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www.itechia.com
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Our Team
Publisher
Oasis Publishing House Ltd (UK)
Founder & Editor-in-Chief Munira Munir Al-Ajlani
Co-Founder & Creative Director Noura Bouzo
Co-Founder & Basma Bouzo
Editor-at-Large
Editor and Writer Ahmad Dialdin
Business Development Sara Bouzo
Media & Advertising Rep. Sara Al-Tuwaijri
Advertising Coordinator Link & Marketing: Feras Sheraiff Reem Khaled Sulafa Sami Kurdi
advertise@oasis-mag.com
Graphics Consultant Nermin Moufti
Regular Contributors Dr. Geoffrey King Nora Alfaiz Rania Khalilieh Rashed Islam Samia Kanaan Sara Saab
Acknowledgements
Maz Jobrani, Lydia Shayne, Nick Benninson, Samira Raouaha, Betina Al Qubbaj, Josephine Escanillas, Ren Tabago, Morris Mercado, Caroline Montague, Stacey Francisco, Courtney Stuart, Sarah Rustin, Ed Franklin, and Laura Udouini and to everyone else (you know who you are;)
Oasis Publishing House Ltd (UK) Brompton Road, SW3 2AT, London, UK Tel: + 44 7778866760
Oasis Publishing House Ltd (KSA Office) M.D.C. Riyadh 11533, P.O.Box 50683, KSA Tel: 4646607, Fax: 4605632 Email: info@oasis-mag.com Website: www.oasis-mag.com
Distributor
Al Watania Distribution P.O.Box 84540, Riyadh 11671, KSA Tel: 966 1 4871460 Printing Inc. Printers S.A.L. – Karantina P.O.Box 175750, Beirut, Lebanon Tel: 961 1 577770 © Oasis Magazine is published quarterly. All rights reserved. All material published in Oasis Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the knowledge and permission of its publishers and founder. Oasis Magazine has ensured that all material included in the magazine is accurate, and will not be responsible for any error in submission from its contributors. All views expressed may not necessarily reflect the views of Oasis Magazine. All rights reserved. Oasis Magazine ©
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Contributors Feras Sheraiff:
Feras is an ordinary 7-4 working man by day, and a husband and father by night, and an undercover blogger in between. He has a passion for movies and independent films, and is continuously trying to catch up on his reading. His keen interest in ruling the world via submission to his karaoke performances have left the Oasis team stunned and speechless, leaving us no choice but to welcome him to our ever expanding family!
Joumana al Jabri:
Joumana al Jabri’s work revolves around social maturity. She is a trained architect and has a degree in business. She currently works in Dubai with various networks on platforms of exchange, community building, program development, and knowledge flows. She is co-founder of Febrik, a Beirut based art and design NGO working on social and urban change. She regularly contributes to Abitare magazine and is now part of the editing team for Al Manakh 2.
Mohammed Al-Saadoun:
Mohammed has worked as an intern at the United Nations, is dedicated to Ash It (a budding recycling project that he started with his twin brother and sister), and most importantly he is always up fora good time. Currently studying at Al Yamama University, Mohammed is planning on going into marketing or politics or both. He is a valued intern at Oasis where he doesn’t hesitate to cover comedy shows, interview the comedians, and come up with great ideas that make us smile.
Sara Saab:
Sara Saab came wailing into the world at Al Najjar Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon, in the winter of 1984. The proud parents recall but a single stand-out feature of this event: the worrying Klingon dent scoring the tiny nose of their ruddy and slick infant. The crease down her nose soon disappeared, but little Sara didn’t. Nowadays Sara works too hard and — embarrassingly — aches too much in the heart whenever confronted by rock anthems or perfect sentences. Every explanation for her actions can ultimately be traced back to her unruly fern of a hairstyle. Even if my hair isn’t so unruly any more. Can’t win ‘em all!
Marie-Doha Besancenot:
Marie is an Ecole Normale Supérieure alumni, now teaching at the University of Paris X Nanterre and finishing a PhD in American literature. She is the daughter of the current French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. In this issue of Oasis Magazine, she has translated the “Najran” article by French archaeologist Christian Robin.
John Cathey:
John grabbed his camera and took a bunch of great photos of Najran and its archaeological sites. He is the Senior Editor of Annals of Saudi Medicine. A photographer in his free time and an academic and Training Affairs Specialist at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh.
French Archeological Team:
The Mission Archeologique Francais Ukhdud or the Mission Française de Najrân included Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux & Jérémie Schiettecatte. The team took photos of the site as part of their mission at the site. They came, they excavated, they documented, and they took photos.
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Contents
13 Editor’s Note 14 Saudi Updates
arts & culture what’s happening in our region
16 Art News: Overview of the contemporary arts & artists of the region
22 Najran: An Oasis and a Caravan City in Saudi Arabia
in focus focused on Saudi Arabia 32 The Forum of Tomorrow 34 The United Nations Millenium Goals: How will they affect us?
our guide to a happening Saudi 42 Souks | Yadawy 46 Souks | Harvey Nichols Riyadh 50 Souks | Interview with Celestina “bag designer” at D’NA 52
Souks | Summer Vibes
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Souks | Cities: Karim Rashid, Philippe Starck, and more
56 Spa | Yibreen Spa: What MAkes it Special 58 Foodie | To be or not to be: an interview with Saudi Entrepreneur
62 Art Scene | From art exhibitions to comedy shows
oasis_cover8_V4.pdf
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SUMMER ‘09
cover review
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Polaroids everywhere. It must be summer with people taking photos and capturing memories. We are capturing this: our 8th issue in the form of the magical 8-ball. The cover was designed by our own genius Nermin Moufti.
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Contents
68 Venture out of the Cities | Farasan Island, Taif, and the Deserts of Arabia
76 Till Next Time: Reminder of events to come
healthy mind worldwide topics to enlighten
your mind
80 Autism Speaks in Saudi Arabia 82
The Library of the Global City: An Amazing Library
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The Unmagical Eight Ball: Book Reviews
89 Summer Movie Reviews 92 27 Saudi Movies at the Gulf Film Festival! 94 Superstructuring the Future: Game Review
travel
everybody needs a break every now and then... make it worthwhile
98 Follow the Tunes to Uncharted Destinations
edgy gadgets and sweets that make us smile
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Signs are Everywhere: the SignSpotting Project...funnny!
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Shiny: The Products We Love
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Sweet Tooth: Healthy Cookie?
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Where to Find Us
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One Last Thing: Words to Live By
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Editor's note
In the words of Maz Jobrani: “ HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAUDI ARABIA!” Here we are at the end of our second year of bringing you great stories by talented writers about this wondrous world of ours. We’ve had lots of readers ask us about the process we go through with each issue, especially about how we choose our articles. 3 words: Magic 8 ball. Just take a look at how we came up with this issue, and you’ll see what we mean.
Outlook good. “Perfect. Ah, my favorite section, the Mashaweer guide to Saudi. We’ve got some great stuff here, including pieces about Yadawy pottery, Harvey Nichols Riyadh’s 9th birthday, an interview with a restaurant entrepreneur, and some wonderful summer finds just in time for the hottest season of the year. Sound good?” It is certain. “Yay! All right, our Healthy Mind section is looking at the usual fun selection of books and movie reviews, as well as a powerful article on autism and a look at the biggest library on the planet which exists solely online, the World Digital Library. Have we chosen wisely?”
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As I see it, yes. “All right, how about our In Focus section? We’re thinking of focusing on the future and talk about the Al Ghad Forum as well as the Kingdom’s progress with what is basically the world’s biggest to do list: the U.N. Millennium goals. What do you think oh magic 8 ball?”
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“Can we run these articles that talk about the fascinating history of Najran and the beautiful wonders of Taif?”
It is decidedly so. “Thank you, 8 ball. Ooo, travel section. We’ve got some beautiful locales to check out this summer. Verona, Mongolia, and a swoon-worthy Maldives trip that’s known as the Rania Experience. What say you?” Signs point to yes. “It’s like we’re on the same wavelength. Finally, our Edgy section has a range of articles, from shiny products and sweet sweets to perhaps the funniest global miscommunication project we’ve ever heard of, The Sign Spotting Project. Can we? Can we?” Without a doubt. And there you have it, dear readers. An entire issue fully sanctioned by the magical 8 ball. I can’t think of a better reference than that. Now go on and read! Till next time!
Oasis
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saudi updates
EuroMoney By Feras Sheraiff The credit crisis was a big eye opener for many. It reminded us all of the frailty of the financial sector and raised some major interest from the public to get more informed; to better protect themselves in the future. Saudi Arabia is currently counted as one of the major growing markets in this new financial world order, along with Brazil, China and India. Amidst this global financial rebound, Saudi Arabia held the 2009 Euromoney Conference in Riyadh on the 19th and 20th of May. The event was a place for financial specialists, world business leaders and key members of the Saudi Arabian government. “Euromoney is the world’s leading organiser of conferences for cross-border investment and capital markets; for portfolio and direct investors, financial intermediaries, corporations, governments, banks and financial institutions.” The first three keynote speakers were H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf, The Kingdom’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Abdullah Alireza, Minister of Commerce and Industry and H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Jasser, Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). The speeches given covered topics related to the utilization of the “private sector to provide more job opportunities, high quality education and excellent healthcare.” The first session following the keynote speeches focused on the consequences of global economic change, which included discussions regarding The Global Economy, Saudi Arabia’s Macroeconomy and Government Finance and The Private Sector Response. The second session comprised of workshops on the available market opportunities in the region and focused on topics such as GCC Capital Markets, Strategic Alternatives for Capital Rising, The Future of Economic Diversification and Equity Markets. The third and final session covered a strategic overview of key sectors in the Saudi Arabian economy tackling topics such as Infrastructure Investments, Real Estate and The Future of Power and Water. The 2009 Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference was the largest ever Euromoney event in the Kingdom with an attendance of more than 1,200 delegates from more than 40 countries. The event was highly publicized in the news and was also available for real-time following through a live webcast.
Saudi Women
at London’s Women Buiness Forum The 12th international forum for Women in Business gathered quite the crowd in London this year. This annual forum which aims to promote the influential role of women as part of mainstream economic agenda. By bringing women together, discussing how they can work together to stimulate wealth creation, sharing their knowledge and experience, and most importantly, doing business together, the forum has managed to generate ten million U.S. Dollars in business deals in the previous years. Christine McCafferty, MP Parliamentary Patron of Women in Business, said: “Promoting Women in Business is a crucial issue, not only for our economy but for society as a whole. It is not simply a matter of equality of opportunity but an economic imperative, if we are to capitalize on the potential women have to offer our regional and national economies.” “This conference has evolved over time and the caliber of this year’s participants clearly demonstrates that women are part of the global business elite. However, there is still further to go and it’s important to continue to develop the talent of women all around the world; more so in the present economic decline. It is crucial that the economic empowerment is still firmly on the agenda... We are delighted to be sponsoring this initiative. As a company we are proud of our diversity and united by our culture. It is exciting to be at the forefront of any activity that promotes an exchange of knowledge and skills between businesswomen from the UK and Middle East” said Antoine Sreih, CEO of Europe Arab Bank. This year’s forum speakers included HRH Princess Loulwa AlFaisal Bin Abdul Aziz, specialists and experts from a number of industry sectors, including: Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman of UK Atomic Authority; Pamela Hartnell, CEO of Theo Fennel and many more delegates from governmental bodies, NGOs, consultants and so on. Agenda topics for this year included: International Trade & Development; Energy, the Environment and their opportunities; Financing Business Growth and Development; Women in Public Life; Human Potential – Developing the next Generation; and the Power & Influence of the Media. There were also several workshops available to enhance the skills of those attending. Be sure to sign up for next year’s forum! www.forwomeninbusiness.com
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HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal The First Makkah Awards for Excellence
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States
The Makkah Administrative Award of Excellence was given to Saudi Aramco’s Makkah branch for being able to create a successfully responsible working environment where staff were found to be the most loyal in Makkah.
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The Makkah Award for Economic Excellence went to businessman Sheikh Saleh Kamel. The Chairman of Al-Baraka Group was awarded for his company’s ability to create public services projects that have generated many beneficial economic and cultural projects that. According to Nadia Baeshin, Al-Baraka Group’s Social Responsibility Department Director, Al-Baraka chooses to give back to the community by donating profits to multiple development programs. The Makkah Award for Excellence in Haj and Umrah services was awarded to both the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the Binladin Group for the Jamarat project. The project successfully facilitated the movement of pilgrims which is a far from easy task.
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The first ever Makkah Awards for Excellence were inaugurated by HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal on the 26th of May, 2009. The Governor of Makkah announced the awards in eight different categories. These awards were established by Makkah’s Board of Culture. The importance of such awards to us is that they not only rewarded the most deserving people but also emphasized the importance of responsible competitiveness and creativity.
The Makkah Award for Cultural Excellence was awarded to Abdalmqsod Khoja for publishing many books and hosting a cultural evening each and every Monday which he named Al Ithnainiya. Khoja’s activities have enriched the Makkah cultural scene for many years. The Makkah Award for Social Work Excellence went to none other than Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel’s Bab Rizq Jameel Project. The well-advertized projects of Abdul Latif Jameel really deserve all the hype they’ve been given for contributing to the development of society. The Makkah Award for Urban Development Excellence was awarded to the Municipality of Jeddah and Dar Al Arkan for their Khuzam Development Project. The Makkah Award for Environmental Excellence went to Abdulrahman Abdulqadir Faqih for his Afforestation Project of Arafat. Last but definitely not least is the Makkah Award for Scientific and Technical Excellence. Dr. Samira Islam’s research on the effects of medication on Saudis and the safe use of medication won her the last award of the night.
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Art News: an overview of the region’s arts scene
HRH Princess Alice, Photographs of the first British Royal visit to Saudi Arabia, 1938, compiled by Lord Frederick Cambridge © Sotheby’s 2009.
A Historical Album of Photographs... A historical album of photographs that records the first British Royal visit to Saudi Arabia- providing an insight into the Kingdom’s early history and coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s discovery of oil in commercial quantities- was sold at Sotheby’s this summer for £61,250. The photographs were kept and documented by Lord Frederick Cambridge, the nephew of HRH Princess Alice (pictured above), Countess of Athlone, and the Earl of Athlone. This photographed visit of HRH Princess Alice to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain took place from the 25th of February to the 17th of March, 1938. Lord Frederick, the aide-de-camp on this visit, wonderfully documented the goodwill visit that was meant to strengthen the friendly ties between Saudi Arabia and Great Britain. The trip, which took place a year after HM King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud became the first king of the region, shows Princess Alice and the Earl of Athlone in traditional Arab dress!
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The King Abdulaziz Public Library owns the only other album of photographs documenting this visit. It was made by Princess Alice herself and includes handwritten captions, newspaper cuttings of articles, and original official reports on this visit. King George VI sent a congratulatory telegram to King Abdul Aziz during the course of this visit for the discovery of oil well Dammam No. 7 by the California Arabian Standard Oil Company.
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The Islamic world and Venice have had a very rich history of artistic exchange up until the 16th century. Islamic art inspired Venetian artists ever since the merchants of Venice started to trade with the Islamic world in the 9th century. The architecture of Venice, the glasswork, and the works of famous Italian artists such as Bellini are all clear evidence of the great influence that Islamic art had on Venice. However, starting from the 19th century the influence of Venice on the art world has clearly been more significant than that of the Islamic/Arab World. Its famed annual Venice Biennale has showcased the best of the art world since its inception in 1895.
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Saudi Artists in Venice
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This summer, the historical artistic exchange between Venice and the Arab world is being reignited. For the first time in the Biennale’s history, a group of Arab artists exhibit their work together on its international stage. The Edge of Arabia’s group of ten contemporary male and female artists from Saudi Arabia represent, through their artwork, their Islamic culture and their diversified 21st century lives in Saudi Arabia. Their art expresses their individual identities through painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and a variety of other methods. This new generation of Saudi artists, who will undoubtedly “shed light on the largely unknown contemporary art culture of Saudi Arabia,” will be exhibiting their work at the Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo. “This is not an exposition of international misconceptions concerning Saudi Arabia, but a series of reflections on local identity, the environment, individual (re)constructions of the past, and our 21st century engagement with the future.” Edge of Arabia June 5th, 2009 - August 2nd, 2009 Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo Venice
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Blue & gold at the Great Mosque of Cordoba.
Islamic Art Conference in Cordoba A conference on Islamic art and culture will be held November 3-4, 2009, in the old town of Cordoba, a UNESCO heritage site. The event is organized by two of the leading authors on Islamic art, Sheila S. Blair and Jonathan M. Bloom, and sponsored by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts and the Qatar Foundation. Blair and Bloom will be accompanied by twelve scholars of Islamic art and culture, four of which are from the Arab world. The talks included will discuss Islamic art’s aesthetic and meaning of colors used in manuscripts, ceramics, carpets, and architecture. This third biennial of this Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art is titled And Diverse Are Their Hues: Color in Islamic Art and Culture. Some of the talks included are: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”, “My Name Is Red”, and “The Hues of Paradise.” Each of the days of the conference will be held at stunning locations throughout Cordoba, from the Palacio de Gongresos, a 16th century building, to the Islamic gardens of Alcazaba, a fortification built by the Moors. The symposium will surely be a great reminder of the great history of the Muslims in Spain and the early Muslims’s great accomplishments in the fields of art, architecture, and beyond. The conference is free for all! Register early at: www.islamicartdoha.org
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Christie’s Sells Saudi Arabian Art According to Christie’s, their auction of International Modern and Contemporary Art in Dubai, which took place on the 29th of April, totaled $ 4,766,175! Clients from the Middle East formed the highest percentage of buyers. This has reinforced that the art market in the region is very much alive and has been “reenergized” after a sluggish period dampened the bursting Middle Eastern art scene.
