DR Issue 26

SARA AL TUWAIJRI – Riyadh’s Marketing

Maverick

KINGDOM OF HUMANITY

EXPLORE ISTANBUL

Corporate Community

Champs!

ISSUE 26 APRIL 2015

Sayidna Bilal – The Animation Movie

PIZZA – THE SUPREME

SHOWDOWN

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F R O M T H E E D I T O R

Editor-in-Chief Enas HashaniManaging Editor Maria MahdalyExecutive Editor Bassma Al Toaimi

Regional Editorial Manager Jou PabalateRegional Editor Johara Al MogbelAssociate Editor/Photographer Mohammed Deghaishm

Editors Sahrish AliSohila El SaadanyContributing WritersAbeer ArjaniFaris Al YahyaFelwa Al HudaithyHeba El ShafieJill CalvertMohammed Al MogbelNisma RafiqRob SeagreenSalman KattanShaima AlsslaliSobia JavedTharik HussainZareen MuzaffarZeyad Al Bakry

Art Director Reem Al Assal Studio Manager Mohamed FawzyGraphic DesignersMohammed Rashad Jalila Alharith PhotographersJou PabalateMohammed DeghaishmPaul Abraham Online Editor Mohammed MirzaSocial Media Hurreia BalouchWeb Admin/Associate Editor Swalah Eshki

Editorial [email protected] Public Relations and [email protected]

Sales & Advertising [email protected]

Riyadh Office: Mob: +966-509752274 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)Jeddah Office:Tel: +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)Mob: +966-563578291 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

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PUBLISHERDestination MagazineUK, Coventry, CV14DHN5719

*Destination Riyadh Magazine is a Rumman Company Publication.

License No. 7862-8/8/1431Mob: +966-509752274P.O. Box 4113 Jeddah 21491

Enas Hashani Editor-in-Chief

GIVE BACK.IT’S GOOD FOR YOU.

Summer is rolling in nicely and we’re glad to note that this year, though the temperature is rising, the city is in no way slowing down. There are events happening left and right, and the best part is, most of them are meant to bring in some positivity and goodness in the city.

We now live in a time when Riyadhis; whether as individuals, institutions or organizations, are learning and pitching in to make our city and the world at that, a more awesome place to live in.

And so, we decided to bring the community and its champions front and center in our April issue. Our very first Social Responsibility edition shines the light on articles that are meant to inspire and push our readers to be part of the positive change. As we like saying at Destination, kindness is contagious so please pass it on.

We start you off with a one-on-one with one of Riyadh’s first marketing gurus, Sara Al Tuwaijri, who is trying to bring Saudi creatives together. We offer you insightful content about the CSR landscape today and the corporate community champs in the city.

There are now scientific studies that confirm a direct relationship between a person’s happiness and how much we give of ourselves to others. Peer into our pages and see what you can do to become a better citizen and a vessel of positive vibes.

No issue of Destination is complete without your monthly dose of entertainment and fun in Riyadh. From a pizza showdown that has left our team in a food coma, book havens for bibliophiles up to giving fashionistas a guiltless excuse to shop, you know we’ve got you covered.

The Destination family has made it our responsibility to let you discover the sunny side of Riyadh. Our city is breaming with possibilities and urban adventures for those who take the time to get to know it better. Look into these pages and get out of your comfort zone — we guarantee, Riyadh will surprise you.

Till next time, live and spread the love!


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SUSHI HOT SPOTS!

Latifa and

Sheikha Al Sudairy – POWER SISTERS!

DISCOVER CROATIAHoneymoon Packing

My Big, Fab,

Saudi Wedding

P. 22

ISSUE 25 MARCH 2015

Saudi Star on Arabs Got Talent,

AISHAH AL BANAWI

Spirituality• The Kingdom of Humanity • Five Easy Steps to be a Decent Human Being• Rights of Neighbors• Benefits of Being a Volunteer

Dining Around Town• Dining Scoop - Almasaa Café• Artisan Coffee • The Cheese Supreme Showdown

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Healthy Living• Meditation• What Does a Good Session Look Like?

Travel Trends• Travel News:- Zaya Nurai Island - Stars on Board - Switzerland Attracts GCC Travelers• Discover Istanbul

Explore KSA• The Quaint Ottoman Fortress • Historic Saudi: Canal Zubaydah

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• Bear and the Happy• The Real Deal with Abdullah Qandeel • The Noble Bilal bin Rabah

Style & Shopping• Travel in Style• Cruelty-Free Makeup

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Special Features• CSR Landscape in Saudi Arabia • Community Champions!

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Business• Investing with Reem Asaad• Sara Al Tuwaijri, Riyadh’s Marketing Maverick

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Destination sat down with the mellowest band around in Riyadh to find out how their creativity flows.

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Social activities make the world a better place to live.

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C O M M U N I T Y

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KING FAISAL INTERNATIONAL PRIZEWinners of the 37th annual King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) were presented to King Salman bin Abdulaziz tonight at a VIP ceremony at Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Hotel.

Speaking at the glittering reception, Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the director of the King Faisal Foundation, gave felicitations, saying “Winners of the King Faisal International Prize who have dedicated their lives for the sake of human happiness, I congratulate you.” This year’s award winners were each awarded a calligraphic commemorative certificate and a specially minted 24 carat gold medal, together with a cash prize of USD 200,000 for each category.

DR. ZAKIR NAIK for Service to Islam DR. ABDULAZIZ BIN ABDULRAHMAN KAKI for Islamic Studies PROFESSOR JEFFREY IVAN GORDON for MedicinePROFESSOR MICHAEL GRÄTZEL AND PROFESSOR OMAR MWANNES YAGHI were jointly recognized for Science.

The Saudi Heritage Contemporary Art Exhibition In a bid to protect and display the beautiful heritage of the country, the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society teamed up with L’Art Pur to hold an exhibition in celebration of the traditional arts at King Abdulaziz Historical Center. The exhibition included artwork, various workshops and an opportunity to meet with well-known artists. A number of the workshops revolved around Arabic calligraphy and the masterful artistry in Arabic letters.


Thumbs up to Ministry of Commerce for Running Consumer Rights Campaign As a part of their much applauded approach to protecting consumer rights, the Ministry of Commerce launched an SMS campaign as a part of Khaleeji Consumer Week. The texts involved short reminders of what a citizen can ask for, such as the right to a minimum two-year warranty when buying electrical or electronic devices and the right to receive a substitute car or suitable cash equivalent for every day when repairs are delayed on a defect or broken piece that renders the car unusable and as covered by the warranty. The campaign was well received, as many citizens were ignorant of such rights.

KSA’s Ekraam wa Eta’am Charitable OrganizationEkraam wa eta’am means “giving and feeding” in Arabic. This organization provides people with many ways to contribute to society and help those less fortunate.

Baqaya Khobz (Leftover Bread)You can order the bread container and place it somewhere populated so more people can have access to the bread.Price: SR 400 (one-time payment)

Tawlat Tamor (A Table for Dates)The table for dates can be placed at any mosque. It’s conveniently designed and the table order comes with a carton of dates.Price: SR 500 (including delivery)

Wajbat Hadeya (A Meal as a Gift)If you want to provide free and clean meals, order a new fridge and fill it up.Price: SR 2,850 (including delivery and one year warranty)

Ekram Lafth Al Jalala A container specifically for papers, booklets or documents related to Islam, with the mention of Allah. Every once in a while the organization will collect the content of the container and recycle. Price: SR 1,350 (including delivery and recycling)

Haweyat Al Malabes (Clothes Container)Gather all the clothes you want to donate, order the container and the organization will make sure it’s delivered to charities.Price: SR 1,350 (including delivery to and from charity)

Outdoor Water CoolerA water cooler to be placed outside houses or mosques. It comes with 70 liters and four filters.Price: SR 3,100

Mob: +966-550516811

@bqaya001

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IN OUR NEXT

ISSUE: Cat in the office!



E V E N T S A N D H A P P E N I N G S

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

1. Flagship Virgin Megastore Opens in RiyadhLocated at Al Nakheel Mall, Virgin Megastore has unveiled its first megastore in the city. A number of VIP invitees including British ambassador, Simon Collis and media representatives attended the inauguration of the new store.

3. Riyadh International Book FairThe Riyadh International Book Fair was held from March 4 - 13 at the Riyadh Conference and Expo Center. Approximately 915 publishing houses from 29 Arab and foreign countries participated in the 10-day exhibition.

2. Nespresso Opens Sixth Boutique in the Kingdom The Nespresso chain of boutiques opened its third store in Riyadh at Al Nakheel Mall. Pierre Debayle, Regional Manager of Nespresso Middle East, Africa and Caribbean led the opening of the store, which also unveiled a portrait of King Salman made of Nespresso capsules.


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7. The Venue Holds First Pop-Up Shop in Alaan ArtspaceFashion newcomer, The Venue, held a pop-up shop in Alaan Artspace showcasing abayas from around the region. Many designers were in attendance including Ghizlan, Wings, Reemaleen, Memash, Libra Boutique, Rawiah Bagabas, Soha Ashi, Glitters Abaya, Rana Ismail and Wa Abaya.

5. Marwah Almugait’s Sigh Debuts at Naila Art GalleryReknowned Saudi photographer and artist Marwah Almugait debuted her new solo exhibition titled Sigh, on March 8 at Naila Art Gallery. The exhibition ran until March 31 and consisted of audience participatory elements such as video and sound installations and focused on making the intangible tangible. The premise of what external collective space translates to in the private world was the explorative essence of the exhibition.

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6. World Luxury Expo is Held at the Ritz-CarltonWorld Luxury Expo graced Riyadh once again and was held at the Ritz-Carlton. The exhibition displayed old beloved classics like a vintage Mercedes and new bespoke luxury like Bentley.

4. Saudi Arts and Fashion Exhibition in Nayyara HallThe Saudi Arts and Fashion Exhibition is back in its fourth edition. Organized by 8 Magazine, the event showcases different talent, from plastic artists, sculptors, artisans, jewelry designers, photographers, graphic and interior designers and fashion designers.

Don't miss out! To stay updated on all the latest events, follow us @destinationryd



In a bid to support students and job seekers in general, AlFaisal University recently hosted the AlFaisal Career Expo from March 4-5.

as well as networking their way throughout the affair. This provided applicants with a chance to market themselves in their target industries and interact face to face with the company of their choice.

With employment being an area of development for the Kingdom, career fairs like this are needed more than ever. Apart from bridging the gap between Saudi job seekers and companies, it also serves as an avenue for students to practice their interview skills and get a first hand look on what it takes to get a job.

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By Jou Pabalate In its fourth edition, the Career Expo brought together over 50 employers covering various sectors. Participating companies included big names in the local market, including Deloitte, KPMG, Saudi Investment Bank, SAMBA, BAE Systems, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre and many more.

The event gave students the chance to see the job opportunities available in the market, with some potential employers also providing on-site recruitment. In order to serve the community as well, AlFaisal University also opened the exhibition’s doors to the public. Job seekers were handing out CVs left and right

Al Faisal Career Expo

Moreover, the positions offered during the exhibition were not limited to full-time employment. Employers were also delighted to roll out their internship programs in order to expose students to on-the-job training. There were also booths dedicated in mentoring young applicants when it comes to seeking training opportunities and developing their skills.

The alumni office of AlFaisal University spearheads and organizes the annual AlFaisal Career Expo. In the four years it has been in play, the event has had numerous success stories. Hence, it comes as no surprise that everyone is eagerly awaiting its next installment.

The Alfaisal Alumni Center team with the organizers and mentors of the fourth AlFaisal Annual Career Expo.




VISIT www.destinationryd.com

for more events and happenings

around town.

DR magazine is not responsiblefor any event cancelation.

To add your event here, contact us at [email protected]

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26APRIL 26 - 29 RESTATEX Riyadh Real Estate & Urban Development Exhibition

Location: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition CenterTel: +966-11-2171788Email: [email protected]: restatex.com

APRIL 26 - 28 EDHAAT RIYADH FESTIVAL Female shopping festival

Location: Holiday InnMob: +966-552134413Email: [email protected]: edhaatriyadh.com

APRIL 26 - 27 SAUDI MOBILE CONFERENCE It highlights the developments and trends in the Saudi telecom and digital scene.

Location: Four Seasons Hotel Mob: +966-534028747Web: saudimobileconference.com

MAY 5 - 6 SAUDI ARABIA CONFERENCE The Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference is a financial event that brings together the Saudi policy makers, financiers, corporate CEOs and international investors.

Location: Al Faisaliah HotelWeb: euromoneyconferences.com

MAY 5 - 6 DIGITAL GRID AND SMART CITIES SUMMIT Experts and industry leaders will discuss how to upgrade the existing smart cities.

Location: Burj Rafal Kempinski Hotel Web: fleminggulf.com

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APRIL 3 - 4CHANGE BY THE EMPOWERMENT HUBA fitness extravaganza that lets you give back with a twist. Filled with fun activities, fitness classes and more.

Location: Reem International Circuit

APRIL 1 - 3A STEP AHEADLargest female career fair with more than 300 organizations participating.

Web: astepahead.me


14 15APRIL 14 - 17 RIYADH TRAVEL FAIR It provides traveling services and solutions, tour planning services and all tour conducting essentials.

Location: Four Seasons Hotel

APRIL 15 - 18 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION The event hosts international universities and higher education institutions.

Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition CenterTel: +966-11-4415555Email: [email protected]: ieche.com.sa

APRIL 27 - 29 C3 SAUDI-US HEALTHCARE SUMMIT An event for exchanging the best healthcare practices between the US and the Middle East.

Location: Ritz-Carlton Web: c3-summit.com

APRIL 27 - 30 JEWELLERY SALON The event showcases a range of jewelry designers.

Location: Al Faisaliah Hotel Web: jewellerysalon.com

MAY 11 - 13 SAUDI POWER CONFERENCE This is an annual trade exhibition for the power, solar, water and lighting sectors.

Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition CenterWeb: saudi-power.com

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B U S I N E S S

Investment Objectives

FINANCIAL PLANNING W I T H R E E M A S A A D In the investment management industry,

it is normally mandated that advisers know their clients.

MOST TEXTBOOKS DIVIDE KEY OBJECTIVES INTO THREE TYPES:

1. Safety Suitable for retired individuals and near retiring individuals, especially those without a steady income.

This objective prioritizes the preservation of capital by avoiding high-risk investments and favoring safety -albeit low return- of the invested capital. 2. Income Suitable for those who will need the money in less than five years.

They allocate the portfolio towards more conservative, income-producing securities such as high-dividend stocks or short-term bonds.

3. GrowthSuitable for investors with a time frame of more than 10 years who would then take a higher degree of risk

Part of this process involves gathering information about the investor’s experience, financial background (i.e. net worth and annual income) and investment objectives. Most people confuse saving objectives with investing objectives.

When it comes to saving, an investor must identify short-term goals such as summer vacation or home repair, and long-term goals such as marriage and family, buying a home, funding college for children or retirement needs. However, investing objectives involve designing an investment plan according to our financial (saving) goals. For example, if you are in your 30s and have an objective of saving for children’s college, your priority would probably be growth.

by investing more aggressively in growth-oriented stocks. Once identified, based on life goals and needs, these objectives are usually incorporated into an investment strategy, which is a road map to how your money is invested in practical terms. Most investors will aim for more than one of these objectives at some point in their lives. For example, you may plan to buy a new house in three years to invest for your children's college education in 15 years, or to fund your retirement in 30 years.Tax minimization and liquidity are other objectives referred to as secondary objectives. Most governments impose income taxation. However, there are certain investment strategies that help minimize the size and impact of taxation on the overall value of the portfolio.

