core.fit or call +966 9200 01223.

Follow CORE Spa on Facebook and Instagram

KING SALMAN RECEIVES CREDENTIALS OF FOREIGN AMBASSADORS TO THE KINGDOM

Photo Credit: Saudi Press Agency, SPA

On September 20, 2022, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Salman welcomed the ambas sadors to the Kingdom, wishing them success in strengthening and developing diplomatic relations.

Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Mohammed Ali Boughazi

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa

Non-resident Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Julio Simon Castanos Zoyan

Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Dino Seidi

Ambassador of the Republic of Benin Adam Zachary Bagudo

Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed

Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulukbek Maripov

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ameer Khurram Rathore

Ambassador of the Republic of Peru Carlos Rodolfo Zapata Lopez

Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic Nuno Mathias

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Jorge Hevia

Ambassador of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka P.M. Amza

Ambassador of The Socialist Republic of Vietnam Dang Xuan Dung

DISCOURSE

DISCUSSION WITH AMBASSADOR OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE

H.E. COULIBALY DRISSA ALEXANDER WOODMAN

Please discuss the milestones as well as challenges of Saudi-Côte d'Ivoire diplomatic relations. How do you en vision your contribution to upscaling two-sided collabo ration?

I would like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude to DQ Living magazine for this opportunity to discuss dip lomatic relations between the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two countries have maintained strong and friendly cooperation since estab lishing diplomatic relations in 1985. Official visits at differ ent levels strengthen these relations. Among them, I would like to highlight the official visit of the President of the Re public of Côte d'Ivoire, His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, to Saudi Arabia in 2019.

I would also like to recall the visit of the Special Advisor of the King, His Excellency Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Kattan to Côte d'Ivoire in 2021. During this visit, the two countries signed a general agreement on cooperation in the economic, com mercial, and investment fields, as well as in education, art, culture, media, tourism, youth, and sports. The agreement reflects a reciprocal interest in developing relations and in tensifying cultural ties and common interests. I wish to see the other draft agreements signed by the two countries as soon as possible.

I would also like to highlight the Kingdom's valuable contri bution to funding many important projects in Côte d'Ivoire and to take this opportunity to reiterate our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom. With this foundation and solid background of cooperation, I foresee further contributions and developments in tourism, trade, and partnership between the two countries' private sectors, among other initiatives. I will be glad to contribute to the development and strengthening of these relations

You served as the Director of Asia-Pacific Region at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire. Which unex plored assets of this region the two countries can use to increase bilateral trade? It was a unique experience for me. The Asia-Pacific Re gion is one of the most dynamic in the world, presenting a unique and diverse natural environment that can con tribute to international and regional dialogue, and an economic outlook. At the same time, Côte d'Ivoire is the center of the West African region, with numerous natural resources that provide important opportunities for the de velopment of the processing industry and agribusiness. My experience allowed me to rethink the importance of promoting trade both bilaterally and multilaterally. Ac cordingly, I believe that the cooperation between Côte

DISCOURSE

d'Ivoire and Saudi Arabia could lead to multilateral trade opportunities with the Asia-Pacific Region.

Prospective Vision 2030 of Côte d'Ivoire and Saudi Vision 2030 have the same accomplishment date. How do you see the collaboration in this framework?

Côte d'Ivoire is committed to deepening its economy and institutions' structural transformation to acceler ate inclusive and sustainable development through the Côte d'Ivoire Vision 2030. This is a reference basis for action leading to a long-term partnership and po litical dialogue with its internal and external partners.

Côte d'Ivoire 2030 builds on lessons from the country's history and experiences since the 1960s. This process of self-assessment and analysis has helped to identify the main development policy that will lead the country to unprecedented transformations. On the other hand, Saudi Vision 2030 aims to strengthen and diversify the capabilities of the Saudi economy by turning its key strengths into tools for a fully diversified economy, pro viding better partnership opportunities and improv ing the business environment. With such strong and ambitious plans for the future, I believe that the two countries will maintain and strengthen these relations within their Vision 2030, especially in the field of indus trialization, tourism and environmental initiatives.

Tourism development is one of the main goals of Saudi Vision 2030. From your perspective, why should Ivorians visit Saudi Arabia? What will Saudis discover on Côte d'Ivoire?

Saudi Arabia is an important destination for the Ivo rians. Thousands of Ivorian Muslims annually visit the Kingdom to perform the Hajj and the Umrah. However, I sincerely hope that in the near future, Ivorians will visit other regions of the Kingdom to discover the rich cul ture shaped by the layers of ancient civilizations. The Ivorians will explore the most mesmerizing architectur al masterpieces, carefully preserved for the next gener ations. Last but not least, they will discover Saudis' ex

ceptional allure and genuine hospitality while enjoying delicious traditional cuisine.

The beauty of Côte d'Ivoire shines through its gor geous and serene beaches and people. Those inter ested in flora and fauna can explore Mount Nimba, a UNESCO heritage site covered in dense forest where some of the rarest chimpanzee breeds can be found. I would also recommend visiting Tai National Park, one of the last primary rainforests in West Africa. Saudis and travelers from all over the world can also hike through the forest of Mount Tonkpi and enjoy the scenery of La Cascade Falls, a beautiful waterfall sur rounded by bamboo trees. Since cuisine is considered an important cultural factor, I can safely say that Côte d'Ivoire cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, ranging from a wide variety of seafood to numerous local dishes. This can become another memorable experience while traveling to Côte d'Ivoire.

Most importantly, the people of two countries will open up to each other, leading to fruitful peo ple-to-people relationships, the cornerstone of any diplomatic relationship.

On the subject of intercultural collaboration. What will be your remarks on the concept of the Diplo matic Quarter, a home for over dozens of diplomat ic missions?

I would like to start by praising the concept of the Diplomatic Quarter as a convenient, comfortable, and safe place to live and work. In terms of the dayto-day activities of ambassadors, this is a great place to have many meetings in one day and have result-oriented discussions without spending time in traffic jams. DQ is also a great place to experience diverse cultures and traditions through socializing and interacting with people from all walks of life. Most importantly, it is a great place to discover Saudi Arabia and the Saudis from a new perspective.

DISCOURSE

DISCUSSION WITH AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER

H.E. ALI DIEYE ALEXANDER WOODMAN

Please reflect on the achievements of diplomatic ties be tween Saudi Arabia and Niger.

Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Niger have a long and solid history, with positive prospects of expanding and developing cooperation in the coming decades. Dip lomatic relations are strengthened by religion, connecting the two nations. The Kingdom houses two holy sites for Muslims worldwide, thereby connecting people, including Nigeriens, and promoting people-to-people ties.

