Jeddah Blog: The End of an Era

Dear Readers,

As some of you may know already, I relocated to Lahore, Pakistan with my family in July 2017. The move has been good in many ways and challenging in others. Initially, I could not bear the thought of shutting down Jeddah Blog, but as we are now settling in, with new responsibilities and roles, the inevitable seems to be making itself clear.

Thanks to my many sponsors over the years, Jeddah Blog was able to sustain itself financially, but this is no longer becoming viable. In addition, the physical distance from Jeddah is taking its toll on the content of the blog.

Its been an amazing ride, these last 10 years. I have loved every moment of setting up the blog, creating and editing its content, engaging some amazing writers and contributors, and building (and in some cases befriending) its readership, and winning many blogging awards along the way.

For now, the Jeddah Blog Facebook group will remain active as it is a great resource for newcomers and prior residents alike, but this will be my last blog post.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this unforgettable journey. Love you all.

Sabaa x

 

Glitched Stores: A new online store to look out for!

What’s hot and trending in online shopping? A new online store – Glitched Stores has stepped into the e-commerce market offering the most dope products at reasonable prices!

Glitched Stores aim to offer unconventional product designs at very reasonable rates. Their products range from artist and series inspired clothing to phone accessories and home décor to keep your lifestyle lit!

T-shirts (33% off for White Friday!)

Celebrate your love for your favorite rock band by wearing these casual Arctic Monkeys t-shirts! Fit for any occasion as long as you keep loving the band! You can buy these shirts here.

 

Travelling through infinite realities, Rick and Morty have surely captured our attention! So let’s get schwifty in different dimensions with these casual Rick and Morty t-shirts! You can buy these shirts here.

 

Home Décor (Free shipping for White Friday!)

Wall Murals are the most unique and affordable way to add depth and dimension to your room! A tasteful, well-placed and inspirational wall mural can change your room from bland to spectacular.

Calaveras – “Todos somos Calaveras” – We all are skeletons. Underneath our manmade trappings, we all are same. Inspired from Mexican culture, these trippy calaveras (skull) wall murals are an eccentric reminder of life. (Price 55 SAR)

 

Calligraphy – Deriving its beauty from austerity, this Arabic Kufic calligraphy has a particular appeal for problem-solvers. These spiritual wall murals let you receive blessings by gazing upon them every day! (Price 60 SAR). Buy these here.

 

Mandala – A Mandala symbolizes your relation to the infinite; a world that extends both within and outside your body and mind. You can trip on these soothing wall murals anytime and also give your home a bohemian touch! (Price 55 SAR). Buy these here.

 

Yin Yang – “When people see things as beautiful, ugliness is created. When people see things as good, evil is created.” This mystical Yin Yang wall mural celebrates wholeness and is said to invoke unconscious awakening in people. (Price 55 SAR) . Buy these here.

 

iPhone Covers: (50% off for White Friday!)

Appreciate your love for doodles with these animal themed iPhone 7/8 series cases! This case will bring all the wilderness to your iPhone and style! Buy these here.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Fell in love with a trend that has not entered the local market? Glitched Stores has an eye out for most exceptional trends in the world!

Coming soon – Socks!
In Glitched Stores, shopping for socks is not boring at all! Check out these comical socks for the free-spirited!

The biggest sale of the year is here! This White Friday, you enjoy up to 50% off and free shipping only from 22-25 Nov. So head over to the Glitched Store now before these run out of stock!

Stay woke and stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook !

 

Jeddah Photography and Exhibition Workshop

A unique photography and exhibition workshop is coming up this month in Jeddah led by internationally acclaimed photographer and producer Richard Wilding.

 

The 6 session workshop will include day and night photography sessions in Al Balad, the vibrant centre of old Jeddah. Participants will be led through the process of selecting and editing their photographs, and the procedures for organising, printing and presenting an exhibition.

Click here to register.

Fee: £ 450 or SR 2,225

Who should participate?

Participants should be aged 18+ and almost fluent in spoken English.

Participants should have a professional or semi professional SLR and a good understanding of the principles of photography.

Participants should have a Mac or PC laptop with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge software.

