Off-Broadway Show iLuminate™ Comes to Jeddah!

iLuminate™, the Off-Broadway smash spectacle is a visual feast. They wowed the USA with their groundbreaking light suits and innovative dance moves on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” where the dance-in-the-dark sensation was selected as one of the hit show’s top finalists after judge Piers Morgan called them “The Best New Act in America!”

You can get hold of your tickets here.

Firstly, a massive thank you to iLuminate™ for inviting Jeddah Blog to watch their show. As if it wasn’t enough to be invited, we were given VIP tickets and prime seating at the event. Special mention goes to Mohammed AlSayed from Katch who very smoothly sorted it all out for us.

A word about the organisers first. I have never, ever seen such an organised crew. We arrived in good time at the venue – the King Abdullah Sports Stadium. There were plenty of event members throughout, from the parking lot to the ticket booth, security and within the stadium itself. Each and every member of staff was so well-trained, so extremely polite and helpful – we were frankly amazed. Even during the interval, cleaners arrived to collect any loose rubbish. For daily show timings check here.

Now coming to the show itself. This is a highly charged, action packed show. There is dance, music and technology combined together with a great storyline. There are lots of ‘wow’ moments and the show succeeds in keeping your attention throughout.

The story revolves around Jacob, a shy young artist who discovers a magic paintbrush. He falls in love with a girl called Ali, but ends up having his magic brush stolen by the show’s villain Darius.

There are plenty of dance routines during this journey, two of my favourite being the Michael Jackson medley and the Bruno Mars song. The show even gets interactive with the audience when Jacob and friends have to crack the code to the portal and ask a little audience member to help them out. Other music featured in the show includes James Brown, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, LMFAO, The Wanted and Sam Smith.

The audience are asked to put away their mobile phones as the glare can interfere with the show – I wish everyone had complied with that request. There were a few people who somehow continued to insist on using their phones despite repeated reminders. Kindly note, when you attend this show, for the sake of others’ enjoyment, please please put away your phones and savour the moment.

Lastly, I must make mention of the audience, which was energetic, responsive and highly entertained. People are starving for family entertainment here in Jeddah and I hope that iLuminate™ will be the first of many world class acts to perform here.

11 Scrumptious Jeddah Breakfasts

Are you and your friends planning a breakfast morning and can’t decide where to go? Jeddah has some awesome places for a wholesome and healthy breakfast plan, and even those who wake up with a sweet tooth. Zareen Muzaffar and Ayesha Nigar take up this delicious task with gusto and present their choices of early morning haunts that will not just satisfy your food cravings but will also charge you up for an active day.

Delifrance

Although they have branches in Attalah Center, the Corniche, Malik Road, and Prince Sultan Street, I frequently visit the one on Prince Sultan Street. Delifrance offers a range of breakfast options and lunch/ dinner meals. Besides the traditional eggs, you can have your sandwiches made according to your particular preference. The tuna and chicken paninis are delicious, and don’t forget to gobble up try their mini chocolate croissants. Their freshly baked whole wheat bread is also something you would want to take home.

Paul

The atmosphere is enough to make you feel you made the right decision to come here. Situated off Tahlia Street (behind Coral Mall, next to Sands Hotel) Paul is a great place for a cozy family breakfast or one that includes your group of friends. Their cheese plate comes with walnuts, bread, raisins, variety of cheese and salad. Great start to the day, right? Their display of baked goods is mouth-watering and makes it difficult to choose from. It’s like picking one piece from a box of chocolates. Who can resist when there’s so much to choose from?

Don’t miss their melt-in-the-mouth almond croissants though. They are so moreish, they’ll have you hooked. For salmon lovers, their potato pancake topped with smoked salmon is simply divine. I guarantee that their hot chocolate is the richest and thickest you’ll have tasted yet. On Fridays, they are open from 8-11 am and from 1 pm to 1 am. It’s busy though on weekends, so try to get there early if you want to be seated quickly.

Update: Paul now have a brighter, better, newer branch in Mall of Arabia. Under different management, they have a different menu too. The best part is the friendly service and no queues!

The Crêpe Café

I went to the one in Mall of Arabia and I must say their menu impressed me. We tried the spinach and cheese omelet and my taste buds suggested it was definitely made with fresh ingredients. If you are in the mood for something sweet try their Canadian style waffle which is drizzled with maple syrup and topped with ice cream of your choice. They also have a wide variety of crepes and waffles, and the Vanilla Chai Latte was simply amazing.