In addition to diplomatic and people-to-people relations, Saudi Arabia and Niger have initiated a number of trade and economic collaborations. These projects include but are not limited to infrastructure and rural development programs in Niger. I would also like to highlight the Saudi government and organizations' contribution to developing

projects in education and relief through the Saudi Develop ment Fund, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Cen ter, and others.

Since taking office on April 2, 2021, the President of Niger, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, has sought to strengthen and de velop these outstanding ties between the Republic of Niger and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all sectors. As a result, the first Saudi-Niger Joint Commission under leadership of H.E. Mohamed Bazum was held in Riyadh in March 2022 and issues of mutual interest between the two countries were discussed.

I firmly believe that with this solid foundation and ongoing initiatives, the two countries will work to expand coopera tion in new, previously unexplored areas.

DISCOURSE

Back in 2017, during the official visit of President Ma hamadou Issoufou to KSA, a number of agreements were signed. How did these agreements contribute to bilateral trade?

In 2017, during the official visit of then President H.E. Ma hamadou Issoufou agreements were signed to develop economic, cultural, and security partnerships between the two countries. Among them, I would like to focus on the agreement to expand the Kandaji Dam. The multipurpose project is designed to regulate the flow of the Niger River to provide water for irrigation and human consumption, as well as electricity for the capital Niamey.

The dam is expected to improve agricultural production, food security, and living conditions of local communities, restore and preserve river ecosystems. Thus, the successful completion of the project will create investment opportu nities for the Saudi private sector, especially in agriculture and renewable energy production.

Africa Agenda 2063 and Saudi Vision 2030. How can these groundbreaking transformation plans contribute to achieving the goals of each initiative?

Africa Agenda 2063 embodies Africa's aspirations for the future and defines key programs that can accelerate Af rica's economic growth and development, leading to the rapid transformation of the entire continent. It is a strate gic framework for the continent to achieve its inclusive and sustainable development goal and is a concrete embodi ment of the pan-African aspiration for unity, self-determi nation, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity.

On the other hand, Saudi Vision 2030 is the first step to ward achieving Saudi Arabia's economic goals by trans forming the lives of its citizens. Based on the country's domestic strengths, the Kingdom aims to use its strategic position to strengthen its role as an integral driver of inter national trade and connect the three continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe, thereby creating a more diverse and sus tainable economy.

As can be seen, the African Agenda 2063 and the Saudi Vision 2030 are sources of renewed economic growth and social progress, offering people-centred development and youth empowerment. Moreover, these two milestone initia tives create new opportunities for development and invest ment in agribusiness, infrastructure development, health, IT, and education for the global community.

Diplomatic Quarter is a unique concept that houses most foreign missions and embassies in the Kingdom. In your opinion, how does this concept contribute to diplomacy and multilateral relations?

The concept of the Diplomatic Quarter is great for facili tating diplomatic communication, reducing distances, and enabling cooperation between diplomatic missions ac credited to the Kingdom. This is from the professional point of view. At the same time, this allocation of foreign missions allows for communication, an essential value. This commu nication between representatives of different cultures and traditions leads to a new knowledge, understanding, and tolerance. Therefore, I must certainly praise DQ's concept and mastermind.

ACTIVE KIDS AND FAMILIES: HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS DANIELLE O’CONNOR

The pandemic threatened the lifestyles of our children and, as the effects of it became real, we had to navigate these drastic changes with care. Here are ways in which we coped and how we ushered in a new routine that kept our children active and healthy.

When the schools closed in March of 2020, my then 9-yearold son celebrated the end of early risings and his percep tion of ‘school’ and all that it entails. Then the quarantine hit us. At first, just like virtual school, it was a novelty; the idea of being locked in our homes for the first time in our lives. We watched movies and played games. We tried to keep the mood cheerful and keep the kids from seeing the numbers of people getting sick and the fear of this un known, invisible threat.

As virtual school continued for an unprecedented length of time, the effects of all of this started to become very real for our family and others around the world. My pre

viously lean child started to get a bit softer and I began observing closely as he ate out of boredom, sat in front of a screen, played video games for hours, and ate more. I realized snacking was becoming a coping mechanism, a kind of routine in a world of separation, isolation, and dull ness. He sat and laid around… a lot. He became emotion al more often and his moods started to sour, often filled with complaints, negative thoughts, expressions of anger and frustration, and a general air of unhappiness that he couldn’t name or explain. When we tried to scale back his snack options, it upset him almost as if we took his only faithful companion from him in a world that had taken a lot already.

Physically active children tend to have a better academic performance in school due to better focus and concentra tion, improvements in cognition and memory, and have sig nificant reductions in depression and emotional challeng es due to increases in self-esteem and building a positive outlook on life. The pandemic wreaked havoc on my family and others around the world and families are now facing an uphill challenge to try to reverse these undesirable im pacts on our children physically and mentally.

Post-pandemic weight gain has been a concerning but common consequence of the sedentary nature of quar antine and virtual school experiences and the increase in obesity disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable including children who were slightly overweight before the pandemic and younger school-aged children. This lesson has re-emphasized the urgency to promote and instill the values of nutrition, and the importance of exercise in our lives to our children.

With recent headlines of research also showing a correla tion between the pandemic effect and mental health in our children and a ten-fold increase in demand for mental health services since March 2020, it becomes even more critical to mobilize the family to counter these effects. Ex ercise and nutrition both have a net positive impact on a child’s emotional well-being and reduce the negative effects of screen. Physical activity in kids keeps the body strong but can also decrease symptoms of emotional chal

lenges including depression, anxiety, and the aftereffects of loneliness.

One of the best ways we can encourage our children to be active and aware of their wellbeing is to be active role models aware of our wellbeing. Parents who are active and families that are active together open up a world of con nection building opportunities to strengthen familial bonds through shared experiences and fun. When families share a passion for healthy lifestyles and healthy bodies, it promotes positive family time, strengthens ties between siblings as they develop their own passions and talents as individuals, and enables everyone to expand their social networks with like-minded families and friends.

Do the soul some good and volunteer to nurture a heart of service in your family. Contact Riyadh Animal Shelter and help care for their pets awaiting adoption or get your hands dirty and spend a few hours in the desert doing clean-up. Many embassies in the Diplomatic Quarter have groups that arrange volunteer meet-ups for all ages.

With Riyadh’s pristine winter weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to create a new family routine and make lots of memories within and beyond the DQ to feed our bodies, our spirits, and our minds.