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Oasis: How did the Saudi artists do in this auction? Christie’s: The Saudi Arabian section in the sale totalled $63,750 / AED 233,962. The highlights were an intricate work by Ahmed Mater Al-Ziad Aseeri, Illumination V and IV, made of X-ray film print on paper, stained with tea and pomegranate juice and embossed with gold leaf, turquoise, amber and carnelian, which sold for $20,000 / AED 73,400 (estimate: $15,000-20,000) and Maharam, a play on the Arabic word used to describe tissues and close family, by Ayman Yossri Daydban which sold for $25,000 / AED 91,750. Works were also offered by Lulwah Al-Homoud (sold for $1,875), Abdulnasser Gharem (sold for $8,750), and Reem Al-Faisal (sold for $8,125). Oasis: What has been the importance of this auction to the Saudi Arabian artists in particular? Christie’s: The Saudi Arabian art included in the auction, which totaled SR 239,000, formed the first group of works from Saudi Arabia that has been offered at international auction. By Joumana Al Jabri Al Manakh is a publication, a documentation, a reference book, and an almanac, that is a result of a collaborative initiative to monitor, reveal and forecast new urban developments unfolding in the Gulf region. It is a point of departure for critical thinking and productive exchange in the region and for the region.
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Al Manakh
The second issue, due in early 2010, will take a close look at Saudi Arabia’s key cities and regions: Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca-Madina, and the Eastern Province. The team has been actively engaging with professionals from the region to source knowledge. This was brought home – to Saudi – in May when the team established contact with professionals from various fields such as architecture, urban planning, psychology, photography, development, government, and youth. Two consecutive events took place in Riyadh and Jeddah. A follow up is planned in October 2009.
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The blog, almanakh.org, is currently the platform through which the Al Manakh reader can get a glimpse of the directions of the second publication as well as information on how to contribute to the ongoing conversation on what the key topics are regarding the social, economic, and physical development of named cities in the Gulf. http://almanakh.org
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art news Nawafeth: Saudi Artists in Rome and Italian Artists in Riyadh By Samia Kanaan An intercultural event has been taking place from 2007 till 2009. The event, named “Nawafeth-Soglie” consists of two sequential events, as the name suggests. The former took place in Riyadh in May 2007. The latter has been taking place in Rome, Italy in the premises of the “Museo di Roma” in Trastever in June 2009. The event was formed by the Italian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and has been supported by the Municipality of Rome. In Rome, the event has been under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Activities, together with representatives of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Riyadh, this event has been organized by the Italian Embassy represented by Mrs. Rosaria D’Auria, wife of his Excellency the Ambassador of Italy, Mr. Eugenio D’Auria (an interview with Mrs. Rosaria can be read in Oasis Magazine’s Spring 2008 issue) with the cooperation of the Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women. “There is passion, vitality, engagement and affinity in the world of women which deserves support and recognition. This is why this event is taking place, to complement the one that took place in Riyadh.” - Mrs. Rosaria D’Auria This unprecedented event includes 41 ladies, artists and craftswomen, 20 of whom are Italians and 19 are Saudis. Each of these women introduces her own culture through highly qualified and professionaly distinguished works of art. The Saudi women included are: Zeinab Al Khudairy, Hala Al Khudairy, Helwa Al Atawi, Lamia Al Mershid, Hilda Ismail, Susan Baaghil, Manal Al Dowayan, Hind Ba’ashan, Massoudah Qurban, Norah bint Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, Salwa Al Hokeil, Thurraya Al Arrayed, Maha Al Senan, Areej bint Turki Al Saud, Wafa Baha’i, Lama Sudeiri, Shaden Al Tuwaijri, Maryam Al Ami, Amel Al Tuwaijri, and Nawal Moussalli. The event’s opening in Rome included two conferences held by Dr. Thurayya Al Arrayed and Maha Al Senan, covering diverse topics ranging from sociology, anthropology and economics to art and women’s cultural movement in Saudi Arabia. Throughout this intercultural project, the core goal has been to build bridges between East and West through highlighting common roots, history, and celebrating diversity. The connection that has been established has shown a great commonalities between the two cultures and the different skills that each culture posses from different traditions in jewelry making to the commonalities in pottery and glass. June 11 - June 19, 2009 Museo di Roma Rome, Italy
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Con il Patroc e Ministero
Un evento italo-saudi nostro tempo per sca soglie di cultura. Iniz 2007 prosegue in que
Mus
Un’esposizione ma a dell’universo saudita • una lettura storica, le sfide future del Pae • l’arte visiva e un’an archeologico di Al Faw Ti aspettiamo.
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arts & culture
Najran
an oasis and a caravan city
Wherever you go in the Arabian Peninsula, the name Najran evokes a shimmering image. Sojourning in this large oasis where abundant water flows is all the more pleasant as the great heights tend to temper the climate. By Christian Robin Translated by Marie-Doha Besancen
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At different eras in history, Najran was known as one of the region’s leading political and commercial players. It owes this reputation to its agricultural wealth and to its location, for it lies on the caravan route linking Yemen to the Near East. No wonder the etymology of “Najrân” has to do with « a lock »: Najrân is indeed a “lock” guarding the entry into and from Yemen.
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Najrân’s story begins around 700 BC. The oasis was then called Nagrân. We know that its fame already extended beyond the bounds of Arabia: its capital, Ragmat, is mentioned twice in the Bible, under the name of Ra‘mah. Together with Sheba, it was evident that it was one of the major trading places of the time, as we can read in prophet Ezekiel’s writings (6th century BC): “Dedan [present-day al-‘Ulâ, Hejaz] was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots. Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar [present-day Dûmat al-Jandal, in Jouf], they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants. The merchants of Sheba [now Yémen] and Raamah [= Najrân], they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold. Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants. These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise.”
Mud house in Al-Ukhdûd. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
Around 700 BC, a king of Sheba tried to get hold of the oasis, but failed and had to contend with looting it. In the engraving that commemorates his victories, he boasts that he killed 5,000 men, captured 12,000 more, and got hold of 200,000 heads of cattle (camels, cows, donkeys and small cattle); this reflects the great wealth of the oasis at that time. Like most tribes, that of Najrân was then worshipping its many gods. The most important one was the god dhû al-Samâwî (“that of the Heavens”). He was worshipped in a temple called Ka’bat, a name that is still to be found in the writings of Arab Muslim traditionalists in the form of “Ka‘ba of Najrân”. The engravings also bear the name of god Yaghûth, along with those of goddesses Allât and al-‘Uzzâ; three gods who are mentioned in the Qur’an. The oasis - together with the southern regions producing Frankincense and Myrrh - had sparked much envy. And yet, none of the Near-East empires or realms ever managed to reach Najrân; not even the Greeks led by Alexander. Sending an army through the Arabian Desert was no easy task.
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Engraving of a palm tree at the archaeological site in Najran. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
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Traditional Mudbrick tower house in Najran. Photograph by John Cathey. ©
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Al-Ukhdûd Mosque site. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
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Al-Ukhdûd Palace. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
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The French Archaeological Team of Najran at Murayghân. © Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
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The name Al-Ukhdud means ‘the ditch’ (sometimes ‘the trench’, sometimes ‘the groove’) and is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as the site of a massacre of Christians in 107BH. Fifty years later, in 523 AD, Najrân refused to recognize the authority of a new king who officially declares himself a Jew. That King was called Joseph (Yûsuf), and is more widely known by the Arabic nickname of dhû Nuwâs. Joseph sent a powerful army to take possession of Najrân. The oasis first opposed and resisted Joseph’s army but then agreed to surrender provided that the rebels’ lives be spared. But Joseph did not keep his word. He set a church on fire while its clergy were assembled inside, then he had the community notables beheaded, thus leading a great number of Christians to perish.
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But if Najrân enjoys great fame, it owes it above all to the tragic events of the 6th century of the Christian era. Christianity appeared in the oasis around the middle of the 6th century. The king of Yemen, annoyed by the proselyte of the adepts of the new religion, ordered that a man called Azqîr be executed around 475AD. The kings of Yemen, who had rejected polytheism since 380 AD, had by then turned a lenient eye to Judaism.
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The Roman Empire, under Augustus, was the only one who dared make such an attempt. In 25-24 BC, the Prefect of Roman Egypt, heading two Judean and Nabatean legions and auxiliaries, tried to conquer Sheba (Yemen). We know that he went through Najrân, on his way to Yemen, and smashed local resistance. He went through Najrân again in his retreat, after he had piteously failed before reaching Marib, the capital of the realm of Sheba.
“Cursed were the People of the Ditch. Of fire fed with fuel. When they sat by it. And they witnessed what they were doing against the believers. And they had no fault except that they believed in Allah, the Almighty, Worthy of all praise! To Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness over everything.” (Sura 85: verses 4-9) His most famous victim was the renowned al-Hârith bin Ka‘b, who is now celebrated as a martyr by most Christian churches, especially those of the Syriac, as well as the Greek and Ethiopian churches. Al-Hârith bin Ka‘b is the ancestor of the tribe of the same name that still exists today. Najran‘s Abyssinian (modern day Ethiopia) neighbor used this tragic event as an excuse to intervene. During the Ethiopian assault, Joseph was killed. Yemen was then entirely re-conquered and entrusted to the government of a Christian Yemenite king. Several Christian kings then ruled over the country until 570 or 575 AD. The most famous of them was the Ethiopian king Abraha (around 535-565).
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Unicorn engraving at the archaeological site in Najran. Photograph by John Cathey. ©
Rock art in Najran. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
Wall-engravings at Muraygh Najran. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
Hima text. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
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quenches the mind Al-Ukhdûd. © Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
On the eve of Islam, Najrân was still a major center for trade and finance. The economical bonds with Mecca seemed very strong. In order to settle a trade debt, the story goes that the Mecca inhabitant Walîd bin al-Mughîra asked his sons to give out 100 ounces – presumed to be gold ounces - to the bishop of Najran upon his death.
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This particular Walîd was the father of the famous general Khâlid bin al-Walîd, who conquered Syria at the head of the Muslim armies. Najrân was also renowned as an intellectual center. Together with Medina (then called Yathrib), the oasis was one of the rare towns in Arabia which was endowed with schools. The famous poet-traveler Maymûn bin Qays al-A‘shâ (c. 570-c. 629) liked to visit it every year. The Najrânite population liked to entertain with great splendor.
Najran. Photograph by John Cathey. ©
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The Muslim conquest and the creation of a large empire with first Syria, then Irâq as its center, turned Najrân into a marginal city, and soon became a humble provincial town. Today, the oasis is gradually being restored to its original prominence, thanks to its economical and cultural development plans, as recently embodied by the founding of a university.
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arts & culture
Rock art of Guerrier the warrior at Najran’s archaeological site. Mission française de Najrân: Christian Robin, Mounir Arbach, Guillaume Charloux et Jérémie Schiettecatte. ©
There is also Tayma, a Babylonian enclave, built and settled as an outpost to protect and provide early warnings from reinvading pharaohs. There have been lots of excavations conducted in the past five years; one of the latest discovered a stele which confirms the identity of King Nabonidus, long believed to be the Babylonian king who established the settlement. The settlement, which he built, reflects the abundance of trade and commerce of the area so much so that Tayma even had a multi-level shopping mall! Many more settled in Tayma; the Abbasids settled next to as opposed to on top of the ruins of Tayma, typical of their nature. Plans are already set to excavate the Abbasid site once the Babylonian site has been complete.
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For the adventurer at heart, there are many more sites worth seeing that will just take your breath away. And for those with sluggish feet, just spend the night out in the desert and relax under the watchful gaze of brilliantly shining stars.
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in focus
The Forum of Tomorrow
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By Ahmad Dialdin
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Intro Al Ghad Forum states what it’s about right in its title. Al Ghad… tomorrow. It’s about dealing with tomorrow today and ensuring our society is always developing and becoming a better place in the future. The world is constantly changing and this forum aims to stimulate our Kingdom and enhance its competitiveness so that it can not only keep up with, but surpass and become a role model in the global society and economy. Unique Strategy “What makes Al Ghad Forum unique is our pledge to address major development issues and scientifically examine those issues from various angles and perspectives.” -- Princess Nouf bint Faisal bin Turki Al Saud, Forum Chairperson. Part of Al Ghad’s unique approach is its focus on forming strategic partnerships with those that are playing an active role in society’s progress and merging everyone’s expertise to achieve a common goal of bettering the country. “We realize the importance of sharing expertise and joining others in creating development programs and activities to achieve our common goals for the betterment of our society.” --Princess Nouf
King Abdullah Economic City
Youth make up 70% of the Saudi Population The forum was inaugurated in April 2009 under the slogan, “Partners with the Youth,” emphasizing the belief that it is through the young men and women of this country that our society will be built -- especially considering that 70% of our population is under the age of 30. “It is our responsibility to inspire them and share with them their visions and responsibilities. We must put our hands in their hands to carry their burden and help them develop their potentials, bringing up with them a culture of initiative and contribution to achieve sustainable development of our society.” -- Princess Nouf The Focus This year’s forum focused on several key objectives all centered on how to support the youth in developing Saudi Arabia. The objectives followed a clear path: identify opportunities for the youth, empower them, develop initiatives for them, promote cooperation, showcase global success stories, and finally support the youth as the driving force for change.
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The Forum’s Program The 2009 Al Ghad Forum ran April 18-20, beginning with several keynote speeches from Princess Nouf, Lebanon’s Education Minister Bahiya Hariri, and finally the patron of the forum, Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Next was the issue of how to invest in the young generation through proper planning, the development of useful programs and monitoring their empowerment and contributions. The third topic looked at what was needed to build the capabilities of young Saudis by promoting a culture of creativity, professionalism, self-initiative, and leadership. Finally, the fourth topic considered the role of national institutions in supporting the youth, partnering with them and developing a sense of responsibility, transparency, and accountability in them. Models to Follow During the event, there was also an accompanying exhibition that showcased successful experiences as well as sponsoring establishments that were already in place supporting the youth.
A Successful Istitution Prince Sultan University (PSU) was one of the educational institutions that participated in the Al-Ghad Forum. PSU’s participation showcased their understanding of the Saudi youth. Their moto coincides with that of the forum: “we and the youth are partners.” The talks presented by PSU introduced their Program for Talented Students as well as their Personality Building Program, and the Prince Salman Education for Employment Program which aims to educate young Saudi graduates and provide them with the skills needed for employment. With the talks presented by Prince Sultan University’s Dr. Yamani and others, it hopes to have showed that they are an institution in tune with what the Saudi youth is in need of and what would help them succeed and become driving forces of change and progress in their communities. Giving the youth skills to calibrate their professionalism and successful workforce skills. Like other new educational institutions throughout the Kingdom, PSU is collaborating with local organizations and initiatives as well as internationally-recognized institutions to create programs that not only provide the best possible education but also create an ongoing connection between like-minded institutions. This has undoubtedly begun a movement towards quicker progress through a greater exchange of ideas between.
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The first such topic addressed youth and development, discussing the challenges facing young people that are building their communities, what they require for progress and the level of their participation in society decision-making.
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The next two days showcased a healthy range of discussions between college students and professors, Al-Shoura members, and several experts in the fields of education and development. They looked at four fundamental topics.
Conclusion All that was discussed throughout the forum has reassured us of how much thought and effort is being dedicated towards today’s Saudi youth. The successful implementation of all that was discussed will empower the youth and foster in them a sense of creativity, innovation, professinalism, and dedication all of which will play a decisive role creating active individuals who will build a better tomorrow. “I hope that this forum paves the way for our young boys and girls to stimulate their potentials, trigger their energy and optimism, so that we progress all the way to the top as a country.” -- Princess Nouf
PSU’s Future Campus
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www.fof.org.sa
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in focus
The World’s To Do List: the UN Millenium Goals & what’s in store for Saudi?
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By Ahmad Dialdin
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HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. UN photo by Mark Garten ©
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If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
The declaration is a comprehensive vision for the development and progress of the world. It entails eight general goals, also known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be met by 2015. These goals read like the ultimate to-do list for the world, and one that we should all take very seriously. •Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. •Achieve universal primary education. •Promote gender equality and empower women. •Reduce child mortality rate. •Improve maternity health. •Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. •Ensure environmental sustainability. •Develop a global partnership for development.
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So what does world peace actually entail? First thought that’ll most likely enter your mind is the end of war and the spread of harmony all around. People smiling and being nice to each other. Again, that’s easier said than done, and much too vague to legitimately exist in our reality. The way I see it, The Millennium Declaration made by a summit of 147 heads of state, organized by the United Nations in September 2000 has the right idea and is quite possibly our best bet at achieving some semblance of, if not world peace, at least a step forward in world development and being on the same footing across the countries.
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We’ve all asked this question, daydreaming about immortality, superpowers, fame, riches, and power. More often than not, we’ll even ask for world peace. Just think.. as a race, we’ve equated the likelihood of world peace to be as fantastical as living forever or flying. However, that doesn’t necessarily preclude it from actually ever being achieved. It’s just that we won’t be getting it from a genie any time soon.
