ABDULLAH RIYADH’S FOOD CHAMPS
Tried And Tested FOOD HACKS 101 The Rise of Riyadh’s Fries Glow with our facial cleanser picks Scotland’s Festivities ISSUE 32 OCTOBER 2015
AL MUNIF
Story Revealed
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FROM THE EDITOR
FOOD! This is the issue that makes the Destination team dance, exercise you might say, in preparation for the days of gorging in the office done in the name of research. And the Destination Food Issue, well it’s a keeper. Five kilos heavier and still dancing, we proudly present to you an edition that celebrates crave worthy dishes, authentic cuisines and the marvelous Riyadhi foodies who make them. We decided that for this issue of Destination, it’s high time we turned the spotlight to the creators of great food in the city. We’re talking about the winner’s circle, the people behind the homegrown round up champs who have topped our lists. Heading the pack, is the inspiring interview with Abdullah Al Munif, founder of Anoosh and entrepreneurial genius. We also catch up with the burger that won our very first food war and sat down with its founder, Nawaf Al Fouzan of Hamburgini. And since we’re on a roll, we decided to get the 411 on Maestro Pizza, the Saudi pizza brand that has been giving international franchises a run for their money. Ah, but what is a food issue without a proper showdown? We go on a city wide potato rampage and tested out as much fries as humanly possible. While we’re on the subject of food, why not wear what you love? Yep, we went there, dear readers - fashionista foodies ought to check out our article on mac n’cheese sweaters and happy meal clutches. It is often said that life in Riyadh is an acquired taste. People who don’t try to discover it would hastily say it’s not for everyone. We say though that regardless of where you find yourself living, it’s important to have a tall order of gratitude and a side of optimism. A true Riyadhi sees the vision of progress beyond the traffic and road blocks. He appreciates the burgeoning community of artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, hipsters and geeks over the nuances of cultural differences. She knows that boredom is a state of mind, self-imposed by those who don’t leave their comfort zone. Hence, till next time dear readers, Love like a foodie. Live like a true Riyadhi.
Editor-in-Chief Enas Hashani Managing Editor Maria Mahdaly Executive Editor Bassma Al Toaimi Regional Editorial Manager Jou Pabalate Regional Editor Johara Al Mogbel Associate Editor/Photographer Mohammed Deghaishm Editors Sahrish Ali Sohila El Saadany Contributing Writers Ahmed Gassas Elizabeth Davis Faris Alyahya Massa Bitar Mirvat Ammouri Mohammed Mirza Rakan Tarabzoni Sumaiyya Naseem Zareen Muzaffar Guest Fashion Editor Felwa Alhudaithy Art Director Reem Al Assal Studio Manager Mohamed Fawzy Graphic Designers Mohammed Rashad Dina Al Amoudi Photographers Johara Al Mogbel Jou Pabalate Mohamed Fawzy Nawaf Al Farraj Social Media Agent Reema AlHumaid Web Admin/Associate Editor Swalah Eshki Cover Photo by Nawaf AlFarraj Editorial Contribution editor@destinationryd.com Public Relations and Events pr@destinationryd.com Sales & Advertising sales@destinationryd.com Riyadh Office: Mob: +966-509752274 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Jeddah Office: Tel: +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Mob: +966-563578291 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.) Distribution distribution@destinationryd.com General Inquiries info@destinationryd.com
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DESTINATIONRYD.COM 1
F E AT U R E D C O N T E N T
The man behind Hamburgini on p. 22 Don't
Buy Me From Danube, Virgin Megastore and Sasco Palm for Only SR 10
miss the inspirationa story of l Anoosh's founder. on p.18
Read about this month’s emerging artist, Sara Abdu!
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Business
• Economic Impact of Cancer with Reem Asaad • Abdullah Al Munif: His Inspiring Story
Food takes over fashion!
Put your chips, er, chic on!
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Special Features
• Maestro Pizza • Gastronomy Connoisseurs: Yasmeen and Noor
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Healthy Living
• How to Avoid Food Poisoning • The Health Myth Series
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Spirituality
• Dealing with Emotional Challenges • Pay It Forward
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32
Arts & Entertainment
Travel Trends
• Travel News: - Mövenpick Al Khobar Revamps its Friday Family Brunch - Hop On Hop Off in Frankfurt • The Beauty of Scotland
• Artist's Corner: Sara Abdu • Fun Food Hacks
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Style & Shopping
• Those Darlings Can Cook • The Fashion Food Fest • Facial Cleansers
DESTINATIONRYD
Explore KSA
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Dining Around Town
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• Dining Scoop - Strawberry SA • Fries Around Town • Dining with Lusin
• Weekend Escape to Abha • Historic Saudi: Imru' Al Qais
COMMUNITY
If you've got something to say, send it our way! editor@destinationryd.com
GOVERNOR OF QASSIM SPONSORS GRAPE FESTIVAL Considered as one of the Kingdom’s Agricultural hubs, Al Qassim is known as the “alimental basket” of the country and rightfully so. The Region, specifically Buraidah, its capital has been known for its vibrant Date Festivities and now, there’s a new fruity event to look out for every year, the Grape Festival! Under the patronage of Prince Faisal Bin Mishaal, Governor of Qassim, the festival was held at the Al Slbeah Center; where the Governor delivered a speech honoring distinguished farmers and their contributions to the region’s agricultural industry.
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DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
WATCH OUT FOR
THE POOL PROJECT Destination dream team, Duha Al Hosainy and Reema AlRashed are running a cool collaborative project to support emerging Saudi artists in Riyadh. Tagged as The Pool Project, the creative mash ups aim to produce unique art pieces for a good cause (and for fun). Stay tuned! #THEPOOLPROJECT
Citizen Awesome Zohoor Asiri Helps Refugees in Hungary
Zohoor Asiri is a medical student studying in Hungary, who decided to do her part regardless of where she was. Asiri had a huge role in helping Middle Eastern refugees arriving in Hungary from Germany, by organizing volunteers, providing translation, giving out food and clothes and anything else they needed. She’s brilliant, and we love that she keeps saying it
isn’t me, it’s the efforts of all the volunteers. Putting twitter to good use, she rallied the supported and coordinated with fellow Saudi students - Kudos guys and keep up the good work!
Saudi Syrian Aid Saudi Arabia has taken it upon itself to help its brothers and sisters in need in Syria. We came across a thorough research that highlights how Saudi is doing that. *Note that these are only some of the Saudi initiatives done over the past years. • The Saudi National Campaign to Support the Brothers in Syria created 57 relief programs and projects for the displaced Syrians in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Syria. • The Saudi Campaign to Support Displaced Syrians also supplied monetary assistance in forms of checks to Syrian refugee families in Lebanon’s Barja area, south of Beirut, to pay rent for their houses. • The Saudi Fund for Development signed two cooperation agreements with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Riyadh. The two pacts will deliver $10 million to help the refugees.
SOURCE PHOTO / EGYPTIANSTREETS.COM • ALRIYADH.COM
• Alwaleed bin Talal Charity Foundation provided $200,000 to UNICEF in response to the urgent needs of children affected by the Syrian conflict. • Specialized Saudi clinics located in the Al Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan have intensified their efforts to provide medical care for Syrian patients. • In April, Saudi Arabia welcomed thousands of Syrian Refugees into Saudi for residential stay without any stipulations, confines or Visa, and covered all their expenses.