Programme

Tuesday 14th November / 5 – 8pm

Course introduction

Richard Wilding shows his work and previous exhibitions

Technical and creative brief

Preparation of equipment

Thursday 16th November / 5.30- 8.30pm

Night photography in Al Balad

Saturday 18th November / 10am – 1pm

Editing of images from night photography

2.30 – 5.30pm

Daylight photography in Al Balad

Tuesday 21st November / 5 – 8pm

Editing of images from daylight photography

Thursday 23rd November / 5 – 8pm

Group discussion on exhibition theme and title

Selection of images for exhibition

Saturday 25th November / 10am – 1pm

Preparation of final images for printing

2.30 – 5.30pm

Printing of images commences at printers

Wednesday 29th November

Exhibition opening for participants and their friends and family

 

Richard Wilding

Richard Wilding is a London based photographer and producer working internationally with museums, charities and NGOs. He specialises in the documentation of archaeology, costume and cultural identity in the Middle East. He is a trustee of The Mansoojat Foundation, a charity formed to preserve and document the traditional costumes and heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Richard Wilding’s photography has been exhibited in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, University of Exeter, UK and the Houses of Parliament, London. He has also organised and designed exhibitions and publications in Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the UK.

 

Instamania Bazaar

Instamania, a bazaar showcasing instapreneurs, was held on Friday, the 13th of October, from 5 pm to 11 pm. It took place at Arbab Al Heraf which is located on Yamamah Street, near Cup and Couch cafe.

Arbab Al Heraf (Master of Crafts) is a cafe/movement launched by a group of youngsters making an effort to preserve and spread the beauty of art and music in Saudi Arabia. The gallery organises music events, workshops, and other events related to showcasing artistic talents.

Vintage items by The Retro Shop

The bazaar was organised by Trendsetters. Trendsetters is an online clothing brand set up by Areeb Younus, a budding young man with a creative side.

Edibles by Rina’s Food

Brands like Glamour Beauty Jeddah, Asterix Art, Retro Shop Jeddah, Rina’s Food and more were given an opportunity to market themselves and sell their products.

Artwork by Asterix Art

Apart from that, the event featured a spellbinding show of live painting by the artist known as Asterix Art.

Joint stall of Trendsetters and Glamour Beauty Jeddah

The bazaar set up consisted of paintings, customised lettering, posters, bookmarks, abaayas, customised t-shirts, mugs and other unique items. More than fifty people from across Jeddah visited the bazaar.

Art collection from Zendisa

The aim is to host more such events in order to shine light on the hidden gems of Jeddah. Any artist or business looking to set up a booth in future events can reach out to Trendsetters, or Areeb Younus himself on Instagram.

Customised artwork by Anjali Ranjan

 

In addition to the hyperlinks above, click here to follow Daliaa Ashour and Elite Club Jeddah on Instagram.

Written by Abeer Mahadi.
Pictures courtesy Hamza Taher.

 

Jeddah Blog makes the TOP 100 Middle East Blogs

I am so honoured and excited to announce to you all that Jeddah Blog has been included in the Top 100 Middle East blogs by Feedspot.

Here is the awesome badge they have presented to JB:

Thank you all for reading, sharing, commenting on and continuing to support Jeddah Blog. Drop us a line. I love hearing from you all.

Sabaa

 

 

International Writing Competition 2017

The Seplaa Young Leaders’ believe that the pen is mightier than the sword and in this digital age, the tap of the keyboard can connect worlds and people.

Seplaa therefore want to encourage young people all over the world to use their words to connect with each other and let us see inside their worlds, to be able to learn from one another.

Theme: “What I Call Beautiful”

Sharing stories is the best way to connect.

Share your stories by applying for the Seplaa Young Leaders’ Club International Writing Competition 2017.

For more information please write to Amal Malik at contact.sylc@gmail.com.

See International Writing Competition Rules & Details for 2017 here.

Download SYLC International Writing Competition Details 2017. 

Paperless Post Review

Paperless Post is an online stationery company with a difference. Not only are the designs beautiful and elegant, but they are eco-friendly convenient too. I was super-excited to get a message from them and be asked to explore their website.