Eighteen supplementary targets are derived from the eight goals as a way of better guiding and monitoring the progress of nations towards successfully achieving the goals. Recent data from the Kingdom’s most recent reports show that 10 out of the 11 targets set for the first 7 MDGs have already been reached or would be reached before 2015. Moreover, the 11th target of ending the loss of environmental resources as well as the final MDG is being addressed by the current and future development plans. Progress towards achieving the MDGs is monitored at both the national and international levels. At the national level, each country prepares national progress reports, aimed at informing decision-makers and gaining their support. Such reports also serve to encourage participation of economic, social, and political institutions and the media, as well as the general public, in local and national efforts to achieve the MDGs. Every five years, the UN Secretary General submits to the UN General Assembly a comprehensive progress report.
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in focus The first national report of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was prepared in 2002, followed by a second report in 2006 and a third in 2008. All three reports were prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, in close collaboration with the relevant government agencies, and with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In relation to the national reports, the Kingdom also develops development plans to tackle the MDGs. The most recent plan is the Eighth Development Plan (2005-2009) which seeks to build a true partnership between national and global efforts aimed at creating a world of peace, security and development, within the framework of the MDGs. At a little past the halfway point, this plan is a good place to check on the progress of the Kingdom.
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Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger:
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Two targets: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose income is less than one dollar a day, and halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger. Progress: The Kingdom has formulated a comprehensive national strategy for addressing poverty through a set of programs that contribute to a range of funds focused on aiding those in need. These programs are run by the Ministry of Social Affairs and by community organizations, providing care and support services in the form of material assistance and direct services. Through about 425 community private organisations, the private sector plays a major role in providing care and social support to the poor and needy. It is noteworthy that total expenditure by private organizations on assistance programs and activities amounted to 1.54 billion Saudi Riyals in 2007. Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education. One target: Ensure that, by 2015, all children, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. Progress: A number of measures have been taken and policies have been adopted adopted, not only to guarantee education for all (high enrollment rates), but also to improve and maintain quality of education, including enforcing mandatory primary education, establishing kindergartens and intensifying family awareness. The country also practices early identification of children with special needs in order to provide appropriate teaching and rehabilitation, and addresses the economic and social constraints that impede enrollment of children from low-income groups. Goal 3: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education by 2015.
HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, addresses Security Council on Middle East. UN photo by Esckinder Debebe Š
One target: Eliminating gender disparity in primary, intermediate and secondary education.
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Progress: Several development programs have been successful in promoting gender equality in education and in covering the appropriate age groups by educational institutions. Bridging the gap between boys and girls in enrollment at all educational levels has provided women with the education and skills needed in a modern society and has prepared them to participate in the labour market on a fair, equitable basis. Goal 4: Reduce child mortality rate. One target: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.
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in focus Progress: The Kingdom’s healthcare system covers several programs, including: family-health registers, maternal care, comprehensive child healthcare, control of communicable diseases, basic environmental health, in addition to healthcare programs for those afflicted with non-communicable diseases; all conforming to high quality-control standards. The integrated child healthcare program provides continuous follow-up of the growth of children until the age of 5, and involves activities that include control of diarrhea and malnutrition, and a comprehensive vaccination against communicable diseases program. Goal 5: Improve maternity health. One target: Reduce the maternal mortality rate by three quarters between 1990 and 2015.
up and take appropriate preventive and curative measures. Finally, there has been a strong focus on health education and awareness through varied information programs designed to disseminate information about the disease, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, including lectures given regularly throughout the Kingdom. As for Malaria, efforts include prompt diagnosis and early treatment of cases that display symptoms of malaria, as well as effective preventive measures; continuous and comprehensive control of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, through spraying houses and lands, and drying out wetlands and swamps where mosquitoes breed; and launching awareness campaigns to ensure community participation in control and prevention measures.
Progress: Several programs are provided that provide a comprehensive basis of basic health services, including
UN photo Š
maternal care, health education and other preventive health services, particularly in rural areas. The proportion of pregnant women provided with healthcare by health professionals increased from 90% in 2000 to 97.5% in 2007. Maternal mortality per 100,000 declined from 48 to 14.6 over the same period. Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Two targets: Have halted, by 2015, and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS., and Halting and beginning to reduce the incidence of malaria and other major diseases. Progress: With regards to HIV, several steps have been taken, including a preventive control system surveys groups at risk and ensures safety of transfused blood. There is a national record of reported cases in order to provide follow
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Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability.
To improve the lives of slum dwellers, the country provides new housing financed by the private sector, while the government undertook the development of infrastructure and public facilities in all residential quarters, and granted residential land plots to the citizens, particularly those with low and medium income. As for the country’s environmental resources, Saudi Arabia has joined the UN Framework Convention on Climatic Change by endorsing the Kyoto Protocol at the beginning of 2005. It had already joined the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Convention on Desertification Control, and followed up implementation of the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, as well as the Vienna Ozone Convention and the Montreal Ozone Protocol. The Kingdom has adopted a National Health and Environment Strategy, a National Forests Strategy, and a National Plan for Management of Coastal Zones.
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development. Targets: Develop further an open trading and financial system that includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction — nationally and internationally. Address the least developed countries’ special needs, and the special needs of landlocked and small island developing states. Deal comprehensively with developing countries’ debt problems. Develop decent and productive work for the youth. In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries.
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Progress: The proportion of population with sustainable access to safe drinking water stood about 96% in 2007, while the proportion of population with access to sanitation reached 100%. A study aimed at constructing a dual domestic water-sanitation network for drinking water and grey water to be used for sanitary and other purposes is being conducted. Coverage of the sanitation network as well as the rate of treatment and re-use of reclaimed waste water is planned to increase.
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Three targets: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation; have achieved, by 2020, a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers (poor, crowded neighborhoods); and integrate principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse loss of environmental resources.
In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies — especially information and communications technologies. Progress: The Kingdom provides aid through different channels, mainly the Saudi Fund for Development, which acts as the official channel for economic and social development aid. The Fund stands at around 31 billion Saudi Riyals and provides soft loans, irrespective of geographical location, and concentrates on financing priority development projects, particularly in poorer countries. In addition, the Kingdom contributes to multilateral international development funds such as the World Bank, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. Specialized government agencies provide various forms of aid, including medical aid from the Ministry of Health, food aid from the Ministry of Agriculture, and university scholarships from the Ministry of higher Education. Saudi Arabia Red Crescent Society provides emergency humanitarian aid to countries affected by disaster and crisis. To read more about the MDGs, log on to the UN website.
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Mashaweer
Our Happening guide to Saudi
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We start by taking inspiration from our favorite item at Cities Design & Lifestyle Store; check the image below. We have called it our “pumpkin” but for its real name refer to the nice folks at Cities. No, it’s not Halloween, or even gerge’an, but we always have treats and yummy scoops everyday at the Oasis headquarters. From a look at the beautiful artisan pots at Art of Heritage, and an exclusive interview with international bag designer Celestina, to places to see and things to do in our beloved Kingdom. Happy brithday Harvey Nichols Riyadh! May we live to see your 100th birthday.
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GUAX vase. Cities Design and Lifestyle Store ©
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I
"To celebrate and explore the clothing of our female forbears we de-construct tradition to re-construct cultures vision. I Love Hishma was born out of the remnant of that concept. It is about what happens when you learn to embrace the element of chaos and reversal, creatively. We are about the collision of inuences, intentional and accidents of everyday life, and adopting of living in different time zones, culture, places, and season simultaneously."
+966 (2) 665-8297 | www.ilovehishma.com | Ana Special mall (Tahlia Dist), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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souks
Yadawy
That beautiful pot with the elegant shape and amazing applied decoration is not just any pot – it represents a really significant story of exceptional women that we are pleased to tell for the first time in Oasis. Yadawy is part of the newly formed Art of Heritage group which includes Al Nahda Philanthropic Society and some of the leading women of Saudi Arabia – all devoted to women’s causes and the preservation of Saudi heritage.
The Story
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The remarkable story of Yadawy is not just the beautiful, richly decorated and perfectly executed pots but the potters who make them.
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The Yadawy potters are all, without exception, physically challenged Saudi women. They are rich not with material things but with talent, skills, and endless passion for their crafts. Many of them are wheelchair-bound, yet this has not created a set-back for any of them when it comes to determination to make something meaningful out of their everyday lives. Each of these women makes perfect pieces of pottery with her own hands. Richly-colored, decorated, and embellished, the Yadawy pots made by theses physically-challenged women are not only elegant statements of talent and skill, but they are also filled with the preservation of its Saudi heritage of making traditional pots.
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souks Different Kinds of Pots
The different kinds of Yadawy pots that you can buy include a date and coffee set with bedouin Jewels. The fine red-glazed clay decorated with metallic gold leaf and enamel “jewels” is inspired by traditional Bedouin settings. The covered pot (dates optional!) is pictured on this page, while the coffe cups are on the previous two pages. Also available in store is a large open-footed bowl with silver embroidery. It is a wide, red clay glazed bowl – decorated with applied inset glass jewels and carved silver overlay patterns.
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A huge covered pot with a silver jewel top is one of the unique pots that can be seen in the store. It is a hand-formed, unglazed clay body with decorated silver and applied enamel “jewel” finial top. It is really a beautiful and exceptional pot made for use over low heat.
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All for a Very Good Cause
Each and every pot is very special. They all tell stories of the women that have made them, their heritage, and the beauty that comes with empowering these women to be play active roles in their society. All profit from Yadawy goes back to help the women that made the pots. Each pot is also aesthetically beautiful in its own right.
Artisana
Yadawy (Ya da wee) means made by hand in Arabic, artisanal. It all starts with the red Saudi clay which is then molded according to old traditions to make coffee cups and containers. Each and every design follows that of traditional bedouin customs, down to each tribal embelished jewel.
Yadawy Pots www.yadawy.org Available at: Art of Heritage Shop - Centeria Mall, Riyadh Ana Ghair Shop – Ana Ghair Mall, Jeddah (opening August 2009)
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The Al Nahda Philanthropic Society, headed by HRH Princess Sara Al-Faisal and a group of influential Saudi women, has always been at the forefront of empowering women. With the Art of Heritage’s Yadawy, the society has once again empowered less privileged women. These women in turn have discovered their talent for reviving the heritage and traditions of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. The appreciation of these pots in turn helps to create a better lifestyle for these women and inspires Al Nahda to come up with new ways to help more women.
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A Full Circle of Saudi Women
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Badgley Mischka
Alice Temperley
Happy Birthday
Harvey Nichols Riyadh As Harvey Nichols Riyadh (HNR) displays huge vases filled with roses throughout the luxury lifestyle store, to celebrate its 9th birthday, we take a look at what HNR has achieved so far and we look forward to what it plans to achieve in the near future...
Made History
Did you know that HNR was the first overseas Harvey Nichols store to ever open? A now permanent feature of Riyadh’s skyline, HNR first opened its doors in the year 2000. A curvaceous modern building, the store was designed by famed architect Lord Norman Foster and Partners in collaboration with Buro Happold. The interior however was designed by the award-winning Hosker Moore and Kent. Before the year 2000, Harvey Nichols only existed in the United Kingdom, and only in two locations: its historical Knightsbridge location in London and in Leeds where the store opened in 1996. Commenting on the move, Joseph Wan of Harvey Nichols said: “Our decision to choose Riyadh for our first overseas outlet was based primarily on the area’s significant market potential. The move brought growth and value to the company. It is entirely fitting that our wide range of quality products is showcased in Saudi Arabia’s premier retail environment.” HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled Al-Saud, SecretaryGeneral of King Faisal Foundation said, “We are pleased that such a well-known and well-respected UK retailer recognized
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the opportunities and advantages offered by the Saudi market in general and Al Faisaliah in particular. This commitment reinforces Al Faisaliah’s stature as Riyadh’s most prestigious address. Saudi Arabia has the largest customer base in the Middle East and the addition of Harvey Nichols to this growing market has filled an important niche.”
The Present
Today there are twelve Harvey Nichols stores worldwide. All over the world, the lifestyle store is synonymous with the latest handpicked items from international luxury brands to satisfy the young trendsetters that have become Harvey Nichols’ most loyal clientele.
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DIANE von FURSTENBERG
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Oscar de la Renta
Keeping true to the Harvey Nichols name, the store in Riyadh occupies an area of 8,000 square meters over three floors in the prestigious Al-Faisaliah Center; the floors are filled with a breadth of fashion merchandise handpicked from the world’s most prestigious brand names in womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty products, as well as women, men, and kids’ shoes. Destinations in their own right, HNR’s café and restaurant are the places to see and be seen while you shop your heart out. To give you a glimpse of exactly what you’ll encounter during a shopping trip at Harvey Nichols Riyadh, here are some of the handpicked designer labels: designer collections: Oscar De La Renta, Mathew Williamson, Alice Temperley, DVF; designer evening: Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra, Ungaro, Chritian Cota, Rubin Singer, Catherine Deane, Rami Al Ali, George Hobaika, David Fielden; evening wear: NiteLine, Dina Bar El, Nicole Miller, Hidy NG, Marc Bouwer; contemporary designers: Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens, Willow, Ossie Clark; contemporary bridge desigers: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim, Alice & Olivia, Single, Ranna Gill, Tony C, Foley & Corinna, Farhi, Issa London, La Rok, Tarun, Tahiliani, Hanni Y, Gold Hawk, M Missoni, Paul & Joe; and casual wear & denim: Juicy Couture, Twisted Heart, E.vel, Free for Humanity, Seven Jeans, J Brand, DVB Denim, Rock & Republic Jeans, Trust Toilette, and Velvet.
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And, of course HNR has not forgotten about your little ones and has picked out the perfect designers to keep them looking chic all the time; for new born, baby and layette there are: Baby Graziella, Rockstar Baby (exclusive to HNRi), Fendi (exclusive to HNR) and Pink Lining (changing baby bags). For girls there are the following designers: Antik Batik, Baby Dior, Chloe (exclusive to HNR), Escada (exclusive to HNR), Nolita Pocket, David Charles, and Sarah Louise. For the boys there are the following designers: Energie, Ollie (exclusive Scottish brand to HNR), and Rare the Kid. Girls and boys designers also include: Little Marc Jacobs (exclusive to HNR), John Galliano (exclusive to HNR), Juicy Couture, Ed Hardy, Jean Paul Gaultier (new and exclusive to HNR), and True Religion (new and exclusive to HNR). Top off the perfect kid’s outfit with accessories and shoes to match from: Roberto Cavali, Simonetta, and Miss Sixty.
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There are many distinct quirks about HNR that separates it from the flagship store in London; the glazed front façade of the store has been designed especially to look good in the dark. Colored lights are flashed to highlight the custom-made blinds at night when most of the customers come out to shop. The store also features many Arab designers and tries to continuously encourage them to compete with worldwide known designers in international arenas. Every season, HNR collaborates with designers to feature exclusive pieces at the store. This upcoming Ramadan (Autumn 2009), HNR has collaborated with several Arab designers to come up with Jalabiyat that you will fall in love with. One of the designers involved is Saudi designer Naeema Al-Shuhail, whose philosophy and passion for excellence is reflected in exquisite and elegant designs. Oasis Magazine interviews Naeema Al-Shuhail at Harvey Nichols about the collection that will be inculded this Ramadan at the flagship store: Tell us about the Naeema Al Shuhail collection that will be displayed at Harvey Nichols Riyadh this Ramadan. As a designer I create two collections annually; a spring/summer collection and a fall/winter one. The pieces that will be shown at Harvey represent the spring/summer fashion collection.
The Future of Harvey Nichols Riyadh
In addition to collaborating with Arab designers, Harvey Nichols always looks to create a brighter future by analayzing the needs and wants of its customers. The ground floor, for instance, has been re-energized with more cosmetic products from the best cosmetic brands worldwide as well as the best local brands like Bassem Al Qassem. The cosmetics taking over the ground floor and the bag section currently being revamped are all calculated moves. Changes and improvements in Harvey are ongoing to ensure the best possible service and product availability in the luxury lifestyle market. The staff at HNR are some of the best in Riyadh. They’ll make sure that each client is taken care of. Holding an Oscar de la Renta dress that’s weighing you down while you look for shoes to go with it? Highly unlikely, as one of the very pleasent staff would have already asked, with not an inch of hoity-toity-ness, to carry your items as you shop for more, all the while answering any questions you might have of the new collections by any of the designers. A huge, brightly shining scented candle sat at the counter at Harvey Nichols once. Proceeds from buying this beautifuly scented candle went to the breast cancer cause. Fighting breast cancer and other such causes and initiatives are causes close to the store’s heart. Even some of the designers involved with HNR, such as Naeema Al Shuhail, are active philanthropists in their own right. They hire locals in need of jobs, train them, and give back to the community with proceeds from the selling of their beautiful creations. HNR also organises for events that widly benefit the community and much more. A vision of a bright future is only seen when those who are able to give back do so with such enthusiasm and creativity. It is no wonder then that predicting a very successful future for HNR isn’t that hard at all. Their continuous efforts to not only have the best designers in store but also to host events such as: Designers’ Oasis, Ramadan events, Jewelry & Cosmetic Event, and of course their special showcase for their VVIP clientele, insures that no matter where their clients shop they will always go back to Harvey Nicholas Riyadh.