One should not attend even the end of the world without a good breakfast. ― Robert A. Heinlein.

Teayana

Regular Teayana visitors know by now about the variety of tea available at the restaurant. Healthy herbal teas, as well as Chai Latte and Caramel Latte are some of the delicious drinks that will wake you up. Try their fresh manaeesh with your choice of drink or go for some wholesome egg dish. Great for brunch as they offer hot sandwiches and bagels too.

Update: Sadly, Teayana is now closed. Hoping it will open up again in the city.

Le Croissant Shop

This place is really good if you are in the mood for some croissant sandwiches; otherwise also known as“crois-sandwiches”. They have a variety of muffins, sandwiches, pastries and croissants that you can have at the restaurant or just take home for tea time.

Kalila

Situated in The Courtyard on Rawdah Street, a beautifully open and bright location for many eateries, Kalila is a wonderful addition to cosy cafes in Jeddah. Their rustic decor is a delight in the mornings and outdoor seating is lovely when the weather is cool. Must-haves are Sajj with feta dip and their fresh pomegranate juice. Open from 8am. Perfect!

IKEA

Who would have thought that IKEA would become a popular spot for breakfasts and other meals, but you’d be surprised. Their restaurant section is often jam-packed and their traditional Saudi breakfast is a big hit with families in the mornings. I’m quite partial to their salmon salad and can never say no to sausages. The prices are very reasonable and the seating plan is open, perfect for an early morning get-together. And you can even walk it all off with a trip round the store.

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” 

“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” 

“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. 

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.”

IHOP

IHOP (International House of Pancakes) just opened its doors to the people of Jeddah, who appreciate a good cuisine wholeheartedly. Located in a prime spot on fashionable Tahlia Street (opposite Debenhams), this international franchise is a paradise for breakfast lovers.

The size of the restaurant and the proximity between the tables is a little downside, but as soon as you take that first glance at the menu your mood brightens up. They have a tremendous variety of breakfast options the likes of which I have never seen in Jeddah before. From omelets to sandwiches, pancakes to waffles and crepes, they have everything that one can desire at breakfast time, all under one roof.

I would recommend the steak omelet and the hash browns with turkey. If you’re going as a family, try their fresh orange juice jug.

Portion sizes are quite big. Nearly all breakfasts come with a complementary plate of pancakes and the blueberry ones were packed with their namesake. Four delicious syrups are provided at each table: Butter Pecan, Blueberry, Strawberry and Regular.

The staff is highly professional and competent, and will even help you to decide your order – a must try!

Average per person SR 65-75 including drinks.

Insider tip: If you’re heading there on the weekend, get in early to avoid the queues.

Amara

The quote “You first eat with your eyes, then your nose, then your mouth” is quite true for Amara, an international cuisine presented with a twist to treat all your senses. The ambiance is fresh, classy and comfortable. Amara welcomes its guests from 8 am till 1 pm for breakfast daily, with an amazing view to enjoy. The menu explains the dishes very nicely and one can feel that due attention is given to each and every small detail.

My friends and I were perplexed as to what to order, as everything sounded so tempting. At long last, we mutually decided to go with French Toast with Peanut Butter Sauce, Eggs Benedict (English muffin served with layers of spinach, poached eggs and smoked salmon and finished with Hollandaise sauce), Black forest waffles, two-eggs your way (choice of boiled, fried and poached eggs served with potato wedges and bread), a platter of European cheese and fresh orange juice. The juices were served instantly and were followed by the rest of our order. The food was spectacular, really a feast for our eyes and taste, and we enjoyed every bit of it. We finished off our breakfast with a cappuccino.

Average per person: SR 120

Tim Hortons

Are you annoyed when you’ve arrived so early at the Mall that even the shops haven’t opened? Now, at the Mall of Arabia, the best part of arriving before 10am is being able to saunter into Tim Hortons with a friend or two, and enjoy a light and tasty breakfast bagel before beginning some serious shopping.

Being quite partial to bagels, I order a different one at each visit – the BLT is an all-time favourite. Their hot chocolate is rich and satisfying and the chocolate doughnut deliciously light.

The downside is the close seating space. Getting in early ensures one gets a table.

