Your Perfect Holiday Escape

It’s the end of the year and people deserve a break — that’s why so many are out on the roads or in the air this time of year. Of course, the time leading up to that vacation can be incredibly stressful. You still have all of the responsibilities of the season along with tying up loose ends before your holiday. Today’s guest post is from Henry Moore from Fit Well Traveler whose helpful tips can help you plan the perfect holiday escape while cutting down on stress and anxiety.

Picking the Perfect Vacation Destination

The right destination can make all the difference in vacation planning. Instead of wasting half of your vacation traveling halfway around the world, consider spots that are closer to your home so you can cut down on travel time. For instance, if you live in Saudi Arabia, there are amazing destinations that only take a handful of hours to get to. The urban splendor of Istanbul is a sight to behold for those who love architecture and history. The people of Oman are incredibly hospitable, making it a perfect escape for those who want a break from office politics. And Qatar is a great destination for those looking for a beach escape.

Securing Your Home

Once you’ve picked the perfect destination, you want to make sure what you leave behind is safe while you are gone. To keep your mind at ease, install a security system that monitors and records what’s happening in and around your property. If an intrusion occurs, the system should alert the appropriate authorities and dispatch them immediately. A security system is imperative during the holidays when there is a spike in burglaries and home break-ins. If you live in a compound, let your compound manager know that you will be away. It is also a good idea to switch off the water supply while you’re gone to avoid those flooding horror stories we often hear of. Some compounds require one or two air conditioners to be left on at all times to avoid mould. Find out what your compound policy is.

Another way to help mitigate the risk is to hire a house sitter while you are gone. Having somebody staying in your home reduces the chances of break-ins even when they are not there. Burglars tend to case a house for days before breaking in. If they see a car going in and out of the driveway or a person coming in and out of the front door, they move on.

Take Care of Yourself

The holiday season can trigger stress and anxiety that can affect your overall health — and illness is the last thing you need before your big vacation! While you may have a million things going on leading up to your travels, don’t forget to take time out of your days for a little exercise. Physical activity helps regulate cortisol levels and boosts your immune system. It will also help you keep off those extra pounds we tend to gain throughout the season.

Speaking of which, don’t neglect your dietary needs in favor of hoovering sweets and treats. A healthy diet includes whole grains, lean protein, fiber, and heart healthy fats. Eating well helps reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety because your body is properly fueled to help deal with whatever comes your way. While you shouldn’t deprive yourself of all holiday indulgences, keep balance in mind. For instance, if you go to a decadent dinner one night, opt for a lighter day of eating on the morrow.

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Millions of people travel during the holiday season each year. The increase in traffic along with the stresses of the season can hinder your enjoyment if you plan on going somewhere. To help mitigate the anxiety, choose to vacation in a place that is easy to access while catering to your desires. Make sure your home is safe while you are gone with a security system and a house sitter. Finally, do not neglect your health this time of year. Exercise and proper diet will keep you healthy and ready to enjoy yourself.

Top Tourism Attractions in Jeddah!

Jeddah, the wonderful city of Saudi Arabia, is steadily growing in stature as the commercial capital and a gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The most easygoing city of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah has a rich history of trade and commerce through its port, in the bygone era.

Today, Jeddah is changing its image with innovative architecture and design. The Corniche and seafront has been tastefully developed along with interesting public squares and upscale shopping malls. It also has a reputation of serving delectable, fresh, sea food and international cuisine. There is lots to do in Jeddah and Saurabh Das gives us his top tips on what to see and where to go in the city.

Corniche at Sunset with King Fahd’s Fountain in the background. Photo Credit: Tim E White

King Fahd’s Fountain

King Fahd’s Fountain is the world’s largest water fountain, and is located on the newly decorated Jeddah Corniche. Visit the Fountain in the evening to see its wonderful lighting effects. The fountain was constructed between 1980 and 1983, and was inaugurated in 1985. The Fountain jets water to a height of 853 meters with a maximum speed of 375 kilometers per hour, and is visible throughout the city of Jeddah!