What are the materials that you have used for this collection and how will they suit this year’s summery Ramadan? The materials that I will be using in this collection will be mainly cotton and silk. I will also use a variety of other materials. I believe great design starts with the fabric; therefore, I invest a lot of time and effort into choosing the fabrics I use in my collection. Therefore, the material used is carefully studied and will go wonderfully with the hot season. What is the message of this collection? My work portrays our glamorous heritage mixed with the free spirit and elegance of modern fashion. The collection I am creating is sensational as it transforms our eastern history and antiques into masterpieces. This collection is an outcome of a continious pursuit of creative excellence and a tribute to the contemporary woman. Are the pieces that will be available at Harvey Nichols in Riyadh unique pieces? As a rule, I prefer to keep my pieces unique. While certain styles have more than one piece, the majority are one-of-akind pieces.
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Alice & Olivia
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Marc by Marc Jacobs
Badgley M ischka
Matthew Williamson
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Reem Acra
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uhail
AlSh aeema
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Marc Jacobs
Alice Temperly Alice Temperly
Juicy Co uture
Dior Oasis8.indd 49
Rami Al Ali
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souks
Summer's "it" bags Oasis interviews Celestina at Riyadh's D’NA Boutique...
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Big shells, ebony wood, and even shagreen (or stingray) are some of the natural materials used to make Celestina evening clutches and bags. Unique, boxy, and beautiful, these minaudieres have been seen on the hands of Halle Berry, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, and countless others. The all-natural rich material, old techniques, and modern vision infused to make these unique bags are what make them the perfect accessory for summer!
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D’NA launched the new Celestina bags with a trunk show of the new collection introduced by the designer herself, Celestina “Tina” Ocampo. A few hours before the trunk show, Tina was busy perfecting the display of her jewel-like bags between white roses and trapping them under clear glass cake-covers. The former model went over every single detail of the display with a contagious enthusiasm. And, as she sat down for a few interview questions, recommending the cafe latte, her passion for Celestina bags became even more apparent. Tell us about the theme of this collection. How do you start the design process? I am not trained as a bag designer. I was never in school for the arts. If you ask me where my skill comes from, I would say that it comes from my eyes. Seeing the beauty and trying to make things with my own hands. These are shells I find at the beach. I am inspired by these natural beautiful things that can be transformed into other forms. You see, I’ve always learnt that beautiful things cannot only be in that one form. They could be transformed into other forms. These are natural materials that I find in my native Philippines, like shells. They really inspire me to use them and transform them into beautiful bags. So, you’re mostly inspired by the materials you find. Yes. I am also inspired by the artists that I work with. They come from the mountains and the lowlands with their own artisan traditions and techniques. One of the artisans I work with, a sixty year-old woman, is used to weaving dried leaves to make baskets. I asked her to use that same method using stirling silver instead of leaves. She asked me what I was going to do with it and I said a bag. At first she thought I was mad. But, when I showed her the final result of her woven sterling silver matt, she was very proud, with a beautiful smile on her face. You see, your Allah, or our God, is a designer. Because all these shells that I have used, their texture, their sheen, and their pattern, are all done by Allah. I haven’t done anything there. I only made them into bags. I didn’t put the color or the pattern there. I always say that the artisans I work with are my designers and God ultimately is our designer. I don’t see the reason why I should take all the credit. I share it with my artists and God. What was your biggest challenge in creating your bag line? Production (laughs). See I work with artisans who have never been trained with production, deadlines, and all that. They have their moods and priorities. It’s part of their culture. I would
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say: “D’NA wants these bags now! Do you know that Princess Deena is waiting for the bags and wants them to be delivered on time?” They don’t care. That is a challenge and I have to remind them that this is an international brand. I tell them: “I tell stories about you around the world.” And, that I’m trying to promote the creativity and culture of the Philippines.
I am so happy that Celestina has found a home in Saudi Arabia. Princess Deena always tells me that “it’s amazing how much the Saudi Arabian ladies love your bags.” I feel that it’s global in that everybody appreciates the beauty of the bags. It is also the combination of modern designs and traditional technique that make them global. About a year ago I opened a Celestina store in Manila. I opened it there in its homeland to inspire the people, to show them what I have been able to create, and to give them inspiration to go and create things for themselves. It is very important to me to inspire them and to be known as a brand from the Philippines that shows the natural beauty of its material and creativity of its people.
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Marketing was not a challenge because as soon as I decided to market Celestina, a fellow Filipino designer showed my bags to an editor at Vogue and from then on Barney’s in New York started to carry my bags. Later, Celestina was featured on the “it list” of Vogue USA. After that issue, the bags featured were sold out. Other than artisans, we brought in more people who could implement the modern designs I have in mind. They are all artists from the Philippines and all the bags are tied together in the Philippines even if a few natural materials are brought from outside the Philippines.
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What about marketing. You promote Celestina as an international brand but at the same time you make it a point that it is a brand from the Philippines. Was marketing a challenge and how important is it for you that people recognize Celestina as a Filipino brand? It is very rare for a Filipino to make it globally. Now, with 150 exclusive stores worldwide carrying Celstina bags, I feel that I have become someone that inspires the rest of my community.
After only four years of being launched, Celestina is now considered an international successful brand. The brand now includes day bags as well as jewelry also made by traditional Filipino artisans and craftsmen. Exclusively available at D’NA Takhasussi Street Tel: 966 1 4199966 Riyadh
Celestina at D’NA. Photo by D’NA Riyadh ©
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Summer Vibes
Summer is definitely here. Definitely. Some have said that it will hit 63 degrees this summer in Saudi. Maybe it’s just a hoax but it feels like it’s 60 degress already, well almost. What keeps us sane, other than jumping into the pool every once in a while, are the summer fashion trends. An always must-visit store is the trendy Vibe boutique in Riyadh. The latest in young designer labels at Vibe will make you almost wish that it’s always summer. The clothes and accessories are light, colorful, fun, and just beautiful.
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Soft lounge wear, flowy tank top dresses, hot summer bags, and all the rage jewelry all from the most sought after designers are what you should look for.
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Thinking of visiting the Taj Mahal this summer? Don’t! Instead, opt for Jet’s latest lounge wear at Vibe. The soft greens, blues, and pinks have Taj Mahal prints on them. Very refreshing, unlike the heat you’d experience at this time at the actual Taj Mahal. For cool nights, Clu’s latest collection include tops with the lightest chiffon and pretty bows. Stars sparkle brightly in the summer and so does the Stars Sparkle collection of bright and blinged Converse sneakers. Now to choose the accessories. Candace Ang’s collection of necklaces (image to the right) and headbands is filled with bright frills, big flowers, and bows pinned with saftey pins. A very bright and delicate collection. Joomi’s collection also includes bright colors but here they’re mixed with multiple chains, stones, and pearls. Colette Malouf’s collection of headbands brings together pinks and flowers that complete any summery outfit. As for bags, Aila bags, from Arab designer Amal, with very soft leather and colors are flying out the shelves of Vibe. The icing on the cake would be Shorouk (top two images and the ladybug). This brand has a vintage-esque feel to it. It goes between very vintage-looking necklaces to rather simple yet beautiful ones. They are colorful with fun details from sequins and crystals, to birds, cherries, snails, lady bugs, pears. Off you go to the purple store. Vibe Boutique 1st Floor Centria Mall (Olaya & Tahlia intersection) Riyadh
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Exclusively at Vibe Boutique... Oasis8.indd 53
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Cities
The hottest summer homewear products are pretty much at the far ends of the earth. They’re the designer one-of-a-kind products that are just perfect items for your home and they’re just completely out of reach. Nope, kidding. Nothing is out of reach anymore. Not at this day and age! However, even when these designer products can be ordered at the tip of your fingers, you can find a million different reasons not to order them. You don’t want to go through hundreds of sites to find the products that you’re looking for; you want to see them in person, and after you found just what you were looking for you don’t want to keep worrying about your precious shipment until it arrives. The folks behind Cities Design and Lifestyle Store in Riyadh have already scouered the globe to bring you a collection of products from the best designers in the business. So, you don’t have to fret over finding that perfect item right when you want it. At Cities you’ll find Gaia & Gino’s Karim Rashid designed range of products that include his infamous vases (pictured above). Also from Gaia & Gino are Aric Levy’s beautiful stacked glass vases (pictured below right). You’ll also bump (hopefully not literally) into Philippe Starck’s creations like his purple candle-holder (pictured right). Grab one of Paola Navone’s “conatiners.” These items designed for Eno Studio in Paris are some of the most beautiful “food containers” that you can find (above left). Baobab’s collection, La Bellino (above right), as well as La Fibule’s collection will light up your day as soon as you set foot at Cities with their fun and elegant designs from table lamps to lighters. Light up your day with a visit to Cities. Cities | Design & Lifestyle Store 1st Floor Centria Mall (Olaya & Tahlia intersection) Riyadh
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spa
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Discover Yibreen...
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There I was in a foreign country ready to end my day with a blissful hour of intense massage at this fancy Ritz spa. While my assigned masseuse prepped the ointments, we get to chit chat and to my surprise she had trained previously at Yibreen Spa in Riyadh, true story and such a small world! As she raved on about how professional Yibreen was in their training , attention to detail and most importantly the quality of the treatments, my head began to wander. What made people gravitate towards Yibreen? I decided to find out for myself and waited to strike up a conversation with one of their clients. A 20-something year old approaches and we begin. How did you come to discover Yibreen? Well, I believe it was Ramadan two years ago when I was here for a charity bazaar; I was really impressed and made sure to grab their number before I headed out.
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Do you come here often? I come as much as I can; working full time, Yibreen has become a haven for my alone time. I come here to zone out and relax. What do you love most about Yibreen? I LOVE the smell and aura of the spa; it really never fails to make me smile even on the grumpiest of days. I love the fact that the staff are extremely professional, courteous and always updated with the latest techniques and products. There’s always something new brewing in Yibreen. Have you tried their new juices? YUM!! Favorite treatment? Hmm, I’m addicted to the body polish followed by Hydramemory facial. It makes facing the world a little less daunting.
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The gym...sneak peak
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een r b i Y t a Relax
What about their gym? To be quite honest, I’m not a gym buff but I would say whenever I’ve tried the gym at Yibreen the instructor is super motivating and the classes are quite diverse. I was really impressed by the variety of the classes- they’re a lot of fun. The best part of finishing up the gym is sitting by the pool and sipping on my favorite healthy shake. I had to agree, this little gem nestled in the bustling city of Riyadh is comfort in its essence. Its unintimidating nature guarantees that once you’ve gone you will most definitely become a regular keeping you looking fresh and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on new treatments, classes and events; there is always something happening behind Yibreen’s doorsteps and you are always welcome.
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Yibreen Spa Open Saturday to Thursday: 10am - 10pm Tel: (01) 441-1115 Fax: (01) 441-1117 E- mail: Yibreen@yibreenspa.com www.yibreenspa.com
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foodie
To Be or Not to Be! It’s Muy Delicioso By Rashed Saud Islam
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If you’ve lived in KSA for more than a few years, you’ll know Saudis have a thing for franchises. Is it the ease of startup we are attracted to? The safety net provided by the franchisor, the guidance the training? Or the large sums of available capital to invest? Whatever the reasons, our reliance on the outside world to import these foreign ‘brands’ may be waning; more and more businesses in the food and beverage market are now going down the ‘do it yourself’ route. These restaurants and café’s tend to be started by young twenty something entrepreneurial types who admittedly are taking a risk, but it is one they are willing to take, as they bring with them a local perspective on the market that a franchisor either may not have, or not be willing to adapt to.
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As for international franchises in the Kingdom, their story is still one of great success. Many have succeeded (McDonalds, KFC, Hardees) while others have fallen by the wayside, disappearing almost overnight. I get nostalgic thinking about some, such as Al Dewan, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Sbarro. A testament to our Saudi upbringing and our huge obesity problem: some of my fondest memories are of birthday parties held in fast food chains, many of them foreign. And while some have gone, others have arrived to take their place; among them are Chilis, TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, Fun Time Pizza, and Chuck E Cheese. I read a great interview recently with the founder of Chuck E Cheese in ‘Inc Magazine’. Did you know that Chuck E Cheese Founder Nolan Bushnell also started Atari, which explains why the whole concept of Chuck E Cheese is based around the arcade. Food leading to Entertainment, two things under one roof; how could young people not be attracted to this? But you don’t have to put a video game controller into a child’s hand to entertain them while they eat. Others have proved success can be achieved based on the food alone. Look at Al Baik, Al Tazaj, Kudu, Herfy, and even more recently, the likes of Toasted, Sushi Yoshi and Muchos. All Saudi concepts, all home-grown (the good kind), and some are now even international names. Al Tazaj, for example is now available in more than six countries (according to Wikipedia). While the international franchises bring immediate brand recognition to the table the moment they step foot into the country, and continue back it up with constant marketing activities, local startups need to ‘play ball’ too if they are going to compete on a national level. If you haven’t noticed the ‘Muchos’ billboard campaign across Jeddah’s busiest streets this Spring, where exactly have you been? I managed to catch up with Awse Jastiniyah, the founder of Muchos, a Saudi ‘home-grown’ chain of Latin Grill Restau-
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“Awse Jastiniyah answering our my interview questions.” Rashed rants, and asked him what inspired him to go down the ‘do it yourself’ route as opposed to the international ‘franchise in a tin’ scenario. What inspired you to create a ‘home-grown’ brand restaurant such as Muchos, as opposed to bringing an international franchise to the Kingdom? “I was always inspired to create my own business especially in this field, as I think there is a huge demand for high standard restaurants in Saudi Arabia that can serve more variety of food and ambience from different places in the world with a twist to fit the local tastes. Younger generations tend to eat out more than before especially nowadays when males and females are working, they don’t have enough time to cook at home. Also, restaurants in Saudi Arabia are considered one of the main entertainment sources available. I think there is no right or wrong answer of bringing in an international franchise opposed to making my own, as it depends on many elements, like if the franchisor is interested to explore new markets and their ability to adapt to the local culture, as well as the financials requested from the franchises which in some cases makes it unfeasible to go forward with them. On the other hand, if you bring in experienced and a high quality of management, as we did at Muchos, it will help the business to build its name quicker and in the long term the “home-grown” business will start to get the reward for the hard work they have done.”
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What were the benefits of that choice? Do you feel this gives you more control over your business?
“Chef Service Group” gave Muchos the extra mile to compete with the international brands available in the market in terms of the food quality and presentation; as well as in terms of effectiveness in the operation, how to reduce waste and better serving of the guests. Taco Bell came to Jeddah a long time ago and left. Why do you think that was? I don’t know the exact reason behind the closing but I think Taco Bell is one of the most successful brands in USA and they weren’t patient enough and willing to adjust to the local demand. At that time the restaurant business was more of a luxury than a need in the market. Also you have to remember many brands came to the market and couldn’t continue, like Sbarro and Wendy’s. I don’t think the type of food was the main reason for them closing down; the Mexican cuisine has several items similar to our local food like the Empanada which is very similar to our sambousak but with different stuffing. Also, the flautas is similar to spring roll and many other tasty dishes.
Can you give me an example of another successful Saudi franchise, i.e. Saudi startup, that you believe ‘got it right’ and why you think that is? Al-Baik is my idol for a successful Saudi franchise. They got it right thanks to the high standard quality of food compared to the price. In terms of the service, Kudu, and Al-Tazaj are also other examples of local successful franchises. What are Muchos’ plans for the future? Muchos focuses now on covering the Jeddah area as we have just recently added delivery and catering services. Also, we are seeking the right opportunity to open in other major areas in Saudi Arabia like Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and even Madinah.
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How helpful were food consultants like the ‘Chef Service Group’ in helping you bring Muchos to life?
Muchos doesn’t compete with these brands directly as we have a wider range of products. The reason behind this surge is the growth in demand to eat out and the need for variety in cuisines.
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I gained many benefits from my decision in choosing this direction; mostly it gave me a control of my destiny where I can adjust to the market demand more efficiently and much faster, also I gained experience as being exposed to many businesses similar to mine. I traveled to many places just to get experience. For instance, two years ago I went to Newcastle, England, just to make decent food shots for our food that fits the standard of our restaurant as well to obtain more appetizing pictures of our food. A year ago; I worked with a consultant in Rhode Island, USA to develop the new menu as well as the newer look, from menu to logo design, that reflect the identity of the current Muchos. All these experiences gave an opportunity to understand the business and serve the customer better.
There are numerous Mexican/Latin Restaurants opening now across Jeddah, such as Chilies, Tex Mex, and On the Border. Why the surge in Latin/Mexican food? How does this affect your plans?
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foodie Despite the success of Muchos, others are more cautious and will often opt for the ready to go franchise. We spoke to franchise consultant Nicolas Faure, one of three founders of the brokerage firm ZACO F&B. Faure has more than seven years of experience in the field of trade and distribution in the Middle East, including four years in the franchise industry. He’s worked with brands like Mezzo di Pasta where their Master Franchise was signed for eleven countries, with Linas as consultant, and even Patchi as developer.
wrong, and both options can succeed if applied properly. But as Nicolas Faure explained, cultural adaptation or localisation is key for the success of a business. Of course, local sensitivities need to be taken into account. Localisation is all the more important in the Middle East, but international franchises adapt: add a family section here, a dividing wall there, and you’re all done. Starbucks and countless others have proved success is possible regardless of where you are located.
He describes the role of ZACO as one that “advises Saudi prospects regarding franchise opportunities coming from France to KSA and GCC. We also source brands upon Saudis’ requests when they identify them in France.”