Finally, liquidity refers to the ability to obtain cash as soon as needed and it can be very critical to certain investors with carefully drafted financial plans and short-term goals.

The Author:Reem Asaad is an inspirational Saudi woman. She is a wife, mother, writer and financial adviser.

Asaad was ranked the third most powerful Arab Woman in 2012 by Arabian Business Magazine.

Email: [email protected] @Nasi7atreem


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DESTINATION RIYADH APRIL 201516

B U S I N E S S

SARA AL TUWAIJRIRIYADH’S MARKETING MAVERICKIn the advent of digital media and a mass that’s bombarded with products left and right, rising above the noise has become harder than ever. But it’s a challenge Sara Al Tuwaijri is taking on.

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It’s not an overstatement to say that Sara Al Tuwaijri is one of the coolest people you’ll meet in the city. Sitting across from her in a room was like listening to an impromptu TED talk. Her insights are intriguing as much as they show her passion for marketing and decoding the world she lives in.

At 32, she is the founder and general manager of Shadows International, a boutique-marketing agency that has been established on the merits of collaboration with Saudi’s best talents in the industry.

A full-bred Riyadhi and self-professed coke addict, Al Tuwaijri got her bachelors in business administration and her masters from King Saud University. She then found herself teaching finance before she decided to take her keen interest in marketing and the creative process to the next level. The epiphany to change her career track was not at random but came from an

interesting milestone in her personal life journey and so she shares:

“I don’t know what happened. Actually, I do,” she laughs, “I lost weight. Suddenly I felt like I can do anything. I’ve always loved marketing, strategy and research. A year and a half in finance, I realized that this isn’t what I wanted to do. So, I took a year off and went to Dubai, worked as a creative planner in DDB and got extensively exposed to the creative process and what it entails.”

Upon her return from Dubai, Al Tuwaijri returned to her job as a lecturer in KSU, while also taking on remote consultancy projects from DDB and then for another international agency, BBDO. While she admits that being in the academe was a comfort zone and less demanding than her now 13 hours a day work schedule, it was a trade off she was more than happy to do. Al Tuwaijri was well on her way to get her PhD

when she decided to take a leap of faith and become a full-time entrepreneur.

“Just as the roots in my comfort zone were starting to really grow in, I just cut them off. I’m a nerd, I need to be constantly doing something and applying myself to my fullest capacity.”

Contrary to what others outside the marketing industry might think, coming out with the right strategy and going through the creative process is not simply a matter of churning out witty copy or aesthetically pleasing ad campaigns.

Al Tuwaijri developed a strong desire to bring the knowledge and experience she acquired to the local market. She admits that the media and advertising industry today has not yet reached maturity, albeit, she sees a bright future ahead.

By Jou Pabalate



Building the Kingdom’s Creative Class

“We don’t have a shortage of talents in Saudi Arabia. In fact, I’m glad to see that a lot of Saudi agencies are emerging.”

While the abundance of Saudi talents seems apparent, Al Tuwaijri does keep it real when it comes to the challenges that besought entrepreneurs like her. “Yes, employing Saudis comes at a higher cost but it is a decision that I’m committed to keep on the table.”

It’s no secret that international advertising entities have dominated the local industry in the past. Companies are quick to give such establishments a relative advantage by virtue

of the name they carry; often to the disadvantage of the younger and homegrown marketing boutiques.

Instead of throwing in the towel, Al Tuwaijri purports that championing the Saudi creative is key to unlocking the local market. Moreover, she believes that the next step to increasing the Saudi share of the industry is collaboration.

“Look, everyone will be gunning for that cup of coffee and I’m not saying they shouldn’t. What I'm saying is that there’s enough coffee to go around. It’s a big cup. What we need is to collaborate, to pitch in our strengths so we can create a fair and even game for everyone.”

Rising Above the Noise

“Saudis are strongly opinionated because they’re bored. It may seem that they’re easy to entertain where in fact they are highly skeptical and critical and I don’t blame them. At the end of the day, we are at the age where consumers have the higher power and the upper hand. It’s a choosing process and nothing is monopolized. You come out with a new product, in less than 48 hours someone’s going to copy it.”

Highly influenced by the book "Culture Code," Al Tuwaijri believes that in order to fully understand the Saudi market, one must be willing to shed presumptions and go beyond what is being said. Thriving in the advertising industry is a grounded on her agency’s concept of togetherness.

A recurring thought during the conversation is Al Tuwaijri's belief in the Saudi talents and the steps she is personally undertaking in her business to ensure that she remains true to her words: “There’s a career progression plan for all our employees. You need to give someone a goal so they are working towards that instead of just satisfying the current status quo for them as a team member.”

Her advice to young talents who wish to open up their own agencies is: “Don’t dive into it fresh out of university. You can have the temptation, money and creative talent for it already —but you need experience.”

Lack of entertainment gives you the opportunity

to be creative. — Sara Al Tuwaijri


B U S I N E S S

The artistic movement in Riyadh has been booming at an unprecedented pace in recent years. Social networking is a main reason behind such interest in modern art among young Saudis, as everyone is given the chance to differentiate themselves from one another. How can businesses and corporations benefit from such art?

The next revolution for using art in business is ambient marketing. Ambient marketing is to come up with out-of-the-

By Zeyad Haj Bakry

The next revolution for using art in business is ambient marketing, an out-of-the box strategy to add a new dimension to Riyadh.

The Art of Ambient Marketing

box strategies to trigger consumer interest and make people talk about it in their communities. It can come in many shapes and forms, such as store design and advertising. So of course, art and artists can play a huge role in creating something beautifully unique to spark positive emotions towards a brand or a product. So more than ever, businesses need artists to craft something that people would be curious about. There is a definite art form behind ambient marketing, and Riyadh just started getting a piece of it.

The latest creation of ambient marketing in Riyadh comes from Dr. Cafe. Surely, most people in Riyadh have seen their massive coffee cup-shaped drive-thru stores by now, and there is no denying that it is a stunning sculpture of art. The renowned coffee shop could have just built an ordinary drive-thru store and be done with it, but instead, they built something special. People have been genuinely pleased by their efforts, and their efforts have clearly worked as Dr. Cafe is already constructing a few more of these distinctive stores. ST

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On the advertising side, Heinz Ketchup has presented billboard adverts around the highways in Riyadh that are certainly very unique. The sliced tomato shaped as a ketchup bottle has caught the eye of the public, which inevitably got some attention on Twitter and Instagram. It’s a special moment to see companies doing some guerilla advertising in Riyadh, and there is demand for it.

There is still room for improvement, but it’s an excellent beginning. Because these marketing strategies have worked so well, don’t be surprised if more businesses follow suit and start creating something different as well. So please, stop building brown buildings and lackluster advertisements. Make something remarkable that renovates Riyadh into a more exciting city to live in and open to new arts from its people.The next revolution for using art in business is ambient marketing


CSR LANDSCAPE IN SAUDI ARABIA

What does it really mean for Saudi businesses?

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The most interesting thing about the CSR landscape in Saudi Arabia and something that does not cease to surprise foreign practitioners and academics is how receptive companies are to adopting CSR.

Due to the socio-religious focus on charity and giving back to the community, companies are pleasantly open to the idea of being more responsible. This however, comes with its own set of problems; CSR has been seen as charity for so long that general perception of what it entails, in mind of the Saudi public, is far from the reality of what responsible business involves.

This lack of understanding has slowed the spread of CSR, with companies focusing on one-off community initiatives in an effort to appease the general public. Why should a company bother with a full CSR strategy when others get such positive media coverage by cleaning the beach once every three months? Yet despite all of the above issues or perhaps because of them, the Kingdom offers huge potential for good CSR and sustainability practices. Yes, there are challenges and it is definitely an uphill task, but we are seeing companies who accept their local realities, yet are eager to explore the terrain of CSR in the Kingdom and create truly strategic programs.

By Salman Kattan, Business and CSR Strategist and Managing Partner at Th’qat Business Advisory

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S


Companies are Insisting on Seeing a Return on InvestmentThis is one of the most promising trends in Saudi CSR landscape. More and more of our clients want to see where their money is going. One way we help our clients achieve

that elusive ROI is by using a social return on investment (SROI) framework that

measures the impact of CSR not just on the beneficiary but also on the business.

An Interest in Embedding CSR within the OperationsTrue CSR is about embedding the responsible business principals into the overall business strategy and not about an isolated document marked “CSR Strategy” that is shoved behind the operational manuals and spends all its working life being avoided like the plague because it’s too random, ideological or just irrelevant.

Creating Company CSR LeadersA company CSR leader is a person who understands your business, is equipped with enough CSR knowledge and is empowered by the leadership to drive CSR.

How one person alone can do so much you ask? He does so much because he is passionate about corporate involvement in social causes, he is an agent of change, and he is a person who genuinely cares about the impact of company on its stakeholders.

Leadership Support and Involvement in CSRLast and most definitely not the least is how many local companies are getting their boards and CEOs involved in the CSR agenda. It is true that long term meaningful change cannot happen in a company without leadership involvement and support and this trend alone speaks volumes about how Saudi companies are beginning to see CSR as a business imperative and a strategic area of focus for the business.

Some of the more positive trends we see

Saudi companies adopting.



COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS!CORPORATE EDITION

By Jou Pabalate

We’ve decided to turn an eye towards the local social responsibility projects of companies who are giving back to the Saudi community, one cool project at a time.

professionals and citizens to take a hard look at where they put their hard-earned money. The premise is quite simple; give students the right tools and information to manage their finances so that they can achieve their desired goals.

SEDCO’S RIYALIInnovative Champ

It’s a proven fact; a huge slice of the Saudi population isn’t very big on saving and financial planning at that. The result of an ‘earn and spend’ mentality is a generation that thrives on a short-term basis but fails to prepare for the bigger picture and future.

This is where SEDCO comes in with their Riyali program. This initiative caught our attention because they’ve decided to tackle something that has been overlooked – preparing the next generation of Saudi

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Much more, do it in a way that engages them, through interactive workshops activated in different universities.


BUPAThe Genuine Champs

As the first medical insurance in the market, Bupa Arabia looked into community segments that seldom have access to proper healthcare services. After careful study, they honed in on the needs of orphans and launched the first free insurance program. The initiative has already added thousands of orphans across Saudi and aiming this year to add more segments such as less fortunate families and adopted orphans.

RIYAD BANKThe Summer Champs

“Everyone deserves to have some fun in the summer” seems to be the edict behind Riyad Bank's summer camp for children with special needs. The project was launched in 2008 in collaboration with Al Shabab Club and aimed to provide an ideal environment for the development of physical and mental skills for people with special needs by embracing them during the summer holidays.

In light of the maturation of this experience and its significant and positive achievements, the bank sought to mainstream the idea of initiative and expanded it last year by adding two new centers, one in the city of Arar in cooperation with the General Directorate of Education in the region and the other in the city of Al Baha, in collaboration with the Association of Disabled Children at Baha Center.

As part of its 2015 plans Bupa will run 6 months training programs for orphans aged 21 and above at its premises to help them shape their skills and get ready to get into the world ahead of them.

On a side note, Bupa Arabia took their CSR a step further when they granted extra coverage to things that are not usually covered by insurance policies (Dental and some treatments that are considered cosmetics). Bupa’s doctors ran health awareness sessions to orphans depending on their needs and requirements. Bupa can also literally track orphans live in its system to ensure no delay in their received services.


DELTA MARKETING COMPANYThe Lifestyle Champ

As the brand owner of Adidas in Saudi Arabia, Delta Marketing Company (DMC) deserves a two thumbs up for creating a CSR project that lives true to their goal of promoting a healthier lifestyle.

ABDUL LATIF JAMEEL The Champ of all Champs

With a complete Community Initiatives arm dedicated solely to giving back and impacting society, Abdul Latif Jameel takes the pie when it comes to having the most comprehensive and wide breadth of CSR activities in our list.

Starting with Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ), the job creation program of ALJ, the company has successfully helped 280,000 men and women to find work in Saudi Arabia alone. Now BRJ not only creates jobs and training in industries ranging from health care to car maintenance, but also helps close the gap between university education and private sector requirements, provides micro-finance, encourages young people to start their own small business and helps housewives to make the transition from aid recipients to producers.

ALJ also has an entire segment dedicated to arts and culture. They are the founding partners of Edge of Arabia and Arabian Wings. In addition, there’s also the Education Jameel that hosts a wide range of start-up programs and trainings that all aim to foster innovation, the pursuit of knowledge and creating a more equipped Saudi youth and professionals.

For their social initiatives, ALJ is the business giant behind King Salman Center for Disability, ALJ hospital, Al Nada Social Center for senior citizens and many more.

FACTALJCI is behind World’s Tallest

flag, which was unveiled in Jeddah

last year.

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In cooperation with the Maharat Center, DMC frequently takes part in the physical education of kids with disabilities. They’ve also been keen to create public awareness through all-year round campaign activations in parks, malls and other commercial areas.


SABBThe Riyadh Champs

SABB has initiatives that go beyond the city bounds but of course we would give them an extra thumbs up for being an all-around nice guy in Riyadh.

In cooperation with The British Council, SABB sponsored the international program called Kids Read at a number of schools in Riyadh. SABB staff participated in this program by reading books to the children, taking part in their arts activities and performing administrative roles.

In collaboration with the Blind Association Charity (Kafeef), SABB established a fully equipped computer and Braille training center for men and women. Training courses have also been arranged to allow for skill development that will help the blind find suitable employment opportunities, enabling them to become productive and financially independent members of society.

Another activity SABB participate in and one which we hope other companies will get on board with as well, is the “Cleaning One Million Square Metres” project that was initiated by Riyadh Municipality. This environmental drive brings together employees to help the municipality in cleaning the desert and selected areas surrounding the city of Riyadh.

Apart from their charity activities, Al Jomaih also launched the Project Wings of Home. It continues to thrive today in cooperation with the General Organization for Vocational Training.

the first mass wedding ceremony in Riyadh in cooperation with the Project Bin Baz Charity. The initiative successfully gave young and less privileged couples a chance to tie the knot and was a precedent event to all the mass weddings we’ve seen companies spearhead these days. That’s pretty sweet.

ALJOMAIH AUTOMOTIVE GROUP Out of the Box Champ

This automotive giant has spearheaded some creative social projects since its inception. Most of which have been done under the patronage of King Salman before he became the ruler of the Kingdom. One project is a first of its kind. Al Jomaih supported

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Book Havens of RiyadhWhere, when and how to get lost in a good book in the city.By Johara Al Mogbel

PRINCESS NORA UNIVERSITY LIBRARYAh, we’re do we start. PNU should be universally acclaimed as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the whole world, if it isn’t already. The university was built with a no-expenses-spared frame of mind, and that applies to the library as well. With interior design that makes you feel like you just stepped

Princess Nora University

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into a really luxurious five star hotel and a reported capacity of 5 million books, it’s where we want to be if we ever get stuck in a weather/zombie/anything related to apocalypse. The only hurdle with PNU Library is that you need to be a student or a faculty member at the university to be able to visit. We, er, we just discovered a pressing need to take multiple undergrad degrees. At Princess Nora. Yes.