Average per person: SR 25

Papaya

With a huge seating area, awash in beautiful, natural light flooding in from the high glass ceiling, Papaya is simply breathtaking. I have never seen so much greenery in one space before in Jeddah with foliage growing abundantly throughout the restaurant. Add to that the sounds of trickling water from various water features scattered within and the sounds of birds chirping – it was like stepping through a portal and walking straight into a tropical rainforest.

My friend and I ordered a stack of cinnamon pancakes which were topped with just the right amount of cream cheese frosting and extra pancake syrup on the side. They were the fluffiest pancakes I have ever eaten and we both agreed that they were delicious.

The cheese and zaatar manaeesh was very fresh-tasting and the flat bread was soft and not dry as I have found to be the case in many other eateries. With just the right combination of pineapple and coconut, the pinacolada was refreshing and hit all the right tastebuds. One of the best I’ve tasted here in Jeddah.

The service was very good with waiters greeting us as we entered and making sure we had everything we needed. Prices were very reasonable at SR 60 per head. Portion sizes were generous, as we even had some pancakes left over to take away. Will definitely go back.

Do you think we’ve missed a great breakfast spot?Leave us a comment or write us a review, and let us know.

5 Fun Things to do with your Children during Winter Break in Jeddah

For many children in Jeddah, depending on which school they go to, they are either in the middle, or just starting their Winter Break. If you are wondering how you’ll ever be able to keep the little monkeys busy this holiday, we have some great places to visit and fun things to do right here in Jeddah.

Fakieh Aquarium

Launched earlier this year to much fanfare and excitement, Jeddah’s first aquarium can be found on the busy Corniche Road. Enthusiastic Jeddawis have been flocking to visit the aquarium and have come away with excellent reviews. They tell us that the area is very clean (food and drink are not allowed inside), and the staff are efficient and organised. The dolphin show is a must-see. Open every day from 11am-11pm and from 1:30pm-11pm on Fridays. Make sure you keep a note of the dolphin and seal shows which are scheduled every day for 1pm, 7pm and 9pm and plan around this time. Free wifi is a great plus for those of us who hate to stay away from the internet for long.

Kathy Bacchus wrote in to tell us, “A lady’s morning at Jeddah Aquarium found me there. Vibrant, fresh and welcoming from the outside,we purchased our tickets with ease. Inside, I was struck  by the imagination and detail in my undersea exploration. The aquarium is vast with many shark, stingrays, starfish and all species identified and described carefully which I found very educational for all ages. The Dolphin show is a must!.On the day,there were School trips visiting  and school children giggling enjoying the show. All in all a very enjoyable visit and a delight to families”.

Expect to pay: SR 50 per person for entrance to the aquarium and SR 50 per person for the dolphin show.

Cafe Ceramique

Situated in Stars Avenue Mall, (by the entrance that goes up to the supermarket – thank you Soreya!) this delightful spot is a sure winner with kids of all ages. Children choose a clay object, from figurines to decorative plates, and then take their time to paint the piece, being as creative as they like. Once they’re done, you take the finished pieces to be glazed and set, and return after a week to pick up your masterpiece. The only problem is, your children might want to start all over again when they see how awesome their creation turns out. One 11 year old girl says, “I like Cafe Ceramique because it’s fun to pick out what you want to paint and then you get to keep what you’ve made”.

Parents can also have a go at practicing their artistic skills. Snacks and drinks can be ordered while painting.

Expect to pay: SR 30-100 per clay piece depending on the size.

Stationery Fantasy

Particularly popular with younger children, Stationery Fantasy on Prince Sultan Street, next to GNP Hospital offers a range of activities kids can indulge in from cooking to arts and crafts, the sandbox, dress-up and a large ball pit. You buy tickets from the counter for your choice of activity and then send the children into the activity room while you sit and watch them through large glass windows. The children are generally well-supervised by staff. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Stationery Fantasy also caters to birthday parties. “I like going to Stationery Fantasy because they have lots of nice games which are a lot of fun, especially the ball pit. I like the snacks too”, says a very active 9 year old boy.

Expect to pay: SR 7-45 per activity. The sandpit is SR7 each, the cooking class SR15 and the carpentry section is around SR 45.

Sail Island

Now that the weather is warming up, it is the perfect time to take your young ones to Sail Island. Located on the Corniche (you can’t miss the huge white sails atop the venue), children have a blast swimming in the pools and playing in the sandy playground. The restaurant is set up overlooking the sea and in our opinion, it’s one of the best places to view the sunset from. The best part is that the entrance tickets can be redeemed at the restaurant for meals. The grilled hammour is particularly delicious and cooked to perfection. One boy we asked said, “they have a big area to swim in with fun sprinklers and the beach-side sandy playground.”