However, others might find themselves facing a trickier task. I often wondered why Sushi Yoshi (another recent Saudi startup) didn’t introduce the conveyor belts so common in sushi restaurants abroad, like in Yo-Sushi in the UK.
I asked him a similar question that I had put to Awse Jastaniah, but from the other end of the argument.
The main reason, the more I think about it, may be the fact that on a local level, the idea of sitting next to a total stranger wouldn’t work. Nor perhaps would the idea of serving yourself food off of a moving conveyor belt. Just go to any hotel buffet in Ramadan to get a picture of the chaos that could ensue. Granted this is just one month of the year, and a sense of calm returns at all other times, but would this work here? We build ourselves up to expect a booth, a partition, privacy, service.
What are the benefits of a franchise over a do it yourself startup? (e.g. recent startups Sushi Yoshi and Muchos, who chose to develop the concept themselves). It is less costly for sure but more risky. Some might say you are selling yourself short by becoming a franchisee? What would you say to this and how much royalties can you expect to pay? Don’t tell me how much royalties you will pay, tell me the support you will get from your franchisor. (Author’s note: from our further reading we found that the average royalties are 5-6% of sales revenue, although they can be higher than 25%, that’s 25% of revenue not profit, so even if you are losing money (and many franchises do for the first few years) you still end up paying the franchisor! Can you give me an example of a foreign brand or franchise that has failed miserably in the Middle East over the last 10 years or so? why did it fail? “I cannot quote any brand for legal reasons but most of the time brands which have failed in KSA failed because of these three reasons: Concept not duplicable here for cultural reasons, bad location, bad selection of the potential candidate (the most important).” Which international franchise would you say is doing the best performance-wise in the Kingdom, and why? American pizza and burger concepts from abroad. Which new brands in Saudi, franchises or otherwise, are you excited about? Specifically on the restaurant scene? Which would you consider to be the big ‘up and comers’? Casper & Gambini’s is from my side the most accomplished F&B franchise concept. Can you give me an example of a successful Saudi-made franchise, i.e. Saudi startup that you believe ‘got it right’? Paninos and Al Baik. What are your plans for the future? To import French brands within the Kingdom. It will be our new challenge, and mainly a Saudi trend very soon.
Most Saudi guys probably wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting next to a complete stranger in the bachelor area of a restaurant. Nor would a married couple feel comfortable doing so in the family section, regardless if it was beside other couples. We like space. People go to a restaurants to escape. I just can’t picture twenty or so people sitting around a sushi belt table picking off the dishes (themselves) before they zip by. Perhaps I will be proved wrong, but I think things like this are quite a way off. That being said, something like a Mexican/Latin Grill Diner is easy to adapt to the local market, the cuisines nature itself is built on the foundations of sharing, whether it be nachos or quesilldias. It’s ideal for a family/friends dining experience. The food isn’t far off from local Saudi dishes. Jastaniah explained the similarity of the empandas to sambousak, there are certainly parallels. As such, the Latin theme fits very well into the family dining scene in the Kingdom. As for location, Muchos’ first branch is nestled just off Tahlia Street in the trendy Andalus district, (that’s two birds with one stone). As for the final point, Jastaniah seems up to the challenge. He opened his second branch in 2008 and has not held back. Seeking outside help and consultancy when needed, his commitment and determination is clear. This is one entrepreneur who might just yet have the recipe for success. What the future holds is unknown. Will people across the GCC be singing the praises of Muchos or Toasted in 2020? We can’t answer that, but we have a gut feeling that, by then, they will have spread their wings, and at least have landed further eastwards.
So there you have it, both sides of the coin. Neither are right or
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art scene
Art Scene There have been art exhibitions, art talks, art competitions, concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, culinary nights, and expositions literally every day in Saudi Arabia this year. The Saudi cultural schedule has been at an all time high!
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As we mentioned in Art News, Saudi artists have already shipped their work to the Venice Bienniale and Rome at the beginning of this summer. Saudi artists are also breaking more boundries this summer. Loulwah Al-Homoud is the first Saudi artist to have her work bought by a museum in Korea. The Jeju Museum of Art on Jeju island acquired artwork by Al-Homoud for their personal collection as well as the museum’s Inaugural International Contemporary Art Exhibition Su:Mbisori.
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Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja has shown lots of support to the arts, the youth, and the media. All the proceeds from a recent art exhibition, held under his patronage, in riyadh went to help the Palestinian chidren. On that note, we have to mention that we’re very proud to see that almost all the proceeds from events being held are benefiting charities and worthy causes.
igoogle recently launched a photography competition. Among their 36 finalists who are now withered down to 6 is only one Arab national who is Saudi student Fahad AlDaajani. AlDaajani, a King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals student, submitted beautifully captured photographs of droplets of water clinging onto strings of grass. His work will be exhibited at the Saatchi gallery in London! In Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar art exhibitions have been taking place regularily. Hewar gallery in Riyadh recently held solo exhibitions for Hanan Bahamdan, whose painting sold at Sotheby’s for a record amount, and Abdul Jabbar Yahya, who is an accomplished Saudi artist and who sold all his paintings at this, his latest exhibition. At the Nu Age Gallery, artist/designer Nove exhibited her latest work of art. Currently taking place at the gallery is Esam Dabbour’s exhibition. In Jeddah a group of accomplished Saudi artists, including Yousef Jaha and Zaman Jassim, were brought together by Roiya Art Consultancy for an exhibition called Rabe’eyat 2009 at Al Alamia Gallery. Khobar will soon be welcoming Galerie O. This gallery, that previously existed in Riyadh, has packed its bags and will have completey moved out by the end of July. It was one of the first art galleries in Riyadh and will undoubtedly contribute immensly to the art scene in Khobar as it has done in Riyadh.
One of Fahad AlDaajani’s igoogle competition entries...
In addition, the Kingdom has seen a boom in conferences, forums, expos, and the like. These days, it’s not suprising to know that hotels are fully-booked pretty much throughout the year. A business-friendly environment and that which supports cultural activities is growing. The business-oriented and cultural events, taking place at hotel halls and the like, are highlighting the achievements and goals of this nation. Bisat Al Rih or “Flying Carpet” brought together more than fifty Saudi labels and entities that are creating and reinforcing the heritage of Arabia through modern designs and innovative techniques. The Arts & Skills Institute, Art of Heritage, Turath, and so many more demonstrated impressive talent. The next Flying Carpet will be landing in Jeddah during the month of Ramadan (AugustSeptember 2009).
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art scene
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quenches the mind OASIS MAGAZINE
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Khozama Center Riyadh
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art scene
Comedy Nights in the Desert!
Maz Jobrani and a line-up of talented local comedians interviewed by Mohammed Al-Saadoun As I made it into the compound, I soon realized they were doing the show down by the poolside. After saying hi to half the people there, I settled into my seat and it was soon announced that the show would start. I obtained seats in the second row, waiting for my colleagues. As if it were a Marco - Polo game mixed with you’re getting hot/cold game; they finally found me as I stretched out my hand with my camera in tow; easily pin pointing my position. The night was excruciatingly hot and from what I understood from my colleague in Jeddah, her experience was not any better. But, alas the comedy took our minds off the weather and of course the array of slushies, cocktails, chocolate fondant, as well as the usual red bull and Lipton tea made us happy campers even before anything started. The comedy show’s second debut came with a stronger line up. This time around it was hosted by Ahmed Ahemd; tagging along was comedian Maz Jobrani with many local comedians; which included first timers as well as returning comedians and even the very first female Saudi comedian. I got the chance to sit down and chat with two of the show’s comedic talents: Abduallah Saidan and Sherif Azab.
Being a Saudi comedian is uncommon, so what made you pursue it? Abduallah Saidan- I loved standup comedy since I saw a Pablo Francisco gig about 4 or 5 years ago. Throughout high school, I watched a big number of standup gigs, mainly through YouTube. And I set my mind on performing a show of my own sometime during university. Although I wouldn’t call it a profession, I started pursuing stand up at KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals) under a competition set by the Theater club. What caused the leap to bigger and more public performances was the support of my friends.
Sherif Azab- This whole being a comedian thing came to me, and I know this will sound very cliché, naturally, I was usually that one person in the group that would try and lighten the mood up when things would go bad, and I decided I might as well give it a shot professionally. The fact that it started in Saudi, I wouldn’t say unusual, but interesting, as people have been starving for ways to entertain themselves in the Kingdom, and things are just starting to ease up now.
Do you do this full time? Why?
Abduallah Saidan- I do stand up part time, and I don’t think of turning it to a full-time career at the moment. Why? Well, I view myself as a funny engineer, not a comedian. Sherif Azab- I’m not doing this full time just yet, that’s what I aspire to reach and it would be GREAT! Quit my day job (boss, you reading this?), sit around in my boxers all day at home, and work on material to make people laugh! But I think I still have a long road ahead of me to get to that stage, you need to practice, practice, and PRACTICE! And unfortunately as of yet, we don’t have venues to practice periodically and try out our new skits, it’s always at a big show, but hopefully this would change soon.
How does the Saudi audience respond to your stand-up performances?
Abduallah Saidan- Al hamdulillah, most of my performances get better reception than I thought they would. The Saudi audience is simply amazing. Sherif Azab- I have been all over the major Saudi cities; from Dhahran on the east to Jeddah on the west, and the Saudi audience is probably one of the best I’ve ever performed for... especially Riyadh! They’re a well educated crowd with a thirst for laughter!
Who are your comedic role models?
Abduallah Saidan- Although I’m sure that every clip of standup I saw left something in me; I would say that my role model comedians are Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle and Russell Peters. Sherif Azab- Adel Imam, from the western comedy scene I would say George Carlin and Mitch Hedberg.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
Abduallah Saidan- I hope to see myself getting my master’s degree, and starting to work in a well paid and interesting job. As for the comedy, only time could tell. Sherif Azab- INTERNATIONAL! lol, who am I kidding! In 5 years I hope to have a well established fan base in the Middle East, touring the area with the other great comedians I have come to meet, and really getting this standup comedy scene to take off in the Arab world.
Read more interviews with Saudi comedians, incl. Ibrahim Al-Khairallah (pictured right) on our blog: oasis-mag.blogspot.com
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One on one with Maz: Maz Jobrani in Saudi Arraaabiaaaa
Do you think it will snow?
Haha! I see snow in the future definitely…in a million years from now.
So how did you start doing stand-up?
I started doing stand-up…well I got serious with it 11 years ago, but I always wanted to do it since I was a kid. When I was 12, I saw Eddie Murphy and I wanted to be just like him. It wasn’t till I was 22-23 and I tried a little bit and then I stopped. And then at 26 I went for it again and that’s it. I ve been doing it since.
So what has Ahmed told you about Saudi?
Ahmed told me it was going to be amazing, the people and reception just amazing. To be true the crowd has been great.
How is Saudi different than the Mideast? Were you nervous coming here?
Performing stand-up around the Middle East was always like questioning: what can you say? what can you use?, always having restrictions, you get it in your head you know, so you’re a little nervous. But once you get there, everyone’s so supportive so cheerful.
What is your impression of Saudi fans?
Every place we’ve gone, the fans have just been so excited to see the show. There are times when you have blunt fans. Lets say we are in this show in the US and one is coming to see anyone in particular. The people are there just to see comedy, they don’t know who you are, not that excited but they want to laugh. That’s when you have an ok crowd. A bad crowd is like when they are tired and stuff. A dead crowd; this is very common all over the world. Whether in the Middle East or the US, when fans come to see Ahmed Ahmed, Maz Jobrani, or Axis of Evil; that’s the crowd we hope for.
What is the main difference between Riyadh and Jeddah?
Umm…definitely a lot dryer in Riyadh. I’ve never sweated so much in my life as I did in Jeddah. It was very hot. People kept saying it might be more conservative in Riyadh than in Jeddah, but to be honest last night in the middle of my show people completely let go. Somebody screamed out vagaina, and I used for the rest of the show. I just kept saying vagina, it was hilarious.
So would you say that you’re more of a spontaneous comedian, more in the moment? Well you know…I have my jokes and if things happen in the crowd I try to make something out of it. It’s just kinda being loose and open for whatever happens.
You have both Facebook and Myspace pages, we heard that your facebook page was packed so much so that you had to have two pages? Well myspace, its unlimited…yes its unlimited friend list, so I have like 18,000. They are both good ways to communicate with your fans.
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Maz a nd Mo ... got h shmag im to wear h! a
You’ve been in so many films, guest starred in so many episodes, are you hoping to expand your career in that direction? Absolutely, I’m always trying to create stuff like that. You know Steve Martin and all these guys; they went from stand up; they took it to the next level. Even Bill Cosby did it. Yea it would be nice to take it to the next level.
Tell us more about your latest film “overnight”?
We filmed it last year; it will come out this year. I also created this film character, you can check it out online on my website jimmy vest.com …Regarding tv shows and stuff, I have written a movie, a tv show that aired last year.
Building the Maz Enterprise, eh? Exactly! Take over the world.
When you guys launched Axis of Evil, it was somewhat a reaction to the racism and misconception of the world towards Middle Easterners and Arabs that has been going on. Was that similar to Queen Rania’s initiative to break down stereotypes? Absolutely, all that stuff aimed for the same purpose.
How was making the video?
That was great. What she is doing is great and I think our people in the Middle East region; Arabs, Muslims and nonMuslims; we all have a negative image in the west. It falls on our shoulders to change that image. We all know that there are good people in our culture but unfortunately we are victims on one way, so we need to change that.
Thanks Maz!
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venture out of the cities
Discover Saudi Arabia's Farasan Island Do you enjoy diving and snorkeling? How about exploring nature and wildlife preserves? If so, then it is highly recommended to visit Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Island. By Carol Fleming Al-Ajroush
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Thousands of years ago, when the ice age was coming to an end, many geological upheavals came to place; such as the one that caused the Red Sea to deposit salt domes to push up against existing coral reefs creating the Farasan Bank. Let’s break this down slowly so no one gets confused; the Farasan Bank is a shoal 100 kilometers wide and 800 kilometers down the length of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The Bank is made out of 100 coral islets and 20 large islands. Among them, is the famous Farasan Archipelago which includes the largest island: Farasan Island. See? Not confusing at all. Taking a plunge off the coast of Farasan Island, is not only a really good way to cool off this summer but also a mesmerizing experience that some even call a philosophical experience and not only a dive. The famous Jacque Cousteau noted an overwhelming underwater life which he described as “one of the most fascinating areas (explored) during our first Red Sea expedition. Only a few westerners have seen it and even fewer have dived there. To learn about Farasan’s reef structures and marine biological richness would take a lifetime.” Diving here has become extremely addictive to many who enjoy being exposed to such a wide variety of underwater life; sharks, manta rays, hawk fishes, moray eels, and many more call this home. Imagine looking at the flashlight fish, which has a sac-like organ under each eye containing light-producing bacteria. The sac is even equipped with its own eyelid, allowing the fish to turn off and on the light. Be sure to be on the lookout for the lionfish with its lethally poisonous dorsal spines. Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to touch or provoke this fish as a sting can be lethal. Local fisherman would tell you that the only remedy for the sting is a red-hot iron whose heat would be capable of breaking down the protein-based poison. There is as much reef in the Farasan Islands as there is along the entire coastline of Saudi Arabia. As such, this makes the Farasan Island is one of the most attractive and popular diving spots in Saudi Arabia and a favorite destination for Saudis and international visitors. Fauna of the Farasan Island include 231 species of fish, 49 species of reef building coral, 3 species of Dolphin, crustaceans, large numbers of breeding seabirds as well as populations of breeding Ospreys (Pandion Haliaetus) and Sooty Falcons. A remnant population of endangered Dugong and the only known confirmed breeding site for Crab Plover (Dromas Ardeola) on the Red Sea coast of Arabia are protected on Farasan Island. In addition, the Farasan Island is home to the special nature reserve which was established in 1989. It is overseen and mandated by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development. As a result of the protected status of the nature reserve, the Farasan Island now holds the largest gazelle population in Saudi Arabia. On the main island there are more than 500 gazelles which roam freely. Can you imagine the photo opportunities?!
The beautiful sea life of Farasan...
Getting Here Getting to Farasan Island is easy and enjoyable. The nearest airport is located in the far south-west port city of Jizan servicing flights from all key cities in the Kingdom. From Jizan, modern ferry services routinely go between the Jizan Harbor and Farasan Island. The Jizan Harbor is a picturesque site complete with the old traditional wooden fishing boats called dhows and which remain in use today. Where to Snooze The Farasan Hotel is a centrally located hotel on the main island of Farasan where many Saudi and international visitors choose to stay. This modern full-service hotel equipped with all amenities is a seven minute drive from the main port. The hotel’s Almurjan restaurant is known for serving guests with freshly caught delicious sea food meals.
For land lovers, this article would not be complete without mentioning that the Faifa Mountains merit a trip for the opportunity to see some unique rock formations and lush green meadows in Saudi Arabia. And for those who enjoy history, a smaller island not far from the main Farasan Island holds the ruins of an old German-built Fort used during World War II. It is said that this fort had been a secret storage location for ammunition during the war.
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venture out of the cities
Taif
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Thinking of a place to get away from the heat of Riyadh or the humidity of Jeddah during the summer? How about Taif?