Syrian refugees entering Saudi were given two options: a. That a Saudi citizen
appoints the refugee and allows him to travel in Saudi Arabia (similar to one with a visitors Visa).
b. That the refugee transfers to a hotel in the city of Samtha (a town in Jizan), where a flat is distributed for each Syrian family with all their expenses covered by the government for an indefinite period. • There are 500,000 Syrians in Saudi Arabia that have been given visas, 3,000 of which, based on a recent royal decree, have been given scholarships to attend universities inside the Kingdom. They are also given healthcare for themselves and their families. Saudi Arabia will always support its brothers through their adversity. Reference: Research by Islam El Hoseiny DESTINATIONRYD.COM 7
COMMUNITY
share everything in life. I had absolutely no hesitations about my diagnosis. I was concerned for my husband, my children and my mom—I was concerned about how they were going to take the news.
If you can kindly recall, what were the difficult moments you had to overcome during the treatment period?
DR. LAMA SULAIMAN An intimate Q&A with one of Saudi’s most powerful women, 10KSA Ambassador and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Lama Sulaiman. By Jou Pabalate
Consistently ranked as one of the most powerful Arab women by Forbes and Arabian Business, Dr. Lama Sulaiman made history by becoming the first Deputy Chairwoman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. The PHD holder continues to be one of the influential role models and community leaders in the Kingdom, and now she is sharing her personal story in support of a cause that is close to her heart- breast cancer awareness.
It changed me. I am less vulnerable. I am much stronger. Defeats and failures are not painful anymore. Failure is only defined as: it is not the right time to win.
Initially, did you go public about your struggle?
Also, you become more detached. You’re obliged to become slightly more detached. And you have to be careful not to end up bitter. You become aware of this—you’re automatically protecting yourself from being hurt.
I directly went public. I felt I needed to do so—I really am the type who needs to DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
After winning your battle, how has breast cancer changed you and your loved ones?
Can you kindly share with us when and how you were diagnosed?
I was diagnosed in January 2005. I felt a lump in my breast. Overnight! It wasn’t there the day before. I had it checked immediately.
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For some strange reason, the experience was one of the best in my life. I had a feeling of strength and clarity, and knowing what’s important in life. My only difficulty was my concern on the impact my disease would have on my children, parents and my husband. Shaving my hair was the most difficult thing. I needed someone from outside the family to shave my head.
I’ve worked hard to bring up my children as independent. Our children are our responsibility but they’re not for us. I want them to live well, with or without me.
Why do you think it’s important for communities to turn their attention towards breast cancer awareness?
We live in a very conservative society. Our strength comes from our faith. But sometimes, they have so much faith in God that they fail to help themselves. A community like ours needs more awareness—they need to understand that it is their own responsibility to take care of their health and their bodies. We need to say: you don’t have the right not to take care of yourself.
Being an Ambassadorof 10KSA, can you tell us what this initiative aims to achieve and what are you most looking forward to in this endeavor? I’d like to give women more hope should they get breast cancer. But we also need to be careful what we promise. There’s a 50-50 chance of survival. It’s also important to teach people to see the emotional benefits of going through cancer. I would like young women who get cancer to not collapse and to remain strong.
We also need a stronger support system—not just family. I’m hoping that we’ll have group therapy and support groups for women going through cancer. I’m hoping we’ll achieve this through 10KSA.
When I got cancer, I was energized. My faith in God increased so much. When your faith in God increases, you feel you can deal with anything in life. You learn to live life to its fullest. – Dr. Lama Sulaiman
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10KSA For you, for her, for us. By Jou Pabalate
Fact: Breast cancer is the single leading cause of death for Saudi women. The Kingdom has of the highest mortality rates for the disease globally.
Breast cancer is not just a women’s issue. Whether a mother, sister, wife, child or friend, we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. In an effort to get this message across, 10KSA was launched by Princess Reema Bint Bandar.
Using a holistic health and wellness approach, 10KSA is a global breast cancer awareness and education initiative in Saudi Arabia championed by Alf Khair and Al Bidayah Center The campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage education, foster stronger communities and raise funds for research.
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(Breastfeeding Resource and Women’s Health Awareness Center). On December 12 this year, 10KSA will gather over 10,000 women at Prince Noura University for an all day event in Riyadh that will culminate in the formation of the World’s Largest Humanitarian Ribbon for the Guinness Book of World Records. The event will have
an Olympic village atmosphere, which combines entertainment, fitness activities, arts, mobile testing centers and education hubs for participants. All the proceeds of the fundraisers will benefit the Zahra Breast Cancer Foundation. Web: 10ksa.com join10KSA
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
1.
2. MARKET 101 POPS UP IN NEW DIRIYAH
1. HAKAYA BRINGS STORYTELLING AND ANIMATION TO RIYADH
The High Commission for the Development of Riyadh organized the Hakaya exhibition from Sept. 3-5 to promote storytelling and preserve Saudi stories and traditions. There were many workshops for 7-25 year olds, where the participants had the chance to learn how to write a story and even animate them.
For its second edition, Market 101, a pop up marketplace and fun platform for budding designers, local and regional creative entrepreneurs; set up shop at AMA Art Gallery from Sept. 13-14. The event showcased a refreshing theme that transformed the venue into a tropical garden. Market 101 is a collaborative effort among designers and definitely a vibrant addition and shopping alternative for the community.
2.
3. CITIES SHOWROOM OPENS ON TAHLIA STREET
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3. 12 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Cities, the lifestyle and accessories store housing luxury and modern design products, opened its largest showroom thus far in Riyadh. Promising a unique collection of items selected from design exhibitions from the Middle East and beyond, Cities offer a unique eclectic appeal for Riyadhis who enjoy superb aesthetics and a penchant for curated products.
4. CATH KIDSTON LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION
Riyadhi women got a treat on Sept. 15 with the launch of Cath Kidston’s latest collection at their flagship store on Olaya. Guests and members of the press were treated to hors d’oeuvres and goodie bags as they perused the latest prints and dainty chic offerings of this renowned 4. UK brand.
5. AL NAHDA WATANEEA CAMPAIGN HOLDS WORKSHOP FOR VOTERS IN RIYADH
5.
6. CRYSTAL AGES
For the love of vintage and pretty things, Crystal Ages, the boutique curator of fashionable history and antiques, popped up at Malamehalfan Studio from Sept 12-15.
7. NEXT OPENS TWO NEW STORES
The new stores are located in the newly opened Al Makan Mall and Oasis Mall and brings the total number of Next stores in Saudi Arabia to 25. The new Next stores are dedicated solely to children’s wear from newborns to 12 year olds. Both new stores have adopted the brand’s latest design concept from the UK, making them the most up-to-date Next stores in Saudi Arabia.
6. 7.
In an effort to educate and inform the public about the upcoming municipal elections as well as encourage Saudis to register and vote, Al Nahda Charity organization organized workshops from Sept. 30-31. Each workshop educated the attendees regarding the new changes in the municipal council structure, gave tips on how to select the suitable candidates as well as the method of registration and voting. The upcoming elections Dec. 12 will be the first time women voters and candidates will have the chance to participate.
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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OCT.
OCT.
OCT. 1 – 6
OCT. 4 – 8
Time: 1 - 9 p.m. Location: Naila Art Gallery Email: info@gallerynaila.com Web: gallerynaila.com gallerynaila
Time: 4:30 - 8 p.m. Location: L'Art Pur Gallery Email: thepureart@gmail.com Mob: +966-550655423 lartpur
NAILA ART GALLERY 7X7 Art Gallery, 7 female artists from 7 countries.