Expect to pay: SR 60 per adult and SR 40 per child.

In10So

If your children are in the older age category, then you might want to introduce them to In10so (pronounced Intenso, aimed at kids over 10 years). This gaming area can be found on the third floor of Serafi Mega Mall, on the opposite side of Moon Toon, and also in Red Sea Mall. It’s a great place for teens to hang out decked out with a snooker table, Playstation and Xbox games, and racing/ go-carting. They also have a wide range of challenging arcade games and a bowling area. The latest pop music plays in the background and there’s even a hangout spot with sofas and lights for the teens to chill and chat. There’s also a snack bar with snacks and beverages. One young teen says, “I like it because it’s a good alternative for older siblings to hang out instead of going to Moon Toon which is more for younger kids.”

Expect to pay: SR 50-100 depending on the number of activities chosen.

For more kids’ stuff, click here.

Summer Breaks – Summer means fun, and the best kind of fun is with Jumeirah

Whether we’re talking about the summer holidays, or the upcoming Hajj break, the standard topic of conversation amongst Jeddawis is where they plan to spend their vacation. According to the Arab News, Saudis traveling abroad last summer were expected to spend a staggering SR40 billion, and Dubai remains the favorite tourist destination among Arab countries for them. 

If you have decided to visit Dubai, but not quite sure where to stay, then read on. Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Jumeirah portfolio is unmistakable, including 6 stunning  hotels in Dubai; the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai and the Jumeirah at Eithad Towers in Abu Dhabi.

The Jumeirah hotels are an excellent choice of hotel and we are here to tell you why.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Whether exploring the high seas in Sinbad’s Kids Club or enjoying an al-fresco family barbeque at Beachcombers Bar and Grill there is something for every member of the family at the idyllic family resort of Jumeirah Beach Hotel. While enjoying their sun-drenched beaches, sculptured swimming pools and manicured landscaped grounds you can relax safe in the knowledge that your loved ones are receiving the highest standards of hospitality and care.

Added value to customers and benefits

Don’t we all love a great deal and lots of complimentary benefits? From 10% off their Best Available Rate with a host of value-added benefits. The rate starting from AED 800 includes many exclusive complimentary benefits such as the complimentary breakfast.

 Complimentary exclusive private beach access

Situated in the vibrant city of Dubai, you can enjoy their stunning 2km golden beach nestling next to their beach-side properties or just a short, free shuttle bus service from their City hotels. If you are staying at the opulent Jumeirah Zabeel Saray you will also have access to an exclusive private beach on The Palm Jumeirah.

Complimentary buffet breakfast

As a guest of the JBH, you can take advantage of their bountiful buffet breakfast. From fantastic local cuisine to international favourites, you can be sure of a great start to your day topped off with the immaculate Jumeirah standard we have all come to expect.

Complimentary access to Kids Club

We all know that enjoying time away with your family is often a tale of two cities and it’s important that your loved ones are well taken care of. Sinbad’s Kids Club (Saleem ay JZS), available to guests staying at selected Dubai hotels, offers a safe, fun and friendly environment for your children to explore and make new friends in a closely-supervised environment.

Complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark

Situated next to Burj Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Wild Wadi Waterpark is a Dubai legend with sample speeds of up to 80km per hour slide down the Jumeirah Sceirah. For the more adventurous, get a taste for the rocketing power of the Master Blasters or for those more laidback, enjoy a leisurely float along the Lazy River. There is always more than one helping of fun to have at Wild Wadi with the two thrilling rides: Tantrum Alley incorporates two large sections of downhill waterslides and three exciting tornadoes. Guests seated on a tube will travel downhill to enter the first tornado where they slide back and forth several times, then circle around and around in the eye of the storm before exiting and hitting the second and thirds tornados, after which you splash out into the pool.

The equally adventurous Burj Surj consists of two large sections of downhill waterslides and the looming ‘Bowl’. Guests are seated on a tube, travelling downhill to the bowl, where they are hurtled into two spiralling spins and then dropped into the slide, ending with a screaming splash in the pool.

Complimentary Internet access

We at Jeddah Blog know the importance of staying connected online while away on vacation. Whether to peek in at work, or to stay in touch with your family and friends, all of their Dubai hotels offer free in-room Internet access so you can make sure that you are never out of touch.