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Monkey in Taif. Photo by Intercontinental Hotel Taif Š
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It’s hot, it’s humid, and you’ve just had about enough of getting into scalding hot stuffy cars. I think it might be time for you to take a quick trip to Taif. Located in the western part of Saudi Arabia, Taif is about an hour drive from Makkah and is quite the popular summer holiday spot. At a little under 2,000 meters above sea-level, Taif’s natural elevation is perfect for enjoying a more comfortable summer without the heat or humidity that afflicts the rest of the country.
While you’re there, you might want to also check out all the historical palaces, like the Palace of Ismaiel, the Palace of Bahawat and the Palace of Shubra, which were all built in the local construction style for which the western region of the Kingdom was famed. Big fan of animals? You’ve come to the right place, especially during the summer. The country’s famed Arabian horse racing is moved from Riyadh to Taif during the summer. Also, Taif is one of the three places in Saudi Arabia that the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development dedicated to the study of endangered animals and plants and to their breeding in controlled conditions.
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The area is resplendent with arcaelogical or historical sites that date back to pre-Islamic eras, most famously the Souk Okaz which played a distinguished role in the history of Arab poetry before ISlam. The souk was a popular forum for poetry debate during one of the richest historical eras of Arab literature and culture. Other sites include pre-Islamic fortifications, and Islamic mosques such as the Mosque of the Prophet’s Companion Abdullah Ibin Abass,the Mosque of Al-Koaa, the Mosque of Adas and the Mosque of Al-Sanousi.
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Taif offers something for everyone. Feeling adventurous? They’ve got plenty of hiking opportunities and fun cable car rides. Not up for all that effort? Don’t fret, Taif is home to some of the most beautiful rose gardens and rose farms around.
Main Attractions Next time you’re in Taif, consider visiting any of these oneof-a-kind attractions: Wahab Crater, rose farms, Turkish forts, Souk Okaz, Shobra Museum, Al Qua Mosque, Okaz Museum, the Ekrima Dam and the Kakki and Al Katib Palaces.
Up and away in Taif!
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8 Things to Do in the Deserts of Arabia and the Capital No matter where you are in the world, some days you just wake up and think, “God, there’s nothing to do here. I’m so bored.” Well, here in Saudi Arabia, there are many hidden treasures and activities that you may not know about, especially for those living in or around the Riyadh area. Yes, it’s true; there’s more to do here than just go shopping, visit family, and hit the bustling cafe scene. Let’s take a look at some ideas that’ll get you off the beaten track. By Carol Fleming Al-Ajroush
Nomadic Expeditions ©
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Once you do find the container, you may find notes, items, or at the very least a logbook. Remember, nothing should be removed unless you add something of equal or greater value, and be sure to add your info to the logbook before returning the cache back to its original location.
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In Saudi Arabia alone, people have hidden nearly 200 items (as of the writing of this article) and placed them in weatherproof containers (caches). Your only clues to these items are their geo-coordinates (longitudes and latitudes) which you can ascertain using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. These GPS units are basically electronic devices that can determine your approximate location based on geo-coordinates. Sure, it may sound easy to know where the cache is like that, but the trick is actually getting to that location. Also, half the fun is discovering these new areas, enjoying the surrounding environment, and figuring out exactly where the treasure is hidden. It is common for geocaches to be placed in areas of historical or archeological interest such as within a cave or within a crevasse of an abutment. The route to a geocache is also usually scenic and allows for many photo opportunities.
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Geo caching: I know, it sounds technical, but hear me out.. you’re going to love this. Remember playing treasurehunting games as a kid, where someone would hide things in the backyard or even the neighborhood, leaving clues for you and your friends to track down the items? Well, instead of your backyard, imagine items were hidden in more than 100 countries around the world, and instead of just you and your friends, everyone in the world was participating? That’s what geocaching is all about.
This link (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?l at=24.6880015&lng=46.7224333&dist=25) identifies 32 geocache sites in and around Riyadh. Also, be sure to check out the “Saudi-geocachers” group at http://groups.google. co.uk/groups/saudi-geocachers. The newsgroup is for members only and anyone interested in joining will have to send an email requesting membership.
Splelunking: Still feeling adventurous? How about taking
up spelunking (exploring caves)? I know what you’re thinking: But, we’re in Saudi. Isn’t it all just one big desert? As a matter of fact, there are quite a number of caves around which are well worth exploring. Many of them will even have hieroglyphics from centuries past and cave drawings inside. The Web site www.saudicaves.com provides excellent information about some of popular caves worth exploring in the country, as well as tips on how to safely and properly go about spelunking. The most famous of the Saudi caves is Umm Jirsan cave which is located in the Khaybar Lava Field, 100 kilometers north of Medina. It measures 1.5 kilometers in length and is presently the longest volcanic cave system on the Arabian Peninsula.
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Desert diamonds: Now that we’ve got you in the mood
of treasure hunting, let us tell you about desert diamonds. These diamonds are pieces of quartz which can be found in rose, yellow, white or clear colors. The stony desert area around Al Ula (near Maida’n Salah) is the most ideal place for going out and hunting for desert diamonds. All in all though, one can generally find desert diamonds in most places of Saudi Arabia where the desert has less sand and more stones on the ground. These quartz stones can be cleaned, cut, polished and made into beautiful gem stones; the perfect gift for that special someone. “I went out into the desert and found it myself!“
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Fossil hunting: Did you know that we’ve got quite a treasure trove of fossils scattered throughout the Kingdom? Many fossils that are found here are the remains of creatures that once lived in shallow seas covering much of the peninsula, as well as quite a collection of terrestrial fossils.
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The most fascinating fossil-bearing areas of Saudi Arabia are the Miocene mammal-bearing sites on the eastern side of the country. The area around Ad Dabtiyah (26° 27’02”N; 48°35’24”E) has been investigated by members of the Department of Paleontology of the British Museum who have discovered fossils of a group of animals which were once found throughout Africa, across parts of Europe and even Asia. The creatures include the Asian mastodon, two species of rhinoceros, crocodiles, a new genus of hominoid referred to as “the sister group of the great ape” and remains of palm trees. Another popular site is near the low ridge of the hills east of Khurais, about two and a half hours east of Riyadh, which contain the fossilized remains of the marine life deposited there about 45 million years ago. If you’re not in the mood for traversing the hot deserts (I don’t blame you), check out the King Abdulaziz Museum in Riyadh which has a wing dedicated to the history of civilization. They’ve got a display of incredible fossils which have been discovered at various places throughout the Kingdom.
Camel Souk: Ah, camels. The majestic ships of the
deserts. People own camels for many reasons, be it for collecting, breeding, racing, or even as food. One of the world’s largest camel souks in the world is located in Northern Riyadh, where camels are brought from all over the Kingdom and bartered, sold and traded. Don’t hesitate to check out this souk, tourists come from all over the world to check out the surprising variety of camels that come through here.
Second Hand Souk: Haraj (bin Gassem) is an excep-
tionally large secondhand souk east of Riyadh. Sure, the majority of items are secondhand but so many items will appear brand new that it’s hard to believe that they’d ever been previously owned. It is also referred to locally as the “Princess Souk” due to the magnificent designer ball gowns one can acquire there for less than a fraction of their original price. The souk sells a ridiculously wide range of items, from automobile parts, souveniers, and household appliances to toys, clothes and carpets. The secret to the popularity of this place is two fold: the low prices and the high quality. Take the clothes, for example. You’ll find great stuff for kids; western dress for men such as business suits, and casual clothes; and traditional dress such as thobes and bishts. As for the women, there is a huge selection of wedding dresses, haute couture gowns, skirts, dresses, jeans, blouses and, naturally, traditional female thobes. The maximum price one would typically pay for an outfit such as a man’s western business suit or a woman’s haute couture gown ranges around 30 Riyals. Time to update my wardrobe!
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Equestrian Center: The Equestrian Club is located at Janadriyah, 40 kilometers northeast of Riyadh, close to the King Khalid International Airport. Founded in 1965, the club is truly a hidden oasis. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by lush green grass as soft and thick as a carpet and vibrant aromatic gardens of flowers. The Equestrian Club itself is a modern structure, housing magnificent paintings of some of Saudi’s finest Arabian horses. There’s also a five-star restaurant which serves an all-you-can-eat brunch. When you want to enjoy the races, you have a choice of watching from a table inside of the club restaurant, go outdoors and watch from an observation balcony, or even just go down to the track level and be closer to the action.
Keep in mind that the racing season at the Equestrian Club runs Friday afternoons from late September until April. During the summer, the horses are moved to the more temperate climate of Taif, where races commence Friday afternoons throughout the summer months. www.frusiya.com
Camel Souk...smile camels!
Riyadh Zoo: The Riyadh Zoo is located in the Malaz District of Riyadh not far from the old airport. Established in 1957, the zoo is a delightful place to spend an afternoon and roam around, marveling at all the animals. For those who may not feel like walking around, there are also little trains which offer continuous rides around the entire zoo, allowing visitors to view every attraction while sitting in the comfortable shaded seating of the train.
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The Arabian horses at the club are some of the best examples of their breed in the Kingdom. They are sleek and beautiful creatures, built for speed and born to race.
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The zoo has refreshment stands interspersed throughout, selling a wide variety of snacks and drinks. Many families will bring their own picnic baskets to the zoo and spread out their blankets on the many green grassy areas. www.zoo.com.sa Tel: 966 1 477 9523
Saudi sand dunes. Photo by National Geographic ©
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till next time...
Photo by Intercontinental Hotel Taif Š
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Don’t miss out on the latest events in Saudi Arabia: For the latest happenings in Saudi, check out Oasis Unedited: Oasis Magazine’s very own blog. Oasis Unedited posts art events, business forums, concerts, comedy shows, fashion events, culinary events, press talks and everything in betweeen. Want to post your event on our blog? Just email us with all the information to: info@oasis-mag.com. Check out Oasis Unedited:
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oasis-mag.blogspot.com
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healthy mind
The Human Mind is a Fascinating Thing...
quenches the mind
When faced with diseases such as autism, one can feel small and as if they can’t do anything to help the autistic person. People like Bob and Suzanne Wright, who recently visited Riyadh, have come together with multiple organizations to advance the research done on autism. Such research hopes to better understand the mysteries of the human mind.
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From there, we take a long look at how the world is coming together to preserve its most pressious assets in the World Digital Library. We also took it upon ourselves to keep your mind entertained all summer long with a list of books, movies, and even a game about the future that will blow you away. Be sure to check out the 27 Saudi movies that took part of the Gulf Film Festival this year.
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World Digital Library Š
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healthy mind
Autism Speaks... It’s time to listen! By Rania Khalilieh
It takes a philanthropist to knead a personal tragedy into a universal issue. Moreover, it is a big challenge to stir up dormant topics and speak on behalf of a silent person in a harsh and indifferent world.
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“True greatness consists in the use of a powerful understanding to enlighten oneself and others” - Voltaire
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Bob and Suzanne Wright are the true embodiment of altruism. They were able to mold their personal dilemma into a universal movement when they realized that their grandchild was diagnosed with autism. “At that time, autism was misunderstood and disregarded by the majority of people which was totally frustrating for parents who had autistic children. We felt alone and left out, but we were resolved to change the whole situation. Someone had to speak on behalf of those autistic children and their families.” Commented Suzanne Wright; a woman of strong determination and insight. The whole process could have been way easier had Bob used his former post as CEO of NBC to obtain the best care for his autistic grandchild and managed to go about their dilemma without making a great issue of it. However, because both Suzanne and Bob Wright are believers in what Gandhi once said:” Be the change you want to see in the world”; they took a different path by establishing “Autism Speaks.”
The Birth of Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is an organization that advocates of autism through sponsoring researches, spreading awareness, supporting the involved families and reaching out to the government and public. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright as a reaction to the discovery that one of his grandchildren was autistic. “The brutal fact was that autism was mal-diagnosed and labeled by professionals as behavioral abnormality, it was not common to diagnose a child as autistic, as a result of that, parents were devastated and frustrated by not knowing what was wrong with their child.” added Bob Wright; an ambitious and intelligent man. Autism Speaks is reaching out to countries through Global Autism Public Health Initiative; many goals are set such as increase autism awareness, improve access to high quality clinical services, and enhance research collaboration around the world.
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Bob and Suzanne Wright... advocates of autism research.
A Brief View of Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors such as following specific schedules or arranging objects. One fact should be kept in mind is that autism can range from very mild to quite severe. Autistic people are unable to be affectionate or reciprocate affection even to the closest people to them. Ironically, autistic people could be talented musicians or mathematicians; they can decipher complicated codes but can’t say or show love or attachment to anybody.
100 Day Kit
One of the numerous achievements of Autism Speaks is the issuing of “100 Day Kit” which guides the parents of autistic children to the various aspects of autism. It is divided into ten sections which explain in detail the nature of this illness, how to deal with it when diagnosed, the needs of the autistic child and the different methods of treatment. However, the most interesting section is six which contains a week by week plan for the first 100 post diagnosis days.
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“We were faced with many obstacles initially, but the most frustrating one was the lack of awareness by a system that would not identify such a disease. We were shocked to discover the great number of people who were inflicted by autism and crippled by the lack of proper medical help or support. We had to get things on the go and we had to speak on behalf of all those who were unable to stand up or speak for themselves. The wheel is on the go, people are more aware of autism, they speak of it in public and the government has become an active partner in this whole process. We feel that we are getting closer but we are not there yet.” In retrospect, a bill that requires insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism in children is the first bill filed in the State of Senate for the 2009 legislative session. The Senate bill is entitled “Nick’s Law” and the name is for 11-year-old Nick Rhode of Edmond, who suffers from autism. In addition to that, President Obama has drafted a comprehensive autism legislation including a section addressing a broad based federal insurance mandate; this legislation is entitled “Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2008”.
According to the GAPH Initiative, there will be an initial meeting which will include representatives from the government agencies, experts such as Prince Salman Center for Disability Research, the King Fahd Medical City, and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, as well as parent representatives and advocates including representatives from Autism Speaks from both US and Uk. One of the goals for such a committee will be the development of a national planning group and a report which will be referred to as “white paper” that describes the major challenges to autism care in Saudi Arabia and recommendations to overcome these challenges. Suzanne and Bob Wright wrapped up the most amazing and fruitful conversation ever with complete modesty by saying: “We know we have achieved a lot, we are half way through the tunnel and although we see the light at the end, we feel that we still have a long way to go. Autistic society has many needs and demands; the more we do, the more we feel there is more to do. Success can’t be measured or limited, it goes beyond any limitations; it is an ongoing process. We hope that Autism Speaks can be a beacon for others to continue our path and flourish for the sake of all autistic people.”
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Baby steps towards gigantic changes
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According to this kit, a great majority of cases of autism are idiopathic (i.e. the cause is unknown); a small number of cases can be linked to genetic disorders such as Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, and Angleman’s Syndrome, as well as exposure to environmental agents such as infectious ones (maternal rubella or cytomegalovirus) or chemical ones (thalidomide or valproate) during pregnancy. In addition to that, it is estimated that one in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
Global Autism Public Health: A Proposal for Partnership with Saudi Arabia
Wright indicated clearly that both, himself and his wife, were impressed by the efforts undertaken by the Prince Salman Center for Disability Researches which involves spreading the awareness of autism, yet the needs are increasing which means that the services need to be increased as well. For this purpose, Autism Speaks is working in collaboration with the different related bodies in Saudi Arabia in order to enhance and move forward the services offered for the autistic society. GAPH involves increasing access to clinical services as well as research collaboration concerning Genetics such as the one at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Su
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healthy mind The Library of the Global City: library review By Ahmad Dialdin
It seems only natural then, that this city would have a library as well. Not just any library, but one that represents its locale. Enter the World Digital Library (WDL), an international digital library operated by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United States Library of Congress.
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As you might guess from its name, this library is by the world, for the world, and about the world. Geared at promoting international and intercultural understanding, WDL is focused on providing a wealth of cultural content, especially nonEnglish and non Western content, to educators, scholars and the citizens of our global city. The library consists of materials from cultures around the world, including manuscripts, maps, rare books, musical scores, recordings, films, prints, photographs, architectural drawings, and other significant cultural materials.
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With the advent of the internet, the Global Village was born. Every culture and country on the planet is connected and tied to each other like never before, all within the walls of the world wide web. If you wanted to see the Maori people, you could find pictures and videos of them online. If you wanted to buy something from London, Boston or Sydney, you can just hop on the net and find a veritable mall of stores to shop from. If you wanted to talk to someone from Japan, Brazil, and South Africa, all at the same time, you can do it through a simple online forum. In this global village you can find all the trappings of a real place: stores, cafes, museums, even universities.. they all may be virtual, but they all exist online to make up this Global Village‌ this Global City really.
As of its launch on April 21, 2009, the library houses more than a thousand items contributed by 26 institutions from 19 countries, and the interface is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Items on the WDL can be browsed by place, time, topic, type of item, and contributing institution, or can be located by searching in several languages. Special features include interactive geographic clusters, a timeline, advanced imageviewing and interpretive capabilities. Item-level descriptions and interviews with curators about featured items provide additional information. True to its name, The WDL is a global effort. It was developed by a team at the U.S. Library of Congress, with contributions by partner institutions in many countries; the support of UNESCO; and the financial support of a number of companies and private foundations. Over the years, the Library of Congress worked with partners in Brazil, Egypt, Iraq, and Russia to establish digital conversion centers to produce high-quality digital images. Much of the content on the WDL was produced at these centers.