Check out our recommendations for some classic and unique offerings for kids and families to experience together:

Flite Freerun is a parkour gym with a dedicated curriculum for the youngest to the oldest! Learn more at https://www. flite.life/

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Waves Swimming Academy offers internationally recog nized coaching standards, a full curriculum, and packag es to meet every need. Check out their website at www. https://waveswimming.sa/en/

Let your children be a part of the newly launched Kids Club at the CORE Social Wellness Club. Your kids can partici pate in activities that they’ll surely enjoy. To become a CORE member, please contact Guest Relation at 9200 01223 or WhatsApp 053 1383188.

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Saudi Skate Park at Riyadh Boulevard features in-line skating, BMX bikes, and skateboarding. For more info visit their website at https://www.saudiskateparks.com/

A premiere tennis academy in the heart of the DQ, DQ Tennis Academy has classes for ages 6 to adult. Learn more on their Instagram @dqtennis

Another DQ staple, Almanahil has a variety of active op tions for kids and teens including taekwondo, swimming, and ballet. Learn more at www.almanahil.com.sa

YOUR NEXT STAYCATION AWAITS AT MARRIOTT RIYADH DQ

SALMA SIDDIQUA

Summer holidays are almost over. If you’re still apprehensive to travel outside Riyadh or Saudi Arabia, why not avoid the added procedures and uncertainty by booking the ultimate staycation in the heart of Riyadh?

Nestled in the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter, Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter is the perfect destination to feel worlds away without ever leaving Riyadh.

A family getaway at this 5-star hotel has something for everyone. With a mix of elegant rooms and suites – some boasting stunning garden views – comfort is guaranteed from the minute you check in. Throw into the mix two worldclass restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, a dedicated kid’s pool, fitness and wellness center, tennis court, and a luxurious spa and you have all the makings of a well-round ed staycation.

The destination embodies an intimate, culturally-immer sive experience with artisanal décor and the most charm ing staff. The accommodation provides 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

Each accommodation has garden views and guests can en joy access to a shared lounge and a garden. All accommoda tion features plush bedding, a sleek marble bathroom, flatscreen TV, a large workspace, and high-speed Wi-Fi access.

Those with little ones will be pleased to know that the property offers a children’s playground and plenty of na ture trails for hiking and cycling.

Meanwhile, those on a business trip will have access to an upscale business center where guests can use the fax ma chine, photocopier, and on-site ATM machine.

Spectacular dining options

The hotel boasts the finest cuisine with unparalleled ser vice at the Goji Restaurant set in an elegant dining at mosphere. Take a global culinary tour and tuck into some

delicious international fare at Goji with its delicious inter national buffet.

You can also enjoy exceptional Mediterranean cuisine at Mesquite Restaurant where comfort food is prepared from fresh and best quality ingredients in a fun casual atmo sphere.

Indulge in an exclusive poolside dining experience with a vibrant ambience at the 10:10 Lounge. Enjoy snacks, fresh juices and mocktails, and a variety of desserts. Kick start your day or wind down in the afternoon with a cup of coffee at the luxurious specialty coffee house, The Coffee Table.

Buckets of fun at the pool

The accommodation features separate temperature-con trolled pools for kids and adults. Children will love to have a splash and be entertained at the kids pool while parents

take a dip in the adult pool. Enjoy plenty of leisure activities together, including an array of interactive shows and fun activities throughout the week.

Mind, body, and soul reboot

Take a break at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter’s Saray Spa and treat yourselves to an ultimate holiday pam pering with an extensive array of treatments. Imbued with zen energy, this intimate healing haven is a tranquil sanctu ary to transcend through stress and slow down. Highlights include grounding chocolate body wraps, facial treatments, soothing full body massages, and de-stress rituals.

For the metropolitan minded who abide by a work-hard, play-hard, rest-hard mentality, Marriott Riyadh Diplomat ic Quarter is the ideal escape to find work-life balance in the lap of luxury. We definitely recommend this beautiful getaway for couples, families, and even for solo travelers.

WHERE IS HOME?

PALAVI KELE

Many families in global transition make the life-altering choice to relocate borders, often not knowing what to expect. In this new DQ Living column, I share my personal experience as an expat in Saudi Arabia and my favorite mantra to make any new city feel like home.

I nervously dug out a black abaya from my carry-on luggage upon landing in Riyadh the first time. It was the middle of June 2019. The flight from India was full, with only three other women on board.

“If you don’t like it, we can always return”, assured my hus band, who had been in Riyadh for a year and had adjusted to the Saudi environment well. Having helped several expat families relocate and adapt to India as a Cultural Intelli gence (CQ) Consultant, I thought this move to the Kingdom would be a great way to practice what I preached!

It’s been over three years since that day and the capital city now feels like home.

So, what defines a home? Is it a place, a person, a delicacy, a fragrance, a feeling, or something else? Or is it all of these and more?

Many expat families make the life altering decision to relo cate borders. In this process, they not just pack their cartons and suitcases but their entire lives and transport them to a

foreign land, often not knowing what to expect.

In my case, home is where I have my circle of friends. All wasn’t easy when I first came to Riyadh. Arriving in the month of June had two major challenges – the peak summer dry heat and the void of new neighbors and friends. Most fellow expat and local families had travelled back to their home countries for a couple months to escape the weather, which left me, a newly arrived ‘supporting spouse’ struggling to find a friend and not knowing my way around the city.

As serendipity and luck would have it, my husband and I met a Mexican couple on a food tour during our European sum mer break that year. Turned out that they lived only a 15-min ute drive from our home in Riyadh!

Eventually, Jessy, my first official friend in Saudi Arabia not only introduced me to her closest friends and helped explore the heritage sites and restaurants in Riyadh but she also opened a colorful window to Latin American cultures. That’s the best part about this city – you meet people from across the world and build a rich international community.

‘People make places’, isn’t it? If you find your tribe in a new city, you can absolutely thrive there!

The lack of a warm welcome and social support can be one of the many challenges upon relocating to a new country. Not knowing what to expect, navigating daily life, finding domestic help, struggling to set a routine, the dependence on cabs or your spouse for driving you around until you get your own license, settling kids into their new schools, that feeling of missing a purpose especially if you’ve left a job behind, the list can go on…

The positive side?

As supporting spouses moving to Saudi Arabia, all of us eventually get our bearings back and figure out myriad ways to navigate life in the Kingdom. Be it following the dress code, buying a humidifier to beat the dry weather, or dodging our way through the infamous Riyadh traffic. In my decade long experience in facilitating intercultural sessions, the ‘Three Cs of Adjustment’ have always been a hit among my participants and helped them reduce the onset of culture stress. More importantly, this mantra helped them make their new city feel like home without going through all the dread ful phases of the adjustment curve.