Balad, The Historic District.
Photo Credit: Joanna Browne.

Balad

Balad is the old part of Jeddah and reminds one of the bygone glory of the city. This is the location where the first settlement of Jeddah was established by fishermen over 2,500 year ago. The port of Jeddah received millions of devotees, who arrived in the country via sea, to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. The architecture in Balad mainly showcases traditional coral stones and woodwork of Roshan which helps to regulate the flow of air.

The Floating Mosque (halaltrip.com)

Floating Mosque

The beautiful Floating Mosque is located on the North Corniche, jutting out from the Red Sea. Its unique architecture and positioning gives out an illusion as if it is floating on water. The interiors are wonderfully decorated, made of shining white marble. The mosque is also a favourite spot for Mecca bound pilgrims during their stay in Jeddah.

Medina Gate

The Bab Medina Gate is a part of the old city wall that used to enclose the old historic neighbourhood of Balad on all sides. Today, the city gate is the only remaining part of that wall. The Medina Gate is an imposing city gate, made up of limestone and embedded with corals, and is wonderfully illuminated in the evening with stunning lighting effects.

Makkah Gate

Makkah Gate

Makkah Gate, one of the oldest structures in Saudi Arabia, also known as the “Quran Gate”, is located on the Makkah Mukkarram road of the Jeddah-Makkah highway. It is the official entrance to the holy city of Makkah and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. The gate was designed in 1979 by an Egyptian architect, Samir Elabd, and the structure is an elegant representation of the Holy Quran resting on a book stand.

Jeddah Corniche

The Jeddah Corniche is an amazing waterfront which has been redeveloped into a contemporary Red Sea playground. The Corniche runs all along the waterfront for over 60 kilometers. The north and south of the Corniche has good beaches and coral reefs, which can be best explored by scuba diving and deep sea diving.

Fakieh Aquarium

Saudi Arabia’s only aquarium for public, the Fakieh Aquarium is an amazing destination which offers a comprehensive insight into the marine biology of the Red Sea, as well as from other seas and oceans from all over the world. Close to 200 species of sharks, dolphins, sea lions, groupies, sting rays, napoleon wrasse, sea horses, Murrays, and sea dragons, among others.    

Silver Sands Beach
Photo Credit: Joanna Browne

Silver Sands Beach

Silver Sands beach is an exclusive, well-maintained beach in Jeddah, which is a hotspot for expats living in the city. The beach has lovely palm trees amidst the backdrop of the shimmering Red Sea. It offers excellent swimming and water sports facilities, along with a restaurant, an exclusive club and many more amenities.

Mall of Arabia

The Mall of Arabia is a highly popular shopping mall located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is located on the eastern side of Medina Road. The mall is located close to the King Abdulaziz International Airport, and features Kidzania, Billy Beez and Vortex – three amazing kid’s entertainment zones.

Souk Al Alawi (Getty Images)

Souq Al Alawi

The Souq Al Alawi is one of the traditional souqs of the country, and is located in the heart of the old city. This place is an amazing destination, if you’re looking to buy genuine Arabian jewelry, Islamic art, and traditional dresses. Bargaining is encouraged by the local merchants here, and the souq is extremely pedestrian-friendly, giving you a great shopping experience without the disturbance of bikes and cars.

1001 Nights Persian Rug Educational Tour

Welcome back after a hot and humid summer! If you are new to the Kingdom, or simply settling back in after the holidays, make sure you visit the blog regularly and bookmark us for lots of local activities, workshops and tours.

Join this free guided tour in English shedding light on history, making and craftsmanship of Persian rugs. Learn how to identify an antique rug, quality and how to select the perfect rug for your space, care and the story behind the rug. Our exquisite spokesperson comes from a family with generational history in the art of trading rugs.

Date: September 3rd, 2015.

Time: 9:30am to 11:30am

Venue: Hindawiya District-Bukhari Street

Cost-None

For further details and registration, visit the event page on Facebook.

Artisans of Love: Hidden Jewel Tour Series

Arabian Jewel is organising an exclusive visit to Saudi Arabia’s most exclusive interior designer. The pictures below speak for themselves.