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PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP Introduction to dry point etching and printing by German artist.
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OCT.
OCT.
OCT. 14 – 16
SAUDI AGRICULTURE 2015 Middle East’s largest agriculture exhibition attracting exhibitors from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and supported by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Agriculture.
OCT. 12 – 14
LIWAN EXHIBITION A marketing channel for exhibitors.
Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Tel: +966-11-2295604 Email: info@recexpo.com Web: saudi-agriculture.com
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Mob: +966-558170166 Email: info@atriksa.com
OCT.
VISIT
destinationryd.com for more events and happenings around town.
To add your event here, contact us at pr@destinationksa.com
14 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
OCT. 26 – 29
SAUDI BUILD 2015 Capture the Kingdom’s leading construction opportunities. Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Mob: +966-503416828 Email: shahid.bhatti@recexpo.net Web: saudibuild-expo.com
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NOVEMBER 2015
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NEXT MONTH
NOV.
NOV. 3 – 5
SAUDI BEAUTY The second international exhibition for perfumery, cosmetics and accessories. Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Email: info@saudi-beauty.com Web: saudi-beauty.com
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OCT.
OCT.
OCT. 11 – 12
OCT. 5 – 15
GAP CASTING CALL VOTING Vote for the cutest and coolest #GapCastingCall finalists.
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gapcastingcall
OCT.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON JUDICIARY AND ARBITRATION A number of research papers relating to mechanisms of judiciary and arbitration will be discussed at the conference. Location: Al Imam University Mob: +966-505904139 Email: ja1436@imamu.edu.sa
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OCT.
OCT. 18 – 20
SAUDI HORECA Fourth annual HORECA hospitality exhibition in Saudi Arabia featuring a host of activities and shows including workshops, culinary art show and much more. Email: info@saudihoreca.com Web: saudihoreca.com
OCT. 20 – 22
FIRST PLAY CONFERENCE Children between traditional and electronic play conference – an educational and futuristic vision. Tel: +966-11-8054511 Email: play.conf.ece@ksu.edu.sa Web: playconf-ece.com
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NOV.
NOV. 30 – DEC. 2
RIYADH MOTOR SHOW 2015 Back with its 30th edition, the Riyadh Motor Show is the longest-running and leading car show in the Middle East.
SAUDI INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TECH EXPO Uniting hotel industry professionals to equip their businesses with state-of -the-art technologies.
Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Tel: +966-11-2295604 Email: info@recexpo.com Web: riyadh-motorshow.com
Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Tel: +966-11-4503638 Email: info@saudihoteltechexpo.com Web: saudihoteltechexpo.com
NOV. 18 – 21
The Apsley Academy is dedicated to supporting families and corporates in the management of their households and staff. We provide training and education in all aspects of the British Royal Method, based on centuries of experience, updated for contemporary requirements. We offer regular seminars for staff and principals within the Gulf; and can also provide bespoke evaluations and training for households, corporate and hospitality industry. We believe that the perfection you require in other aspects of your life should be matched by the service you receive in your home.
In all things, excellence. Tel: +966-543187266 Email: info@apsley-academy.com ApsleyAcademy
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 15
BUSINESS
FINANCIAL PLANNING WITH REEM ASAAD The C Word
Yes, it is scary – cancer can be a nightmare.
Newly approved cancer drugs cost an average of $10,000 per month, with some therapies topping $30,000 per month, according to American Society of Medical Oncology (ASCO). So an average year's worth of new drugs would cost $24,000 to $36,000 in addition to health insurance premiums.
What is Cancer? According to cancer.org, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. The medical consequences, the looming end of life, the painful treatment (if available), shattered hopes, disrupted plans and dreams, leaving our loved ones; these are just some of the emotions associated with cancer. Sadly, there is another detriment to this debilitating disease: Financial burden. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the estimated medical costs for cancer in the US in 2011 reached $88 billion (SR 330 billion), about 17 percent of the entire GDP of Saudi Arabia for that year. In the GCC, over the period 1998-2009, the number of new cases of cancer reached 23,000 of which 22 percent is breast cancer. 16 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Economic Impact of Cancer So how much does it cost to receive cancer treatment? The financial costs of cancer are high for both the person with cancer and for society as a whole. One of the major costs of cancer is treatment. But lack of health insurance and other barriers to health care prevent many patients from getting optimal health care. This means that many cases go undiagnosed until a later stage when treatment can be more extensive, more costly and less successful.
So what can you do? Regular checkups, mammograms, wholesome exercise and healthful meals can all contribute to a better quality of life a whole and detecting disease early on. For more information, visit cancer.org. Also, tune in for the biggest awareness campaign for breast cancer in Saudi Arabia: 10KSA. The Author: Reem Asaad is an inspirational Saudi woman. She is a wife, mother, writer and financial adviser. Asaad was ranked the third most powerful Arab Woman in 2012 by Arabian Business Magazine. Email: Nasi7atreem@gmail.com Nasi7atreem
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 17
BUSINESS
Abdullah Al Munif His inspiring brilliant story.
Us being us, of course, we weren’t content to merely reading about the story. And it’s quite an inspiring one. Al Munif is not one to shy away from his failures, and he likes talking about them more than his successes because in his opinion, “People learn from my failures. And I have a lot of those.”
From its relatively obscure origins back in 2004, Anoosh has rapidly grown into a household name. The Anoosh cookie isn’t just a brand, it’s a lifestyle. And the intriguing growth from chocolate atelier to the number one cookie shop in the country is a compelling story, thanks to the intrepid entrepreneur behind the brand, Abdullah Al Munif.
18 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
“I started as a dishwasher, then I became a delivery guy so I could get commission. My first delivery was: I took some pizza to the dorms, and you’re supposed to hold the pizza box up, right? I got down from the car, carrying the pizza like like a bunch of books- the experience was zero- and I knocked the door and handed
STAFF PHOTO/NAWAF AL FARRAJ
By Johara Al Mogbel
He started off with one, graduating high school without enough credits to get into any of the colleges. Undaunted, he sold his car and went to the US to learn English. When he got to Michigan, he enrolled in a high school program and worked part time at a pizza restaurant to finance his trip.
it to them. I remember they were four girls, and they gave me a 5-dollar tip. They closed the door, and I was happy with the tip as I started leaving, but a few moments later they were yelling ‘Hey, pizza guy!' I go back, and one of the girls says, 'first of all, give me my tip back.' I gave her the five dollars back. 'And here, take your pizza.' I’ve never been in the position where someone says: here, this is how you carry pizza. I went back, and my Lebanese manager told me: 'yee shoo, shayel kutub ma’ak' [you think you’re carrying books]?” When Al Munif came back to Saudi Arabia with the ability to speak English fluently but no degree to prove it, he worked two jobs; as a receptionist in Shell Petromin in the morning, and as a merchandiser in Saco in the evening. Then he got an offer to work as a secretary in Riyadh Military Hospital. “When I sat down with HR he spoke to me in English and everything went well enough that he waivered the written test. When I got the job, I had to write in English and they saw the mess in spelling and what not so they gave me English courses to improve myself. I ended up working there for five years.”
dial-ups were still in use and the Internet wasn’t as widely spread. “Even when I would go to a hotel in Makkah or Madinah to sign them on, they wouldn’t be connected. So it failed. I’d even gotten a loan from the bank but I lost the money.”