How do I book a place?

Make your dreams a reality, and book your next holiday online here.

Or call:

Dubai 800 JUMEIRAH (800 5863 4724)

Saudi Arabia 800 897 1439
* IDD rates apply

Or email:

reservations@jumeirah.com

Prices vary from property to property. Check the prices online. It is 10% off Best Available Rate. Burj Al Arab is offering 25% off their Best Available Rate.

Go ahead, book your vacation now and drop us a note to tell us all about your amazing holiday!

Eid in Jeddah

Over three million Pakistani-Indian Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with zeal and fervour on Thursday 8^th August 2013. After four weeks of a soul-enriching Ramadan, the Eid festivities starting from Chand Raat (the night before eid) to the three days of Eid are packed with age-old customs, cultural rituals, and social events.

For Pakistani and Indian expats, each and every aspect of Eid in Jeddah is strikingly similar to how Eid is celebrated back home. There is no need to be home-sick. We have everything right here in Jeddah to cure your nostalgia.

Our guest contributor Rohail Khan relays a personal and detailed account of the festivities and celebrations of Eid in Jeddah, written exclusively for Jeddah Blog.

The Perfect Cup of Tea at Teayana

Teayana has been a firm favourite of mine for years. Their Belgian Waffles, Chocofruit Mana’eesh (with lashings of Nutella), Apple Strudel (sadly discontinued) and Golden Assam Tea can lift my family’s mood on any given evening. Their breakfasts are yummy too, and will totally need a blog post of their own. For this week’s review, however, our adventurous Zareen Muzaffar visits Teayana and bravely experiments with some new and exotic blends of tea.

For all tea lovers out there, I have some good news for you. The Teayana tea lounge is the place to be if you want to try out different kinds of tea flavours. I tried Teayana’s Spicy Tea Latte and although the blend was too spicy for me, the overall experience was good and I promised myself to try the simple Tea Latte on my next visit.

Teayana Spiced Chai Latte.

My friends ordered the Relaxation Tea and Digestion Tea. Digesting tea is a  classic combination of multiple herbs which act to calm the nerves and settle the digestive system. Ingredients include Chamomile flowers, peppermint, fennel and anise seed. After being infused, it is light yellow with a taste of mild minty anise sweetness. It may be enjoyed plain at any time of the day, but best drunk after meals. Relaxation tea includes fine cut organic rooibos herb with leaves of strawberry, lemon, nettle, fennel and a few orange peels. The taste is extremely mellow and calming.

Teayana’s food menu boasts of paninis, sandwiches, man’eesh, and desserts include their all-time favourite carrot cake, waffles, crêpes and a bunch of other options.

We received our tea with a small attractive timer that made us feel tea is serious business. To get the best from your tea, the correct amount of time must be allowed in order to diffuse the flavours, which enhances the taste and effects intended. We were asked to give approximately five minutes before trying the healthy blends of tea. The aroma emanating from freshly brewed pots of tea is worth a visit, and the food is a cherry on the top. Although I was in the mood for tea during my visit, the coffee lover in me really wanted to try out the caramel latte.

The Awesome Tea Tower full of various tea leaves stored in colour-coded canisters.

The bottom floor is home to the wide variety of tea that Teayana offers, and you can buy 100 grams of loose leaf tea for SR 100. But if you’d rather give some blend a try before purchasing a lot of it, then you can ask them to give you 50 grams instead. This would be a better option for those who are still experimenting with flavors to find their personal favourite. The tea tower on the main floor displays tea canisters that contain 150 tea types in three main colours making them easy to identify and choose from. Each colour represents a tea category, so the green represents green tea, the red canisters contain black tea and the orange containers hold Herbal tea.

Exquisite tea Sets for sale.

The varieties of tea include black, white and green tea, along with oolong and herbal tea leaves. The indicators of tea strength will allow you to determine how much you need depending on whether you are in the mood for something mild or strong. They also sell a beautiful assortment of elegant tea pots, cups, mugs and loose leaf jars. There are some gift baskets available too making the perfect gift for that special friend who loves tea and would love receiving a gorgeous tea set complete with a great blend of tea.

Perk up your daily sip of tea with these elegant Teayana Tea Sets.

I just hope the Teayana management can hire more staff members because the orders take too long to arrive, and I saw only two waiters rushing all over the place trying their best to serve everyone in a timely manner. The good news is that Teayana now offers delivery of certain food items from various locations. Details available on their website.