Guided tour
A treasure cove for art and design enthusiasts. Displaying art, interior design, exclusive fabrics, unique furniture and an unmatchable ambiance. Find out from the artist himself what inspires his work, how to integrate stylish interiors and find your personal decor style in your space.

Hidden Jewel Speaks
“My inspiration is driven from the hidden soul and beauty that relies in all my surroundings. The warmth of desert sand dunes, the calmness of the sea, the rigidness of stones and musical rhythms of nature… Anything that triggers the senses, and challenges the thought.”

Date: 12 November at 10:45–12:30

Unique Opportunity
Meet with the artist
Ask questions
Shop for unique interiors
Discover beauty in the heart of Jeddah

Register your interest on this event page.

First 6 to RSVP will be granted tour pass
LIMITED audience: 10 participants max
RSVP: By November 7th
All confirmed attendees will be privately emailed map and directions

Stay three nights in a Radisson Blu Hotel in Saudi Arabia and enjoy an exciting one night stay in Dubai

Summer for the Radisson Blu Hotels has always been the season for big opportunities and exciting experiences. The 2014’s summer season isn’t absolutely an exception. Radisson Blu, one of the world’s leading brands located in different prime locations including major cities, airports, gateways and leisure destinations around the world launched for this summer a special offer for its customers in KSA allowing many of them to enjoy the Radisson Blu’s hospitality and relaxation.

If you are planning to stay for three nights in one of the Saudi Arabian Radisson Blu Hotels then be ready to win a free weekend night in Dubai. The lucky winners will enjoy the charm of a unique experience that combines world-class travel with unprecedented personal service that will make every guest feel both comfortable and taken care of thanks to the attentive hospitality and high quality service.

Haven’t you decided yet where to stay in KSA? There is no need to be confused. All you have to do is to click on the following link: www.radissonblu.com/ksahoteldeals and get your hotel booked in one of the most special places in Saudi Arabia. Once the booking is validated for three nights then you will have a certain opportunity to win a free night stay in Dubai for an astonishing experience that will certainly mark your summer.

– Sponsored by Radisson Blu

Arabian Jewel Embrace Culture Initiative: Ramadan Nights in Balad

Come, come whoever you are… expat, bedu, merchant or royal…

Balad’s enticing yearly Ramadan Festivities await you. Experience Ramadan by visiting Balad with your friends and family on the day(s) of your choice.

Photo credit: Helmy Saggaf

Dates

1-RAMADAN EXPERIENCE
Daily 1st Ramadan to 20th Ramadan
10pm to 2am

2-EID EXPERIENCE
Daily 25th of Ramadan to 5th *Shawwal
10pm to 2am

Location: Historic Balad District (please see map)

Please note:

1) This is not a guided tour.

2) No charges, no entry fee, no tour fees. This is open to ALL at NO COST.

Come, come, whoever you are,
Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving.
It doesn’t matter.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come, even if you have broken your vows
a thousand times.
Come, yet again, come, come.
(Jalauddin Rumi)

Thank you to Arabian Jewel in cooperation with Jeddah’s Heart, for bringing us this event. You can visit the event page for further details.

*Shawwal: month following Ramadan.

FREE Tour of Balad – Not to be Missed!

If you live in Jeddah, a historical tour of Balad is a must-do event. We had to do a double-take when we saw this excellent tour being offered completely FREE.

Date: 19th June, 2014

Time: 4:45 – 7pm. Tour starts at 5pm

Register on the Arabian Jewel Event Page to express interest. All ages welcome.

 

Camel Cuteness: Souvenirs from Jeddah

Having been in Jeddah town for around five years now, and having gone back at least eight times, I was fast beginning to feel like I had exhausted all options for my ‘Arab souvenirs’. Friends and families back home had had just about enough of our regular take-homes of assorted dates and fancy nuts from Roasters. Most of the souvenir shops at Jarir Mall and Red Sea Mall were drastically over-priced.