An unrelenting entrepreneur, Al Munif started a dot-com business in the evening that provided reviews and bookings to hotels and restaurants. But it was an idea beyond its time, as
After that debacle, he worked in Tawuniya Insurance as a secretary to the director. While he was there, he was approached by a college professor to join him and
other investors in their date export business. He agreed and joined them, but four to five months later, the company shut down. “He went back to the university, and I was out of a job. So I started building my own private labelling of mamool and dates.” The concept was kickstarted by the dates. “I used to take my produce to a chocolate factory and have them dipped, because I didn’t have the DESTINATIONRYD.COM 19
facilities to do it myself. At the chocolate factory I found these chocolates that were really colorful, and it was right after Easter. The factory’s in Lebanon, so the guy sold me his stock, and I opened my first kiosk in 2004.” Thus Anoosh was born. The name comes from the Armenian term for cute. “Everyone was using French, Italian or American names, so we decided to try Eastern Europe.” In 2004, the first kiosk was set up, but then the next problem arose. In the winter, the electricity would be turned off and the chocolate would melt in the kiosks which pushed Al Munif into opening his first store on Takhassossi road in Riyadh in 2006. He’d opened a chocolate store and there was minimal traffic so he worked on making a buzz in the environment. “I invited different people to the store; university students for example, as well as embassies, kids’ programs, charity organizations, so they could try the products. They ended up liking them, and suddenly there was a demand.” And now, they have 30 branches in the Kingdom. But once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. It wasn’t enough for Al Munif to stick with Anoosh. The need to build something from the ground up prevailed and he was back in business.
20 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
“In 2008-2009, I started to build a little company and sell it, build a brand and sell it, so while currently operating under Al Munif Holding, I’ve opened a number of companies. So far there’s been around eight that I’ve invested in.” Al Munif’s business acumen extends altruistically as well, as he’s a board member of Oqal Angel Investment Committee that helps entrepreneurs and mentors them. Before we left, we asked Al Munif what his next plans for Anoosh were. “Chocolate
bars. We’re working on a new concept. We’re going to make the bar fun. What’s your favorite dessert? Maamoul, kunafa? Salted caramels? We’ll make it out of people’s favorite desserts. We’ll get Oreos, and drop it in the bar, we’ll add potato chips. Ever tried potato chips with chocolate? It’s beautiful. The combination of two things, this is what we mean about fun. We’re planning on 100 flavors in the line.”
Oh, yum. We positively can’t wait for those chocolate bars.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 21
BUSINESS
ONE GUY
and a Burger Meet Nawaf Al Fouzan, the intrepid entrepreneur behind Hamburgini.
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Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Riyadh in a large family that loves cooking. When I was young, I used to enjoy spending time with my mother in the kitchen helping her out with cooking. In 1994, I finished my university degree in business and I headed to the USA to finish my MBA in 1997. During my stay in the US, I used to cook for fun. I usually love cooking things differently with a twist and both my roommate and I gained weight
during that time. I am not sure if this is bad or good but he never complained. When I returned to Saudi, I worked in technology then I moved to the financial industry but I was always dreaming of starting my own business. So, I started my technology business, Al Fouzan Distribution in 2004 and distributed products like Buffalo, Brother, TrendNet, and different wireless networking products. But still, I felt food is my passion and should be my next business.
STAFF PHOTO/ NAWAF AL FARRAJ
By Johara Al Mogbel
There’s little doubt in anyone’s mind that Hamburgini is the “It” burger of Riyadh. Fresh, yummy and affordable, it was a revolution in the very, very extensive burger scene. The world, of course, has Nawaf Al Fouzan to thank for that. A business graduate tech expert who loved to cook, he built up Hamburgini and helped it to the success it is now.
What’s the concept behind the brand?
Burger is an easy concept if you love it, and difficult if you don’t. I love burgers. I enjoy them and sometimes I even travel to test or try a burger. I managed to build a good knowledge of burger making and tasting. And when you keep testing on your friends and family and they keep pushing you to make more, you realize that they sincerely like what you’ve made. I am a fan of encouraging entrepreneurship, so I decided to start a food business and begin with something that I believe I can be good at. Adding in a business background with accounting in particular, I learnt that I should be more conservative and offer a product that no one can say no to, a good quality and yet fast casual burger, and thus the concept was born.
The concept was thought up in 2009, but the construction of the first location was in 2011. Do you find it important to leave a certain amount of time between idea and execution? Sometime entrepreneurs think of an idea, but when they sleep on it they lose interest. It’s important to leave a gap to collect information. Watch and observe others. Would you leave the idea for a better one? Are you a person who is usually jumping on different ideas? But in my case it was different. I didn’t leave the gap by choice. It was hard to find the right location, at the right cost, with a property owner willing to rent a space for an unknown brand.
What was the most difficult thing you came up against in the process of developing Hamburgini?
I must say that manpower is usually the number one challenge entrepreneurs face here in Saudi Arabia. And Hamburgini was not an exception. Finding the people who are willing to work in a newly established business requires a lot of convincing.
I should offer a product that no one can say no to. — Nawaf Al Fouzan
In Riyadh, it’s unfortunately common for a restaurant to start strong but then get worse as time passes. Why do you think that is?
If you are talking about franchised stores, it’s possible because the launching teams are usually strong and the moment they leave, customers start noticing. Also, quality drops if you change supplier to a lower quality, when you don’t have enough staff, when you don’t have quality assurance team or audit, when the owner loses interest in the business or opens a different one, or sometimes when the business is sold to a new owner.
From what we’ve understood, the restaurant started as a joint project between three investors: yourself, Adnan and Abdullah Aleisa, but has now progressed into a company. What changed, and where would you like to see the company in a few years? It started with Food Basic Est (single owner under Nawaf Al Fouzan) and then it was changed into a limited liability company with the same mentioned owners. As far as our plans, we are thinking of going international but we will start with covering the entire KSA and GCC. Web: hamburgini.com Tel: +966-11-4530557
24 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
What is your advice for future food entrepreneurs? Although the list can be very long, I would suggest they do the following: • Work for a while to gain experience in private sector and preferably small firm with good training program. • Attend as many food shows and events as you can. • Eat outside a lot with intention of understanding the business. • Watch Food Network channel and make the “food business” your new life.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 25
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S
A Slice of Saudi Pride
THE STORY OF PIZZA CHAMP
A Saudi pizza is bravely taking Riyadh by storm and we had to give them a call and ask, what’s your secret sauce, Maestro? By Jou Pabalate
26 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Maestro is a champ that managed to win our ultimate super cheese supreme showdown. Oh and rumor has it that they’re giving competitors a run for their money (enough so that some of them ended up changing their prices). We no complain. Mo’ Pizza. Mo’ Fun.
We got all curious and decided to have a lengthier sit down with the masters behind Maestro and while we didn’t get their secret recipe, we did get some meaty details that make them the Saudi Pizza brand to beat.
STAFF PHOTO / MOHAMMED DEGHAISHM
MAESTRO
Behind the brand is Khalid Al Omran, a Saudi entrepreneur who believes that nothing is impossible when there is will. While having a good foundation in business was an advantage, Al Omran believes that the success of Maestro is because of his team. “The growing market demand for brands that offer affordable quality is becoming a great attraction for many businesses. We think of pizza as an excellent platform to bring people together to share memorable times, with our full commitment to always providing the best and tastiest meals,” said Saleh Lzeik, Marketing Manager who has been with Maestro since day zero.