If you’re anything like me, then your family and friends will be scattered all over the world. Now whether you want to send them birthday cards, Eid cards, save-the-dates or wedding cards, Paperless Post makes the experience so much easier. But more on that later.

First, let’s take a peek at some of the cute-as-a-button cards they have on offer.

Baby shower…

Belated birthday…

Iftar party…

 

 

Eid Mubarak…

Save-the-Dates…

The sheer number of beautiful designs are breathtaking and I guarantee you’ll be be wasting a lot of your precious time just browsing through them all.

The best part when it comes to invites? Once your guests receive a little envelope in their email inbox, they click on it to reveal the card and can also RSVP there and then!

Go ahead and customise your card. Most cards are free, and some come at a fee. If you want to send printed invitations, you have the option for doing that too – they have truly thought of everything.

Give them a try. Go Paperless today.

 

Elegant Fine Dining at Le Traiteur

Ramadan is a time of spirituality, self-control and self-reflection. Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset choosing to spend the holy month mostly with family and close friends. Iftar is the evening meal, the breaking of the fast that becomes a special occasion every day. Whether we choose to dine at home, or savour the meal outside, it becomes more than simply a meal and takes on a higher meaning.

When it comes to dining out at Iftar time, Jeddawis are positively spoilt for choice. Food courts and malls become packed and popular restaurants reach their peak. However, what about those restaurants tucked away from mainstream? Those elegant venues not openly advertised, but the quality of their food and service is whispered about in closed circles?

In our latest blog post, Jeddah Blog’s extreme foodie Abdullah Yahya spills the beans on one of the hidden gems of Jeddah’s food scene, French restaurant Le Traiteur. After reading this review, you’ll be sure to want to experience the elegance, quality and personal touch of this fine dining restaurant.

Do you know of any hidden gems that you would recommend? Secret restaurants that only a select few know about? Let us know in the comments below.

I don’t know about you, but in Ramadan I try to avoid going to open-buffet restaurants for Iftar. They are usually overcrowded, way overpriced, and they induce overeating. I know many foodies like myself who are hesitant to dine out in Ramadan because of that. That is why if you are anything like me, you should consider visiting Le Traiteur. Tucked away in a beautiful small villa in a residential area in Ash-Shati Dist., Le Traiteur is a hidden gem that not many know or talk about.

Approaching Le Traiteur

It’s a fine dining French restaurant that I can only describe as simply elegant. The restaurant is small and intimate, it has perhaps 10 – 15 tables at most, and when you enter from the main door, you feel you have been transferred to a French ballroom.

Beautifully classic French decor

I have dined at Le Traiteur several times during the years, but I have not been there for what seems like forever, which is something the restaurant manager noticed as he greeted us at the door, saying ruefully: “Mr. Abdullah, it’s nice to see you again, even though we only see you in Ramadan lately”. It struck me that he is absolutely right. I should be visiting more during the year, because even though I enjoy dining there in Ramadan, just like many restaurants in the city, they swap their regular menu in favour of a more Ramadan themed one, which in not necessarily in keeping with the restaurant cuisine.

Tastefully decorated tables

As we sat at the table minutes before the Maghrib (sunset) calling for prayer. I was busy admiring the elegant surroundings, from the classic furniture and wallpaper, glass displays of China and glassware, elegant table cloths and silverware, to the napkins that were folded to resemble the restaurant emblem. The dim lighting gives you an intimate candle-lit feeling that enhances the experience, and just shortly after the prayer ended, they began to play some classic music in the background that added majesty to the whole ambience.

The service was ever-friendly and attentive, and our waiter took extra care of my 15 month old child and made her feel welcome too.

The Arabic appetizers.

As soon as it was time to break our fast, dates, water, laban (buttermilk), and Arabic coffee was served, with pita and French bread, and a plate of Arabic appetizers. The appetizers consisted of a variety of cheese samosa, beef samosa, kibbeh, and spring rolls. I enjoyed the samosas, and I thought the kibbeh tasted good, but was too brittle and fell apart in the plate.