Teayana has three branches in Jeddah:

– Teayana Hamra, 
Andalus street, Planet food Mall
02-668 1660
– Teayana Khaldiyah, 
Rawdah Street, Lines Mall
02-606 2646
– Teayana Redsea Mall, 
Malek Road, Redsea Mall, Gate #9
02-215 0620

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2nd Family Festival 2013

The organizers of the Family Festival 2 are shouting out excitedly,

”It’s summer time! ….. It’s fun time!”

Family Festival 2 promises more entertainment and excitement. Prizes can be won, and they have a wide selection of stalls to shop at. Relaxation comes in the form of delicious food at the Savory Corner. Children will be able to have plenty of fun at the Kids’ Corner.

If you would like to book a stall contact Mr Imran- 0555246018 or Mrs Zaara- 0543361527

The entrance ticket is only SR 3 for adults. The festival will be held on 4th April from 4 – 12pm at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

Families only

For more information, visit the Family Festival 2 Event Page.

A Weekend Getaway to Thuwal Beach

A regular week in Jeddah can be quite routine, yet hectic at the same time. Weekends are an opportunity to get out of the bustling city, breathe in some fresh air and recharge one’s batteries. Jeddah Blog writer Naima Bashir recently visited Thuwal with her family, a village some 80 kilometers North of Jeddah along the Red Sea. Thuwal is known for its fishing, and is home to KAUST, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Naima was kind enough to share her experience and even sent us photographs of their trip.

We had been trying to take out time from the busy life for a family trip to a beach for a long time, where there would be less rush, the water would be clean, and not to forget we could get enough space for the car parking.

We set out looking for a peaceful place to spend the day.

So this Thursday we managed to arrange a trip to Thuwal beach. It is about an hour’s drive, 80 km north from Jeddah. It is not difficult to find as you can easily follow directions on the highway. When you reach the bridge before the Madina exit, on the bridge you’ll see the signboard saying Thuwal and pointing towards the left.

Plenty of space to park one’s car.

We reached there around 2 pm which was perfect as the weather was not yet hot, and people had only just started arriving. The place was exactly what I was looking for. Gorgeous sea water, a clean place to sit, and enough space for parking. You can even find huts there if you prefer some privacy.

Fresh air, blue sky, warm waters and soft sand. An ideal place for children to run and play.

My kids loved paying in the sand. They got the chance to make beautiful sand castles and water streams leading from the sea.

Sandcastles and water streams.

They spent a lot of time in the blue water. The water near the shore is not deep. It is quite shallow, so you don’t have to worry about your children venturing out into the deep water. There are children’s play areas too.

A signboard announcing a soon-to-be-opened water park. We can’t wait!

Washrooms are available, although due to the lack of signage you’ll have to hazard a guess on whether it is a ladies or gents washroom. This was the only thing I did not like. It is hard to find a public place with clean washrooms.

Firing up the barbecue.

The location was ideal for a barbecue; you can plan a visit with all of your family friends and enjoy a delicious barbecue under the clear blue sky, along with the wonderful weather.

Thuwal is an established fishing center.

Living in Jeddah you desperately look for a place where you can find peace and where the kids can have fun. Thuwal beach is an ideal place for a family fun day, away from the city rush. If you haven’t visited already, make sure it’s on your must-do list.

Have you experienced a great weekend in or near Jeddah? Write to us and let us know.

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.

Family Festival

For some family entertainment, consider visiting the Family Festival planned for the 31st of January 2013 at the Seasons Restaurant, opposite Al Baik on Siteen Street – next to Zahid Tractors Head Office. There will be stalls for ladies’ cosmetics, jewellery, clothing, abaayas and food. The event will begin at 5pm and will end at 11:30pm.

For directions or other enquiries, call on 0555246018.

 

Jeddah Corniche Renovated

Jeddah Blog reader Muhammad Abdul Nasir, has visited the newly-renovated Corniche which has been updated at a cost of SR 185 million, and has captured the following scenes for us. Have you taken a trip to the seaside lately? What do you think of the improvements? Leave a comment and let us know.

The new railing ensures safety without compromising the view of the sea.

An area for families to sit, relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the sea.

The newly-constructed parking area, surrounded by well-lit trees, grass and lighting.

The footpath built for pedestrians to enjoy the view and an evening walk can be seen here.

Sunset at the Jeddah Corniche.