So how does Maestro know the taste buds of Saudis? “Simple. We are Saudi and we know what Saudis like. We listen very closely to
what people tell us through all channels. We value and appreciate any idea, opinion or thought – we make sure we turn those into actions and meet people’s needs. We have mystery diners, tasting panels and the whole quality assurance processes that makes sure the products are up to standard, and most importantly, consistent,” said Al Omran. The Destination Riyadh team is quite a difficult bunch to impress when it comes to food. But, we don’t short change on praise when praise is due. Riyadh’s fast food industry has been dominated by international franchises for so long, hence,
we welcome brands who buy local, support the community and are able to be the people’s food champs any given day. Web: maestropizza.com maestropizzaksa
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 27
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S
GASTRONOMY CONNOISSEURS A sneak peak into the lives of two of the best Saudi food bloggers. By Johara Al Mogbel
YASMEEN ALFOUZAN Our first choice was, of course, Yasmeen Alfouzan. Born in Abu Dhabi, Alfouzan’s an MIS analyst who started a food blog she built herself in 2008, which we’ve been crushing over ever since we discovered it. In her own words, she attempts everything and rarely finds something that sticks. She believes there’s nothing you cannot learn from the Internet and books, and from the looks of her blog, we wholeheartedly agree.
28 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Why’d you pick up cooking?
I harbor a fascination in both the artistic and scientific side of things equally. On one hand, I love music, visual arts, literature and movies; on the other, I love astronomy, physics, mathematics, programming and chemistry. Naturally, I just had to pick culinary arts, since it’s THE art that relies on both science and creativity to produce something extraordinary. I’m obsessed with learning about food chemistry and utilize that nerdy side of me to create simple, beautiful, homemade dishes. However, I don’t believe that you need to know about the science of food in order to create something insanely delectable, you just need to really love food.
What’s your idea of a favorite meal?
The answer to this question changes by season, day and hour. Right now, my idea of a favorite meal is: slowcooked lamb shanks, on top of buttery couscous and steamed veggies, with a side of a vibrant green salad tossed with an herby vinaigrette.
What is it about food that excites you?
What doesn’t? Everything. From the raw ingredients, to the finished dish – every stage of preparing and eating food gets me excited. I love it all.
What do you crave and how many times do you crave it?
I have a sweet tooth, so my answer is naturally: cake. I crave it all the time. Would never say no to good cake. Or ice cream.
Who does the photography for you? If you do it yourself, how did you learn the process?
COURTESY PHOTO
I do the photography myself, though, many times I wish I had an assistant photographer. Cooking and baking is a very involved process, so doing both at the same time can be quite challenging. I learned gradually, as I started with an entry-level point and shoot camera, and then found myself using a DSLR and processing RAW images on Lightroom. I still don’t think I take amazing photos, but I feel like they tell the story of the dish better, since I made it and could probably highlight its best features. Photos can be made art by some very talented
Are you planning on making a cookbook? individuals, but to me, they just encapsulate the visual appeal of a dish.
What advice do you have for aspiring food bloggers?
I say do not get discouraged by the large number of food bloggers that are already there and established. The world cannot have enough food bloggers. Self-publishing is the greatest tool we are blessed with. Trust me, even if you get very little audience out of it at all, it’s something worth keeping up with and pursuing. It changes the way you think about food, and the way you interact with it. Make sure you deliver good, authentic content and the rest will fall in place.
Yes! I’m in fact in the process of writing it right now, and I’d say I’m about 75 percent done. I can’t express how excited I am. It’s a baking book in Arabic that focuses on qualitybaked goods with proper methods, real ingredients and deliciousness all around is the top priority. Photos included, of course.
If you had to choose between a kitchen aide add-on and a fancy shoe, which one would you choose? I’d go against my first instincts and choose a fancy shoe, because my kitchen is overflowing with equipment and tools. Web: yasmine.ws yassoma
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 29
NOOR ALQAHTANI Ya Salam is another beautifully polished food blog that caught our eye. Run by Noor Alqahtani, an American freelance graphic designer married to a Saudi, she’s been residing in Riyadh since 2008. She’s an avid doodler and painter drawn to the culture of the gulf, which shows in her posts.
Why’d you pick up cooking?
To impress my husband of course! He had been living in the USA for quite a while and missed his favorite foods. Honestly, I had no idea how to cook little on Saudi cuisine and at the time you could not find anything about it online. I made it my mission to learn all about the food and history and to teach others along the way. I think I’ve done pretty well when my Saudi mother in law tells me I know more recipes from here than she does. And now when you search Saudi recipes you will find them everywhere.
Lamb Tajine
30 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Lentil Soup
What’s your idea of a favorite meal?
I think we’re all drawn to comfort food, you know the best meals our moms make. I’m a country girl so I will always want my moms fried chicken and cornbread over everything else. Thank God, Saudis love fried chicken too.
What is it about food that excites you?
I love the fact that food can bring people together. To me, that’s what it’s all about and definitely makes the time worth it in the end.
Asabe Zainab
What do you crave and how many times do you crave it?
I love soups and breads of any kind and it’s something that I could eat daily. Biscuits, cornbread, pita, French bread; whatever kind I will eat it.
Who does the photography for you? If you do it yourself, how did you learn the process?
I do everything myself from prepping, cooking to the photography. I’m not a pro by any means and honestly I’m not all that interested in photography. I do like a clear image though so a DSLR is a must. And like most things, I taught myself.
COURTESY PHOTO
What advice do you have for aspiring food bloggers?
If you’re living in a region like the Gulf then I urge you to start a food blog. You would not believe how hard it is to learn about traditional cooking.
Armenian Katah
For example I have a small online cooking club MENA (menacookingclub.org) and each month we make a recipe from a selected country. It has been really hard for us to find recipes for countries like Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Eight years ago when I started Ya Salam Cooking it was the same for Saudi. Invite people into your country and allow them to know the cuisine and tradition. I see so many Gulf bloggers talking about fashion and makeup, try something new and stand out. The world is really interested in this area and what it’s all about.
Are you planning on making a cookbook?
This has been a thought of mine for a while now so yes, it’s something that I want. I just know that a cookbook on Saudi cuisine would be a big hit. People are constantly asking me to go for it. However, I do not know the first step to take when it comes to publishing a book.
If you had to choose between a kitchen aide add-on and a fancy shoe, which one would you choose? I think you all know my answer! As much as I love shoes I would go for the kitchen tool every time. Web: yasalamcooking.com nooralqa
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 31
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
ARTIST’S CORNER MEETTHISMONTH’S EMERGING ARTIST! By Johara Al Mogbel
I don’t have a clear answer to that. I’ve loved art since I was a child. I think watching Tim Burton films and other cartoons made me want to create something of my own, too.
NAME: Sara Abdu
Why do you art?
What is, in your opinion, the best thing you’ve ever created and why?
Art makes sense of my true existence; it makes me feel “really” alive.
Is your work the result of sudden inspiration, or long term planning? How do you think up your concepts?
It’s a bit of both. I write down what comes to mind, and then I try to visualize the shape of my words. My concepts usually revolve around human feelings and perceptions, the complexity and simplicity of the things we try to understand. My concepts sometimes appear to be a reminder, which the human soul can feel related to.
32 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
AGE: 21 OCCUPATION:
Freelance Artist MEDIUM: Sketch
None of my artworks can be chosen as the best of what I created. The more I create the more I become critical about my work. I think the rest of my life will be an attempt to create the best I can.
Who are your role models? I’d rather talk about people who really inspired me and still inspire me. People like Andrei Tarkovsky, Hayao Miyazaki, Tim Burton, Nina Simon, Frida Kahlo, Zdzisław Beksiński and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
What does being creative mean to you? Being free.