Open only to students and faculty of Princess Nora University.


KING ABDULAZIZ PUBLIC LIBRARYProbably the most prominent and active of the libraries in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL) also happens to be our favorite for around the year reading. They have endless programs to promote reading for children and can always be found in most expos and exhibitions. The thing we love about the library the most, though, is the support they’ve given to enriching Arabic children’s books. With their own printing press, the KAPL’s publishing program is open for any Saudis with an idea or the skills to illustrate. Their books are also the best priced on the market.

King Abdulaziz Public Library

Opening Times: Men’s Section Saturday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday 4 – 9 p.m.Women’s Section Sunday – Wednesday 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. then 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday closed.

FUN FACT:

KAPL houses one

of the largest

publicly available

Arabian cartographic

collections in

the world.

KAPL has one of the largest Arabic children's books collection in KSA.

KAPL provides free access to the Saudi Lawyers database, Saudi statutes, Ask Zad and other digital information systems.


King Fahad Library

Reading in the capital city doesn’t stop there, though. There are many bookstores in Riyadh that

are gems. Our favorite is Kan Ya Makan bookstore for children.

KING SALMAN CENTRAL LIBRARY One of the city’s hidden gems, we’re almost reluctant to tell you about this one and spoil it for ourselves. And okay, yes, being KSU alumni ensures that it has a special place in our hearts. But honestly, we can think of no other place in Riyadh that felt as close to Narnia as this library does. And since it caters to a big university and being well stocked with books on all sorts of subjects is a must, you can find all sorts of treasures hidden on its shelves. The library is in the middle of the male campus of King Saud University and is open for women once a week.

Opening Times: Men: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 12 a.m. Friday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. Women: Saturday 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

KING FAHAD LIBRARYThere are few people who don’t know about King Fahad Library, thanks to the gorgeous façade it received as a result of a renovation it recently went through. Its location on King Fahad Road also ensures it’s the most centrally located library on this list! And from what we’ve seen in the pictures released by the library, the renovation was very well done. We could easily say it’s one of the most eye-pleasing public spaces in Riyadh.

Opening Times: Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Men only for now.

King Salman Central Library

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The formation of the Saudi instrumental alternative band Bear and the Happy was a rather random incident. And, oddly enough for musicians, it started in an educational institution.

“Ahmad invited Koosh and Salah over to jam,” they tell us. “Later on, we heard about a talent show and decided that very same day to form a band and sign up for the talent show. We needed a lead guitarist, so Koosh suggested we bring in our friend Mohammed Hakeem because of his unique style. We all met up and started working on our first song. Thankfully, it finished before the talent show and we got

accepted for our performance, and it was there that the band officially formed.”

Bear and the Happy is a name with a ring that’s unfamiliar around these parts. Amusingly, it turns out that it was picked at random. “One of the band members was throwing random band names until he came up with “Bear and the Happy” and it was catchy. In the beginning we didn't want to actually keep it but then it just grew on us,” the band explains. “We feel it attracts attention because you don't know what kind of music to expect from a band with a name like that, and since we don't really have a fixed style or genre, it seems fitting.”

We sat down with the mellowest band around in Riyadh for an exclusive behind the scenes segment to find out how their creativity flows. By Shaima Alsslali

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Being fans of experimentation and trial, their influences and styles progress with every jam session. Starting off with heavy metal influences, the band “became more appreciative and influenced by a larger variety of music. From progressive to post rock to jazz to chill-out lounge to whatever sounds good.” It shows in their process of creating music, as the band is more free form than strict. As the band explains, “We usually derive most of our ideas from our jams; we jam more than we work, which is not necessarily a good thing but it always gives us new ideas and material we otherwise can’t come up with by sitting down and discussing what to play.”

The band is composed of four members. The lead guitarist is Mohammed Hakeem and Ahmad Al Anbar is on drums. The band is fluid, and each member puts in more than merely playing an instrument. Koosh's role, for example transcends playing bass, as he is one of the main contributors to the band’s song-writing and composition processes. Salah moonlights as the band’s manager.

All bands get influenced somewhere, and Bear and the Happy is no exception. The band sought inspiration mostly from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and Muse. But later, the band digressed into other territories of music. “We started getting into post-rock/metal music especially the band Long Distance Calling dramatically changed the way we play as a band.” But Bear and the Happy is still loyal to its main influence, Opeth. “In one year, they managed to change our perception of how a song could be constructed. They gave us the best of both worlds; they play the heaviest and most brutal metal then they surprise us with their chill and incredibly beautiful music. They’re definitely our favorite band.”

Mohammed Hakeem, Lead Guitarist



As for the band’s hopes and aspirations, they see an album in the future, but for now, they’re just updating their SoundCloud account with improvised jams and demos. What sets them apart, however, is that Bear and the Happy are more into the local scene than the international one. “As far as we're concerned, we’re not at a point to compete internationally. For now we want to focus, keep developing and reach out to our local community. There are numerous musicians and music lovers in Saudi and it is our privilege to be part of that. We hope we can encourage other musicians to step forth and show the global music scene that Saudi Arabia has talents to show and be proud of.” They express gratitude over

the degree of support they’ve received from the Saudi music scene. “We are all thankful to have the support of our families and friends. We signed up for a contest sponsored by Zippo that was inclusive of the entire Gulf region musicians, and thankfully we won. And our talent show with Luxury Events was a kick-starter for us as a band. Even though we hadn't signed with them, they gave us many opportunities to be featured in their shows.”

Since the band aims to be self-dependent, all proceeds from their paid gigs went into purchasing instruments and recording equipment. They heavily urge people to share their local artists' material through social media and word of mouth citing that “musicians here need all the support they can get.”

/BearAndTheHappy

Ahmad Al Anbar, Drummer

Abdulrahman «Koosh» Al Khawashki on bass. (left)Salah Al Azhari , rhythm guitarist. (right)


LATIFAH TORKI It’s the golden age for

the art scene in Saudi Arabia so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to uncover some of the hidden gems and present them to the world! Or, well, Riyadh to begin with.By Johara Al Mogbel

What got you started? Growing up, I always chose to entertain myself by drawing. I was very obsessed with cartoons and felt like it was my duty, as a 7 year old, to redraw the characters and change the course of their storyline. So, to answer your question more precisely, animated productions got me started.

Is your work the result of sudden inspiration or long term planning? How do you think up your concepts?The majority of my work is a result of sudden inspiration. I think most of my concepts are influenced by the unknown. I find myself repeatedly pondering this Ayah I am .(وما أوتيتم من العلم إال قليال)also driven by the beauty of literature and culture.

What do you think of the art scene in Riyadh? Anything you’d like to see changed?I am still a beginner in this craft so I haven't really experienced the art scene here in my city. However, I do keep tabs on new and upcoming talents. Let me just say that we have very creative people in our midst.

What does being creative mean to you?To me, being creative means that a choice is always being made to take the road less traveled by.

Why do you do art? I take everything I am not, everything I have not experienced, everything I have not seen, and I try to project it through some of my illustrations. I think I use art to understand shapes, lines and faces.

Favorite piece of artwork by someone else?Nojoud Al Sudairi’s Portrait of a Lady.

Web: Society6.com/LatifahTFEmail: [email protected]

@opulaire

Edward Gorey is definitely one of

my absolute idols. I love his art, I love

the way he can think of a million ways to describe a certain

idea or theme while making it silly yet of incredible depth at

the same time. — Latifah Torki

Name: Latifah Torki Age: 18Occupation: Student at KSUMedium: Ink and watercolor on paper.

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By Abeer Arjani and Jou Pabalate

There’s no denying that at 26 years old, Saudi artist Abdullah Qandeel is the art scene’s man of the hour. What’s the deal with Qandeel?

The Real Deal WITH ABDULLAH QANDEEL

Abdullah Qandeel spent his formative years in one of the oldest boarding schools in the world, King’s School in Canterbury, UK. He then entered the renowned Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Living in Kansas, Qandeel found his passion taking a serious turn. He was accustomed to the big metropolitan city life and so the change gave him the opportunity to delve deeper into his art. When he felt ready to take on a career as an artist, he packed his bags and moved to New York armed with $200 and a vision.

“I’m going to be ‘It.’ I’m going to be the artist,” he said.Qandeel admits that his path to becoming what he is today isn’t reflective of the starving artist journey. While he worked hard in his Brooklyn studio over the course of his four-year stay in New York, he said, “I went out there, I met with the right people. You have to network as an artist.


I am grateful to have met with individuals who opened a lot of doors.”

Qandeel got his first big break when the founder of the SemArt gallery, Safia El Malqui, included his work in an art show during the Monaco Grand Prix. He was also commissioned by the Saudi Mission to the UN to do a solo exhibition at the Waldorf Astoria in 2012, in celebration of Saudi National Day. One of his works, “Kingdom of Love” was gifted by Saudi Arabia to the US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice.

His first series, “Open vs. Closed” debuted in New York in 2013. It was a vivid introduction to the type of messages Qandeel wishes to explore — universal and emotional charged themes.

As Eve Therond, art journalist and consultant noted, “Abdullah Qandeel's paintings stand like intense emotional incidents,

unleashing his deepest primitive part and emptying the stored emotional energy.”

It was the self-portrait from this series entitled, “The Enemy Within” that garnered the record-breaking sale for Qandeel at Sotheby’s. The painting was valued at an auction estimate of $20,000 – 30,000.

Qandeel’s clientele consists of prominent collectors and key figures both locally and abroad. His works now hang on the walls of Prince Waleed bin Talal, Charles Rockefeller, Kanye West and the like. He claims to be very selective of his collectors. ST

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Wherever I am today, it wasn’t handed to me, I

worked hard to deserve it. I live by the Kaizen mantra,

continuous change and self-improvement. I will out do myself and share my message to anyone

who will listen.


Qandeel knows that as an artist he is in position to affect positive social development in the art scene.

“I am in dialogue with key figures in our government and in those conversations, my eyes have been opened to how hard our leaders are working to develop the Kingdom,” Qandeel said. “In terms of art, there is still much to be done. The private sector needs to invest in good Saudi artists; we need to channel some attention towards creating more galleries and institutions. It’s a lot of work but we have to be patient and dedicated.”

When asked exactly how he plans to get started with such initiatives, he replies with a grin, “Expect a public exhibition really soon. It’s a surprise.”

Indeed, Qandeel has gained criticisms as much as he had earned praises for his work and recent activities. The artist is well aware of this and charges it to the price of doing what he loves in the way he has done it.

“At the end of the day, I value my clients and the people who put their trust in me and they can be assured that I will wake up every morning and do my best,” he said.

I treat my artworks as my children. When they’re sold, I feel a

natural high similar to that of a parent proud of their child’s milestones.

— Abdullah Qandeel


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The Noble Bilal bin Rabah

His story lives in animation

DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT


Courage, determination and kindness are all characteristics of Bilal bin Rabah. In the new feature animation movie Bilal, audiences around the world will delve deep into the life of this remarkable man.

By Sohila El Saadany

Destination spoke to Jeddah’s own Ayman Jamal, the creator and executive producer of the film. Bilal shows the life of one of the most prominent people in the history of Africa (Axum Empire) and the Arab World at the time. Bilal is a young boy with a big dream of achieving greatness. He is unfortunately snatched from his family in Ethiopia and forced into the chains of slavery. He never surrenders though, and adheres to his faith in God to overcome all obstacles until he becomes the great man we now know and the nation’s first mu’aden.

The movie is owned and produced by Barajoun

Entertainment in Dubai.

Jamal believes a good movie is the outcome of collaborative efforts from the entire team that works in every small detail that you see on the big screen. As he says, “To me filmmaking is more than a script. There

The movie depicts the life journey of Bilal with all its action and drama throughout his life. It is a movie that will take young adults on an epic trip of bravery. The story depicts not only Bilal’s character, but also his entire culture and the prevalent mindset during his time; one that he was able to challenge and eventually changed. Jamal explains, “To raise one’s voice against oppression and injustice even when all odds are stacked against you. These sentiments are universal and transcend race, language and culture.”


are a lot of scripts out there, but for a movie to happen, it requires so much more. For example, someone who can polish the script, make it suitable for production and then actually produce it.” The script was the collective work of Jamal himself along with Yaseen Kamel and was developed by Alex Kronemer and Michael Wolfe.

When asked why he chose the character of Bilal particularly, he replied, “Our aim was to show a hero from this region and reflect on how he is a global one. The movie carries the message of a slave who became a master, since at the end Omar bin Al Khatab the ruler of his time was calling him Sayidna Bilal. I was amazed by his story and the equality that he was not only calling for, but achieved it as well.”


Besides the clear message of equality the movie professes, it also aspires to reveal the nature of a hero. To become a great person, one must fight injustice, serve and protect his family along with those in need and to also make sure he never inflicts pain on others. Jamal elaborates how Bilal is a hero in that sense but is different from the physical stereotype of what heroes look like. He explains, “Usually most heroes are very strong and muscular or so, but Bilal’s real power was his voice. Not only because he was known for his beautiful voice which he used in calling to prayer, but because he had a voice that said no to injustice.”

The movie, which combines action, adventure and drama, will be PG or PG-13 depending on the rating. Jamal exclaims, “Children or young adults today need more action and drama to a story rather than just colorful animation. There has got to be inspiration.” Not only does the movie call for fairness, it also sheds light on family ties, especially sibling relationships that withstand time and hardships, as it features Bilal’s endeavors to protect his sister.

Jamal also addresses the rumors of DreamWorks being a part of the project, which were posted on Facebook. He explains, “Bilal is fully produced by Dubai-based production house, Barajoun Entertainment. Having said that, DreamWorks are the pioneer of this industry and I personally got inspired by many of their movies.”

Bilal is expected to be released by the end of this year.




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S T Y L E & S H O P P I N G

Baguette, Jourdan Dunn

The bags were on display at the New York store from Feb. 13 to

March 13 and were available for purchase at the same time through

an online auction site, launch3baguetteauction.fendi.com.

By Felwa Alhudaithy, C’est Ma Vie

Too often it seems that there’s news highlighting the many negative aspects of the fashion world, so here are stories of kindness and giving back that melt our brand-loving hearts.

Baguette, Leandra Medine

Proceeds will be channeled to charitable organizations selected by each woman. Rihanna’s proceeds will benefit The Clara Lionel Foundation, which she founded in 2012 in honor of her grandparents. Parker’s designs will benefit The Brain Trauma Foundation, while Dunn’s are aimed at The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. The Man Repeller’s Medine will support Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and Feinstein has chosen to help the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

The concept of social responsibility in the fashion world is rapidly growing and gaining popularity amongst the new hipster brands as well as old fashion houses. Less than a month ago, renowned Italian house Fendi teamed with Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel Feinstein, Jourdan Dunn and Leandra Medine on a new charity project marking the official inauguration of the brand’s newest flagship on Madison Avenue in New York. Fendi asked these five women to personalize their own Baguette handbag. Parker, Rihanna and Feinstein have also designed micro-baguette models.

Baguette - Mini, Rachel Fienstien

Baguette - Mini, Sarah Jessica Parker


Master & MuseThe lifestyle brand by model turned actress Amber Valletta, aims to “bridge the gap between cutting-edge fashion and mindful manufacturing.” The company was founded on the belief that “substance and style do not have to be mutually exclusive.”