COMFORTS

• Carry along or look for a few items from your home country that bring you comfort. Your favorite mug to a lamp, a scarf

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or even a candle. I recently brought back paintings depict ing the old city markets from the city I grew up in and they certainly make me feel closer to my family back in India.

• Deck up your residence in your style. Choosing the wall col ors and curtains for instance can bring about a sense of belongingness in the initial weeks of your move.

CALMERS

• Listen to your favorite Spotify playlist – I feel a great sense of home when I listen to my Bollywood playlist.

• Continue your meditation and gym routine or pursue that hobby which brings you joy.

CONNECTORS

• Use social media or maintain a blog to pen down your ad ventures to share with family and friends. Like trying Saudi coffee for the first time, for instance. Journaling is also a great way to check in with yourself on a regular basis.

• Attend networking and cultural events in Riyadh. A great way to stay updated is being active on Instagram and Twitter. Join communities that share a common passion like a book or board game club.

While there are several ways to make a new place feel like home, I’d like to ask my readers: Where is ‘home’ for you? Is it where your heart is or is it where ‘you’ are?

Palavi Kele is a curious traveler and blogger. She is currently on board as a Cultural Intelligence Consultant with Arabius and helps expat families and multicultural teams thrive in the Kingdom. Having traveled to, lived and worked in 30+ countries, she documents her Saudi adventures on her Instagram page @sojourn_in_saudi.

5 TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY

SALMA SIDDIQUA

Nervousness and anxious feelings are normal and expected in children and teens returning to school.

It’s that time of the year again. As summer vacation comes to an end, we find ourselves wandering around isles of bookstores, kids in tow, clutching the new school supply list to find their favorite stationary.

Are your kids excited about a new school year? Are they nervous? In the days leading up to school, your anxious child may cling, cry, have temper tantrums, withdraw, plead, or bargain and become irritable and angry.

Worries are common. Kids can feel pressure to handle all the changes and worry about things like- who will be my new teacher? Will all my friends be in my class? Who will I sit with at lunch? Will the classes be a lot harder? They may still harbor fears of the impact of COVID-19 on family members or themselves.

Here are 5 expert tips to help your kids with back-to-school jitters:

1. Take care of the basics: sleep and diet. Ensure that your child is getting enough sleep when they go back to school, especially if you are lax about bedtime during the summer. Most kids need about 9 to 9 1/2 hours sleep every night. Start unwinding before kids even climb into bed. The last one hour before bedtime should be rela tively quiet and calming which means no exercise, no caf feine, no television, or cell phones. When it comes to diet, kids really need a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with or without a couple of snacks. When your child’s mind and body are nourished, tackling school worries is easier.

2. Practice your morning routine.

Go through all the steps of the morning, as well as the tim ing involved to get to school on time. Help younger kids prep by setting out clothes the night before.

3. Encourage good communication.

To help kids open up to you, remember to first put your phone away. When your kid wants to talk, even if it’s an inconvenient time, practice putting your phone away. It not only helps you give them your full attention, it also fosters good behavior.

Also, dmaximize your precious time in the car. Experts rec ommend using your vehicle as a vehicle of communication. Kids may feel it’s safer to talk to mom when she is driving and not stare at you too much. It allows for casual conver sation.

Make it a daily habit to debrief. Ask your child about their day, every day with questions like: What was the best/ worst part of the day? What was the funniest thing that happened today? You want to keep a pulse on what’s working and what isn’t. Remember sharing goes both ways; be prepared to role model by answering those questions for yourself with your kids. You can explain to them how you handled stressful moments in your own life.

4. Problem solve and focus on the positive aspect.

Once you know what’s bothering your child, you can start

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to develop a coping plan. Addressing your child’s fear head on, by creating an active plan with concrete solutions, will significantly reduce the worry. For example, “If (the worst) happens, what could you do?” or “Let’s think of some ways you could handle that situation.” This gives you the oppor tunity to coach your child on how to cope with (and inter pret) both real and imagined scary situations.

5. Take extra care for a child with anxiety or depression. There’s a difference between a child with first day nerves and one dealing with anxiety or depression. If your child has these specific challenges, partner with the school. You want to prep the teachers and care team at the school to know your child is at risk. Experts say “for those who get serious panic attacks, you might teach them to breathe a square. You can imagine a square with four sides and you breathe in two sides and breathe out two sides. And then the sides can go slower and slower.”

And remember, it’s important to take pride in your child’s growth and development. Just like when we see a child learning to walk towards the beckoning parent, and in the exact moment the child proves that they don’t need that parent to take those first steps.

So in the same way, enjoy your child’s latest milestone as they step into the classroom - as a parent, take pride.

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.

BLASTOFF! THE PLANETX EXPERIENCE

AEVAN CARO

Who says that a rocket ship and years of training to be an astronaut is required to go to another planet? PlanetX is just a quick drive away and requires no space travel.

Located among the strip of restaurants within the comfort ing vibes of The Zone along Takhassussi Street, PlanetX is one of the newest and most advanced indoor amusement centers in Riyadh.

The dark walls and ceiling lit with bright neon-colored lights welcome you as you enter and enliven your futuris tic imaginations that gives a thrilling impression of having traveled to a different planet or dimension.

PlanetX features three main gaming areas that aim to fulfill your craving for adrenaline-pumping activities: the exciting Virtual Reality (VR) experience, the fun-filled arcade sec tion, and the mind-boggling escape rooms.

The main attraction for their VR gaming experience is the state-of-the-art and internationally-known Hologate Are na, a multiplayer VR system which features a wide selection of shooting games that utilizes headsets and simulated

firearms. With the advanced technology and graphics that Hologate brings, players get to experience a VR game like no other.

Another must-try is the Beat Saber, a VR rhythm game with adrenaline-pumping music where a player slashes the beats that swing along his way, and the VR egg chairs that have a broad collection of ride simulation games.

The arcade section is a combination of classic games for old-time arcade-goers such as Pac-Man, Legend of Gal aga, Tomb Raider, plus a series of carnival games with a modern twist for the younger ones. Sports enthusiasts may also enjoy playing basketball, air hockey, bowling, and car racing. Indeed, the excitement never stops in PlanetX!