Favorite piece of artwork by someone else? There are a lot! But there’s this piece that comes to my mind now. It’s called “Woman with Dead Child” by Kathe Kollwitz. citizen_saraabdu
COURTESY PHOTO
What got you started?
"
WE DO STUFF THAT WE LOVE Design & Art Direction Content Development Strategy & Consulting Brand Identity Publishing
"
www.lubcreative.com
+966 56 357 8291
info@lubcreative.com DESTINATIONRYD.COM 33
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
FOOD HACKS Six food hacks for the culinarily challenged. By Johara Al Mogbel
A love of eating does not automatically compute itself into knowledge of cooking. If we were ever to face a rampaging manticore that can only be staved off by a freshly cooked omelette, there’s a 50 percent chance we’d all be dead within minutes. Which is why we decided to take matters into our own hands, and figure out how to feed murderous creatures before they kill us and not set the kitchen on fire.
Here are some life hacks we tried out: Mac’n’Cheese IN A MUG
We were very sceptical when we tried this, because we couldn’t wrap our heads around the fact that uncooked pasta could go soft in the microwave. But lo and behold, it did! Just keep in mind that many things might go wrong with this one, but hot fresh mac’n’cheese you can make without setting yourself on fire might be worth it. 34 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Ingredients: • Small pasta • Cheese • Water • Milk • Mug • Microwave Easiness: 2/5 Success: 3/5
Steps: 1. Place ½ cup
2. Heat the pasta and mug 1/3 cup water in increments . of 2 minu in a mug tes in the micro wave, stirring e very time you take p cu 3. Add ¼ the mug out. ½ d an milk cup of cheese. Microwave for e. another minut 4. Take out, eat, and hug yourself.
Steps:
1. Shovel mea t in the bag of chip s. 2. Add salad. 3. Shake.
g 4. Realize the ba gh ou en isn’t big a 5. Shake and put it into some bigger bag. more. 6. Dump it all in a plastic plate because it’s near impossible to get a perfect salad/beef/chips ratio from the bag and make the perfect taco bowl.
Tacos on the Go
This isn’t really for people who don’t know how to cook completely, as you need to source cooked beef from somewhere. It was meant to lessen the use of utensils, as well as make it easier for you to eat on the run. Long story short: It did neither.
Ingredients:
• Beef (minced meat + fajita spices) • Salad (cut up) • Vegetables of your choice • Fritos/Lays/Doritos Easiness: 1/5 Success: 2/5 DESTINATIONRYD.COM 35
Easy Salad Seasoning
So, this might not technically be a meal but it works pretty handily to impress your guests. Plus, they instantly make any food taste better. Salads, mana’eesh, pasta… it’s magical.
Ingredients:
• Seasoned potato chips • Pepper grinder • Plastic bag • Boxing gloves Easiness Rating: 5/5 Success: 5/5
Steps: 1. Place the bag of chips in a bigger bag to 2. Put on oves. minimize debr boxing gl y. is. Box bag rapidl 3. Pour into r. pepper grinde
Steps: Sidenote
Blink of an Eye Cake
We loved this one. We really, really loved this one. Oneminute cake in a for-one size that we wouldn’t have to share? We’re all for that. Bring it on, sweet tooth, we are going to absolutely slay you. 36 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Most recipes called for flour and chocolate and other weird stuff, but we’ve decided to forego that and make it even simpler. You’re welcome.
Ingredients:
• Cake Mix • Milk • Mug • Frosting and Sprinkles Easiness: 4/5 Success: 5/5
4. Sprinkle over all available food .
1. Pour the amount of cake mix you’d like into the mug, ’t make sure it isn lf ha more than of the mug just in case.
3. Place in in 2. Pour milk in m icrowave s, nt little amou fo in r 1/12 or it g in irr and st es 2 minutes. bl m se re it til un cake batter. 4. Decorated with a dollop of frosting and some sprinkles, for fun. 5. Thank us.
Donut Waffle Pancakes
We’ve all had those days where we find a stale box of Krispy Kremes, get hit hard with a craving wave, and decide to forgo our palates to eat them. Except that is a horrible idea and we’re here to dissuade from that crime. Behold, donut waffles!
Ingredients:
• Box of original Krispy Kreme donuts • Waffle maker/ sandwich presser • Plate • Huge appetite
Steps: 1. Plug in the
presser, place the convenient amount of donuts inside.
3. Take out
donuts, stack them, and bite in.
2. Close presser, and wait till the sizzling sound wafts to your brain. Allow crispiness according to taste.
Easiness: 5/5 Success: 4/5
No-Oven Omelette
This is very useful for people with a phobia from stoves.
Ingredients:
• Waffle/sandwich press • Eggs • Salt • Cheese • Bowl and spoon Easiness: 3/5 Success: 4/5
Steps: 1. Plug in the s sandwich pres 2. Break the it til un t ai and w egg and mix it heats up. in a bowl, add salt according ix to taste. 3. Pour egg m h ic w nd sa into press tray. 4. Watch it cook, and add se when 5. Flip over, chee arly done. ne s it’ and enjoy!
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 37
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
SPECIAL PLACES
A Stroll Through
DIRIYIAH The city’s latest hotspot. By Johara Al Mogbel
And where there is a cool place to be visited, we shall soon follow. The awesomeness starts out in the parking lot, it seems, as we parked a few spots away from a gorgeous vintage Mercedes. Up we went and there was Albujairy in all its glory. First thing we saw was a little dukkan (convenience store)
This year Riyadh’s “it” place to be is without a doubt Albujairy. A new area built by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in Diriyah, a historical town that has now become a neighbourhood within the ever expanding Riyadh, Albujairy managed to mix traditional and modern in a bright new shiny well planned space.
38 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Tips
Avoid weekend nights as the crowds will be overwhelming. Most restaurants start business at 2 p.m., so until they change their timings look elsewhere for your morning breakfast jaunt.
set up to mimic the traditional baqalas. Then we turned a little, and we noticed that the entire place was filled with food. Various restaurants dotted the area, from Cone Zone and Zeit wu Zaatar, to Dr. Café and Najdi Village. The thing we liked about them is that they all had alfresco dining for families as well, which is going to be so useful during the cooler seasons. A number of restaurants, such as Bab Alyemen, were still in construction. It was kind of a let down to see so many nonKhaleeji food spots, to be quite frank, as we would much r ather have preferred Albujairy be a one-stop place for the region’s cuisine.
Ama’s design is spot on. They’ve strung vintage lanterns from wood color pallets and it was the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. Their recent events have been impressive, too, and it bodes well that a specialized art space was included in the touristy area. It was nearing night time, and it was well past due calling it a day, but we decided to explore a little more, walking up a series of pretty ramps up till we
reached the top. And boy were we glad we did, because we found the true gem of Albujairy: the view. An elevated area that allowed you a near bird’s eye of the beautiful lands of Diriyah, it made us so very happy to find. Bottom line? Take a hike. IN Albujairy, of course, we’re not asking you to walk away from the magazine, of course. Hey, where you goin’?! We’re sorry, we won’t try to be funny again, we promise!
Other notable shops in the area:
Dukkan Turathiat, a shop selling traditional Saudi tchik-tchok, as well as Alharan, a store that sells bishts and other male necessities.