Warby ParkerSlogans like “Doing good is in our DNA” are sprinkled throughout their official website and press releases. Warby Parker, the only eyewear company in the world to go carbon neutral, focuses on its commitment to “meticulous craftsmanship” rather than its “sustainable production” process. Each frame is handcrafted using only the finest custom materials; however, the brand prides itself in giving. “For every pair sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.”

Doing good is in

our DNA

Gucci Gucci launched UNICEF’s Schools for Africa initiative under its children’s collection. Founded in 2004 in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Peter Kramer Stiftung, UNICEF’s Schools for Africa initiative aims to increase access to quality basic education for millions of children in Africa. Collectively, Gucci has contributed over 10 million USD to UNICEF and is currently one of the largest corporate donors to Schools for Africa.

TOMS One of the most glorious examples of using business to create positive social change. The company currently operates with a simple One for One goal: for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need and for every pair of glasses sold, TOMS helps a person gain sight.

One for One goal

The brand clearly presents itself as fashion-forward while giving consumers a clear message.



TRAVEL in STYLE Are you off to a vacation any time soon? Why not get inspired by some celebrity travel fashion and hit your destined airport looking like a vision out of a magazine. These celebrities prove that awesome airport style is possible.By Sohila El Saadany

looks like a star as

she pairs woven

high waist plaid

pants with an

exciting white

pullover. The blue

and beige prints

across the chest

give the simple

ensemble a twist.

Gomez tops it

with a big black

handbag and off

she goes.

Marion Cotillard keeps it casual in a practical yet chic outfit at the airport. The actress wore a powder pink knitted sweater on top of a grey and white striped

t-shirt. Her jeans and sneakers must make it easier for her to

manage around. The tweed bag adds a touch of glamour to her traveling outfit; after all she is

an Oscar winner.

is definitely suited for the runway considering how she

dresses at the airport. The model has on a floral black

and pink jumper suit. She covers her shoulders with a black leather jacket. She

complements the outfit with a large maroon bag. Check those black pumps out; not everyone can go for heels at the airport,

but Kerr sure does.

Selena Gomez

Miranda Kerr




Victoria Beckhamis always elegant; so don’t

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Jessica Chastainshows how black will always be the king

of colors. The actress wore an entirely black ensemble, a black blazer, black

top, black pants and yup black shoes as well. Even her luggage and sunglasses were in black. Chastain knows she can

never go wrong with black.

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CRUELTYFREE MAKEUPA handy list of ethical products/brands that are sold here in the Kingdom or can be delivered via online shopping.

The Leaping Bunny program and sign on packaging indicates that the product has not been tested on animals. There are a lot of international brands that support this program. Some are not available in Saudi Arabia but can be ordered online through websites such as Sephora.

By Zareen Muzaffar TOO FACED: Too Faced is the inventor of gorgeous shades of bronzers such as the Soleil Matt Bronzer and the currently very popular Melted Liquified lipsticks. Their innovative products are packaged very nicely and while you are out shopping don’t forget to check out their Chocolate Bar Eye Palette (16 matte and shimmer shadows scented with real chocolate). Available at Sephora

NARS: Nars is popular not just for the ravishing colors and variety they offer, but it’s also part of the cruelty free program that goes against animal testing. Some of the popular items by Nars include the multi-purpose makeup stick that beautifully highlights, sculpts, and warms the eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Not available at the local Sephora but can be ordered online.



URBAN DECAY: Urban Decay is one of my favorites as it’s not just ethical but also creates the amazingly long-lasting eye pencil known as 7/24 glide on. And who can forget that Urban Decay is the namebehind the very popular Naked Palette, the one stop collection for gorgeous eye shadows.Available at Sephora

NAKED NAKED 2 NAKED 3

NYX: NYX is a drugstore brand that’s not just ethical but they deliver a range of colorful great quality products. Their soft matte lip creams are a must buy, the texture is smooth and the shades are long-lasting. Their jumbo eye shadow pencil called Milk is a must have as it serves as a highlighter, primer and doubles as an eyeliner and eye shadow as well. Available at Centre Point

LUSH: Lush is an established brand and popular due to their amazing fragrances and quality. Their products are hand made and not tested on animals making them part of the cruelty free products. Try their bath and face products; they come in small amounts so you can enjoy the freshness without compromising quality.

Where to go? As mentioned above there are some ethical brands such as Nars, Tarte, The Balm or Lime Crime that are not available in stores. But not to worry, there are some great home based businesses (primarily run by women) that can deliver your favorite brand of ethical makeup (pick up option is available too). Check out the following Instagram accounts for further information on how to order.

@Bello24shop

@RoseGold_shop

@elegant_Makeup

@LimitedEditionsKsa

@GlamourBeautySa

LIME CRIME: If you’re looking for a pop of color, try out Lime Crime. Their shades are bright, vibrant and lively. This brand was started by Doe Deere and can be ordered online. Check out their color swatches on Instagram and if you’re in the mood for some bold makeup, their matte shades are the go to option.

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WorkDarts Set SR 74.99

Post ideas and inspirations with our miniature replicas of the darts and dartboard you’d play with on a night out with friends. Double sided tape and magnets are both included for mounting.

Megaphone Mobile Speaker SR 94.99

Be the center of attention with this cool stylish unique Megaphone Mobile Speaker. No instructions required, just plug in the speaker to your device then power the speaker-switch ON and enjoy listening to your music. Can be used on the go with your iPhone or Galaxy.

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D I N I N G A R O U N D T O W N

DINING SCOOP

We at DR are very partial to Italy and most things that come out of the aptly boot-shaped country. So when we heard of a newcomer to the Instagram business scene that specialized in Sicilian cannoli, we were sold. Well, partially sold, anyhow. We had our doubts. But the next time the owners had a shipment ready, we went ahead and ordered the mini cannoli in the cinnamon, chocolate chip and plain varieties. Delivery was a smooth affair, and the cannolis

INST

AGRAM TRIAL BY JURY were packaged nicely, if a little basic. The prices are just a wee bit steep if you want to order the large cannolis, but overall it’s fine. The cannolis themselves were delicious! Luckily our doubts were unfounded.

expectations

Update: We hear they’re opening an actual shop on Dabbab Street soon. Let’s hope there’s a sit in café.

Price: SR15 for the standard size/SR5 for the minis Delivery: Free Rating Overall: 4 Instagram: @dolceragusa

Alfresco dining has been all the rage this past season. One of the more popular spots in the city, Almasaa Café on Olaya Street, saw enough traffic that they opened up the singles section for families from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends! We couldn’t resist the temptation of the possibility of two breakfasts (one at 6 a.m. and another at the office), so off we went in the sunrise to try out the cuisine of the place. The first snag we hit was the service; while the restaurant had four/five managers hovering, service was slow and it took 15 – 20 minutes to get anything done. And the food is ordinary, nothing one would crave. The view and general atmosphere, however, was worth the visit. And they open at 6 a.m., which counts for something.

Give good weather one last grappling hug before it

leaves!

REALITY

Breaking Dawn on Olaya: Almasaa Café

Tucked Away Hala Walla, Food Fans!

Lately I’ve been noticing that a lot of traditional Saudi coffee places around Riyadh have started serving typical Saudi-grandma-type traditional breakfasts. Normal fare includes traditional Arabic coffee, marasee’, masabeeb, qeshd, hinaini and so on. Mawtun Zaman is smaller than the other spacious places I found, a literal hole.

Overall, it was a dreadful experience. I’ll stick to going to Najd Village or better yet just ask my grandma make me the best marasee’, like how they’re supposed to be made.

I was disappointed to find that there wasn’t any traditional floor seating, just uncomfortable chairs and a very poor atmosphere, with very dim lighting even with the lights fully on. You can tell they made… some effort. But now let’s get down to what’s important: their so called traditional food. I had marasee’, which were bad. It was cooked on a crepe pan it tasted like old wheat mixed with toothpaste and drenched with honey to hide the taste. And the hinaini was frozen and cooked in a microwave then dumped with ghee on top. Even the Arabic coffee tasted weird.

SHAKSHOOKA There is little to dislike in traditional Najdi breakfasts. With kebdah (pan-fried liver), masabeeb (mini wheat pancakes, either with honey or an onion mix), hinaini and a healthy amount of carbs, it’s one of the most beautiful things about the region. Oh, and shakshooka. Oh, shakshooka, how perfect you are.

Beloved by everyone with the taste to love and recognize magical things, shakshooka is a type of scrambled egg that’s mixed with pan-fried chopped onions and tomatoes. It’s mostly served off the pan, but occasionally some people cook it in a dish in the oven for more flavor. Cold peppers can be added as well, if that’s your kind of thing. The dish can be found everywhere from hole in the wall bouffiyehs to established restaurants like Wadek or Drdshat.

Bottom line is, we’re gigantic fans. Life is never as good as when you have a foul and shakshooka breakfast, take our word for that!


By Faris Al Yahya


THE ULTIMATE

SUPER CHEESE

SUPREME SHOWDOWN

Our cheesiest article yet…

Times are tough. We live in an age where there are so many options for that marvelous concoction called pizza; we don’t know where to go. It’s positively futuristic. And because all good futuristic societies have at least one fight

Lightweight Match Thin Crust Cheese PizzaDOMINO'S(Old Champion)

SR 56 for a medium is a bit steep.

Eh. Might be worth it if you make use of the buy one get one free Mondays

PIZZA HUT(People’s Choice)

Unrated. (Tastes the same. Which isn’t saying much).

Run away. Run. Away. (SR 58 for a large)

Ugh. Taste-less.“I feel like I’m eating cardboard.”

MAESTRO(Underdog)

SR 20 for a medium? GIVE US ALL YO PIZZA. NOW.

“Dough isn’t as crispy.”

SAUCINESS

DOUGH-NESS

SUSTAINABILITY FOR MORNING AFTER SNACKING

DELIVERY SYSTEM

OVERALL

VALUE FOR MONEY

CHEESINESS

VERDICT

WINNER“This is

making me very happy right now.”

to the very death, we’ve decided to organize a pizza tournament. The results were satisfying let us tell you. And now, to the Hunger Games! Get your cameras ready folks. This ain't gonna last long.

Maestro

Domino’s Pizza

Pizza Hut


By Johara Al Mogbel and Jou Pabalate



The Welterweights MargheritaCALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN(The Newcomer)

N/A, in-house pickup

Order the other pizzas. You’re better off getting the barbeque pizza, because if you’re paying SR 49 you might as well enjoy what you’re eating.

They seem to have neglected their basic pizza, which is a shame for a restaurant that has ‘pizza kitchen’ in the title.

PIZZA FUSION(Old Titleholder)

Extremely limited, but they have delivery.

Stick to the lasagna. (SR 36 for a medium)

A few years back, they were amazing. We don’t know what went wrong, but it was probably something catastrophic.

PIATTO(People’s Champ)

N/A, in-house pickup

They give you free sides with every pizza! (SR 42 for a medium)

Piatto is the ultimate working man’s Italian eatery. It’s affordable, it hits the spot, and it’s everywhere. Also, it’s a fully Saudi brand. Yay homegrown businesses!

SAUCINESS

DOUGH-NESS


DELIVERY SYSTEM

OVERALL

VALUE FOR MONEY

CHEESINESS

VERDICT

WINNER

“I could eat the crust all day long.”

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California Pizza Kitchen

Pizza Fusion Most Gigantic Pizza in Riyadh: Stockholm Pizza


ROSSO- POMO- DORRO

*throws bank account at the restaurant* Take all of it. Just give us the goods!

We are in love. In love.

PIZZA ROMA

Not bad for a gourmet pizza.

We’re not fans of the overly herbed tomato sauce. Could’ve been better.

SAUCINESS

DOUGH-NESS


OVERALL

VALUE FOR MONEY

CHEESINESS

VERDICT

Heavy Weight Championship Classic Margherita

People’s Choice Awards The Nostalgia Games We’re leaving this one up to you. Which one do you think wins? Tweet or Instagram your pictures and opinions at @DestinationRyd by April 20, and we’ll post the winner!

“The box foretold its

awesomeness.”

WINNER

FUN TIME PIZZA CHUCK E CHEESE’S

Pizza Roma

Rossopomodorro

VS DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT



It’s known that 70 percent of coffee drinkers would love it if they could just inject the stuff directly into their blood stream. However, most fancy coffee drinkers were so busy being distracted by the express “capsule” stuff, that they’ve forgotten what great coffee tastes like. Lucky for us, a number of superheroes

ARTISAN COFFEE IN THE CITY

THE ROASTING HOUSECarrying one of the biggest varieties of coffee-brewing tools, the guys at The Roasting House (TRH) will serve you a cup in each one of these tools until you find what you're really into. As the retailers of Hario - The renowned Japanese brewing tools company - you'll feel as if you're in a laboratory ready to pump some caffeine into your system. Debuting in the Chocolate and Coffee Expo earlier this year, TRH was a huge hit. This roaster can be found in King Fahad District behind Hayat Mall.

have joined hands together to change that. It’s worth mentioning here that Arabs were the first to discover coffee, which is significant since specialty coffee is on the rise again.

Here are a couple of places in Riyadh where you can get your rich, freshly roasted caffeine fix.

By Mohammed Al Mogbel


Delight your sense with these fancy caffeine fixes.


CAMEL STEP COFFEE ROASTR:Located in Alwadi District, the first thing you'll notice about this place is their cute yet traditional blue camel logo. They'll fix you up with a cup of your taste whether it's a blonde roasted Arabic coffee, drip coffee or even espresso. The varieties of tools they use are top-notch as well. But it’s not just about selling coffee with these guys. They strive for a higher purpose: educating people about nuances of the beverage and how to prepare it with excellence. Coffee, for them is a way of life.

WHITE FOAM CAFÉWhite Foam is one of the forefront pioneers of specialty coffee in Riyadh. With its penchant for supporting local artists and businesses, we love that the café doesn’t stop at just fancy coffee. They have everything from standard lattes and macchiato drinks to more exotic choices such as con panna and breve. Plus, they offer both the pour over method and siphoning to get your coffee made. And if your food companion is not a coffee fan, they also have a litany of pastries from local bakers!

VARIETAL SPECIALTY COFFEEAs an online coffee selling business, Varietal Café has a lot of variety. They offer both beans and coffee-brewing tools, and they ship to everywhere in the kingdom for a fixed price of SR 35. And they’re one of the few businesses in Saudi Arabia that offer to let you pay via PayPal. Decaf lovers, rejoice!

Varietal is probably the only place you'll ever find a decaf Arabic coffee.

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Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters in the

Alnakhil District.


Basics and fundamentals of what should be incorporated in a functional training regime consisting of fitness, strength, flexibility and power.

Functional fitness is definitely the way to train now and top athletes all over the world acknowledge this. You will see more and more top sports teams using training methods never used before, such as primal movements, bodyweight training, calisthenics, plyometrics and flexibility. Bodyweight training is available to everyone and there is no longer the “I can’t afford gym membership” excuse.

Not only does this improve strength, it also improves core strength. Core strength and flexibility is what gives you the ability to do all those lovely gymnastics moves you see people doing. This is calisthenics!

WHAT DOES A GOOD SESSION LOOK LIKE?

By Rob Seagreen, Fitness Director at Arena MMA and Fitness Center

You fall over when you stand on one leg, never mind trying to do a handstand. Well, as Charles Poliquin states, “in adults, balance can be regained, not taught. If you don’t already have balance skills by age 12, you’re not going to improve dramatically as an adult. It’s a waste of time.” This is often sold as “core training,” which is essentially like saying diet Pepsi will help you burn fat! It’s never going to happen.