The soup table: Creamy Seafood and Lentil

Then it was time to head to the buffet and choose a soup. There was a choice between creamy seafood soup and lentil soup, and we opted for the seafood soup, which did not disappoint; it was hearty and warm, but was not heavy. I took a glance at the foul jar next to the soups pots, but then I decided against it, as I needed to be more selective.Next was time to visit the salad bar, and there were more than enough items to keep us happy for the next portion of our meal, and they tasted good as well.

Great variety at the salad bar.

Our waiter then asked us to choose our main course. Every day there are three dishes to choose from, and on this particular day the choices were between Beef Picatta, Chicken Cordon Blue, and Fish & Chips. We opted for the chicken and the beef and neither disappointed, especially the chicken, which was fantastic. I liked the beef too, but by the time I swapped plates with my wife, it was a little cold, but the rice was excellent and I wished I had room in my stomach to finish the plate.

Beef Picatta

Finally, we got round to dessert, and they were no dearth of choices, as the dessert buffet was full of many choice sweets, whether Arabic or Western.

Desserts galore.

There were also many fresh cuts of fruits, and even a chocolate fountain. I especially liked cheesecake and mahlabia (rice pudding) with pistachio and flower essence, and my wife was smitten by the chocolate pudding.

The Chocolate Fountain

Overall, we were very satisfied with our experience in Le Traiteur. It is a place for one who wants to savour one’s meal slowly in a sophisticated ambience. The price is 150 SR pp, which is moderate if you compare it to similar iftars in similar restaurants in Jeddah.

The choices are not very wide making you feel the need to binge, but they are varied enough that you feel satisfied. So, if you want to escape the crowds and have a pleasant experience away from the hustle and bustle of Ramadan buffet in five star hotels, here is your chance. However, if you’re still not convinced that you need to go out in Ramadan, I understand, just make sure to visit the restaurant after the holy month for the same elegant treatment only with proper French cuisine. Note to self: “Practice what you preach, and make sure to visit the restaurant yourself after Ramadan”.

Hospitality 9/10

Ambience 9/10

Soups, salads, and appetizers 9/10

Main dishes 8/10

Dessert 8/10

Value for money 8/10

Address: Abu Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib, Ash Shati, Jeddah 23513, Saudi Arabia

Phone: +966 12 605 5111

Ramadan Offer: Win a Free Subscription with OSN!

We are super-excited to share this awesome giveaway with our very special Jeddah Blog readers.

Hold your breath and read on…

Have you ever wanted to have the freedom to watch what you like, when you like via 150 television channels?

OSN, the region’s leading entertainment network, is offering its customers the opportunity to enjoy 27 unmissable series for the whole family this Holy Month of Ramadan.

Click on the link below for a chance to WIN a 6 month subscription package with OSN, the Middle East’s leading entertainment network, in Ramadan.

Click here to enter the OSN

Competition

OSN’s new GeitItAll™ bundle offers ultimate access to all the best premium, not-to-miss Ramadan series, through OSN’s Plus HD Box that allows subscribers to record, pause and rewind live TV.

OSN’s extensive Ramadan line-up is also available on OSN Play and On Demand and will see the hugely popular Ottoman epic drama series Kösem Sultan, exclusive to OSN, starring award-winning actress, Nurgül Yesilçay.

Egyptian drama on OSN Ya Hala Al Oula HD also features an unbeatable line-up of talent that includes Karim Abdel Aziz in Al Zaybak; Ghada Abdel Razik in Ard Jaw and Donia Sameer Ghanem in Fi El Lala Land. Hayat Al-Fahd performs in gripping Gulf drama Rummana.

Showing on OSN’s Alfa package will be a collection of fantastic Ramadan series. The line-up includes El Hisab Yigma’a starring Yousra and Khalsana Be Shaiaka starring Ahmed Mekky. A glittering line up of stars come together in Li Aala Sie’r featuring Nelly Karim, Ahmed Fahmy and Zeina, while Amr Saad and Reham Hagag are the leading duo in Wada’ Amni. Not to be missed is Halawt El Donia starring Hind Sabry and Dafer Abdeen and Harbana Minha with Yasmine Abd El Aziz.