For those who are into mentally-challenging games and solving mysteries, you have definitely found the right place for you. Immerse into finding clues, solving riddles, and

searching for hidden objects in the Escape Rooms of Plan etX which are powered by the internationally-known Game Over Escape Rooms.

A group of two to six players will be locked in a room to solve mysteries and will be given an hour to beat and es cape the room they are trapped in.

There are three Escape Room themes to choose from –Walking Death, a post-zombie apocalypse survival mission inspired by the horror television series The Walking Dead, Jack the Ripper, a murder mystery about a notorious serial killer that existed in London back in 1800s, and the Harry Potter-inspired Philosopher's Stone, a mystical challenge of spells and magic.

In case of tiredness, you may regenerate your senses with PlanetX’s cafe which serves some snacks to munch on and a range of both cold and hot beverages.

PlanetX is also accepting private functions such as birthday parties, corporate events, school trips, and ladies’ night which you may inquire through their website.

Through innovative and revolutionary technology, Plan etX aims to cater to gamers of all ages and caliber – from experts and adrenaline-junkies to beginners or just plain curious ones, everyone is welcome to experience the outof-this-world fun.

PlanetX

Gate 2, First Floor

The Zone, Takhassussi Street

AlMohammadiah District, Riyadh

Website: www.planetx.sa

Opening Hours:

4pm – 12am everyday

Contact No.: +966 11 485 8585 / +966 50 114 8585 Email: info@planetx.sa

THE FLAMES AND FLAVORS OF FLORYA

From Istanbul to Riyadh, FLORYA Steak Lounge offers an exciting dining experience characterized by its appetizing flavors, relaxing ambiance, and entertaining service.

While most Turkish restaurants are known for their ke babs and mezzes, brothers Mehmet and Mustafa Dag had heightened dreams for their restaurant: a new generation steakhouse that will infuse modern and traditional Turkish cuisine, highlighting premium meat selections that will be presented in a luxurious setting.

Inspired by the affluent district of Florya in Istanbul, their first restaurant opened in Saudi Arabia in Riyadh’s La Valle Mall, Al Nafal District last 2019. It has fit in well with the meat-loving culture of the city and was even recently short listed as one of the Best Steakhouses in Timeout Riyadh

Restaurant Awards 2022. Following its growing success, they have opened their second branch at the cosmopolitan plaza of Riyadh Front, north of Riyadh.

Inside their pioneer branch at La Valle Mall is an elegant combination of wood, open windows, and tones of gold and deep violet accented by green verdure. One can view how the drinks are made from their beverage bar, from their distinguished Turkish hot drinks to their selection of non-alcoholic wines. The seating area is vast with private sections for VIP guests who would like to conduct private group gatherings.

Their menu highlights the prime beef and lamb dishes that ought to be tried, including their salads, starters, and des serts. We began with the Florya Special Salad, which felt indulgent with its addition of rich goat cheese to the mix of fresh greens. The “Pink Sultan” appetizer made with beet root, yogurt, and garlic made an impression with its earthy and savory flavors - perfectly paired with their freshly made Turkish bread.

The arrival of the meat dishes was an entertaining display of talent and service. From the knife skills to the flamboy ant play on flames, each dish allowed guests to marvel at its presentation. The oozing mozzarella and cheddar cheese was revealed in the Giant Cheese Kofte, the swordlike knife made an appearance with the Dallas Ribeye Steak, and the falling off of the bone of the Assado Beef showcased its tenderness after being roasted for six hours. It was the Special Florya Fireshow, however, that was a definite showstopper. The thinly sliced Australian Angus beef was tenderized in butter and a quick and blazing fire that made all the diners look in awe. The spectacle was as engaging as the tastes that tantalized with each bite; notably that of the Dallas Ribeye Steak with its herbaceous seasoning, and the tenderness and marbling on the Assa do Beef.

After the tremendous meat for dinner, we moved on to dessert. Of course, no Turkish foodfare would be complete without its most famous dessert, the Baklava, which was also served with a melodic chant amidst a fiery flame. The

airy pastry and sweetened pistachio filling was paired with a decadent scoop of dondurma. A cup (or two) of their Turkish coffee was just what we needed to cap off the charming evening of Turkish hospitality, making it a memo rable dinner overall.

FLORYA Steak Lounge by Etci Mehmet

La Valle Mall, Al Nafal District

Opening hours: 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM Contact. No: 011

5511

Riyadh Front, Airport Road.

Opening hours: 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM Contact. No: 0558606420

Website: https://www.floryasteaklounge.com

Social Media: @floryasteaksa

QASSIM: LAND OF DATES AND GENEROSITY

SHERIDAN SWATHWOOD

Riyadh’s northern neighbor is rich in more than just dates.

“When I think of home, I think of Qassim.”

Fatima Al-Badr says she is proud to be from Qassim, one of Saudi Arabia’s 13 regions. Qassim lies north of the Riyadh region, and the two share a border. Most famous for its date farms, Qassim is also home to world-renowned titans of in dustry and folklore of a highly-honored woman.

Qassim boasts hundreds of farms, big and small, where families grow everything from dates to vegetables. Water is plentiful here, and farms are irrigated by wells across the region, unlike the desalinized water of Riyadh. Fatima AlBadr, a Saudi dialect guide at Arabius, says the farm atmo sphere is her favorite part of life in Qassim.

“When I go to my family’s farm, I can pick vegetables straight from the ground, without going to the market,” she explained, “I love it!”

Qassim also has the biggest date farm in the world*: the Batin Palm Tree Project outside the capital city of Buraidah. It’s a non-profit farm with 200,000 date palms growing 45 kinds of dates. Every year, much of the harvest is donated to people on pilgrimage to Mecca. The rest is open to anyone in need to take for free.

The Buraidah Date Festival* is also the world’s biggest. Lasting anywhere from 30 to 90 days, thousands of farmers bring their harvest to Buraidah to sell. Organizers estimate that roughly 2 billion riyals in dates were sold at this year’s festival.

Selling produce is a family tradition here, a skill passed down from generation to generation. Fatima tells me kids as young as 12 are responsible for selling produce from their grandfa thers’ farms. In fact, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent self-made billionaires is from here. Sulaiman Al-Rajhi started

working on a date farm at age nine before eventually start ing the Kingdom’s first Islamic bank. Once among the rich est people in the world, Sulaiman has now donated most of his wealth to charity.