But what if your balance is not that great?

The reality is, in order to improve your strength, you need to train strength. What stops you from falling over is the lack of strength in a specific area. Your core consists of anything that stabilizes you; your ankle, glutes, midline, hip flexors, etc. Any muscle that needs to be activated in order to keep you from falling over like a baby trying to take his first steps is your core stability. SO

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HERE IS A GREAT WORKOUT USING ONLY THE TRX. Repeat the workout 5-6 times doing 10–12 reps on each exercise.

Another great tool for improving strength is suspension training.

Suspension training creates an unstable platform on which to train and forces you to activate the stabilizers around the joints and trunk. For instance, if you did a push up on the floor, you would be on a nice solid surface that would enable you to push yourself up with ease. However, if you were to suspend yourself on two TRX suspension trainers, this involves a whole lot more focus and stability.

Your brain goes into overdrive sending signals to all ends of the body to try and prevent you from falling and injuring yourself. Your glutes and quads tighten up, trunk goes into a solid spasm and arms start shaking like you are breaking ground on a new build site with a hydraulic jackhammer (Total Recall comes to mind). Now you are testing your strength.

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Lunges (alternating legs with 10–12 reps each)

Push-ups

Low row

Single arm row and reach

Plank with side tucks

Rollouts

Push-up with pike

I love to challenge the bodybuilders to

suspension and bodyweight challenges because the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

SHOW US WHAT NEW MOVES

YOU CAN DO AND SHARE IT

@DESTINATIONRYD


Hover Here to

see how it’s done



BE SMART TO BE FIT (OR HEALTHY)By Jill Calvert

Life revolves around tasks, goals and ambitions. How you plan and stay motivated to achieve these goals may be different in practice but will ultimately follow the same principle. So if I make fitness goals (as that’s what I do best), here is how I would set it up, using a simple tool called the SMART principle.

SPECIFIC Be as specific and concrete with your goal. It can be something simple like wanting to run at your child’s sports day in school or signing up for a 10k race.

MEASUREABLE This simply means setting goals that can be measured by time and weight so you see your progress.

ATTAINABLE Ask yourself if your goal is attainable. Be sensible with your approach. If you have never ran before and the race you’re joining is in one week, it is unlikely that this goal will be attainable. If you’re trying to lose two kilos in one week, then that’s more possible.

REALISTIC Being realistic with your goals is almost the same as making them attainable. If they are unrealistic you will get even more de-motivated. Even though there is no limit to what you can do, commit first to a goal that is within your ultimate grasp.

TIMED Set a time frame on when you would like to achieve this. With goals, you want to see the end result and feel good that you have attained it so set yourself a realistic number of days that will help you succeed. SO

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Email: [email protected]: korestudios.net

@jlegss

@korestudios

Make sure that all your fitness and health goals are things that you want to do and not things that you have been pushed into. Do your regimen every day and make it a habit. So there you go, my dear readers! You have no excuse to plan for a better lifestyle!

Now that we know the format of how to set a goal, there are many ways that enable you stay on the path towards it. I will keep it basic: People have their own approach in staying motivated. What might work for me will not work for you.

2. TELL PEOPLE ABOUT IT I have found that when more people are involved, there is a lesser chance for you to fail. No one wants to be seen as a failure. Also, your family and friends might have other fitness advice for you so share them your regimen and find inspiration in others.

4. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! Have a schedule. If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail.

3. ATTACH EMOTION TO IT Apart from your betterment, find other good reasons to do your tasks. There are some runs that are being done for charity. Join them! You didn’t only succeed in keeping up with your fitness goal; you also succeeded in helping others. It’s a win-win situation!

1. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN Whether on paper, phone, laptop or fridge, write down your fitness goal and remind yourself daily. Keep in mind why you’re doing it.

Here are my tips on how to make positive changes in your health and how to stay motivated in working out for a better, fitter, and healthier you:


MEDITATION WHY DO IT & TIPS TOGET YOU STARTEDSO

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Matthieu Ricard, dubbed “Happiest man in the world,”

is a western Buddhist monk and

avid meditator.

Excluding exercise and a good diet, meditation is the key to your brain’s health. The most profound effect meditation has is stress reduction as it lowers Cortisol, which is the hormone our bodies release when stressed. As a result, people who meditate noticed healthier blood sugar levels, improved memory and even better looking skin! So that now we are on the same page. Let’s get you started.

By Hibatalla Elshafie

Don’t pick a time, just do itWhenever you find yourself able to be alone in a quiet place for 15, 10 or even five minutes; close your eyes and go for it.

Download HeadspaceStart with the “Take 10” program which means doing 10 minutes of

meditation for 10 days, then take 15 and so forth.

AdaptDo what works for you; it could mean 5 minutes with your office door closed, sitting on your chair.



Mindful Meditation By Nadwa F. Zahid

Mindful Meditation is a conscious awareness of our

current thoughts, feelings and surroundings – and accepting this awareness with openness

and curiosity in a non-judgmental way. Simply put it means focusing our attention

on non-doing!

Researchers and neuroscientists have now confirmed that the health

benefits of mindful meditation include:

It has also been proven to reduce stress, anxiety,

depression, headaches and high blood pressure.

Meditation is easy to do, but it needs practice and discipline.

Sometimes the mind is still and sometimes it’s busy. The more you practice to breathe

consciously the more relaxed, at peace, aware, alert, focused,

capable and productive you will become. Ultimately you will have a deeper

understanding of yourself. Consistency and patience make meditation easier.

Nadwa Zahid is a personal

development consultant

and meditation teacher.

Email: [email protected]

self-controlimproved concentration

perceptual sensitivity

reaction timememory

empathyself-esteem

Get others involvedGet a friend, sibling, spouse or anyone you feel would be a great partner on board on this project. You will encourage and support each other. Though I’ve once decided to involve my siblings in a meditation session; which turned into lets-laugh-and-videotape-her-with-her- eyes-closed-session. So choose carefully.

Keep a logI recommend using LIFT app, which is a habit building and tracking app. Keeping a log helps in developing meditation as a habit; not a stint.


THE KINGDOM OF HUMANITY: SAUDI ARABIA GIVES BACK

By Johara Al Mogbel

The truly dejecting aspect of the entire issue isn’t the stereotype we’ve endured for years now. The award for that goes to the fact that Saudis themselves, after reading countless accounts derogating them and their homeland brought about by political and cultural differences with western countries, have begun to believe what’s being said about them. Add the inherent Islamic practice of not touting the charity you give -which the government follows to an extent- to the lovely mix and you end up with the Kingdom’s most well hidden secret: the extent of its giving.

There tends to be a repetitive monologue in the press when it talks about our country abroad. As a general rule of thumb, Saudi Arabia is either depicted as an evil money hungry oppressor, or an overbearing money hungry ignorant oil barony. Sometimes, if the media needs a scapegoat, we’re depicted as both just for fun.

Second flood relief convoy in Pakistan.

School aid distribution to Pakistan.

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FOR EXAMPLE: SR 65 million donated to Solidarity Campaign for Syrian Children.

$5 million in aid to an Indian university. $270 million Saudi-funded road in Jordan. The Saudi Embassy to Lebanon paid the rent for 1,000 displaced Syrian families in Lebanon to thetune of approximately $1.8 million.

On July 1, King Abdullah, may he rest in peace, ordered that $500 million was to be given to Iraqisin humanitarian assistance.

10 million polio vaccinations to Pakistan.

60 tons of dates to the World Food Organization for 30,000 families in the Philippines.

5,000 houses are being constructed in different flood-stricken areas in Pakistan.

From governmental sectors to private citizens, the generosity that Arabs are historically known for is embedded deep in the culture, regardless of individual inclinations. From helping conjoined twins to sending supplies to disaster-stricken areas, there isn’t a limit on what’s being given; there aren’t any talks of loans to be paid back.

Saudi Arabia basically gives out like a benevolent grandfather with his offspring, or a post-ghosts Scrooge. We accessed the foreign aid list that started in March 2014, thinking we’d add it to this article, and it was long enough that we abandoned any thought of doing that.

The government is also a big advocate of social responsibility in the country, and has made it an important priority to enforce and encourage a sense of goodwill in corporations and the private sector.

Education is largely encouraged. There’s an open exchange and scholarship program that allows Muslim students from abroad to study Islamic Studies in most of the state colleges, as well as a special allowance for Syrian

refugees to be accepted in any public educational institute that was decreed two years ago. The King Abdullah’s Relief Campaign for Pakistani People distributed thousands of school bags among children studying with Read Foundation.

This uncovered side to the Kingdom shows through the willingness to help other nations in need, without prerequisites or much fanfare. It also displays what it means to have a constitution steeped in Islam, the belief that you must give, and that when you give your right hand should not know what your left hand has given.

Chin up, Saudis! There’s so much more to our country than meets the eye. You just have to know where to look.

Iraqi girl sits next to her family food ration.

Syrian refugee aid food baskets.

FACT Saudi Arabia has

one of the largest

humanitarian

budgets in

the world.

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By Johara Al Mogbel

Being human is hard. We understand if you sometimes slip up in your bid to be a good person. Really, we do. That is why we’re writing this guide for you, all easy steps and no pressure. Follow our guide and become a better person, while helping to cultivate politeness in those around you.

Are you lost when it comes to becoming a better person? DR has you covered! Here are five easy ways to improve yourself.


Step One: Say thank you. If someone opens a door for you, thank them. Showing gratitude costs you nothing and helps you gain the other person’s respect! It’s a win-win situation.

Level Up: Open the door for other people.

Step Two:Trash goes in the bin. It’s easy to say, but how often do we listen? No one likes looking at trash in their city. Think of the future of the planet. Think of the children. What sort of example do we want to set for them?

Level Up: Should you happen upon other less decent human

beings’ trash, dispose of it.

SAY THANK

YOU

a Decent Human Being

5 Easy Steps to be

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When I look at a person, I see a person - not a rank, not a class, not a title.

— Criss Jami, Killosophy

Step Five:Tip well, live well. Here’s

the thing; when a server goes beyond his/her duties to be helpful, he/she’s enhancing your enjoyment of a night out. A little gratuity in the way of thanks costs you

almost nothing, makes a big difference to your server, and

helps ensure that you and other tippers like you will enjoy good service in the future.

Step Three:Park with etiquette. The handicapped have it hard enough as it is. If you aren’t handicapped, be grateful and find a non-handicapped space. Also, don’t take up two parking spaces with one vehicle. Doing so makes you look greedy.

Level Up: Hand your perfect parking space over to a family that has been looking around

for a while.

Step Four: Respect lines wherever they may form. Organized lines, whether at the mall or your local supermarket, ensure that each person is treated fairly. Also, they often allow you to buy what you need and leave much more quickly. It is when individuals don’t respect lines that people feel mistreated and are forced to wait longer than necessary.

Level Up: Allow someone with a few items to have your spot, if you have a large number of items.

There you have it! Easy, simple ways to impact the world and make it a better place. Follow these five steps, and you’re on your way to being a better person.

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There are numerous sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that pertain to the rights of a neighbor. In fact, neighbors hold such an importance that they are even mentioned in the Qur’an:

By Sobia Javed

RIGHTS OF NEIGHBORS

Islam encourages us to treat neighbors, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with exemplary manners and kindness, in a way that reflects the true spirit of Islam.

So, why does Islam place such an emphasis on a seemingly minor relation? Well, forming good relations can have far reaching consequences. Not only does it make daily interactions easy and enjoyable, it is the building block of a community as a whole. Unfortunately, the trappings of modern life and the increasing reliance upon technology means we are more accessible to someone via Skype in a different continent than we are to the person who lives next door!

Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in

worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al Masaakeen (the poor), the neighbor who is near

of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion

by your side… [al-Nisaa’ 4:36]



Many elderly people will longingly recall a time when neighbors used to visit each other, and enquire about each other. They used to share childcare, and there was a time when a neighbor was not looked upon as “intruding” or “overstepping boundaries” if they asked for a favor.

What can I do to build up a relationship with my neighbor? Being good to your neighbor encompasses many things, not just limited to a quick greeting as you pass them by on the way to work. First, it is an Islamic duty NOT to harm them, either through words or actions. Instead, we can focus on small acts of kindness that can help make their lives easier. Always enquire about your neighbors and their situation, as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:'A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry.'Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112

If you’re preparing food,why not cook a bit extrato share with your neighbors? If you find that your neighbor is not well, you could always cheer them up by visiting them and taking a small gift. Even small things like offering to pick up a few items from the grocery store if they’re not well; or taking out their trash are things that add up and help establish good ties.

If your neighbor is a nosy old lady, she is most probably lonely and bored, here is what you may do. • Give her books to read in order to occupy her time.• Visit her so that she doesn't feel isolated.

If you are annoyed by the late night DIY projects done by your neighbor. Here is a suggestion.• Get to know him. Maybe this neighbor works long hours and can only complete essential work when he really should be sleeping. • Maybe you can offer him some help to complete his project on a weekend morning to speed things up.

Before angrily confronting annoying neighbors, or silently seething, always try to understand if there is an underlying cause to antagonistic behavior.

There you have it – a short summary of Islam’s viewpoint on the treatment of neighbors.

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1. MAKES YOU MORE ORGANIZED A dedicated volunteer is someone who has little time to squander. They can’t afford leaving things to the last minute. They need things planned, schedules put in place, deadlines met so they can make the most of their precious time.

2. ENCOURAGES SELF-ASSESSMENTIt is only when you open the doors to constructive criticism, that you are able to make changes that allow you to be the best volunteer you can possibly be and make changes that benefit others. Keeping detailed accounts – for any welfare organization as well as individuals– is not just a commitment to transparency, but a realization that true self-improvement can only take place after self-assessment. We aim to be our own harshest critic and strongest competitor.

BENEFITS OF BEING A

Volunteering encourages individual as well as collective social responsibility. Here are ways that volunteering encourages those who are involved to become more productive Muslims.

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By Wajid Akhter


3. PROMOTES HEALTHY COMPETITION When the Prophet was asked whether the verse in the Quran,“And those who give whatever they (have to) give while their hearts are trembling” referred to people who committed sins, he replied: “No. They are those who fast, pray, and give charity whilst fearing that (these deeds) may not be accepted (by Allah). They are those who compete with one another in good deeds”[Bukhari].

There’s nothing like friendly competition to encourage people. The Prophet knew this and utilized it himself to great effect in the battle of Hunain and during other occasions throughout his life. We should encourage Muslims to compete with each other in a way that encourages excellence whilst fostering brotherhood.

5. GREAT MOTIVATIONAL TOOL“The Prophet said, ‘An orphan’s guardian and I, whether he is a relative or a non-relative, will be like these two in the Garden,’ and then he indicated the index and middle fingers.” [Sahih Muslim].

Even the best of us can find our desire to gain more

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For example, which of these scenarios would you be more

motivated for:

productive habits is hard to maintain all the time. This is because despite knowing the benefits of good deeds, they are still centered on our own selves. On the other hand, if we focus on helping others sincerely for helping fellow humans and seeking Allah’s pleasure, the effort intensifies.