For the ART series, fans can catch Taim Hassan in Al Haiba as well as Qanadeel Al Oshaq featuring the ever glamorous Cyrine Abdel Nour and La Totfi Al Shams with the popular Amina Khalil.

With OSN Series Link, viewers can take control of their entertainment, ensuring they never miss a moment – recording the entire series in just two simple steps. For more information, visit:  GetItAll™ Bundle and OSN Play.

English and French Lessons

Diann Tanser has been living in Jeddah for just 16 months. She first came to Jeddah to work as a private tutor for a Saudi family and when her contract ended she decided to stay on in Jeddah and set up a private tutoring business.

She is a native English speaker, and bilingual in French. Diann has many years’ experience both in the UK and France working as a private tutor and also working on language development programs.

Diann has a relaxed approach and believes that no matter what your age, learning should be fun!

Saudi Comic Con from a Teen POV

By all accounts, the first ever Saudi Comic Con was a roaring success. The event was held over 3 days as part of an entertainment initiative by the Saudi General Authority for Entertainment, and according to the Arab News the event received a total of 20,000 visitors.

For some background and reviews of the Comic Convention, you can always do a quick web search. However Jeddah Blog decided to give you a different perspective. A teenage one.

Jeddah Blog spoke to 4 young teenagers, Musab Ali (13 years), Omar Dada (14 years), Ramis Faisal (14 years) and Hassan Khatri (14 years) who attended Saudi Comic Con on Day 1 and we asked them what they thought of the event.

From the left: Musab, Darth Vader, Ramis and Hassan.

According to Musab: “This was the best thing to happen in Saudi Arabia. The queue was long, but it was fast-moving. It looked small from the outside, but it was very big once we entered. There were lots of hi-tech gaming consoles, XBox One, computers and PS4s on every corner for people to play on. There was also a comedy show in the evening in Arabic.”

Musab went on to say, “Lots of people were dressed up in costumes. The Joker was clearly the most popular choice. Although we were given free drinks, which was great, there wasn’t a lot of variety of food to purchase, only snacks. Also, there wasn’t enough place to sit if we wanted to take a break. However, there was a VIP lounge for people who had VIP bands.”

When asked about his favourite part of Comic Con Musab said, “The best part was the fighting scene on stage between Thor, Loki, Iron Man, Ant Man and Captain America. The life size Transformer was amazing too.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Ramis summarised the show saying, “I think it was a great experience, a large crowd, and very organised with a variety of stuff to do from trying out new games to buying exclusive merchandise. There were a lot of stalls and a show outside.”

The Boys: [L to R]  Hassan, Ramis, Musab and Omar.

“I thought Comic Con was an amazing experience,” enthused Omar. “It was very organised and full of people and many games to try out, as well as many events. There were also many stalls full of interesting merchandise.” 

Hassan getting some sage advice from Yoda.

Hassan was pleasantly surprised by the event. “The long-awaited Comic Con finally arrived in Jeddah. People were a little apprehensive and didn’t expect much for a first time in Saudi Arabia, but that wasn’t the case. There were lots of international companies selling merchandise that is pretty hard to find in Saudi Arabia or even in the Middle East.”

However, Hassan was disappointed not being able to attend the meet and greet with celebrities: “Unfortunately, not everyone had the chance to meet the guests as it was very expensive”.

Overall, it seems that the show was a great hit with teens as well as older attendees. The show, games and merchandise were of particular interest to this young group. Definitely a step in the right direction for Saudi entertainment and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Photo Credits: Hassan Khatri and Ramis Faisal

Experience a Turkish Bazaar!

Amazing opportunity to soak up some Turkish culture and food this Friday, 9th December 2016.

 

Take a Trip to Jeddah’s Central Fish Market

Is there anything as succulent as fresh fish cooked to perfection? If you’re a seafood lover living on the Red Sea, it is almost a crime to not enjoy the freshest catch available in Jeddah.

If you haven’t already visited Jeddah’s famed fish market, then you might as well handcuff and march yourself down to the nearest police station. On a more serious note, you simply have to make a plan to take a trip there. The market is situated on the Corniche Road, close to the Flagpole in the Al Baghdadiyah District.