– Courtesty M.A.N. Photography

A Journey of Belonging

Athr Gallery proudly presents Saudi Artist Manal Al Dowayan’s first solo exhibition titled ‘A Journey of Belonging’ beginning 15th January and running until 15th February, 2013.

Athr Gallery is proud to usher in the new year with renowned Saudi artist Manal Al-Dowayan’s first solo exhibition in Saudi Arabia A Journey of Belonging, introducing new work by the artist as well as seminal work from her previous series. The exhibition explores the artist’s frequent voyages into the past in search of understanding and mutual acceptance.

Photographer, visual poet, and artist Manal Al Dowayan is one of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed of the new wave of Saudi contemporary artists.  She has exhibited globally, from Belgium to Bahrain, and has been acquired by collections such as the British Museum, Nadour, Barjeel and the Jordan National Museum of Fine Art, amongst many others. Her show at Athr Gallery emphasizes not only her profound achievement and success, but re-affirms the Jeddah gallery’s commitment to supporting and showcasing the most innovative and thoughtful art of the region.

With the intersecting of key works from the artist’s different series under one roof, a pattern emerges, a common thread weaves itself through the works, one that gradually alters and transforms but remains unbroken. A journey comes to light.  A Journey of Belonging allows the viewer to approach Al-Dowayan’s work from a new perspective. There is a paradigm shift in focus, with controversial issues of women’s rights and identity, normally associated with the artist’s work, fading into the background, and the artist’s personal fears and obsessions coming to the fore.

The artist was raised in a land whose modus operandi revolves around the repulsion and dismissal of women. Specializing in photography, her varied series consistently present meditations on the complex textures of a paradoxically evolving and traditional society, along with a distinct, deep-rooted sense of personal and collective history. Thus, the exhibited works reveal a young woman’s obsession with preservation and remembrance, and constitutes a fight against rejection and disappearance. They are an exploration of ways to exist somewhere that doesn’t want you.

Featured series such as ‘Pointing To The Future’, ‘Look Beyond The Veil’, ‘Landscapes Of The Mind’, ‘And We Had No Shared Dreams’ and ‘Blinded By Tradition’ display Al Dowayan’s progression and creative evolution over the years. Through these discrete series of works, Al Dowayan not only explores the role of women in Saudi Arabia, but reflects upon a wider reality in which gender equality is symptomatic of power hierarchies, religious dogmas, interplays with foreign cultures and shifting domestic social attitudes. Whilst her primary medium is photography, series such as ‘Point To The Future’ further demonstrate how the artist amplifies her characteristically monochrome compositions with lyrical visual language. Enriched by this poetic slant, the added layers allow her to weave a rich tapestry of cultural and formal styles that invite deeper consideration of the central themes.

Another recurring topic in Al Dowayan’s work is the relationship of the individual to their environment. For instance, Al Dowayan explores manifestations of progress and change in the physical textures of the country’s geography in ‘Landscapes Of The Mind’, which uses various locations around the country to frame deft, simple glyphs representing the self, and the individual’s relationship with her surroundings. The artist places herself amidst these symbols, relenting her hold upon her own identity and becoming undefinable and ephemeral against monumental natural and urban settings.

Similarly, the series ‘We Had No Shared Dreams’ is a conversation between the inhabitant and the landscape in which she lives, but to which she longs to belong. The inhabitant, like an abandoned child, desperately seeks acceptance, but the city only exhales in response..

‘If I Forget You, Don’t Forget Me’ reflects on the profound shifts in Saudi society over the past fifty years, documenting the rise of the oil industry through the individuals who were there at the start of the oil boom. But in this series, Al Dowayan goes beyond a narrative re-telling of contemporary social evolution and instead looks for her own identity and self amidst the turbulent histories of immediately preceding generations, hoping to discover amidst the plenitude of the past, clues and possibilities for the uncertain future.

In her latest body of work, Al Dowayan continues to explore the practice of preservation via one of the oldest and time-tested means of documentation, language. In particular, Arabic, a language lauded for its beauty and complexity. The artist adopts as a case study Abu Mansour Al-Tha’alby Al-Naysaboury’s “Jurisprudence of a Language: The Secrets of Arabic”, a 10^th century Abassid tome that contains detailed categorizations of thousands of Arabic words. In the process, she discovers that what is not rendered useful, is actively erased over time, bringing her to question even herself;

“In my fervour to document my present, am I contributing to a failed formula?”