4. PROVIDES A VISIONProductivity is pointless unless it is aimed in the right direction and there is a vision to your actions. While being productive and organized is important, the ultimate importance is given to the vision, or end goal. Your own vision should be pushed relentlessly at every level, every meeting and every minute.

In the former you will find a hundred excuses, but in the second you would do within two

weeks. Similarly, volunteer work shifts the focus from us as individuals to us as a nation.

If I ask you to lose 5 kilograms so that you can be more healthy

Or if I ask you to lose 5 kilograms because if you don’t, you cannot provide bone marrow for your ill younger brother?

1 2

/ProductiveMuslim

@AbuProductive


Zaya Nurai Island Zaya hospitality recently opened their flagship resort, Zaya Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi. The resort consists of 32 boutique villas as well as 23 residential villas and beach estates. It’s a 10-minute drive from Saadiyat Island and features a beach, outdoor pool and gym. In addition, free access to Wi-Fi is available in the resort.

T R A V E L T R E N D S

TRAVEL NEWS

RAMADAN IN PARISLe Royal Monceau Raffles Paris offers great opportunities for Muslims during Ramadan. The hotel has embraced Ramadan and is extending services through Arab hospitality by providing some of

the favorite Middle Eastern cuisines for breakfast and suhoor. Nuts and dried fruits are provided during the non-fasting times as snacks as well as Arabic television channels in all rooms and suites.

Porsche Panamera to Greet VIP Guests Following the partnership between SAMACO Automotive- Porsche Division and the Saudi Private Aviation, VIP guests arriving at the private aviation terminals in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madina will be chauffeured by either a Porsche Panamera S or Panamera 4S. This partnership aims to provide VIP guests with a high level in both comfort and performance.



STARS ON BOARD

(Starting from SR 2,820)

A five-day cruise in Europe starts from Rome, Italy visiting Marseille, France then to Barcelona, Spain and ending at Genoa, Italy. All Star concerts are free of charge to guests and the stars include Najwa Karam, Nancy Ajram, Ma Fi Metlo, Im Hussein and others. The rate also includes meals in the complimentary dining venues, accommodation, on-board activities and evening shows. Web: portfoliotravel.net

Air Arabia introduces AirewardsAir Arabia recently

announced the introduction of their new loyalty program, Airewards. Air Arabia is the first low-cost

carrier to introduce a loyalty program in the MENA region. Joining Airewards is free and

open for everyone and members can

earn points with each flight they take with

Air Arabia.

Switzerland Attracts GCC Travelers

Switzerland aspires to attract more travelers from the GCC. It offers them a brand new experience, The Grand Tour of Switzerland, where tourists will visit the most cultural and scenic places over there. Switzerland has attracted a high number of GCC visitors in 2014 and aims at attracting even a higher number this year.

Saudia Airlines recently announced that flights to Al Ula from Jeddah are now available non-stop. Al Ula is located approximately 380

kilometers north of Madinah. The city is known for Madain Saleh, the Nabataean city of Hegra, which is the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia as announced by UNESCO in 2008.

Non-stop Flight from Jeddah to Al Ula

Flynas announced that starting April 29 it will operate daily between the two capital cities making it a major player in connecting the two countries.

FLYNAS LAUNCHES DAILY FLIGHTS BETWEEN RIYADH AND CAIRO

DESTINATIONRYD.COM 79DESTINATIONRYD.COM 79


By Tharik Hussain

Straddling two continents, the former center of the Ottoman Empire has staged some of history’s most spectacular clashes and remains the home of oriental romance, legends and stunning architecture. Meanwhile modern Istanbul is a buzzing hive of excitement, culture and hipness. In fact, the unofficial capital of Turkey can seem a tad intimidating and a little overwhelming for anyone wanting to get the best out of it in one visit.

THE WORLD’S CAPITALSEVEN WAYS TO ENJOY ISTANBUL,

T R A V E L T R E N D S

Blue Mosque

1. Be Mesmerized by the Blue MosqueThe Ottomans knew how to build a mosque and the Sultan Ahmed is the most famous of them all, majestically positioned near the Imperial Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. Inside are more than 20,000 dazzling handmade blue Iznik tiles, which give it the ‘Blue Mosque’ title. The main hall is huge with visitors immediately struck by the immense central dome reaching 43 meters high at its center.

Napolean Bonaparte once said, “If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”

But don’t worry; whether you want to check out the prophetic relics in the Topkapi Palace or hang out at a bohemian cafe in trendy Cihangir, Travel Trends has covered it in just seven.


Grand Bazaar Gate

Old Persian or Arabic books

with no real value beyond age are

used to paint miniatures in the

classical style.

From every angle 200 colorful stained glass windows stream in rainbows of light while hanging low above the heads of worshippers are spectacularly large wrought iron chandeliers. There is definitely something of a Byzantine church-feel about it all. This is hardly surprising as Sultan Ahmed I commissioned the mosque to compete in size and look with the Hagia Sophia, Byzantine’s greatest cathedral, which sits directly opposite.

2. Visit the Grandest of Bazaars for AntiquesThe oldest part of the Grand Bazaar dates back to the middle of the 15th century and when eccentric Ottoman traveler, Evliya Celebi strolled through it in 1638 he counted 3,000 shops plus a further 300 in the surrounding caravansaries.

Celebi probably had his servant carry an umbrella around because back then it wasn’t covered. Today, beautifully painted arcades connect solid brick domes held up by white pillars above what is the largest covered bazaar in the world.

Several gates displaying royal emblems of the Sultans who consecrated them lead into 61 streets dedicated to different trades. There are jewelers, carpet sellers, leather goods makers, ceramics and of course antique dealers sitting in their little ‘coves’ surrounded by history.

3. Classical Ottoman Art at the Old Book Bazaar“I charge only $1 for each year,” declares Mehmet as I stare entranced at the two-framed pages from a 1,000-year-old Mamluk Qur’an. The letters on the ancient manuscript are tall, elongated

and black. They sit in a border of intricate gold geometric patterns; a genuine piece of Islamic antiquity for sale.

Most tourists come for the Turkish miniatures, delicate, colorful scenes hand painted by skilled artisans, some of whom can trace their student-teacher lineage right back to the Ottoman era.

Grand Bazaar Antiques

Grand Bazaar Antiques


by the waters of the Marmara it swam in hours earlier. The perfect companion for a cruise up the Golden Horn which passes palatial buildings rubbing shoulders with crumbling Ottoman mosques, an old Albanian village in the hills, the modern Fatih Bridge and of course a view from afar of the world’s most romantic skyline.

5. Stare in Awe at the Hagia SophiaImagine you are a sixth century Christian fulfilling a lifelong ambition, a pilgrimage to the center of your world, Constantinople. Your head is filled with legends about the city’s mythical cathedral built by the Holy Roman Emperor Justinian. As you recall the

Late Night bazaar

Bosphorous Fish Sandwich

Aya Sophia

“We buy old Persian or Arabic books that have no real value beyond age and we use each page to paint miniatures in the classical style,” explains Mehmet. “Only four real artists of any quality are alive in this field today. There is no appreciation for their skill anymore so not many are being trained properly,” he laments as he shows me a court scene painted by one of these real artisans. It is quite stunning.

4. Grab a Balik Ekmek (Mackerel Sandwich) and Cruise the Golden Horn“This is the freshest fish in Istanbul,” explains the vendor, skillfully flipping mackerel fillets one by one on his hot plate. Perched on the end his partner is rapidly stuffing soft white baps with handfuls of lettuce and thinly sliced white onion. As soon as a fillet is the right color it’s lifted into a bap and handed to someone in the long queue waiting for their simple and delicious Balik Ekmek.

Biting into one causes an audible crunch from the crispy salad that complements the soft fleshy fillet - salted just right

words of a returning pilgrim who claimed the church’s dome to be so immense only angels could’ve placed it there, you hear the first gasps of those sharing your boat on the Sea of Marmaris.

Rising from the horizon, the cupola of the pinkish red mega-structure comes into view long before your eyes can make out even the city’s walls. It leaves you stupefied. Nothing in your world has ever compared.



Capital: AnkaraCurrency: Turkish LiraOfficial Language: TurkishInternational code: +90

Istanbul

GET THERE

• Direct flights from Riyadh to Istanbul via Saudia airlines start at approximately SR 1,300.

MUST HAVE

• Check if your nationality makes you elegible for an e-vhisa, otherwise you may need to visit the Turkish Embassy.• Purchase an Istanbul card when you arrive. Only one is needed for everyone.MUST DO

• Read an Orhan Pamuk book before you arrive. No writer quite understands Istanbul like its most famous literary resident.• Visit at least one of the numerous art galleries - Istanbul is Turkey’s art capital.• Visit the Sulimaniye Mosque, built for Sulayman ‘The Magnificent’ by Ottoman master architect Mimar Sinan - this is architecturally the finest mosque in the city.

The Author:Tharik Hussain is a freelance travel writer, journalist and photographer who regularly contributes

to magazines and websites across the globe. Tharik lives with his family in London, UK and also teaches Sociology and Media Studies.

Web: tharikhussain.uk

/TharikHussainUK

@_TharikHussain

The UNESCO World Heritage site had the same effect on Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century, who immediately turned it into a mosque, with minarets being added thereafter. In the centuries that followed, the Hagia Sophia became the inspiration for most of the city’s iconic mosques, including the Blue Mosque.

6. See Relics of the Prophet in the Imperial Topkapi PalaceEveryone was queuing to get a glimpse of what is believed to be the Prophet’s tooth, beard strands, sandals and drinking bowl.

The authenticity of the relics are open to debate, but their significance to Muslims, normal and royal, has never been in question.

During the holy month of Ramadan for example, the Ottoman Sultan would pay a ceremonial visit to them as part of the Baklava Procession, named after the ancient Ottoman sweets that were handed out to royal soldiers at the event.

7. Gourmet Coffee at a Trendy Cafe in CihangirHuffing and puffing up the European Turkish streets, you will pass by little art galleries, ethical clothes stores and organic grocers, while every now and then the tall apartment blocks will give way to breathtaking views across the Bosphorous Straits into Asia.

Near the top, pick a spot like Cafe Susan to sip gourmet coffee and watch life go by in Istanbul’s trendiest suburb.

Topkapi Courtyard

Cihangir Cafe


E X P L O R E K S A

By Mohammed Mirza

Perched on a hill in the midst of a dramatic valley, Usfan fort is one of the last few Ottoman forts in the country

It was late in the afternoon when we reached; the sky was turning amber in color. The weak sun lighted up the fort’s dark colored walls beautifully.Constructed by the Ottomans using basalt rocks sourced from the valley, the fort served as a caravanserai for pilgrims

coming from the North for their annual pilgrimage. Ideally built on the route between Makkah and Madinah, it even sheltered caravans of merchants and people traveling to other regions in Southern Arabia.

Situated at around 40 kilometers from Jeddah, this well accessible and scenic fort is ideal for a day trip from the coastal city. The first view that we got of Usfan fort was heart stirring; it exuded a cryptic beauty that beckoned us. The imposing stone fort stands betwixt barren dark colored mountains and has meandering roads encircling the entire hill it stands on. The hill seemed to have been partially cut from one side to make way for the highway that passed around it. It has numerous roundels that have fortified ramparts running between them, most of which were surprisingly intact.

THE QUAINT OTTOMAN FORTRESS AT USFAN



In bygone times, the area around the fort was filled with palm trees and water wells, the water of the latter was said to be sweet. Today the palm groves have long gone, but a few of the water wells still remain.

We climbed from the western portion of the hill making our way through a path that was filled with lose gravel and thorny plants. We then came across a set of uneven stairs that led us all the way to the top. The journey to the top was strenuous but exhilarating at the same time.

We made our way through the arched gateway, which was the only entrance to the fort and reached the bailey. It was shocking to see that none of the structures in the interior of the fort had survived.

There was no visible sign of vandalism on its walls and was squeaky clean, devoid of even bats that could otherwise have made a home even in its innermost crevices. As we were walking past the crumbling ruins, across the lives of people gone centuries ago, we got a weird feeling, that prickly sensation on the back of the neck which makes people feel uncomfortable.

We made our way through the debris of rows upon rows of rooms that looked like skeletons of some sad past.Close to the center there was a peculiar looking vault, which led to the lower portion of the fort. Its steps were filled with rubble that barred its entrance. We then peaked through the crenels that overlook the highway.The view from one of its windows.


From Jeddah head to the expressway that leads to Madinah. Once on it you will come across an exit that reads Usfan. From there, keep heading straight and after about 30 kilometers you will come across a checkpoint. Continue driving for another 2 kilometers and the fort will be on your left.

COORDINATES:21.916323, 39.339792

HOW TO GET THERE

From an elevated portion in the fort right near the exit we saw the trailing edge of the sun’s disk hide behind the mountains. Following which we made our way out of the fort and the way down was much harder than we imagined.

The uneven stairs didn’t have a handrail and a gusty wind began to blow. Taking one step at a time we finally reached the base with a few cuts on our arms and feet by the thorny plants that were abundant on the hill.

If you can brave a strenuous trek to the top, the Usfan Fort is a great way of combining heritage and adventure. Totally worth the effort, it is one of the best vantage points to relive history, admire gorgeous sunsets and view beautiful vistas of the valley down below.


By Nisma Rafiq

An ancient underground canal system that has baffled engineers for years brought down with it water from outlying valleys to the pilgrimage sites of Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Makkah. And it remained the main source of water to pilgrims for over 1,200 years.

It all began when Zubaydah wife of the eminent caliph Harun Rashid went on a pilgrimage to Makkah after the death of her husband and noticed a water crisis in the Holy city. Many pilgrims were thirsty and parched. This grieved and troubled her, and as soon as she reached Baghdad she called for prominent engineers and surveyors from different parts of the world to dig the water canal in that area to solve the problem.

After surveying, it was decided to bring the canal from Hunain Valley (the place where Prophet (PBUH) won the battle of Ghazwa-e-Hunain). It was an extremely difficult task, as it required large manpower, large funds and expertise.

The entire area of Hunain Valley was bought by Zubaydah. "For each stroke of spade and shovel,

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A TRIP TO HISTORIC SAUDI: CANAL ZUBAYDAH ANCIENT ARABIAN ENGINEERING

I'm ready to give a dirham if needed," she said and the project was launched and completed over a period of three years estimating billions, which she paid personally.

The canal was brought down to Jabal Al Rehma in Arafat then to Mina and Muzdalifah. It was deteriorated and damaged with floods as well as wear and tear of time, and by 1950 its wells began to dry and the water of the canal stopped completely soon after. Today the remains of this historical canal mostly in the form of wells can still be seen on the side of Mount Arafat.


KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD

PRINCE MUQRIN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD


FRENCH

APETIT KITCHENTahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4656491

CAFÉ LENOTRECentria Mall.Tel: +966-11-2791108

LE BIJOU BURJ RAFAL HOTEL KEMPINSKI King Fahad RoadTel: +966 11 511 7889

L’ECLUSETahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648

LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECOTEAlmas Plaza. Tel: +966-11-4615058

ITALIAN

AL FORNO King Abdullah Rd.Mob: +966-558442255

AMORETahlia St., Tel: +966-11-4653082

MIRAGETakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4834127

OASIS GRILLHilton Garden Inn Tel: +966-11-2935533

PANORAMICMakarem Riyadh HotelTel: +966-11-2204500

PAVILLION Intercontinental HotelTel: +966-11-4655000

RUSSIAN CORNERAbdullahAl Hamdan St.Tel: +966-11-4658387

SENSESLuthan HotelTel: +966-11-4807799

SIZZLER HOUSETahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4661133

INTERNATIONAL

AL BUSTANSheraton HotelTel: +966-11-4543300

AL DANAHoliday Inn HotelTel: +966-11-4612000

AL DIWAN Al Sahara HotelTel: +966-11-2204500

AL ORJOUANMakkah Rd., inside The Ritz CarltonTel: +966-11-8028020

CAFE CERAMIQUESahara MallTel: +966-11-4520677

CENTROTahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4658488

COCOSTahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939444

CRISTALAl Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

ELEMENTS Four Seasons HotelTel: +966-11-2115500

EQUESTRIAN CLUB King Abdulaziz RacecourseMob: +966-503008044

HEDIARDTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-2173933

LA BRASSERIEAl Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222

SAZIOKingdom Tower-77th Floor Tel: +966-11-2111180

THE GRANDKing Fahad RoadBurj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Tel: +966 11 5117890

THE WINDROSEAl Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

TRADER VICSPanorama MallTel: +966-11-2814782

TSC SIGNATUREAbdullah Al Hamdan St.Tel: +966-11-2939693

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ANTHURIUMAbdulla Alhamdan St.Tel: +966-11-4661473

AZZURROThe Ritz Carlton HotelTel: +966-11-8028020

CENTO PER CENTOOlaya Rd., Behind JarirTel: +966-11-4644159

DA PINOAl Khozama CenterTel: +966-11-2732222

IL GABBIANOOlaya Dist.Tel: +966-11-4616066

L’OLIVIOTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4634240

LA CAMPAGNATahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4624339

LA CASTAAl Rahmaniya Dist.Tel: +966-11-4198016

LA CUCINAAl Faisaliah HotelTel: +966-11-2732222

LA PIAZZA Sheraton HotelTel: +966-11-4543300

LIOLIMPO Al Dabab St.Tel: +966-11-4166222

MBCOAbdullah Al Hamdan St.Tel: +966-11-2936506

NINOTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-2016662

PIATTOExit 5, Northern Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2006868

PIZZA ERA King Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-4542233

PIZZA INNDabbab St., Tel: 920001601

PIZZA ROMAAbdullah Al Hamdan St.Tel: +966-11-4629032

PIZZA STOCKHOLMKing Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-2811888

PIZZERIA NAPOLIPrince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St.Tel: +966-11-2172288

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AL HAJ DAWOODImam Saud St.Tel: +966-11-4943691

AL MANSAFAl SulamaniyyaTel: +966-11-4630345

AL NAKHEELAl Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-4654650

AL NASEEMMarriott HotelTel: +966-11-4779300

CAFE BLANCPrince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St.Tel: +966-11-4633426

EATZAHAl Ghaz St.Mob: +966-531224433

FAIROUZ GARDENKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-2167171

GADTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4641212

GARDEN BARBECUEHotel Al KhozamaTel: +966-11-2732222

GHOUZIAl Rawdah, Khuraish St.Tel: +966-11-4934162

KARAM BEIRUTTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4161717KOSHARY EXPRESSJarir St.Tel: +966-11-4728881

LEBANESE CORNEROlaya (Talateen St.) Tel: +966-11-2170555

MAMA NOURADabab St.Tel: +966-11-4622195

MAREEZ King Abdullah St.Tel: +966-11-4508877

SHAWERMA HOUSEPrince Mamdouh St.Tel: +966-11-2191999

SHAWERMAMA Abdullah Bin Rawaha StTel: +966-11-2936644

CHINESECANTONOlaya St. Tel: +966-11-4520584

CHINESE GOLDEN PALACEOlaya Dist.Tel: +966-11-4655127

GOLDEN DRAGONOlaya Dist.Tel: +966-11-4645136

GULF ROYALOlaya St. Tel: +966-11-4631622

MIRAGE RESTAURANTTakhasoussi St.Tel: +966-11-4834127

NOODLE HOUSECentria Mall, Olaya St.Tel: +966-11-2939969

PEKINGSuliamaniyahTel: +966-11-4765250

SEASONSMadina St., Exit 28

TAALOlaya Dist.Tel: +966-11-2734383

JAPANESEFURUSATOTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4657648

HAYAT Prince Mansoor bin Abdul Aziz St.Tel: +966-11-4042655

LA SANIKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-4655666

MARHABAOlaya St.Tel: +966-11-4622070

SAMURAIFaisaliah Mall & Kingdom Mall Tel: +966-11-2734386

SHOGUNRadisson Blu HotelTel: +966-11-4791234

SUSHI YOSHIAl Dabab St.Tel: +966-11-8120055

TOKYOOuruba St.Tel: +966-11-4605672

YOKARICentria Mall, 2nd FloorTel: +966-11-2886999

AVADHTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4654109

COPPER CHANDNITahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4167000

CROWN GARDENSuliamaniyahTel: +966-11-4616334

DARBAROlaya St.Tel: +966-11-2930249

INDIAN GARDENRiyadh GalleryTel: +966-11-2161112

INDIAN STYLESheikh AbdullahAl Angary St.Tel: +966-11-4561138

INDIAN SUMMERSuliamaniyahTel: +966-11-4652328

RED ONIONOlaya St. Tel: +966-11-2176644

TAMARINDPrince Faisal Bin Turki St.Tel: +966-11-4738770

MEXICAN BUFFALO’STahlia St.Tel: +966-11-2792123

EL CHICO’SExit 5Tel: +966-11-4640385

FAJITA AVENUEAl Hamra Tel: +966-11-4644999

TAKO HUTFaisaliyyah MallTel: 920000129

MIDDLE-EASTERN

ABDUL WAHABTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-2934111

QUATTROFour Seasons HotelTel: +966-11-2115599

ROMAMussa Bin Nusair St.Tel: +966-11-4641133

ROMA WAYAl Rabwah, Othaim Mall Tel: 920000129

MACARONI GRILLKing Abdullah Rd. Exit 5Tel: +966-11-4158322

ROSSOFour Seasons HotelTel: +966-11-2115500

ROSSOPOMODOROTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-2939565

SANTINO’S Hayat MallTel: +966-11-2057497

SPAZIO 7777th floor in Kingdom Tower Tel: +966-11-2111888Tel: +966-11-2111181

SQUISITOKing Fahad Rd., Across Ovotel Tel: +966-11-2160111

THE PIZZA COMPANYOlaya St. Tel: +966-11-4642952

VECCHIA ROMAAl Sulamaniyyah

Z PIZZAKing Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4881199

SAUDI

AL SUDDA Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4800111

SHAWAYA HOUSE Khalid Bin Al Waleed St.Mob: +966-557819214

SHEIKH AL MANDY Dabab St.Tel: +966-11-4644099

INDIAN ALADDINKingdom CenterTel: +966-11-2112150

SEA FOOD

AMO HAMZAOlaya St.Tel: +966-11-2316148

DOEKing Abdullah St.Tel: +966-11-4887080

DR. OCEANTakhasoussi St.Tel: +966-11-4708647

FOUNTAIN FISHAl Malaz Dist.Tel: +966-11-2158888


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AIR ARABIATel: 920013322www.airarabia.com

AIR CANADATel: +966-11-4772228www.aircanada.ca

AIR FRANCETel: +966-11-2885218www.airfrance.com

AIR INDIATel: +966-11-4786409www.airindia.com

AIR NIGERIATel: +966-11-4626165www.myairnigeria.com

AMERICAN AIRLINES–AATel: +966-11-4625993www.aa.com

BIMAN BANGLADESH AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4623537www.biman-airlines.com

BRITISH AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4645550www.britishairways.com

CYPRUS AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4640391www.cyprusair.com

DELTA AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4613688www.delta.com

EGYPT AIRTel: +966-11-4784004www.egyptair.com

EMIRATES AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4655485www.emirates.com

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4782140www.flyethiopian.com

ETIHAD AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4197722www.etihadairways.com

GARUDA INDONESIATel: +966-11-2937690www.garuda-indonesia.com

GERMAN WINGS AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4632004www.germanwings.com

GULF AIRTel: +966-11-4626666www.gulfair.com

JAPAN AIRLINES–JALTel: +966-11-4645056www.jal.com

KENYA AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4772228www.kenya-airways.com

KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4771026www.klm.com

KOREAN AIRTel: +966-11-4658222www.koreanair.com

KUWAIT AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4631218www.kuwait-airways.com

LUFTHANSATel: 8001245550www.lufthansa.com

MALAYSIA AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4784039www.malaysiaairlines.com

MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4614670www.mea.com.lb

NAS AIRTel: +966-11-2171800www.flynas.com

OLYMPIC AIRTel: +966-11-4644596www.olympicair.com

OMAN AIRTel: +966-11-4733133www.omanair.com

PAKISTAN INT’L AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4659600www.piac.com.pk

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-2160530www.philippineairlines.com

QANTAS AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4772228www.qantas.com.au

QATAR AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-21180424www.qatarairways.com

ROYAL AIR MOROCCO Tel: +966-11-47741100www.royalairmaroc.com

ROYAL JORDANIAN Tel: +966-11-2180850www.rj.com

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINESTel: 920022222www.saudiairlines.com

SINGAPORE AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4734102www.singaporeair.com

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS – SAATel: +966-11-4633133www.flysaa.com

SRILANKAN AIRLINES www.srilankan.lk

SUDAN AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4720040www.sudanair.com

SWISS AIRTel: +966-11-4789745www.swissair.com

TAM BRAZILIAN AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4633133www.tam.com.br

TAROM ROMANIAN AIRLINESTel: +966-11-5788935www.tarom.ro

THAI AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4766766www.thaiairways.com

TUNIS AIRTel: +966-11-4626165www.tunisair.com

TURKISH AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4000287www.turkishairlines.com

UNITED AIRLINESTel: +966-11-4772228www.united.com

YEMENIA AIRWAYSTel: +966-11-4039282www.yemenia.com


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COURTYARD RIYADH DIPLOMATIC QUARTERAl-Hada Dist., Abdullah bin Hothafa St. Tel: +966-11-2817300

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL RIYADH MINHAOld Airport Rd.Tel: +966-11-8749200

FOUR SEASONS HOTELKingdom CenterTel: +966-11-2115000

GOLDEN TULIP ANDALUSIAOlaya Rd.Tel: +966-11-4611000

HOLIDAY INN RIYADH IZDIHARAbdulwahab Bin Abdullah St., Unit OneTel: +966-11-4625000

INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADHAl Maather St.Tel: +966-11-4655000

HOTELS

AL FAISALIAH ROSEWOOD HOTELKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-2732000

AL KHOZAMA HOTEL Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4654650

AL MASHREQ BOUTIQUE HOTEL Orubah RoadTel: +966-11-2834777

BURJ RAFAL HOTEL KEMPINSKIKing Fahad RoadTel: +966-11-5117777

CORAL GULF RIYADHKing Abdul Aziz St., Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4121000

CORP EXECUTIVE DEIRA HOTELAl Batha St.Tel: +966-11-4141500

LUTHAN HOTEL AND SPA A WOMEN ONLY HOTELOrubah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4807799

MADAREEM CROWN HOTELKing Khalid International Airport Rd.Tel: +966-11-2758888

MAKARIM RIYADH HOTELNear To King Khalid International AirportTel: +966-11-2204500

MENA GRAND - KHALDIAKhazzan St.(Immam Faisal bin Turki)Tel: +966-11-2682222

MERCURE VALUE HOTEL Exit 9, Eastern Ring Rd.,Close to Granada Center.Tel: +966-11-2773300

NOVOTEL ALANOUDKing Fahd Rd.Tel: +966-11-2882323

RADISSON BLU HOTELAl Mubarakiah Plaza -King Abdul Aziz St.Tel: +966-11-4791234

RIYADH MARRIOTT HOTELAl Maather St.Tel: +966-11-4779300

RIYADH PALACE HOTELMinistries AreaTel: +966-11-4054444

SHERATON RIYADH HOTEL & TOWERSOlaya Junction of King Fahad & King Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4543300

THE RITZ-CARLTON RIYADHHada Area, Makkah Rd.Tel: +966-11-8028020

VIVIENDA HOTEL VILLASPrince Turki StreetTel: +966-11-4002200Granada OasisTel: +966-11-5118000

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BEAUTY CLINICS

AL MANIHAL CENTER Diplomatic QuarterTel: +966-11-4881069

AL SAFEERAl Naseem Tel: +966-11-2050810

APOLLOTel: 920027070

AYAN CONSULTATIVE King Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-2725555

AYMA CONSULTATIVE King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2635555

BEAUTY CORNERKing Fahad Rd.Mob: +966-543300557www.beautycorner.co

FOUR SALON & NAIL SPADiplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-2014444www.www.four.com.sa

MALESATakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4888831

MED ART CLINICSOlaya Main St.Tel: 920000045

OBAGI HOSPITALMakkah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4627111

PLATINIUMKhurais Rd.Tel: +966-11-2097777

THE BRITISH CENTERKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-2795555

CLINICS

ATTADAWE King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2780211

CONSULTING CENTERTel: +966-11-4555545

CZECH CENTERInfront of King Saud UniversityTel: 920002737 Tel: + 966-11-4877855

DENTAL CLINICS

AAGI DENTAL CENTERTel: +966-11-2080107

DIMA DENTALTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4661200

GAMA DENTAL CLINICKing Abdulaziz RoadTel: +966-11- 4542929Mob: +966-534542929

NOBLE SMILEAbdullah Al Angary St.Tel: +966-11-4197740

RAMAH DENTALTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4800931

SANAYA DENTALTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-2174888

EYE CARE

AL HOKAMAMallazTel: +966-11-4797777

MENSHAF EYE CAREAl RawdaMob: +966-565869059

HOSPITALS

ABAS MEDICAL GROUPRawda-Hamra-DababTel: 920000172

ADMAMakkah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4660000

ALAMAL COMPLEX FOR MENTAL HEALTHAl Khuzami Dist. Tel: +966-11-4804548www.alamal.med.sa

AL FALAH INT’L Tel: +966-11-4463737www.alfalah.com.sa

AL HAMMADI HOSPITAL Khalid ibn Yazid Muawiyah St.Tel: +966-11-4643312www.hammadi.com

AL JAFEL HOSPITALWestern Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-4322222www.aljafelhospital.com

AL MOUWASAT HOSPITAL Western Ring Rd., Exit 114Tel: +966-11-4455555

DALLAH HOSPITALTel: +966-11-4720777

DR. ABDUL RAHMAN AL MISHARI HOSPITALOlaya Dist.Tel: +966-11-4657700 http://drabdulrahmanalmishari.com.sa

DR. SULAIMAN AL HABIB Olaya Medical Complex Tel: +966-11-4622224www.drsulaimanalhabib.com

GREEN CRESCENTAbdul Malik Bin Marwan St. Tel: +966-11-4644434www.gch.com.sa

KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY King Abdul Aziz Rd.Tel: +966-11-4775524www.medicine.ksu.edu.sa

FITNESS CENTERS

KIDS MY GYMPanorama MallTel: +966-11-42814870

ENT CENTERTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4802229MAYIEZ MEDICALOlaya Tel: +966-11-2169999

PEARL’S SMILESulaimaniyaTel: +966-11-4646334

RIYADH MEDICALOrouba St.Tel: +966-11-4653060

SAUDI SUGEONSTahlia St.Tel: +966-11-4653030

SSCTel: +966-11-2335000

URANUS MEDICALOrouba St.Tel: +966-11-4657000

WHITE WING MEDICAL Takhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4834286

MENAPPLE FITNESSTel: +966-11-4538800

BODY MASTERSTel: 920000626 Tel: +966-11-4875531

FITNESS TIMETel: 920003131

GOLD’S GYMTel: +966-11-6912077

LIFE FITNESSTel: +966-11-2061133

UP SCALE CLUBKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-4871502

WOMENAL MANIHAL CENTERDiplomatic QuarterTel: +966-11-4881069

AL MULTAKA LADIESTel: +966-11-4783388

CURVESOlaya St.Tel: +966-11-4633219

KINETICOTel: +966-11-2815595 Mob: + 966-530034010

LUTHAN HOTEL & SPATel: +966-11-4807799

LUMIEREOlayaTel: +966-11-2169030

NUYU FITNESSwww.nuyu-ksa.com

SCENTEDTel: +966-11-2112003

SPECTRUM Mob: +966-552007897Olaya Main St.