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9th Century Qur’an leaf from Iraq. World Digital Library ©
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Photo of Emir of Bukhara. Date: 1863-1944. World Digital Library Š
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Moreover, of the many contributors to WDL, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) donated $1 million to support activities relating to the dissemination, through WDL, of digital versions of manuscripts and other materials relating to science in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Other contributors include Google, Inc.; The Qatar Foundation; The Carnegie Corporation of New York; Microsoft, Inc.; and The Bridging Nations Foundation. Several factors make the WDL stand out from other such online resources. Its dedicated approach to metadata ensures that each item is described with a consistent set of bibliographic information, providing a site that is easy to use and explore and help reveal connections between different items.
If you’re like me, sometimes you’ll come across a website such as this and be overwhelmed at the wide range of information that you’re not even sure where to start. Consider this list of initial exhibits available right now: The Tale of Genji, a Japanese tale which is considered to be the first novel ever written; ancient Arabic texts that were used in the formation of algebra; Chinese oracle bone script; an 8,000-year-old African painting of bleeding antelopes; the Codex Gigas; Samuel de Champlain’s Des Sauvages; an audio recording of a 101-year-old former American slave; World War I recruitment posters; an 1899 Canadian government handbook for Scandinavian immigrants; Doctrina Christiana, en lengua española y tagala, the first Spanish and Tagalog book ever published; Islamic manuscripts from Mali; rare photographs originating in Imperial China, the Ottoman Empire, and Tsarist Russia; the first recording of La Marseillaise; the world’s first film from the Lumiere brothers; a photolithographic reproduction of the Constitution of India; calligraphy by Prem Behari Narain Raizda; the Huexotzinco Codex; and the Nuremberg Chronicle.
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Toss in the afore-mentioned focus on providing this information in a multitude of languages, and you’ve got yourself a truly world digital library.
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Another factor is the ability of the site to answer the most basic of questions for each item: “What is this item and why is it significant?” All the information is written by curators and experts to provide vital context for readers and spark their curiosity about the cutlural heritage of all countries.
I’ll be honest, I recognize only one of those exhibits, but just reading their titles impresses upon me the awesome wealth of information available that I am suddenly craving learning more about them. Hopefully by listing them above, I might have sparked your curiosity as well to check out the website and find out more about even just one of them. The Global City just got its very own library: www.wdl.org Formatia trans sicere educatorum.. Enter all ye who seek knowledge.
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healthy mind The Unmagical Eight Ball
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You’re in a bookstore, you can’t decide which books to buy, and you have a Magic 8-Ball in one hand and a dozen or so books in the other (we’re imagining this, so your ability to carry a dozen books is nonnegotiable). You take a look at the first book, you ask the Magic 8-Ball if it’s a good choice, you shake the ball, tilt the little answer window towards you…and your answer comes out as “maybe”. What a waste of time! Fortunately, you’ll never have to resolve to such desperate tactics when you’ve got book-picking advice from Oasis Magazine. By Nora Alfaiz
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Wisdom: 50 Unique and Original Portraits
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Can wisdom be given in the form of a book? Well, apparently so. Wisdom’s inspiration comes from “the idea that one of the greatest gifts one generation can pass to another is the wisdom it has gained from experience”. Zuckerman accomplished giving his book’s title its full credit with the help of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and by going around the world on his quest to find wisdom. He managed to meet fifty luminaries who were of the age of sixty-five and over. The luminaries come from different fields—like art (Chuck Close), film (Clint Eastwood), and international politics (Nelson Mandela). The way he bottled up their knowledge for future generations was by collecting their wisdom as heard from them (the book comes with a 55-minute DVD), writing some of their words in the book, and taking photos of them. For more information, visit: http://www.wisdombook.org/
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The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean A child’s family gets murdered and that’s how the story starts off. Inspired by Kipling’s The Jungle Book, the child gets adopted by a graveyard’s ghostly inhabitants, who name him Nobody and guard him from the murderer who seeks him. We get to see the child grow up, learn about life, and find out that venturing into unfamiliar land might result in meeting his parents’ murderer, the man Jack. Overall, it’s ironic to read about someone living where everyone else’s lives have withered away, but that’s why Gaiman’s taste in gothic fantasy is appealing. As for the merging of life and the death, he explains, “The boundaries are always there--between the graveyard and the world beyond, between life and death, and the crossing of them.” The book was the winner of the Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature.
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BabyCakes: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York’s Most Talked-About Bakery by Erin McKenna The title speaks for itself, but if you thought that was as good as it gets then you’re in for a treat! Following is a list you’ll enjoy reading, because the cupcakes BabyCakes make are also: wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, egg-free, and kosher. Allergy-friendly, diet restriction-friendly, delicious-looking and yummy isn’t a usual combination for describing desserts, but this brand breaks the mold. BabyCakes finally released a book with scrumptious recipes that’ll empower your dessertmaking skills. They’ll also teach you a thing or two about mixing unconventional ingredients like coconut oil, which they use instead of butter, and agave nectar—a natural syrup that is used instead of sugar. We’re dying to try their recipes and mimic the mouth-watering pictures that accompany each recipe.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
The famous humorist has had his essays published in This American Life and The New Yorker, and this book is a collection of most of his published essays. If you haven’t read the essays before, then this would be a great place to get acquainted with Sedaris’s comical stories. The topics are as random as could be: there’s a story about a skeleton, another about an embarrassing incident with a passenger on a plane, and one about going to Japan in order to quit smoking, amongst other fascinating stories. He links different stories according to the topics he has in mind, like the ironic essay he wrote about people he knew who had OCD and people who had worms poking of their legs. You’ll find it hard to put down once you pick it up, but that’s the only “bad” thing you’ll find about this book.
If you’d like to know more about the bakery’s cookbook or the bakery itself, visit: http://www.babycakesnyc.com/
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Summer Movie Reviews
Summer time is a mixture of many things but mostly it’s time to spend on watching movies. Whether in a movie theater or just cozying up at home, keep an eye out for some of our favorite finds.
Afghan Star Perhaps the first things you would think of when mentioning Afghanistan are the series of images seen on news channels with the red banner of “Breaking News”; a desert filled with versions of the Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns.
The documentary, Afghan Star, directed by Havana Marking, followed four contestants over a period of four months from the regional auditions to the finals in Kabul. Not only did the documentary follow these finalists in their journey through the competition, but also provided a fly-on-the-wall perspective when they headed to their hometowns.
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Sixty percent of the Afghanistan population is under 21. They are a generation that, despite everything, are funny, articulate, inspiring, and most of all hopeful. In 2004, the ban on music and broadcast was finally lifted and the popular Afghan Star (think American Idol) was allowed to exist. On its modest stage, contestants were allowed to equally coexist despite gender differences, ethnic groups, and age sectors. 2000 contestants competed, including three women, to be the next Afghan star. This was not without consequences.
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Imagining a group of people huddled in front of their tv, unwilling to miss a second of their favorite reality TV show, could be anywhere, right?... But, in Afghanistan?
“We really hope that through our film, people understand that the Afghans are like all of us, and they want freedom. They want education and they want peace.” A moving and must see documentary. http://www.afghanstardocumentary.com
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Julie and Julia Julie & Julia is a movie that revolves around the true story of Julie Powell and Julia Child in this adaptation of the two best selling memoirs; Powell’s Julie and Julia and My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. Though separated by time and space, these two women are linked by a mixture of passion, fearlessness and lots of butter! The movie is a mixture of Chef Julia Child’s memoirs and the true-life story of a young woman in a dead-end secretarial job that spices up her life by tackling Child’s 524 recipes in 365 days while documenting her ups and downs and many screws up through her blog. If you’re curious, you will be able to find the blog that started it all.
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“Julia Child wants you- that’s right, you, the one living in the tract house in sprawling suburbia with a dead-end secretarial job and nothing but a stop-n-shop for miles around- to master the art of French cooking. She wants you to know how to make good pastry, and also to know how to make those canned green beans to taste alright. She wants you to remember that you are human, and as such are entitled to the most basic of human rights, the right to eat well and enjoy life” Julie Powell.
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“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” - Julia Child In theaters August 7th 2009
FOOD, Inc This documentary by director and filmmaker Robert Kenner unveils the mechanics and dynamics of the food industry. With insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, huge chickens, and perfect tomatoes comes the downfall of resistant strains of E coli and an alarmingly high increase of obesity amongst the population all over the world. The documentary features interviews with experts such as Eric Schlosser, farmers, and many brave men and women who have chosen to speak out to reveal many horrific truths. “There is a deliberate veil, this curtain that’s drawn between us and where our food is coming from. The industry does not want you to know the truth about what you’re eating because if you knew, you may not want to eat it.” Although some have said that Food Inc did to supermarkets what Jaws did to beaches, the filmmaker was sure to be hopeful and remind us, the consumers, that we have the ability to change the outcome by thinking about our choices everyday during breakfast, lunch and dinner. In selected theaters June 12th 2009
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The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story
The documentary, which was made by their estranged sons, who only met in 2008 and decided to make a movie in honor of their respective fathers, unveils the brothers’ eight-decade journey through love, partnership, and estrangement. The collaborative process of the brothers is conveyed via archival clips, recollections by colleagues, fans, relatives, and the Sherman brothers themselves. The documentary also explores their childhood, marriages, early careers, and close and personal relationship with pioneering filmmaker and studio chief Walt Disney to create a unique portrait of these two extremely gifted but very different artists.
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The Academy Award winning brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, defined family musical entertainment, creating unforgettable songs such as “ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “ Winnie the Pooh”, “ It’s a Small World” and many more.
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If you don’t recognize their names, we can guarantee that you have memorized dozens of their songs even when you were a tiny little child.
Out and about since May 2009
Sherlock Holmes This should be on everyone’s must see list. Guy Ritchie takes on Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. playing Sherlock and Jude Law playing none other than Dr. John Watson. Take a moment to regain composure. Rumors have it that Guy Ritchie is aiming to present Sherlock Holmes’ intellect as much as a curse as well as a blessing, with a backdrop of a very contemporary film as far as tone and texture go. While the movie is still in “production”, the teaser trailers have been quite good at keeping us hooked and waiting oh so anxiously for the release of the movie. In theaters December 25th 2009
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healthy mind Twenty Seven Saudi Movies By Feras Sheraiff
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at the Gulf Film Festival
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The Gulf film Festival (GFF) was featured last year for the first time, bringing life to the local movie scene. There are many movie-goers in the gulf, but who would have thought there were also movie-makers? The Festival ran for the second year last April with more than 160 featured entries that were distributed between feature films, documentaries, and shorts. What was noticed this second time around was that the number of Saudi’s competing comprised of 27 entries! Their entries ranged from three-minute shorts to a full 84-minute feature. The Saudi films revolved around many topics such as music, ex-pats living in Saudi, Saudis’ living abroad and special needs. The Film “Al-Samt” by Tawfiq AlZaidi tackled the last topic, where he portrayed the lives of two deaf children who survived a car accident which killed their parents. The film received local recognition and is on the road to receiving international recognition at the Cannes Film Festival. Waleed Othman was awarded with Second Prize in the Official Competition Feature category for his entry “Revenge”, an 84-minute long film that follows the lives of “Four brothers who get involved in a gang war when one of them accidentally discovers a bag belonging to the gang leader” and how their lives are changed forever due to this discovery. Mohammad Aldhahri’s “Sunrise | Sunset” received Third Prize in the Official Competition Short category. The 28-minute movie focuses on “an ordinary day in a street-kid’s life that examines family, society and security.”
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Faisal Otaibi’s Official Competition Documentary “The Fort” also received Third Prize. The 14-minute documentary explores the “goings-on inside of the Great Fort.” Two Saudi entries received prizes in the Student Competition Short category. Anggi Makki, creator of the 13-minute romantic drama/comedy “Badri?” received Third Prize, while Mohammed Al-Tamimi received the Special Jury Prize for his 2-minute animation “PG+”, which takes a “look at the criteria for qualifying a movie as PG.” The Saudi entries also included the entries of Hana Abdullah and Reem Al-Bayyat, who were the only two Saudi women in the competition. Hana’s “Beyond Words” was a 45-minute music documentary that showed a “musical dialogue between an Argentinean Tango Group, visiting Saudi for the first time, and a Saudi Folk music band”, highlighting how music is perceived in each culture. Reem’s “Shadows” was an 8-minute experimental drama fantasy that shows the life of a girl who felt emptiness in her life that was filled with shadows when nothing changed after she was gone. http://www.gulffilmfest.com
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“PG+”
“Beyond audi ... a S ” A N AN N’ W “I DO
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Words
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“Confi nemen
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“Just a Word”
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healthy mind Superstructuring the Future by Sara Saab
Link-hopping addict that I am, I complied. Before long, I found myself immersed in what was being touted as a 24-hour massive multiplayer thought experiment, a crowdsourced forecast for our world, ten years on.
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I played the Blended Realities superstructing game first, and asked questions later. Late into the night, I used a user account to contribute forecasts via digital tarot cards of 140 text characters or less. Some of my forecast cards described a happy 2019 where social networking, biometrics, and crisscrossing datastreams made for less discrimination, better schools, richer art, and longer lifespans. Some of my cards were darker imaginings, spinning a tale of impending disaster.
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I observed as thousands of online users expanded or contradicted my cards, and played their own. We all collected points in accordance with how creative we were, how many cards we played, and how popular our scenarios were with other users. It was surprisingly compelling, and though I had no real idea why I was doing it, I could only peel myself away from the game to go for a brief walk in the fine drizzle and satisfy a sudden sugar craving. Even then, my head was buzzing with 2019 forecasts: worlds where infants who could not react to digital realities were considered autistic, worlds where social networks would wake you up in the morning and autonomous systems would take control of your morning routines. A catchphrase describing a sister Institute for the Future (IFTF) project summed up all the malarkey nice and neat: “Play it – before you live it.”
Later, I began to wonder what the point of this collective thought experiment had been, and the first thing I craved was definitions. Superstructing? “To create structures that go beyond the basic forms and processes with which we’re familiar. It means to collaborate at extreme scales, from the micro to the massive,” writes Marina Gorbis, Executive Director of IFTF. Through the Blended Realities game I had played, the IFTF team had collected 24-hours’ worth of collective creativity. Users had played cards that enforced our hopes and revealed alarm bells, and we had created snowball effects of forecasts behind certain imagined scenarios that gave voice to our deepest fears. This is superstructing. It is, in essence, a new breed of power. Trawling the website of the IFTF, searching for insight into something foreign to me, it soon became obvious that this was a sort of experimental design, a novel way of generating hypotheses and simulating solutions. The superstructures the IFTF cultivates via Facebook, Twitter and massive multiplayer thought experiments are turned into action points for businesses, governments, or NGOs; white papers and lobbying points and discussions on Larry King Live. The futurists have pushed to one side their pipettes and weighing scales, their theory books and stuffy social paradigms, and are out to fortify positive trends in culture and technology. Thus another thing became clear to me: that this superstructing and this futurist agenda has an auspicious point to it. The IFTF is chasing the ultimate goal preoccupying the noughties. It is responding to the ultimate pressure and urgency of 2009, what we might think of as our ultimate anxiety. Using the social media we take so lightly, the futurists are trying to save the world. There is a classic sci-fi novel about a boy soldier of the future, preparing to fight aliens. He becomes obsessed by his training, and delves deeper and deeper into the war games, the scenarios getting ever more challenging. It is only after he wins a particularly difficult war game that he is given a crucial bit of information: these simulations have from the beginning been the real thing, a real space campaign controlled remotely. His trials, from the start, have had the weight of the world’s survival resting upon them. And he has won. We have a scary future ahead of us, by all accounts. But maybe, in the end, we will find our paths through the fires of the future just as incidentally, by making games of our worries, and superstructing all the checkmates.
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superstructing Reality, superstructing selves
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www.iftf.org
Institute for the Future
Technology Horizons Program
124 University Avenue, 2nd Floor
February, 2009 | SR-1221
Palo Alto, CA 94301
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travel
Follow the Tunes to Uncharted Destinations
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There are many reasons to visit a city, country or continent; be it a once in a lifetime journey, a disappearing place or just to see the words of books in real life. We’ve tried to find our favorite places that adhere to that kind of criteria and now have many memories to share. Follow the tunes to infinity and beyond!
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quenches the mind Opposite page, above, and below: Byblos Art Hotel © Below right: Nomadic Expeditions © Below left: The Rania Experience ©
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travel
Art Hotel Latitude: 45° 27’ 0” N Longitude: 11° 0’ 0” E Music you should listen to: “Romeo and Juliet” by the Killers What not to forget: “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!” No doubt one of the prettier cities in Italy; Verona was once known as piccolo Roma, or tiny Rome, for its importance in imperial days under the Della Scala family. The city sees around half a million visitors each year, so be sure to head here early so you can enjoy the city in all its glory. The city is most famous for the love tragedy depicted by Shakespeare’s pen, Romeo and Juliet. Though there is no real evidence of Romeo and Juliet ever existing, you won’t help yourself from visiting the popular “Casa de Guiletta”. Stand on the famous balcony and perhaps you’ll spot your very own Romeo amongst the bobbing heads below. If you are a die-hard fan of the theme, then head on over to Juliet’s supposed tomb. Don’t stop there, there are many sights worth seeing in Verona, so be prepared to walk around for quite some time. The roman arena found in Verona is the best preserved and third largest in the world to survive, accommodating up to 30,000 people. Be sure to pick up a Verona Card, sold for ten Euros; the card allows you access to almost all sights in the city. Make sure to avoid Mondays, as most sights are closed all day. Once you’ve exhausted yourself silly with all the touristy things your heart desires, head on over to the Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista. In the heart of Valpolicella and only 7km from Verona’s city center resides a 15th century Venetian palazzo that not only has been restored to its baroque splendor but has also been converted into a five star art hotel.