Qassim was also home to Moudhi Al-Bassam, a 20th-cen tury woman who is honored “like a man,” according to Fati ma. Moudhi came from a wealthy family, but lost her father as a baby. She later lost her husband and five of her chil dren. When war broke out in 1901, Moudhi housed, fed, and cared for wounded soldiers, even helping them get home. In 1909, a horrific famine claimed thousands of lives in what is known as “The Year of Hunger.” Even then, Moudhi’s gener osity didn’t stop. She opened the doors to her father’s pal ace, cooking, feeding, and housing anyone in need.

So famous was her generosity that King Abdulaziz and his aunt would visit Moudhi whenever the king came to Un aizah. A proverb also arose: “If a son is born, his name is Moudhi,” signifying the deep respect she earned from her people. You can still visit her home today at Al Bassam Pal ace in Unaizah.

Arabius is a cultural center in Riyadh where native Saudi guides teach the local dialect of Arabic. They offer individu al, pair, and group rates. If you’re interested in learning more about Saudi dialect and culture, visit arabius.com

*Both the Al Batin Palm Tree Project and the Buraidah Date Festival are recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest date palm garden and biggest date festival, respectively.

TASTE OF QASSIM

Karath is a healthy veggie native to Qassim. It looks like grass, smells like onions, and tastes like spinach. Fatima says her mother used to eat it straight from the ground!

Kaleejah is a tasty sweet that can be found in most supermarkets, but for the “real thing,” you have to go to Qassim. It consists of sweet bread with a hollow inside containing a sweet sauce of honey, ginger, cinnamon, and more. “You know it’s good and fresh if the sauce spills out when you bite into it,” Fatima laughed.

Want the fresh produce of Qassim without the long drive? Thamar Al- Aqilaat, in northwest Ri yadh, always has a healthy supply of dates and other produce fresh from the farms of Qassim.

7013 Takhassusi St., Floor 1, Office #3, Riyadh 12341

Website: www.arabius.com

Email: enjoy@arabius.com

WhatsApp: +966538511133

Social Media: @arabius_ksa

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WHY ALILA HINU BAY IS THE ESCAPE YOU NEED RIGHT NOW

JANELLE VALES-YASAY

Located in the historical and culture-rich town of Mirbat in Salalah, Oman, ALILA HINU BAY offers unparalleled exclusivity and serenity for guests who want to immerse themselves in a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ahhh, life these days… don’t you feel like we’re all just work ing tirelessly and letting days pass us by? A few unexpected challenges and a craving to escape the busy work life made me say ‘yes’ to a quick trip to Salalah, Oman, a place I had no prior knowledge about. It was one of the best decisions I have made this year because Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah surprised me immensely.

Travel time to Salalah in Oman from Riyadh is 2 hours and 25 minutes by plane. From Salalah International Airport,

Alila Hinu Bay in Mirbat is another hour by land travel. The location is almost untouched – a real hidden gem. The taw ny-colored sand and the rocky hills surrounding the resort give an otherworldly feeling; the landscape and seascape – wherever you look – are hauntingly beautiful. The resort is truly ‘away from it all’; it seamlessly marries nature and modernity with its architecture and aesthetic sensibility.

Sunshine kisses the terraces in the morning while the light dances off the waters of infinity pools at sundown. The

TRAVEL

edges of pools, including the private ones, overlook the dunes, the sea, or the lagoon; each view is peaceful and calming. Every room is well-curated and well-thought-out; over 60 sqm of space, plush beds and sofas, and a shower and bathtub. There are also villas with private pools that can accommodate 4-5 people. Both the rooms and villas open onto a deck with wonderful views. Alas, while we didn’t want to leave our room with a terrace sea view and its complete amenities, there are so many things to see and do outside the comfort of our rooms too.

Alila Hinu Bay has world-class restaurants raising the bar of dining experiences on this side of Oman. The Orchard is perfect for breakfast, with its laid-back atmosphere offer ing a buffet of breads, cheeses, and juices. Healthy options using natural, locally-sourced ingredients like their Almond Pancakes and Avocado Toast are delicious. Their outdoor setup overlooks the entire resort. Nearer to the lagoon, Sea

Salt Restaurant comes highly recommended for its South east Asian flavors. It successfully replicates that moment of stepping onto the shore and filling the lungs with pure positive energy. Their Nasi Goreng, Beef Rendang, and Sin gaporean Prawns delighted our tastebuds. Cheers to their cocktails, too; don’t forget to try a couple of their mixes while enjoying the balmy weather and starlit skies.

A visit to Spa Alila, housed in one of the concrete buildings inside the resort, relaxed us immediately. A stream of wa ter ending in a fountain welcomes guests into a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to indulgent pampering from head to toe. We were met by friendly and helpful therapists who gave us a memorable 90-minute massage using frankin cense oil and techniques that restored our well-being (I might have dozed off because it was that good!). Their spa experiences are indulgent and customized according to your needs.

TRAVEL

Alila Hinu Bay also offers different experiences that show case the beauty of its location. From late June to early Sep tember, Salalah enjoys the Khareef season or autumn. This is the monsoon season when the region receives rain, and many falls and springs come alive with fresh water gush ing from the mountains. Salalah becomes green, and its temperature makes it the perfect summer destination. And where is the best place to see this amazing nature transfor mation? In Wadi Darbat, of course. Alila Hinu Bay prepared a picnic for us in one of the scenic spots along the wadi (complete with a bar that served unique mocktails). The tropical ambiance was invigorating and energizing!

Back at the resort, we learned about the history and charms of Mirbat, including its frankincense trading. Frankincense, the aromatic crystalline resin harvested from the bark of the Boswellia sacra tree, grows in the rocky highlands of southeastern Arabia and is known for its healing and re storative properties. Oman has been known as the land of frankincense, producing the world’s highest quality of the aromatic resin, with the best found in the Dhofar re gion called “Hojari”. This is the inspiration behind OJAR, a perfume brand whose name comes from the world’s finest quality frankincense resin.

OJAR (ojarofficial.om) was founded by Sheikha Hind Bah wan, a widely-respected Omani personality who combined her passion for perfumery and her desire to pay homage to the rich heritage and culture of Oman. OJAR’s unisex fine perfumes fuse the fragrances of the East with the West. Their frankincense eau de parfums include Forgiven Out rage, Routes Nomades, and Eagle Eyed Stranger – scents that are as bold, intriguing, and unforgettable as their names. OJAR also uses other key ingredients directly from Oman: the rose of Jebel Akhdar and honey from Rustaq, along with sandalwood, oud, and musk.

From its dreamy location, well-thought-out rooms and villas, world-class restaurants, and nature immersions, Alila Hinu Bay truly is the secluded experience we are all looking for when we want some time off our usual schedule. It’s that oneof-a-kind multi-sensory experience that you need right now.