Our absolute favorite, though, has to be Ama Art Gallery. Beside the huge Najdi Village, DESTINATIONRYD.COM 39
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
DVDS DOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH Abraham Lincoln: Preserving the Union SR 64.99
Abraham Lincoln risked everything to save a young America from selfdestruction and paid the ultimate price. This unforgettable program tells the complete story of Abraham Lincoln, from the rustic childhood that forged his beliefs, to the tough campaign that made him president.
Ice Road Truckers: Season 7 SR 149.99
Animation Box By Abdullah Rafa
Director/Creator Abdulaziz Al Muzaini makes history with the all-female lead roles Saudi animated series, Queens. It talks about the daily life of two sisters, Ritaj and Fatin. The first episode was written by Noha Al Fard. More episodes are planned for release.
Planet Earth: The Complete Series SR 199.99
GAMES VIDEO GAMES!
Trials Fusion: Awesome Max Edition Available on PS4, SR 229
The Trials Fusion also includes the new Awesome level MAX DLC, which adds a collection of new tracks, combined with a unique Trials experience featuring an unexpected hero riding a very special bike Mad Max: Ripper Edition Available on PS4, SR 299
Descend into the post-apocalypic wasteland of Mad Max, where ammo is sparse and the key to survival is the possession of a car. Take control of Mad Max and stay alive amongst the savage gangs of bandits who roam the desolate desert. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
The story of “Gears of War� thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surfaced from the bowels of the planet. Players live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. Available on XBox One, SR 159
40 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
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DESTINATIONRYD.COM 41
STYLE & SHOPPING
Those Darlings
CAN COOK Food-obsessed chic heroines. By Felwa Alhudaithy, C’est Ma Vie
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn released a new book, “Audrey At Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen.” Well technically her son Luca Dotti did.
The marvelous thing about the book is that it tells the story of his mother's life through food and recipes — specifically, her recipes. The book, which the author calls “a kitchen table biography,” offers an intimate look at Hepburn’s life and passions. But at its heart, it is a traditional family cookbook with recipes passed down through generations, collected from friends and compiled as a fitting tribute to a loving mother by her son. Every evening, she had a little chocolate. Needless to say I started my Audrey tradition and I’m currently eating a piece of chocolate every day to keep those sad thoughts away. Web: audreyhepburn.com
Audrey Hepburn
Sophie Dahl
A devoted home cook, she wrote “Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights,” that was turned into a five episode TV show.
The model turned writer, is as Chandler Bing once said, “a hoot!” Sophie writes in a way that I aspire to write one day; effortless, charming, romantic and full of wits, the old fashioned kind, the kind that you find in an Agatha Christie short story. The English rose first caught my eyes after watching her show. I fell in love with her persona, her way of thinking, and her easy and delicious cooking. Her ill-fated show only lasted one season, however her books and now
42 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Luca Dotti
her online website house more recipes than ever. I recently tried her Summer Pasta and had my own spin on an Italian classic. Web: sophiedahl.com
Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley
A while ago, I stumbled upon two British girls that embody the perfect way of life, Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, the sisters behind Londonbased healthy food business Hemsley and Hemsley.
They have their own blog now turned official website and they also contribute to Vogue UK. The sisters have a passion for wellness and delicious, nutrient-dense cooking. Their cookbook, “The Art of Eating Well,” has over 150 recipes free of grain, gluten and refined sugar, and they have also launched their apparatus, the Hemsley Spiralizer. This weekend I'll have to try their Quinoa Tabbouleh. Web: hemsleyandhemsley.com
Nigella Lawson
I think I’ve saved the best for last; Nigella Lawson is my ultimate queen bee. She’s the quintessential woman. She cooks, she’s engaging, and not in the least pretentious.
She gave us the term, Domestic Goddess. It was her who wanted women not to be afraid of the kitchen, not to be afraid of being domestic, not to label ourselves or let ourselves be labeled un-feminist because we enjoyed such a simple, traditional thing as cooking.
Her food is about love. It's not really about expedience, or restraint and it's certainly not about health. In our family, we love Nigella’s Holiday Hot Cake. The smell alone will make you crave a big knitted sweater and opening the fireplace and digging into a bowl of cake with extra crème fraiche. Web: nigella.com
There are so many women who owe their love of food and cooking to Nigella. She taught us not to feel ashamed of sneaking a spoonful of clotted cream from the fridge at three in the morning. DESTINATIONRYD.COM 43
STYLE & SHOPPING
PA R I S I A N CHIC
EDITOR’S PICK Ted Baker SR 403
BY NIGHT Ted Baker SR 780 Marni SR 1,570
Valentino SR 9,180
Vanessa Seward SR 1,250
Balenciaga SR 8,400
Simone Rocha SR 6,400
Balenciaga SR 5,950
Oscar De La Renta SR 1,190
Diane Von Furstenberg SR 1,040
44 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Tom Ford SR 4,250
BY DAY
Gucci SR 1,360 Maria Black SR 400 Bella Freud SR 1,460
Rosantica SR 2,400
Arme De L’Amour SR 1,340
M2malletier SR 4,800 MIH SR 1,090
Saint Laurent SR 7,350
Live the Process SR 429
Iman Linjawi Law graduate from London but fashion addict at heart. Travels the world and gets inspiration from street markets to runways. Studied design and styling with London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin.
Saint Laurent SR 6,500
Isabel Marant SR 1,540
Live the Process SR 429
Email: iman.linjawi@gmail.com
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 45
STYLE & SHOPPING
Augmented Reality enabled here
THE FASHION
Food Fest Ok so it’s no secret that we tend to revolve our office life around eating things. But sometimes, stuffing one’s face isn’t enough.
More of the healthy type? Don’t worry, Charlotte Olympia’s got your heel with this absolutely bonkers Bananas Is My Business heel. We love it! Jeffrey Campbell’s got a lookalike for those with a lower budget.
By Johara Al Mogbel
Web: charlotteolympa.com, jeffreycampbellshoes.com
We appreciate a clutch that looks so good we want to lick it. Pair it with a nice retro inspired dress and Irregular Choice heels, and you will look delectable.
There are few things that are as beautiful as this sweatshirt. Mac and Cheese, come to our bosoms. We shall embrace you forever.
Web: betseyjohnson.com SR 255
Web: Belovedshirts.com SR 244
Ah, Moschino, you always make us happy. Haha! Cause it’s a happy meal bag, geddit? No? Okay. Web: moschino.com SR 3,560
46 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Hover on the page
D FOR WEIR N IO FASH
DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT
We never knew we needed a Chanel supermarket basket up until they actually gave us one. And that lait de coco bag? YUM. Then there are the brasserie plate clutches debuted this fall, if you need somewhere to eat all this fake food.
We love Dolce and Gabbana so much we want them to adopt us. Case in point: This totally gorgeous pepper print dress from a few seasons back. Equally adorable? Their macaroni earrings. D&G, just take all our money already.
ChanelSupermarketCollection Web: chanel.com
Web: dolcegabbana.com
Pineapples on a pastel yellow stocking? We’re sold! Just throw’em all at us already. Strathcona Stockings Web: etsy.com SR 135
How could one mention food and fashion without bringing up Judith Leiber’s infamous cupcake clutch? The crystal minaudiere’s perfect for when you like food but can’t actually eat it, because of your need to fit into a size 00 at all times.