When you near the market you’ll see this beautiful mosque.

and then this fishy art piece. That’s when you know that you’re close.

As you pull into the carpark, don’t be put off by the strong smell. It’s just prevalent outside the market. As you enter it is very clean and there is just the smell of the sea and very fresh fish.

You’ll pass some shops where you’ll be able to buy all kind of fishing paraphernalia. And then you’ll enter the fish market itself. Be prepared to be amazed by all the different kind of fish on display.

Parrot fish and Groupers…

Plenty of Hamour.

Heaps of Squid.

Pretty pink fish – possibly Bream or Snapper?

and the most amazing picture of all – Blue Crab!

So the way it works is, you choose your fish by the kilo…

…and if you want it cleaned up, head over to the cleaning-up-and-chopping area to the far end of the market. They will descale, fillet, chop your fish and devein your shrimp at a very nominal cost (around SR4 per kilo).

This is where the pictures end. I was to find out later that taking photographs in this area is not allowed, so I was lucky to capture these shots before being asked to put away my camera.

I recommend taking an icebox/container with you to avoid any drips from the bags. If you want the fish cooked, you’ll find restaurants close by that will do so too.

I can guarantee that once you try this freshest of seafood straight from the Red Sea, you won’t want to go back to buying supermarket produce again.

 

**if I’ve got some of the fish names wrong, please leave a comment and I’ll correct it – thanks!.

What are Sensory Brain Breaks?

Differentiated learning is a framework for providing effective teaching to all students in a classroom regardless of difference in ability. If you are an educator, future teacher or even a mother then this workshop could be just the thing for you.

Think!

* Are your students struggling to learn?

* Do you want to accelerate learning in your group?

* How do you improve the efficiency of students?

* Do you want to improve cognitive skills in your students?

* Do you want to keep them engaged in learning?

* Keep them “focused” and “on task”?

Learn!

Learn how to identify children who are having difficulty coordinating both sides of their bodies.

Did you know that children having such issues have problems with motor functions such as reading and writing and daily functional tasks such as dressing and tying shoes?

Brain breaks are an effective way for reforming the mental and physical state of the learners in your group, whether they are gifted, average or struggling.

Brain breaks stimulate neurological pathways and help both hemispheres of the brain work together.

So join us today with our expert, Dr. Uzma Raheem on Sensory Brain Breaks. Revive effective teaching through techniques that speed the learning process of your children or students.

Highly recommended for educators, mothers and future teachers.

Professional Training. Limited Places.

Enroll today!

Call or whatsapp us:

056 663 1176

050 055 2385

GROUP DISCOUNT (5+): SR. 850 PER TEACHER REGISTERED

**Make sure your teaching is a memory worth treasuring for children**

We help you make that difference. Talk to us to know more!

E-mail: info@masterenglishtraining.com

 

 

Rock Your Cesarean Birth!

A cesarean birth, also commonly known as a c-section can be a daunting, and in many cases a completely unexpected experience for an expectant mum. You may be a mum-to-be who is already planning for a c-section. Or you may not have considered this type of delivery at all, but trust me, you don’t want to be caught unawares by a last minute change of plan.

All of us hope for a normal delivery, but there are many circumstances where that’s simply not possible. If you want to arm yourself with the knowledge of what to expect way in advance and be well-prepared for any eventuality, then this workshop by Al Bidayah is for you. Details are below.

Description :

Everything you need to know before having a Cesarean Birth

• Preparing for a cesarean section
• What to expect during the procedure
• Breastfeeding after surgery
• Going home
• Recovery
• Healing foods
• Belly binding
• Week by week recovery exercises

Time : 9 am – 3 pm

Date : 11/28/2016

Location :  AlBidayah Breastfeeding Resource and Women’s Awareness Center

Fees : SAR 500 (Lunch, snacks and study material included)

Who should attend : Mothers who know they are having a cesarean and those who are at a risk for one.

Contact details : Register here. For more details call / Whatsapp +966 59 814 6050.

Are you running a workshop in Jeddah? Contact us to have your details published to reach an audience of thousands.