Alila Hinu Bay

Mirbat, Salalah, Oman

@alilahinubay

DQ CELEBRATES SAUDI NATIONAL DAY

IQRA SULTANA LODHI

The Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh hosted a celebration in honor of the Saudi National Day for three days, from Sep tember 22 to 24, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the DQ’s Grassy Park right beside the newly-inaugurated MBC headquarter.

The event’s center of attraction was an entertainment area where various acts were taking place at specified time intervals. A clown and magic show was organized for the younger crowd while an ardha performance (traditional sword dance of Saudi Arabia) and musical performances delighted the adults.

The center stage was surrounded by benches, food and game stalls, pop-up stores, a mini-market, a Chuck E Cheese stall and more. Children lined up to try the games and volunteers were there to assist and help. The Chuck E Cheese mascot entertained the kids.

The event also had a dedicated area for horses. HRH King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, loved hors es and and the passion for purebred horses and racing ex ists amongst the locals till date. Professional riders show

cased a magnificent performance for the attendees and it was a mighty sight to behold.

The DQ’s Oud Square and CORE Riyadh also organized other activities in honor of the Saudi National Day.

THE 2022 GLOBAL AI SUMMIT AI FOR THE GOOD OF HUMANITY

DQ LIVING STAFF

A three-day Global AI Summit in Riyadh, hosted by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), brought together private sector leaders, government offi cials, and renowned academic professionals for a series of discussions on the future of AI. Under the slogan "AI For the Good of Humanity" the Summit focused on the importance of understanding where AI innovation and progress stands now, where the field is headed, and how society can ensure that progress does not violate ethical use.

AI NOW provided attendees with practical tools through keynotes, workshops, panels, and technology demonstra tions that will drive their roadmaps.

AI NEXT looked ahead to the change makers and pioneers who are paving the way for AI to solve some of the world's most meaningful challenges.

AI NEVER challenged the audience and speakers to en gage in debates about the ethics and responsible use of AI across various domains and topics.

To set the tone for the Summit, the opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Commu nications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Abdullah Alswaha discussed the Kingdom's growing lead ership and commitment to innovation in AI.

"During the G20 in 2020, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia drove global consensus towards the OECD principles of trustworthy AI. AI must be inclusive, human-centered, transparent, ro bust, and accountable. Beyond the ethical application of AI, it is critical that we advance AI truly together as humankind, sharing our best practices, our expertise, our resources, and our challenges to ensure no one is left behind in unlocking the potential of AI," stated H.E. Alswaha.

A series of announcements were made at the Summit aimed at advancing the use of data to solve some of the world's biggest challenges in healthcare, energy, and sustainabili ty. To celebrate the occasion, Abdullah Alghamdi, President of SDAIA, highlighted, "I look forward to announcing several groundbreaking initiatives with our global partners to deliver on the promise of this Summit: AI for the Good of Humanity."

Riyadh AI Call to Action Declaration and KSA AI Ethics marked the first of many agreements announced that aim to drive the responsible use of AI globally. Riyadh AI Call to Action (RAICA) Declaration was signed, outlining the Digital Cooperation Organization's (DCO) long-term vision to use AI technology to benefit people, communities, nations, and the world.

Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of DCO, emphasized, "DCO was created with the ethos of establishing an inclusive

digital economy through collaboration across diverse enti ties at all levels. The RAICA declaration is this idea put into practice. By signing this declaration, all DCO member states are reaffirming their shared desire to usher in a brighter fu ture for all by harnessing the huge potential of AI to improve the lives of people around the world."

The Summit brought together over 200 speakers from 90 countries and 10,000 participants. Attendees, speakers, and partners engaged in a rich dialogue on how AI can solve complex problems, empower businesses, shape the future and ultimately transform society. Speakers at the Summit in cluded Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, Sebastian Thrun, CEO

of Kitty Hawk, and Dr. Jürgen Schmidhuber, Director of AI Initiative at KAUST, H.E. Fajad Al-Jalajel, Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al Kassabi, Minister of Commerce, and H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

In the spirit of co-creation, speakers and participants were invited to contribute to the concept of AI, which will go be yond the scope of the Summit. This landmark event and ac companying announcements became a unique input to the Data & AI National Strategy to elevate the Kingdom as a global leader in data-driven economies as part of Vision 2030 goals.

EMBASSY OF MEXICO CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY AND SAUDI-MEXICO DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

PALAVI KELE

On the occasion of the CCXII Anniversary of Mexican In dependence Day and 70th Anniversary of Saudi-Mexican Diplomatic Relations established on 12th September 1952, H.E. Ambassador Aníbal Gómez-Toledo hosted a reception on September 12, 2022 at his residence in the Diplomatic Quarter.

The vibrant and festive evening was graced by Deputy Gov ernor of Riyadh, H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia Minister of Investment, H.E Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Acting Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Protocol Affairs, Abdulmajid Al-Sa mari, along with other members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the business, academic and cultural sectors of Saudi Arabia.

The venue was decked with traditional paper cutting craft ‘papel picado’ in green, red, and white, representing the Mexican national flag colors and upbeat “música ranchera” uplifting the vibe. The evening commenced by playing the national anthems of both countries.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Gómez-Toledo men tioned how the last 12 months have been marked by out standing progress to deepen further and widen Mexico’s relationship with the Kingdom. “As constructive members of the international community, Mexico and Saudi Ara bia share common values and a commitment to a rulesbased international system. In the UN multilateral fora, we work actively on a wide range of issues, including climate change, the fight against terrorism, respect for human rights, and implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.” he added. Ambassador Gómez-Toledo also built excitement about the upcoming Qatar FIFA World Cup match on November 30 wherein Mexico will face Saudi Ara bia, calling it an “epic encounter”.

He further mentioned how Mexico currently stands firmly in the global arena, with a vigorous democracy, world’s 14th largest economy, the largest Spanish speaking country that continues to be in the top seven most visited countries by international tourists. Mexican cuisine has been popular across the world for several decades and can now be expe

rienced by the expat and local community in Riyadh’s Dip lomatic Quarters at ‘Don Ruben's’ restaurant, which was Highly Commended as the Best Latin American Restaurant in the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.

The highlight of this evening was a traditional folkloric ballet performance from the Veracruz region along the Gulf of Mexico called ‘Son Jorocho’ performed by AlK hobar-based Mexican expat families. The dance includ ed graceful costumes and a unique choreography that involved stomping to the beats while balancing candles over their heads. Guests were later treated to a delectable spread of authentic Mexican cuisine.

