Apply Now: Young Saudi Artists 2015

 

Athr Gallery is calling out to young Saudi-based artists between the age of 15 and 30. Follow the link below for details on how to apply. Applications will be assessed by a panel of judges.

 

OBJECTIVE & THEME Athr Gallery is proud to announce its 4th edition of YSA — a biannual call-out for talented young Saudi-based artists. The call-out is open to both Saudi nationals and residents living in Saudi that are between the age of 15 and 30.  Athr is searching for up-and-coming local artists who work across a range of styles and mediums. The Athr team and a group of influential judges will carefully select the winning artworks. The selected works will be presented in a highly-sought out group exhibition in April, 2015. This year’s exhibition is centered on: 60% How do we critically examine the “culture of the youth” in Saudi? According to statistics, we, the youth, make up more than 60% of Saudi’s total population. To many, the youth culture is perceived as a public issue: an image that is constantly perpetuated on society. There have been numerous studies that address our state: a preoccupation that has even included examining how satisfied we are with our lives.  The “issue” is an exhausted topic, but why? We are at a defining tipping point between the old generation and the new. Our perception and outlook of society, and the direction it’s heading towards, differs from theirs in more ways than one. Technology and modern-day communication are prominent factors that have molded us into who we are today; it’s made us both disconnected and connected to our society and the world at large.  We are subjects of an indefinite limbo status. 60% will be a re-introduction to the youth; a time capsule that will capture our pulse. APPLY NOW! ATHR-YSA.SUBMITTABLE.COM DEADLINE: 15 FEB 2015

YouTube on Stage in Jeddah

According to surveys, Saudi Arabia is the country with the highest number of YouTube viewers in the world. Statistics show that Saudis watch 90 million YouTube videos every single day.

In keeping with this theme, the Effat University Student Government is preparing for a super-exciting event, YouTube On Stage. YouTube on Stage is an event that is the first of its kind. The specialty of this particular event is that it is co-organized by YouTube.

Attendees will see their favourite YouTube stars live. The YouTubers will be talking about how the youth can revolutionize visual media and be socially creative in communicating with the masses, from the comfort of their home.

The event will be taking place on the 3rd of April in the JCCI Sheikh Ismail AbuDawood Hall from 5-10:30pm. The event is open to both males and females. Some of the planned speakers are Hattoon Kadi, Muhammad Makki, Eyad Mugazel, Anas Abdo and others.

Tickets for the event are available at both branches of Virgin Megastores for SR 130. For the Effat University faculty and students, the tickets are available at Effat restaurant and dining, and the Effat Student Government office at the same price.

For more information about the event or the speakers, you can email yos@effat.edu.sa, visit their Facebook Page, Facebook Event page or follow them on Twitter. Also, check out the YouTube on Stage promo video below.

Know your Riyals from Your Halalas: Riyali Comes to Town.

How many times have you walked into a mall here in Jeddah and thought to yourself “Wow, These Saudis have so much money!!” This is often followed by a feeling of inadequacy and general doom. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, we all have these preconceived notions about people in Saudi Arabia being loaded with cash. What we fail to realize is that like all economies, there are different income levels and even though the Kingdom is generally prosperous, there are a lot of people who work very hard to make ends meet. That said, no matter what economic bracket you fall into, there is always a need for knowledge about personal financial planning. This knowledge is even more important when you are a young college students with often  limited cash and many, many temptations (the new iPhone anyone?). Riyali is a program which aims to address this very issue and provides college students with the knowledge and tools to make smarter financial decisions. The program doesn’t claim to magically transform you into the next Warren Buffet but will definitely make you more money savvy.

Riyali, a free program offered by SEDCO Holding ran its pilot in four Jeddah colleges but has now expanded beyond Jeddah to cities like Najran and Riyadh. Starting next month, there would be more sessions across Jeddah, you can join their Facebook page for updates on the sessions. Also, if you want a quick fix while you wait for Riyali to get to your college or institution, you can download the bilingual Riyali pocketbook here. Do take the personality test, it would make you face your financial reality in a not so subtle way. The pocketbook has some very solid and easy-to-follow tips on saving, budgeting and investing.