Aldowayan’s new work investigates what Nietzsche termed “active forgetting” and is a warning against the act of labelling diverse collectives that efface the singular, for by attempting to preserve by creating our own version of history, we are in fact contributing to the erasure of others.

Al Dowayan’s work reacts vividly to the restrictions imposed upon women in 21st century Saudi Arabia. This is powerfully evident in ‘A Journey Of Belonging’.  Athr Gallery have selected works that show Al Dowayan’s evolution as an artist, as a Saudi woman and as a lightening rod for sparks and flashes of progress and change within the strictures of her environment.  However, ultimately, it gives a unique and candid perspective of the intense and idiosyncratic relationship that exists between a woman and her homeland, exploring feelings of alienation, belonging, identity, even self-doubt, but above all, love.

 –   Image and text by Athr  Gallery

Historic Balad Tour

Experience Balad like never before!

Your True Nature is organizing their third historic tour of Balad on the 13th of January, 2012. This is a professional tour service for expats and it includes a 4 hour tour, presentation, food and visit to a museum. The cost per person is SR 275.

The tour is open to families and you will probably want to take your cameras along to take photographs of the beautiful old buildings and streets of Balad. “This is our third successful tour of Balad and it is vital for our cultural awareness to learn about the heritage and culture of the land we are living in”, says Alicia of Your True Nature. She goes on to add, “Jeddah, and this region in particular, goes back to the beginning of time. It is significant to the history of mankind. However, with little emphasis on heritage,  we miss out on a lot. Recent discoveries tell us that this region houses Mount Sinai. So Balad is just a starting point of activating an interest in the rich history of this land.”

Photo: Anuar T http://www.panoramio.com/photo/48974922

If you would like to attend this unique tour, send your confirmations to essentialfitra@yahoo.ca including your name, contact number and total number of participants.

A video link of their last tour can be viewed here.

Red Sea Diving in December

If the thought of it doesn’t make you go ‘Brrrr’, do you want to dive in the Red Sea in December? Our friend Meteb the tourist guide has cooked up a diving package complete with open time at the beach and ball games. See if it floats your boat?

 

 

 

 

Is this your idea of a December well-spent?

 

 

 

Following is an itinerary for those joining from Riyadh. Groups from Jeddah can always hop aboard. The fees of this trip for those coming from Jeddah = 1420 SAR per person (includes all services motioned on the program, except the air fare). Contact email address below for details.

On Wednesday (first day) 05.12.2012

17:00 meet at the airport.
18:00 departure to Jeddah.
19:45 arrival in Jeddah and bus ride (200km) south .
10:30 arrival to Allieth resort for rest and overnight stay

On Thursday (Second day) 06.12.2012

06:00 breakfast at the resort.
07:00 move to boats to private island for diving, snorkeling, fishing in addition to volleyball games on the island and many other activities.
15:00  lunch at camping site on the island, then open time.
19:00 two night diving sessions for “advanced certified divers”.
The rest of the night will be enjoying the beautiful calm atmosphere in the island and overnight stay there.

On Friday (Third day) 07.12.2012

07:00 breakfast.
08:00 fishing for lunch and snorkeling trip.
13:00 lunch at Alleith resort.
16:00 ride the bus back to Jeddah airport
20:00 departure from Jeddah back to Riyadh
22:00 arrival in Riyadh and end of trip.

Price = 1980 SR per person
Includes: tour guide + air tickets + transport from Jeddah to Alleith and vice versa + accommodation + meals + boats + camp in the island + diving instructor and master + tanks + weights.

The price excludes: snorkeling tools + diving tools (BCD and regulators ).

For registration, please send your information (name, nationality, gender, age, ID number and contact number) to sauditourism@yahoo.com
Reservation deadline is 20 October 2012

The Business Lunch Challenge

Many restaurants in the city are promoting Business Lunch deals, targeted at working people, presumably as ideal venues for casual business meetings. The lunches are usually a set number of options one can choose from at a fixed price, usually including a salad, a main course and a drink.

Jeddah Blog decided to try out 3 such restaurants, but to put them to their ultimate test, took along three tough customers; children aged 8 years to 12 years, in order to find out if these deals would be equally applicable to families. We then rated the restaurants out of 10. We would like to add here that the reviews were undertaken anonymously in order to gain the most objective results. None of the three restaurants were aware that they were serving Jeddah Blog that day.