When I come back to Jeddah, I often bring back traditional stuff for my Arab colleagues, something deeply traditional, with a strong feel of place, like Ajrak-printed bedsheets, embroidered cushion covers, and winter shawls.  It leaves them elated and asking for more. I was looking for something along those lines, something that makes a very strong statement without necessarily inducing bankruptcy.

As they say, if you’re not a Muggle, magic finds a way to happen. So, where do I hit upon this goldmine of cuteness? In the departure lounge at the airport. Yes, apparently a new or a very recent addition, because I did not see this before, a brand called The Camel Company, which operates from Dubai UAE, has a whole range of souvenirs including notebooks, pens, wallets, cups, decorative plates, cushion covers, key chains, mouse pads, coasters, fridge magnets, paper weights and such.

The motifs are very Arab with a strong dash of color and spunk. The most refreshing part is definitely the colour palette, with bright and deep colours that just leap off the racks and beg purchase. The images for the brand are mostly clichés of the Arab landscape and way of life, but they are very artfully appropriated for a fun effect. They would have to be Arab in the broadest sense of the word, not necessarily Saudi per se, but I don’t think the benefactors of these souvenirs would be overly fussy about that.

Camels and more camels

Camels and more camels!

I don’t know what takes the cup for cuteness, the multi-hued camel with the drooping lower lip, the palm-sized Bedouin girl and boy in authentic Bedouin costume, the mosque sprouting out of desert ground on a set of coasters, the notebook with the ornate calligraphy or the fridge magnets that look like little jewels. For the moment, they look like they’re all winning, and I’m taking them all!

 

Ever Wondered About The Tomb of Eve (Hawwa)?

Jeddah (or Jiddah) means grandmother in Arabic, and the city is named thus due to the belief that the tomb of Eve or Hawwa lies within this city. The tomb is known as Maqbara Hawwa and is not openly advertised to the public. Guest blogger Delina Partadiredja who writes regularly for aMuslima.com visited the site and reported back to Jeddah Blog.

According to the Koran, Torah and Bible, Adam and Eve did not follow the commands of God to abstain from the forbidden fruit. As a consequence, after being tempted by the devil, they were commanded by God to come down to Earth.

Where did Adam and Eve come on Earth for the first time? Although there are various opinions on the topic, it is cited in Ad-Dur Al Manthur, (Ibn Abbas R.A) that Adam, Eve, Satan and the snake fell at a place called Dajnah, which is between Makkah and Ta’if. Other books claim that Adam landed at Al-Safa while Eve landed at Al-Marwah; the two hills in Makkah where the Sa’i is performed during Umrah in the Grand Mosque. Another source mentions that Adam landed in India while Eve landed in Jeddah and Adam looked for Eve in Muzdalifah (where the stoning ritual is performed during Hajj).

The signpost reads Muqbara Hawwa in Arabic, which means ‘The Tomb of Eve’.

Jeddah means ‘grandmother’ and according to Arab traditions, it is believed that the mother of all human beings (Eve) was buried in Jeddah. Eve’s burial location has not been publicised, but a few years ago I visited the site that is believed to be the tomb of Eve. The place is located near the mosque of Qisash heading toward Balad around the old Jeddah. The public cemetery has no headstones, thus no can tell where exactly Hawwa was buried. This is to prevent people from turning a cemetery into a sacred place for pilgrimages or to engage in Shirk (Polytheism) by asking for blessings and favours from the dead; something that is prohibited in Islam.

The door to the Tomb of Eve. Benches have been placed within.

Her tomb is about 3 metres long and whitewashed. Before being destroyed, the tomb of Eve was about 120m long, 3m wide and 6m high. For those who want to visit the place, people are usually only allowed to stand at the front door of the tomb (this was previously coloured green). Visitors are prohibited inside the tomb and the open doors are guarded to prevent entry.

The tomb was said to be originally almost 400 feet long and that Eve was one hundred and eighteen feet tall.

References: Atlas of the Qur’an by Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalil

Special thanks to Delina Partadiredja for writing for us, and to Zareen Muzaffar for her help in editing this piece.