The event shared a colorful slice of Mexican culture that every guest is bound to cherish for a long time. Here’s to celebrating the everlasting friendship between these two incredible countries.

U.S. CONSUL GENERAL IN DHAHRAN WELCOMES FULBRIGHT, IVLP & SYLEP ALUMNI

DQ LIVING STAFF

On September 6, 2022, U.S. Consul General David Edginton welcomed alumni of the Fulbright, International Visitor Lead ership Program (IVLP) and Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP) who just returned from their exchange pro grams to the United States. The event was organized at U.S. Consulate General Dhahran, hosting current and previous alumni from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, who shared their ex periences and the impact of the exchanges on their career and personal development.

The historic event not only recognized the Saudi alumni’s achievements but also marked the bittersweet closure of the old Consulate facility. Together the American diplomats and Saudi alumni bid farewell to the 70-year-old home of the U.S. Consulate, the last event for alumni before the Consulate’s move to its new, modern facility. Some Saudis shared memo ries of the U.S. Consulate as a steadfast presence in the his tory of the Eastern Province as Dhahran developed from an oil industry camp into the bustling tri-city hub of the region. Saying farewell to the past and opening the doors of the futuristic new Consulate is a testament to the two nations’ significant and long-standing relationship and optimism for the future.

On this momentous occasion, the keynote speech was de livered by the U.S. Consul General, David Edginton. C.G. Edginton underlined the unique contribution of the U.S. gov ernment to educational opportunities that allow them to explore, learn and communicate with different nations and share their experiences.

"This is a universal program; something that encapsulates the entire range of people. These people-to-people initiatives are among the most important programs we offer as they connect participants to learn and grow from their shared experiences."

In his speech, C.G. Edginton compared SYLEP with the Fulbright scholarship, "SYLEP is something similar to Fulbright, the great est moment of intellect in the history of the region and Sau di Arabia. SYLEP will dramatically affect the promotion and achievement of Vision 2030."

The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State's premier profession al exchange program that gives experienced and emerging foreign professionals an opportunity to experience the United States and meet professionals in their field. Each year, approx imately 5,000 international visitors travel to the U.S. through IVLP. SYLEP is a three-week program focused on developing leadership skills, respect for cultural diversity, social participa tion, and volunteering. The goals of SYLEP are to promote un derstanding between the U.S. and Saudi people and to prepare young leaders to become responsible citizens and members of their communities.

Since its start in 1946 after World War II by Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright undergraduate program has estab lished connections with more than 140 countries worldwide. The Fulbright programs offer unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines for passionate and experienced college graduates, graduate students, and young professionals from all walks of life.

NEOM LAUNCHES MEDIA VILLAGE

IRINA PEREDERKO

NEOM is one of the most ambitious projects of Saudi Ara bia. According to their website, “It’s an attempt to do some thing that’s never been done before… It will be a destina tion, a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for sustainable living, working, and prospering.”

NEOM is set to achieve the boldest goals, among them is changing the future of media which plays a game-chang ing role in modern business and society development. After research and analysis of the best similar projects in other countries, the group distinguished main spheres to be de veloped so they can create a competitive and innovative Media Hub which will attract regional and global players and make investors eager to work with the project.

On August 1, 2022, NEOM’s Media Village was launched to deliver the project’s plans, ambitions, and achievements. NEOM’s media managing director Wayne Borg said, “One of the biggest misconceptions about NEOM is that it is in the future. It is happening now!” During this event, guests enjoyed a world-class show and luxurious party in a oneof-a-kind venue.

Sheikh Waleed Alibrahim, CEO of MBC Group, Nazmi Alnasser, CEO of NEOM, and Abdulrjman Alkhathaln, CEO of AHK Group

Attendees were the industry leaders, top media and mar keting professionals, influencers along with management, investors, and participating businesses. The event show cased a live show performance, speeches from industry leaders, real film production demonstration, and other unique experiences that one can be involved in when they dive into the media production process.

Top companies were integrated in the project and the launch event to give the best experience and services to the guests. The catering was done by AHK-group which is the leader in food and beverage services and hospitality management sector. They include famous brands such as Spazio, Laduree, Zaadna, Smixin and others.

MEET

Tell us about yourself.

I am an Omani Peruvian architect working and living in Riyadh. I have two children who are going to school in the DQ. I love the outdoors and the ocean. I love making new friends and trying new things. I also love my alone time and am known for indulging in a week end of bear-like hibernation.

How would family and friends describe you?

I think they would say I am friendly, easy going, have a nice smile, loves good food and music, always willing to try something new, and can sometimes be stubborn and judgmental.

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

My parents, their courage in allowing themselves to fall in love, move to Oman, and raise a ‘hybrid’ family in the 70s has had the biggest influence on me and all my life choices.

What brought you to Riyadh?

The Kingdom’s grand vision and strong leadership birthed magnificent irresistible opportunities to step out of my comfort zone to explore, expand, and make new friends.

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

Choosing to be an architect was my inability to choose between the sciences and the arts. I quickly discov ered the difference between architectural engineer ing and architecture. I chose architecture, became the first chartered Omani architect, set up an architecture studio and in a nutshell became synonymous with well-designed, appropriate to place, culturally, and environmentally sensible boutique ‘small’ projects.

NADIA MAQBOOL AL LAWATI

DESIGN DIRECTOR, ARCHITECTURESAUDI DOWNTOWN COMPANY

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 back grounds of DQ dwellers. Read on, and Meet Your Neighbor.

Saudi Arabia has given and continues to give me the opportunity to lead larger projects and step out of my ‘small and boutique’ comfort zone, to contribute in a meaningful way to the Kingdom’s grand vision and aspirations of the Saudi people. I am grateful for these opportunities every day.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far? Being a mother, best friend, and confidant to my chil dren is high on the list. Surviving the pandemic as a small enterprise in Oman is borderline fictional. Being a WEF YGL and having an inspiring global network is a blessing, especially when I moved to Riyadh. I am also very proud of my ability to choose myself, my well-being, and my dreams and align them with my career goals.

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

I love living in Saudi Arabia. I keep telling family and friends that if they had asked me 4 years ago if I would have ever imagined myself living here, I would have said no way! It’s a privilege and delight to be here during this moment in history. I am loving it and I am in awe of all my Saudi friends who are living and shaping the new Saudi.

What do you like most about the DQ?

I love that I don’t need a car, even in the summer. I love the shaded walkways and the squares and the unlimited options on offer for leisure.

Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?

I have made my best friends on the streets of DQ, make time for walking, smile, and start up conver sation.