So, Jeddah peeps if you get a chance to attend the sessions, please do. It might just mean the difference between the life or death of your bank account. As Amr Banaja, the force behind Riyali said “I myself learned a lot of financial lessons the hard way, from losing my business to having to sell my house all because of global buy-outs. I am glad that my children will have a program like Riyali that could help them make smart money decisions early on and not learn it the hard way”.

I could not have said it better myself.

Ignite Jeddah

Ignite Jeddah is an exciting event coming up in March at the Effat University. Ignite is a worldwide event, where participants are given five minutes to speak about their ideas and personal or professional passions, accompanied by 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for 15 seconds, and slides are automatically advanced. The presentations are meant to ignite the audience on a subject, i.e. to generate awareness and to stimulate thought and action on the subjects presented.

Sumaiyya Naseem, Marketing Manager for the event explains, “Ignite is an international geek event for people with passion and eagerness to know and share. The speakers will share their personal and professional stories to inspire you.”

Ignite was started by Brady Forrest, who is the Technology Evangelist for O’Reilly Media, and by Bre Pettis of Makerbot.com The first Ignite took place in Seattle in 2006, and since then the event has become an international phenomenon, with gatherings in Helsinki, Finland; Paris, France; New York, New York; and many other locations. At Ignite Jeddah, 20 well-known and educated youth will talk about their personal and professional stories. It’s going to be a wonderful night of motivation and success stories. The event is hosted by Effat University, and organized by the Effat SG (Effat University Student Government). It will take place of 7th March in the Effat Hall from 5:00 – 10:30 PM.

You can register here. Tickets cost 100 SR and they will be sold at Virgin Megastores and at the day of the event. The organizers say that it’s very important to register online, and once the tickets are available e-mails will be sent to the people who registered.

Further information can be gleaned from the Ignite website, their Facebook page, by emailing igniteJeddah@effat.edu.sa or by calling 02-6364300 ext 5405

From the White Page to the Stage

Have you ever fancied being a theatre actor or writer, but not sure of the techniques? This refreshing workshop will lead you through building a plot, creating complex characters, constructing a story and authoring short, dramatic scenes. For aspiring actors, you will be lead through physical and vocal training, the basics of acting, analysing different scenes and much more.

You can register at mathal@ateeq.me . The closing date for registration is 5pm on 11th February, 2013.

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

Shahid Afridi in Jeddah!

Sporting fans will be excited to learn that cricket star Shahid Afridi is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to spot talent for the Saudi Cricket Center (SCC). We can reveal that the talent selection will be held in four cities across Saudi Arabia from 15th – 21st January 2013 (Jeddah, Yanbu, Riyadh and Dammam) and the talent hunt in Jeddah will be held on the 16th and 17th of January.

Rohail standing next to cricket superstar Shahid Afridi on his current visit to the Kingdom.

Enthuses Shahid Afridi: “I am very glad I will be able to perform an instrumental role in finding out the best cricket talent from all over the Kingdom”.

Rohail Khan, a senior banker with a keen interest in culture and philanthropy, is supporting the cricket talent promotion in consultation with Shahid Afridi as SCC Advisor. Rohail discloses to Jeddah Blog that other cricketing heroes and socialites will be engaged in the future to promote and develop cricket in Saudi Arabia.

“Developing a strong well-trained “Saudi National Cricket Team” will enhance the Kingdom’s international image and would be beneficial for Saudi and expatriate cricket players and cricket lovers,” asserts Rohail.

How To Register

All cricket players (residents of Saudi Arabia), regardless of age or nationality, from all cricket clubs and leagues (whether affiliated with SCC or not) are equally entitled to participate and compete for the selection. If you are interested in participating in the try-outs then register on this dedicated site.

Jeddah Blog wishes all the best to Rohail and the SCC on this excellent initiative, and will continue to keep you all informed on the progress made by the SCC. Be sure to check back with us regularly for updates.