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The lobby and the rooms at Byblos Art Hotel Š
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Byblos Art Hotel Š
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The lobby at Byblos Art Hotel ©
The hotel was officially inaugurated in 2005 after it had undergone restoration under the watchful eyes of architect Alessandro Mendini. The restoration allowed guests to let loose in a world of art. Design and art aficionados alike will instantly fall in love with this wacky art hotel; around every corner and under beautiful Venetian chandeliers are works of art and designer furniture from world renown artists such as Takashi Murakami, Damien Hurst, Vanessa Beecroft, Anish Kapoor, Arlando Pomodor, and many more upcoming artists. While all the art works are meticulously labeled like in a gallery, guests are given the privilege of literally living in art as there are no ropes or “do not touch” signs in sight. There is no wonder that this fabulous hotel is working in coordination of this year’s 52nd Venice Biennale. A comprehensive selection of works by famous English artist Marc Quinn will be displayed between the 22nd of May and the 27th of September 2009, confronting the myth of the Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet and the theme of “love in all its keys to contemporary”. www.byblosarthotel.com
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travel
Nomadic Expeditions Š
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Mongolia
Latitude: 46° 00 N
Longitude: 105º 00 E Music you should listen to: “Destiny” Mongol soundtrack
The Gobi Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world and covers much of Mongolia. Go back in time and remember the great Mongol Empire, most notably under the rule of Genghis Khan who captured more land in 25 years than the entire Roman army did in 400 years. The Gobi was also famous as it hosted many cities along the Silk Road. The Great Gobi National Park is one of the largest biospheres with an area larger than Switzerland and the home of the last remaining wild bacterian two-humped camels as well as a small population of Gobi bears, the only desert-inhabiting bear.
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Lying on a hand-painted wooden king-sized bed, your eyes will feast in amazement on the masterpiece in which you lay. Built in accordance with the canons of local Mongolian Buddhist architecture, do not be surprised not to find a single nail in the structure. The Three Camel Lodge, which opened in 2002, lies in the middle of the Gobi Desert and is sheltered by a 54- million-year-old volcanic outcrop. This lodge was named “Best Ger Camp of the Year” by the Mongolian Tourism Association and includes 45-felt gers, traditional nomadic tents, utilizing renewable energy sources including solar and wind power.
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What not to forget: “if my body dies, let my body die, but do not let my country die” - Genghis Khan
Heading to remote and unspoilt regions should not be done solo. In comes Nomadic Expeditions to the rescue. Established in 1990, Nomadic Expeditions is armed with staff that has years of experience in arranging travel to Mongolia. On your trip, you will be accompanied by guides, field experts and drivers that are not only multi-lingual but also the most experienced and talented professionals, ensuring attention to detail and that you will have an experience of a lifetime. This unique travel operator offers close to two dozen cultural and active adventure journeys throughout Mongolia, Siberia, Tibet, Bhutan and China. All the journeys are centered around global events such as Mongolia’s Thousand Camel Festival or The Golden Eagle Festival. Whether you decide to go back in time and relive the heritage of Mongolia, ride camels across the Gobi, kayak on the crystal blue waters of Lake Hosvgol, dig for dinosaur fossils, or simply have a trip tailor-made for your needs, one thing is for certain: this will be a trip of a lifetime. Thank you Nomadic Expeditions!! www.nomadicexpeditions.com
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travel
The Rania Experience Latitude: 03° 14’ 548” N Longitude: 72° 58’ 872” E Music you should listen to: “Island in the sun” by Weezer What not to forget: your island, your way
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Arriving at Male’s airport, your private butler quickly whisks you away towards the private seaplane. A 35-minute ride and you will soon wrap your head around the greatest and most dangerous asset to the islands. Water!
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Maldives is made out of 26 atolls that include 1,192 islets of which 200 are inhabited. Although the islands are responsible for only 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the rise of the sea levels by nearly three feet by century’s end is threatening to wipe out this Indian Ocean archipelago off the map. You soon land at Maldives’ very first private island hotel, a seven-acre paradise that can be walked from end to end in just eight minutes. Though tiny in size, the island has more to offer than meets the eye. See that 86-foot Gulf Craft luxury yacht? Let me rephrase, did you see your very own personal speed cruiser fully equipped with state of the art navigation and entertainment systems? Why don’t you take it for a ride, sip some lemonade while you lounge in its wonderful whirlpool. A fleet of private butlers, internationally-trained collection of chefs, a PADI dive instructor, spa therapists and the crew and captain of the shiny yacht are all at your beck and call, ready to serve and impress you. You will be swept off your feet as the butlers commit even the most minute details to memory, carving out dinner tables into sand, preparing meals on the traditional dhoni for dinner under the stars, creating the most romantic getaways and even bringing out a pile of Gucci pashminas for after-dark warmth. The private island allows only one reservation at a time, ensuring this getaway to be all yours, but if you don’t mind the company of people then why not choose 11 of your closest friends to share this sandbox paradise. The price tag includes unlimited cuisine, drinks, dolphin watching, diving courses, therapies , spa treatments, island hopping, exclusive picnics, local visits to the capital Male, and so much more. After all of this, you will inevitably end up thinking: this is the closest you’ll ever be to ruling the world. Enjoy it while it lasts. www.raniaexperience.com
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The Rania Experience Š
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Lost?
The episodes of Lost have left us utterly perplexed; who the hell is the bad guy? Is there a chase? Is there a struggle? Are we in the past? The present? Bumping into the Sign Spotting Project, we felt releaved and quite amuzed at this interactive miscommunication. But, thankfully there is always technology to keep us on the sanity track. This issue’s gadgets will keep your life easy with no confusion in sight. And, of course after all of this reading, you will get a special treat in our very own SweetTooth.
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Signs are Everywhere: The Sign Spotting Project
With so much diversity within one language, you can imagine the miscommunication that happens on a daily basis; this is the birth place of the Sign Spotting Project. Signs are everywhere; as true as that saying goes, sometimes signs can be simply confusing, to add even more perplexion to our lost souls. “Funny signs are a bit like rainbows. You can carry a camera and stay alert, but for the most part they have to find you” In one spot, you will find over a hundred funny and absurd signs from all over the world “casting some light on the miscommunication that surrounds us,” says Doug Lansky, exhibit coordinator and author of Lonely Planet’s bestselling book Sign Spotting. Yes, these signs are real - well, at least pictures of the real thing, blown up to proportion and standing for your amusement.
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Did you know: there are more English speaking people in Nigeria than in the UK, France has five times more English speakers than Ireland, and Sweden has more than twice as many citizens who can converse in English than New Zealand.
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The whole world seems to converse more and more in English, to be exact nearly a billion people speak English as a first, second or third language. This has created a lot of diversity within the English language, so much so that Wikipedia lists 133 regional varieties of English, 12 types of official English pidgins and creoles, and nearly 27 newfangled English blends such as Dunglish, a combination of Danish and English, Franglais, a combination of French and English, and Chinglish, a combination of Chinese and English.
Travelers from all over the world submit photos of their discoveries; you are invited to do the same or simply go through the website to vote on your favorite signs. Be sure to look up the dates and enjoy this urban art experience of global miscommunication. More absurd signs to come. www.signspotting.com
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Shiny
products we love
Screws, bolts, an evil scientist, an electric switch, and of course the inevitable lightning bolt (insert evil laugh at appropriate moment). Innovations and technology have been set in motion and we have been a changed generation ever since; although nothing compared to
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Frankenstein’s charm, these products are compact, useful and oh-so-shiny.
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Lacie Hub The Designer
This slick hub designed by famous French industrial designer Ora-ĂŻto has won several design awards and help clutter junkies to finally be organized.
The product
The hub comes with eight flexible, twistable cables to instantly connect external storage devices, printers, media readers, keyboards, mice and more all in one go. The eight cables are enhanced with eight glowing differently-colored LEDs that indicate when a device is plugged in. There are currently two versions of the hub; one is a USBonly hub; the other contains both USB and Firewire ports. Connect by design. www.lacie.com
Lacie Š
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Flip It The Product
If you haven’t heard of the Flip yet, then the rock you’re hiding under must be one hell of a rock! Weighing just three ounces, the Flip is unintimidating and extremely easy to use. The latest edition to the Flip family is the Flip Mino HD; it shoots 60 minutes of High Definition video and is barely the size of an iphone, making it the world’s smallest HD camcorder. The Flip lovingly gets its name from its “flip out” USB recharge port, which means yay to no more cables and charging ports!! The software that is automatically installed with the flip enables video sharing on AOL, My Space, Facebook and others. Big red button: that’s the record and stop button. Blackmail has never been soooooooooooooo much fun. www.theflip.com
The Flip ©
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Live Scribe The Product
We’ve all been there; taking notes in class or in a meeting, then a couple of hours later we’re looking over the notes and nothing makes sense, you can’t even understand your own handwriting. What we really need is a magic pen but let’s be more realistic and call it “a smart pen”. Livescribe is essentially a mini computer with a processor similar to that found in mobile phones, a small OLED screen, flash memory, and infrared camera all wrapped around a ball point pen. How it works is quite simple; once you start scribbling on the special “dotted” paper, the camera begins to capture and digitalize you pen-strokes; a built in microphone records the sounds associated with the strokes.
The Designers
You can tap on any word or even graph and the audio linked will be played back just like magic. The developers have even created a USB cradle that downloads all your notes and audio recorded directly onto your computer; turning your notes into a saved document easily shared and saved. A 2 GB pen can hold up to 32,000 pages of text. Let the paper do the talking. www.livescribe.com
Live Scribe ©
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“Honey I shrunk the kids,” are immortal words to kids growing up in the 80’s; the challenge has been set: shrink things without losing function. The smaller, the better.
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This ultra portable DLP/LED projector measures at 2 by 4.1 by 0.7 inches and weighs only 4.2 ounces; translation: just tiny enough to fit in your pocket. The Pico is capable of projecting a screen size up to 60 inches diagonally from a distance of 8.5 feet. The Pico has a rechargeable battery, built-in speaker, and connects to any device with an A/V outlet you can connect your phone, digital camcorders, DVD players and so on. Getting this nifty little projector will turn your room into a whole different experience. Oh how James Bond of you. www.optoma.com
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Optoma ©
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No More New Batteries! The Designers
The UK company Moixa Energy has taken it upon itself to lead an Alkaline Awareness Campaign and a ‘CO2 Saver’ Campaign with the launch of their USB rechargeable batteries.
The Product
Each year 15 billion batteries are made and disposed of; this is the equivalent of a column of batteries to the moon and back. quenches the mind
Buying more alkaline batteries can’t be good for your karma. Besides, it is time to catch up with the future! Here comes the era of USB cells. What’s so special about USB cells you say? Well they’re just so easy to recharge; just pop the top open, plug it into a USB port and off it charges. The batteries have a capacity of 1300 mAH and can be charged 500 times before losing any significant capacity. They are available in AA size with more sizes expected to be released soon.
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www.usbcell.com
USBcell ©
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Martin Lihs ©
Wii Spray The Designer
The Wii spray was created as a prototype for media student Martin Lihs’ final project thesis at Bauhaus University in Germany. His work uses a wiimote, a spray can, some custom software and a projector screen to create an awesome digital graffiti program that lets you create digital graffiti on the screen.
The Product
The virtual spray can simulates real spraying characteristics and comes up with a wide variety of colors, interchangeable spray can caps, and interactive stencils with the option to incorporate personal photos, graphics and backgrounds into the setting. “The user decides what is saved and what is disregarded; all the while keeping the surrounding area clean and free of what otherwise would be a messy form of media.” - Martin Lihs Unleash your inner Banksy on a virtual canvas. www.wiispray.com
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Fun!! Martin Lihs ©
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Spraying away with the Wii Spray. Martin Lihs ©
Pirate? Martin Lihs ©
Martin Lihs ©
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The product
With inspiration sources including Japanese bullet trains, storm troopers from the film Star Wars, space helmets and turtles, no wonder this hottest ipod-iphone accessory is so cute. Whether you believe in the green cause or not, always room for discussion there, the Peapod will turn you into putty. Putty we say!!
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The Designer
The Peapod, with its smiling grill and eight colors to choose from, is the very first neighborhood electric car and is made of 95% recyclable material, including grains and bamboo. Chrysler debuted this 4-seater on Earth Day, April 25th 2009 and is hoping to have it in the markets by October 2009. “Instead of a key, it starts by plugging your iphone or ipod into the docking station on the dashboard,” stated Peter Eric Arnell, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer and Chrysler’s innovative officer.
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Being a neighborhood electric car allows for a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, so basically no running around on the highways, but on the bright side the battery lives over eight years and can be fully charged in six hours, or you can opt for a quick charge in 40 minutes.
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Smiling at the planet.
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sweettooth
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You Healthy Cookie :) Have you ever noticed that people who bake are the friendliest people you’ve ever met? Your own thoughts will be confirmed once you meet Lydia Shayne, owner and creator of DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, a gourmet cookie shop in LA. DeLuscious Cookies & Milk offers a one-of-a-kind service to the dwellers of LA; freshly baked cookies and ice-cold milk delivered straight to your front door. The cookies are made from scratch without the use of any hydrogenated oils or even corn syrup. Instead the cookies are made with premium chocolates, grade AA sweet cream butter and pure cane sugars. The cookies, which come in 24 flavors, are wrapped and labeled individually. Recently, DeLuscious gave us more reason to love their cookies; a collaboration with famous nutraceutical leader Borba. The collaboration created a vitamin-enhanced cookie recipe in two deliciously addictive flavors: oatmeal raisin and chocolate white chocolate toffee. They are infused with Borba’s signature mix of skin-nurturing antioxidants and nutrients that include: accai and noni-berries, vitamins B3, B6, B12, flaxseed, and Omega-3. Lesson learnt: cookies are good for you! www.delusciouscookies.com
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The Taste of Luxury
have enjoyed, adding a European modern appeal, while maintaining an elegant
+9661-462-9269 | diplomatsweets@gmail.com | www.diplomatsweets.com The boutique is located next to the Diplomat Patisserie branch at the end of Uruba Street, at the intersection with King Abdul Aziz Road.
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where to find us Riyadh: Harvey Nichols
Faisaliah Center Tel: 966 1 273 4444 Riyadh
Cities | Design & Lifestyle Store
Yibreen Spa
Takhasussi Street Tel: 966 1 441 1115 Riyadh
King Khalid Airport Airport Bookstore Riyadh
Centria Mall (First Floor) Tel : 966 1 218 0007 Riyadh
Jeddah:
Eastern Region
Athr Art Gallery
Desert Designs
DNA Boutique
Serafi Mall - Tahlia Tel: 966 2 2845009 Jeddah
Life & Sid Boutiques
Meridien Hotel
Takhasussi Street Tel: 966 1 4199966 Riyadh
itechia
Kingdom Mall Tel: 966 (1) 2112092 Riyadh Tahlia street Tel: 966 (1) 2178244 Riyadh Al Hayat Mall Tel: 966 (1) 2056959 Riyadh Sharg Plaza exit 15 Tel: 966 (1) 2442263 Riyadh Al-Faisalia Mall wii Email: info@itechia.com Store #2 Tel: 9661-2734201 Riyadh
Life & Sid Boutiques Nujoud Center Riyadh
Al Rawdah Street Tel: 966 2 6642188 Jeddah
I Love Hishma Ana Gheir Mall Tel: 217 8244 Jeddah
Virgin Megastores Roshana Center Tahlia Street Jeddah
Oriana Spa
King Abdullah Street Tel: 966 38984734 & 8894747 Ext-25 Khobar
Hotel Bookstore Khobar
itechia
Jarrir plaza Tel: +966 (3) 8686412 email: info@itechia.com Dhahran
Farm Supermarkets
Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran
Aramco Dhahran
Tel: 966 2 616 0202 Jeddah
Aramco
King Abdulaziz Airport
Galerie O
Airport Bookstore Jeddah
Ras Tanoura
Opening Soon Khobar
Nationwide Carrefour
Hewar Gallery
Kingdom Center (52nd floor) Tel: 966 1 2111 200/300 Riyadh
Gallerie O
Khozama Center Riyadh
Nu Age Gallery King Fahd Road Riyadh
Intercontinental Hotel Hotel Bookstore Riyadh
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Nationwide
Danube
Nationwide
Jarir Bookstores Nationwide
Panda / Hyper Panda Nationwide
Tamimi / Safeway Supermarkets Nationwide
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International Boutiques, galleries, and exclusive bookstores: Bahrain: La Fontaine Beirut: Art Lounge Berlin: Do You Read Me?! Dubai: Green Art Gallery Five Green Amman: Dar Al Anda London: AlSaqi Bookstore Edinburgh: Adam’s NewYork: Coming Soon Washington: Coming Soon Tokyo: Coming Soon
You: Interested in selling or distributing Oasis Magazine? Contact us: info@oasis-mag.com
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One Last Thing
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Words to Live By
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Karim Rashid, designer and innovator, was quoted to have said that: “People who are sacred with an idea, or who don’t want to be copied, have no other ideas.” So, share your ideas with the world, responsibly, and let them know what you have to offer.
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If you decide not to keep me forever please recycle
Š Oasis Magazine
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