THE EYE CENTERTel: +966-11-4623094www.eyecenter.com.sa

YIBREENOff of Takhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4411115


NATIONAL GUARD HEALTHKing Abdulaziz Medical CityTel: +966-11-8011111www.ngha.med.sa

OBIED SPECIALIZEDAl Farazdaq Rd.Tel: +966-11-4767222

PRINCE SULTAN CARDIAC CENTER Makkah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4783000www.pscc.med.sa

RIYADH CARE HOSPITALTel: +966-11-4933000www.riyadhcare.com

RIYADH MILITARYMakkah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4791000www.rmh.med.sa

S.B.HKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-4636666

SAUDI GERMAN HOSPITALS GROUPKing Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-2685555www.ryd.sghgroup.com.sa

PHARMACIES

ADHWAA AL SEHA Takhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4887455

AL DIMISHQIPrince Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4707887

AL FARABITakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4880843AL HOZAIMIIbn Sulaiman Commercial CenterTel: +966-11-4722054

AL JAZAOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4642072

AL LIZAMOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4655595

AL MOWASA 3Prince Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4568598

AL MUTANABBI Jareer St.Tel: +966-11-2910981

AL OLAYAOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-46411501

AL RAJA NO 2Oruba St.Tel: +966-11-4624942

AL RAWABITakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4828028

AL RIYADHOruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643108

AL SAGGAFTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4640716

AL SAGGAF 25Talatheen St.Tel: +966-11-4645274

AL SHAMEEAHTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4880595

AL TERIAQ Prince Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4828289

AL THALATHEENTalatheen St.Tel: +966-11-4623529

AL SHAMSIAJamal CenterTel: +966-11-4057296

ARAC HEALTH CARETalatheen St.Tel: +966-11-4645107ASIR PHARMACYPrince Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4811629

DAR AL DANAAbdullah Bin Sulaiman Al HamdanTel: +966-11-4643373

MAZIN PHARMACYOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4624562

MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICEDabbab St.Tel: +966-11-4629680

MEDICINE TIMEOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4569140

MOHAMMMED AL HOZAIMIOruba St.Tel: +966-11-4628758

NABRA PHARMACYTakhassusi St.Tel: +966-11-4887329

NAZAAR PHARMACYAl Awais MarketTel: +966-11-4541408

NEO (NEOINTERNATIONAL)Olaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4615089


KING FAHAD MEDICAL CITY (KFMC) Makkah Rd.Tel: 8001277000

KINGDOM HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-2751111

KING FAISAL SHRCAl Zahrawi St.Tel: +966-11-4647272www.kfshrc.edu.sa

KING KHALED EYE SPECIALIST HOSPITALOruba Branch St. Tel: +966-11-4821234www.kkesh.med.sa

KING SAUD MEDICAL CITYAl Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Saud St.Tel: +966-11-4355555www.ksmc.med.sa

MAGHRABI HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-4455049www.maghrabi.com.sa

SPECIALIZED M.C.H King Fahad Rd.Tel: +966-11-41164000

SULTAN BIN ABDULAZIZ HUMANITARIAN CITYExit 6 Tel: +966-11-5620000

NISSAH PHARMACYAl-Rajhi Five BuildingsTel: +966-11-4041573

NOORANA PHARMACY Al MalazTel: +966-11-4785006

OLAYA INTERNATIONALOlaya Main St.Tel: +966-11-4160349

PRINCE PHARMACYTalatheen St.Tel: +966-11-4611418

RAJAA PHARMACY 2Oruba St.Tel: +966-11-4624942

RIYADH CORNERJareer St.Tel: +966-11-4780759

SARA SPECTRUM MEDICAL PHARMACYAkkariya BuildingsTel: +966-11-4601018

SHRAZADSitteen St.Tel: +966-11-4787047

UNIVERSITY PHARMACYAkkariya BuildingsTel: +966-11-4191944

UNIVERSITY (2)Oruba St.Tel: +966-11-4626338

WARDAT AL-OROBAOruba St.Tel: +966-11-4622904

WHITES PHARMACYTel: +966-11-2886877 / 4895994/ 4897750 / 4897751www.whites.net

ZAHRAT AL RAWDA PHARMACYPrince Abdullah Rd.Tel: +966-11-4804935

ZAHRAT SAMIOruba St.Tel: +966-11-4653060

Be visible and join COMING

SOON

BANKS

AL INMA BANK Alanoud Tower Tel: +966-11-2185000www.alinma.com

AL JAZIRA BANK King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd. An Nafal Tel: +966-11-4317474www.baj.com.sa

AL RAJHI BANKUthman ibn Affan Rd Tel: +966-11-4603333www.alrajhibank.com.sa

ARAB NATIONAL BANK Arrwadah Tel: +966-11-4029000www.anb.com.sa

BANK AL BILAD Prince Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Tel: +966-11-4971905www.bankalbilad.com

BANQUE SAUDI FRANSI King Abdullah Rd Tel: +966-11-2899999 www.alfransi.com.sa

NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK Prince Sultan St Tel: 920001000 www.alahli.com

RIYADH BANK King Abdul Aziz Road, Al Murabba Tel: +966-11-4013030www.riyadbank.com

SABB Northern Ring Branch Rd Tel: +966-11-2764356www.sabb.com

SAMBAAlaqiq Dist. Tel: 8001242000www.samba.com

SAUDI HOLLANDI BANKPrince Sultan St Tel: +966-11-2548500 www.shb.com.sa

CAR RENTALS

AL FALAHTel: 920001678

COMPOUNDS

ISHBILIATel: +966-11-2406000Mob: +966-593111389www.ksacompounds.com

AL HAMRA OASIS VILLAGETel: +966-11-2490440www.alhamra.com.sa

AL ISSA COMPOUNDTel: +966-11-4918400

AL JAZEERA BADERTel: +966-11-4921135www.badercompound.com

AL MANARTel: +966-11-2460100

AL MOHAEYATel: +966-11-4821222

AL MOSTAQBAL HOMESTel: +966-11-4816666www.almostaqbalhomes.com

AL NAKHEEL RESIDENCETel: +966-11-4704191

COURIER

ARABIAN HALATel: +966-11-4884887www.hala.com.sa

ARAMEXTel: +966-11-4160353www.aramex.com

DHL WORLDWIDE EXPRESSTel: +966-11-4654200www.dhl.com.sa

FEDEXTel: +966-11-4633999www.fedex.com/sa

BONITA VILLAGEMob: +966-597721361www.alwakkan.com

CORDOBA OASIS VILLAGETel: +966-11-24834711www.cordoba.com.sa

DELTA - 11 ESTATE -VILLAS ROSSASTel: +966-11-4803201

DELTA - 2 ESTATE - VILLAS ROSSASTel: +966-11-4804084

EID VILLASTel: +966-11-2483366www.eidvillas.com.sa

EURO COMPOUNDTel: +966-11-4780718

FAL COMPOUNDTel: +966-11-2490091www.falcompound.org

GRANADA VILLAGETel: +966-11-2488387

GREEN CITYOlaya - Rahmaniah Dist.Mob: +966-559623393www.gccompound.tripod.com

JADAWEL COMPOUNDTel: +966-11-2406000

KINGDOM CITYTel: +966-11-2750275www.kingdom-city.com

NAJD COMPOUNDTel: +966-11- 2481040

PALM COURTTel: +966-11-4850288

RANCO VILLAGETel: +966-11-4924411www.ranvil.com

RIYADH VILLAGEKhurais Road, off exit 36Tel: 08111010101 Mob: +966-541362462

ROC COMPOUNDTel: +966-11-2412800www.roc.com.sa

SAHARA TOWERSTel: +966-11-4625666

SEDER VILLAGETel: +966-11-2280000www.sedervillage.com

STAR COMPOUND VILLAS ROSSASTel: +966-11-4881139

VILLAS ROSAS AL-WADITel: +966-11-4881139http://villasrosasco.com

AL MODDARRAJTel: +966-11-4779902

AVISTel: +966-11-4884887

BEST RENT A CARTel: 8001249955

DIPLOMAT Khurais Rd.Tel: 920008008

EUROPCAR Al Ahsaa St.Tel: 920000153

FAZPrince Sultan St.Tel: +966-11-2912679

ICARTel: +966-11-4561099

SAJILTel: +966-11-4935222

THEEB RENT A CARKhurais Rd.Tel: 920000572

UBERApplication: Uber.com/[email protected]

AL OLA NO 7Tel: +966-11-4608095

AL RABWAAl Rabwa Area, Exit 14 close to Nahda Rd.Mob: +966-544096296www.almutlaq.com

AL RAYAN RESIDENTIAL Tel: +966-11-2089027

AL WAHA VILLAGE VILLAS ROSSASTel: +966-11-4864711

AL YAMAMA VILLAGETel: +966-11-4012550

ARAB INVESTMENT Tel: +966-11-4823444

ARIZONA GOLF RESORTTel: +966-11-2484444www.agr.com.sa

ASASCO VILLAGETel: +966-11-4199000

BARADA VILLAGE ARABIAN HOMESTel: +966-11-4541888www.arabian-homes.com




EMBASSIES

ALGERIATel: +966-11-4887171

ARGENTINATel: +966-11-4652600

AUSTRALIATel: +966-11-4887788

AUSTRIATel: +966-11-4801217

BAHRAINTel: +966-11-4880044

BANGLADESHTel: +966-11-4195300

BELGIUMTel: +966-11-4882888

BRAZILTel: +966-11-4880018

BRITAINTel: +966-11-4880077

BRUNEITel: +966-11-4560814

BURKINA FASOTel: +966-11-4652244

CAMEROONTel: +966-11-4880022

CANADA Tel: +966-11-4882288

CHINA Tel: +966-11-4832126

CZECH REPUBLICTel: +966-11-4503617

DENMARKTel: +966-11-4880101Ext 111163

DJIBOUTITel: +966-11-4543182

EGYPT

Tel: +966-11-4810159

Tel: +966-11-4831458

ERITREA

Tel: +966-11-4801731

OVERSEAS COURIER SERVICETel: +966-11-4647193www.ocstracking.com www.ocscouner.com

UPS GLOBALTel: +966-11-4626655www.ups.com

ETHIOPIA

Tel: +966-11-4824055

FINLAND

Tel: +966-11-4881515

Ext 9

FRANCE

Tel: +966-11-4881255

GABON

Tel: +966-11-4567173

GAMBIA

Tel: +966-11-2052158

GERMANY

Tel: +966-11-4880700

GHANA

Tel: +966-11-4545122

GREECE

Tel: +966-11-4801975

GUINEA

Tel: +966-11-4881121

HUNGARY

Tel: +966-11-4546707

INDIA

Tel: +966-11-4884144

INDONESIA

Tel: +966-11-4882282

IRAN

Tel: +966-11-4881444

IRELAND

Tel: +966-11-4882300

ITALY

Tel: +966-11-4881212

JAPAN

Tel: +966-11-4881100

JORDAN

Tel: +966-11-4880071

KENYA

Tel: +966-11-4882484

KOREA

Tel: +966-11-4882211

KUWAIT

Tel: +966-11-4883500

LEBANON

Tel: +966-11-4804060

MALAYSIA

Tel: +966-11-4887100

MALI

Tel: +966-11-2290753

MALTA

Tel: +966-11-4615315

MAURITANIA

Tel: +966-11-4646749

MEXICO

Tel: +966-11-4808822

MOROCCO

Tel: +966-11-4826382

NEPAL

Tel: +966-11-4645170

NETHERLANDS

Tel: +966-11-4880011

NEW ZELAND

Tel: +966-11-4887988

NIGERIA

Tel: +966-11-4823024

NORWAY

Tel: +966-11-4881904

Ext 300

OMAN

Tel: +966-11-4823120

PAKISTAN

Tel: +966-11-4884111

PERU

Tel: +966-11-4822474

PHILIPPINES

Tel: +966-11-4823559

PORTUGAL

Tel: +966-11-4826964

QATAR

Tel: +966-11-4825544

RUSSIA

Tel: +966-11-4811432

SENEGAL

Tel: +966-11-4880146

SIERRA LEONE

Tel: +966-11-4643982

SINGAPORE

Tel: +966-11-4803855

SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +966-11-4429728

SPAIN

Tel: +966-11-4880606

SRI LANKA

Tel: +966-11-4608232

SUDAN

Tel: +966-11-4887979

SWEDEN

Tel: +966-11-8806700

Ext 204

SWITZERLAND

Tel: +966-11-4881291

SYRIA

Tel: +966-11-4887481

TANZANIA

Tel: +966-11-4542833

THAILAND

Tel: +966-11-4881174

TUNISIATel: +966-11-4887900

TURKEYTel: +966-11-4820101

UAETel: +966-11-4881227

UGANDATel: +966-11-4544910UKRAINETel: +966-11-4508536

URUGUAYTel: +966-11-4620739

USA Tel: +966-11-4801831

YEMENTel: +966-11-4881769

www.DestinationListing.comCOMING

SOON

THE FIRST AUGMENTED REALITY ENABLED MAGAZINE IN KSA

Download Destination KSA AR+ app Available on Google play

for Android devices through the below QR Code

Look for the Destination KSA AR+ logo on magazine pages

Open the application and point the camera to the

page with the AR+ icon and experience the magic.

Scan the QR code to download the application from Google Play, Destination KSA AR+ Application is developed and powered by Zeedia platform.

www.zeedia.net

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY? Augmented reality is an advanced technology that enhances digital information with a live video. In other words, AR utilizes an existing picture and blends new data into it. This technology can offer numerous benefits for businesses; as it helps customers experience what your product has to offer in an entertaining attractive method. Experts refer to augmented reality as an artificial environment presented through the combination of real world and digital data.

WHAT IS DESTINATION KSA AR+?Destination KSA AR+ is a mobile application through which Desitnation jeddah evolved to Augmented Reality enabled Magazine. We believe that through AR technologies the perception of printed media can be altered to the best.

Combining printed media with AR technologies will enhance the reader experience enormously through:- Circularity of communication - Dynamic Contents

- High degree of interactivity- Active enjoyment- Multi-mediality.So enabling Destination Jeddah with AR technologies through the use of Destination KSA AR+ will definitely revolutionize the perception of its readers.

Follow the below instructions to download the application and enjoy a whole new experience of Destination Jeddah Magazine. Reality has been Updated.

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Documents

DR Issue 26