Massive Puma Competition

A couple of weeks ago we announced that we’d be hosting a very exclusive competition at the Blog. There was much excitement and anticipation, and we are now finally able to give you the details. We are also thrilled that Jeddah Blog is the only blog in Jeddah to be given a chance to host this amazing contest!

We’re giving you, dear Reader, the chance to win a Puma Collector’s item! World’s leading sports retailer Puma is giving away a massive shoe from the Puma EvoSpeed collection. This was inspired by the fastest man in the world and is a groundbreaking collection that answers every athlete’s need for speed. This model (which is about 2 feet long) is 100% exclusive to the Middle East and not available for sale anywhere!

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The shoe on the right is an adult shoe. The HUGE one on the left is the collector’s item you can win!

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To get your hands on it, follow these simple steps:

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1. Follow this blog by clicking on the ‘Follow’ button to the right of this blog post.

2. Email your answer to the question below to team.jeddah.blog@gmail.com

3. Leave a comment at the end of this post.

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We mentioned that the EvoSpeed collection was inspired by the fastest man in the world. Who is he? 

 

a.) Tyson Gay

b.) Usain Bolt

c.) Nesta Carter

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Please note: Participants must be living in Saudi Arabia and must be able to either provide a delivery address, or arrange pickup of the prize in Jeddah. The last date to get your entries in is Monday, 10th December 2012 and the winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The model of the shoe the winner will receive will be extremely similar, but may not be identical to the one in the photo as there are four different models in the collection.

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Special thanks to Puma and to Razan Karim at Sticky Ginger.

The results are out. The winning name can be found here.

Es.ca.pade: Backpacking to Europe 2012

What is Es.ca.pade?

Es.ca.pade is an overseas trip with a difference. It originated from a desire to bring together exceptional individuals who exhibit potential, promise, and a passion to excel. The trip provides participants with endless possibilities to learn new skills, enhance their capabilities, and to explore opportunities in an enjoyable, safe, and family oriented environment.

Pink Coffee Marketing & PR, based in Kuwait, are the creative people behind this exciting project. This is their third Es.ca.pade initiative, and this year participants will be backpacking to Europe, starting with Barcelona and ending at Saint Petersburg. Travel dates are from the 19th October to the 12th of November, 2012. Es.ca.pade promises to combine elements of adventure, voyage, and knowledge. It is a trip that will wrap stunning scenery, interesting cultures, vibrant history, and city life into one exciting package. Es.ca.pade participants are selected via high-level screening standards and impeccable judgment by specially qualified judges.

The Managing Director of Pink Coffee Marketing & PR Shamlan Al Bahar, while unveiling Es.ca.pade described how the participants go on a journey and gain a world of experience by travelling across the globe. Striding through busy streets, climbing up mountainous topography, and crossing vast farmlands, they will truly experience a country”s environment and culture. In an increasingly health conscious time, Es.ca.pade also promotes physical fitness, mental health, stress control, and a positive attitude.

How You Can Participate

Applications are being accepted from all across the world, including Saudi Arabia.  “However, be warned”, says Cleressa Pinto of Pink Coffee Marketing & PR. “This journey is no yellow brick road, but a roller-coaster of moments of elation and challenges”. Are you up for it? Then register online in just a few simple and easy steps by clicking on the Es.ca.pade official website.

Autism Awareness Event

In celebration of World Autism Celebration Month, Mommy Cares, Reyadah and YIG will be hosting an Autism Awareness Festival at the Red Sea Mall on Wednesday. The event will be located at the Mall’s main fountain and will begin at 5pm.

The festival will include many activities for the kids, such as a face-painting section, an arts and crafts section, a puppet show as well as a clown.

Most importantly, there will be doctors on hand who will love to answer all your questions about autism.

Date: Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Time: 5pm-9pm

Location: Red Sea Mall – Main Fountain

Thank you to our friends at IMIJ for letting us know about this event.

For concerned parents, take a look at Hope – for exceptional needs, Saudi Arabia’s First Multilingual Center for Rehabilitation. This is a special center which caters to children with ADD-Autism.