Another one from Beloved, this just brings a whole new meaning to beachready body. Dudes, pizza trunks are a thing. The future is wondrous. Web: belovedshirts.com SR 281
Never mind the fact that this is a bag that looks like a soda cup. Never mind the fact that it has an actual straw coming out in the cutest way possible. Look! Unicorn tears! Web: skinnydiplondon.com SR 105
Keep warm in winter and look positively enchanting all at once with this perfect cupcake beanie. We’re happy the cupcake craze is over but there’s no harm in wearing it, we think. Web: neffheadwear.com SR 105
You don’t think we’d stopped there, do you? Of course not! We’ve got tons more on the website, visit destinationryd.com for the lengthier FoodFashionFest.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 47
STYLE & SHOPPING
brought to you by
Close Shave Vegetable Peeler SR 39.99
This vegetable peeler looks like a disposable razor but it’s actually a durable addition to your kitchen toolkit. So if your carrots need a little taken off the sides or your cukes need a trim, we’ve got you covered. Close Shave is molded from durable, food-safe polypropylene plastic with a stainless blade.
Twist N Go The Fruit Blender SR 79.99
The Twist N GO Bottle is an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable bottles. It features a built-in fruit blender for a vitamin injection, whether you’re going to the office, for a picnic or just on the move. The first step towards a healthier, longer existence.
48 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
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Asobu Samba Shaker SR 79.99
The 20 ounce Asobu Samba Shaker Bottle is a practical and fun way to keep your drink mixed while on the go. Ideal for mixing sport hydration or protein energy powders, smoothies and more! Perfect for bringing to the gym, office or school. Hand wash.
Salt N Pepper Shaker Camera Film SR 54.99
This authentic looking old school film is really a salt and pepper shaker and will fool anyone. It looks just like film canisters and is made of sturdy plastic. Plus, it is conveniently labeled.
Top Spin - Pizza Cutter SR 74.99
Bring the fun back to your pizza night with a pizza cutter that definitely turns the tables on boredom. Top spin, slice served! ADVERTORIAL
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 49
STYLE & SHOPPING
Have you Found Your Favorite
FACE CLEANSER? After reading this article, you’ll know what facial cleanser suits you best. By Zareen Muzaffar
Which one should I choose? The following brands are available at Wojooh, Debenhams and Sephora.
Clinique
Chanel
Clinique Comforting Cleanser is great for those with sensitive skin. This cleanser is without any fragrance and doesn’t irritate the skin as it’s very mild yet effective.
Givenchy
Clean It Tender Creamy Cleansing is formulated for normal to dry complexions. It removes residues of makeup quiet effectively and leaves the skin feeling soft.
SR 250
SR 170
Clarins
Clarins products don’t leave the skin feeling parched. The Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a milk cleanser that promotes clean, healthy-looking skin. It’s formulated with coconut and fatty acids to protect skin balance. The fragrance is also mild compared to some other brands.
Chanel’s Le Blanc Intense Brightening Foam Cleanser is part of a range that includes moisturizer, cream and serum. This range targets discoloration and apparently the pearl protein and licorice extracts make the skin feel hydrated.
Another great product for makeup removal by Clinique is the Take the Day off Cleansing Milk.
SR 150
SR 133
50 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Estee Lauder
Perfectly Clean cleanser by Estee Lauder is ideal for normal/combination skin. It’s really good for taking off stubborn makeup or just use it for facial cleansing in the morning or at night. SR 150
La Roche Posay
1
What’s my skin type?
These cleansers are targeted towards certain facial issues such as acne prone skin or rosacea. These brands are available at Whites and Nahdi pharmacy.
Grab a tissue paper and give your face a quick swipe. A normal skin type has good circulation and there will not be any trace of sebum (or oil) on the tissue. An oily skin type will leave blots of facial oil on the tissue, particularly from the cheeks, nose and forehead. A dry skin type has a low level of sebum and does not maintain oil easily.
Bioderma Sebium Gel
Pharmacists highly recommend this line for all skin types although it’s really good for those with very oily skin. This gel is known to keep oily skin in check without triggering excess oil production via irritation. SR 108
Uriage
Uriage Hyseac Gentle Cleansing Gel is ideal for combination to oily skin. It cleanses while removing oiliness with light foaming action. SR 84
The cleansing gel for oily sensitive skin purifies the skin and eliminates excess sebum. Their formula contains soothing and anti-irritating La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water (a personal favorite). 1. Purifying
Foaming Gel
2
SR 139
2. Physiological
Foaming Water
SR 110
Vichy 3 in 1
Vichy is well known for catering to sensitive skin. This one-step cleanser acts as cleansing milk, toning lotion and an eye makeup remover. SR 97
Nuxe
The soap free face wash acts as a makeup remover too. Its dual formula dissolves the makeup in seconds and purifies the face of any residues. Yes, it’s very hydrating too! SR 105
Did you know? The skin loses about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells from the surface almost every minute. DESTINATIONRYD.COM 51
DINING AROUND TOWN
DINING SCOOP Zaika Opens in Riyadh By Sumaiyya Naseem
Zaika’s grand opening just took place in Riyadh under the patronage of Anil Nautiyal, the Deputy Indian Ambassador. And they’ve got it right: an exquisite unmatched Indian fine dining experience. With the perfect taste and detail, Riyadh’s Zaika will not only
EX
S TION PEC TA
satisfy your love for the curry but also surprise you with Saudi innovative twists. We might be referring to the pot of crispy Mulukhia Chicken or the Murg Cheese Angar – a kind of chicken tikka with melted cheese inside it. Location: Al Akaria Plaza 4, Olaya Main St. ZaikaKSA
REALIT
52 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Y
Strawberry SA We’re still –and forever will be- on our neverending quest to find the perfect cheesecake. So Strawberry SA was our perfect next choice, with a repertoire of unique cheesecake flavors (including a dulche de leche one).
dreaming about it ever since. The cheesecake base is perfect and the baqlawa was big and plentiful. The only issue we had, actually, was that we encountered it again at a party and for some reason the baqlawa wasn’t as generous, so consistency seems to be fluid with this baker. Overall, this jury largely approves.
We opted for her baqlawa option, because hello? Baqlawa AND a lovely heavy cheesecake all in one bite? Yes, please. Luckily, Price: SR 280 the dessert lived up Delivery: Pick up for free to our expectations. Rating Overall: 4.5 It was good, yummy strawberrysa enough that we’ve been
Mystery Diner
AlMajles AlKhaleeji By Faris Al Yahya
The trend of traditional Saudi food places continues, and so far they’re still disappointing me with their quality. This place is called AlMajles AlKhaleeji, and it was a bad experience for me even after I gave them another chance. We enter the place and there’s no one to seat us even though it’s empty. The service is poor. And the important part, the food, was mediocre at best.
Dactylifera
Opens Shop fo r Sweet Buds in the Cit y
Dactylifera is se t to be one of the stores Ri yadhis can be heading to on Takhassussi St reet. It’s is a combina tion of quality dates, chocolat es, specialty confectionerie s and delicious ice creams that ar e sure to satisfy your sweet toot h.
We had “nawashef,” a platter comprised of cheese, jam, olives, honey and halawa taheeniah.
Then arrives the heavy hitters, foul julaba, thinly sliced flash-fried liver, mugalgal (pan fried meat) and fried eggs. I’d asked for the eggs to be cooked over easy but they served it to me extra crispy well done.
And once you tell them to return your order so they can properly cook it they don’t get you. The egg struggle is real, folks. The only bread they have is tamees and it might be the saddest tamees I ever had. Below average food and less than welcoming service. You can find yourself tons of better places with even less the price. Will not come here again, add it to your blacklist. DESTINATIONRYD.COM 53
DINING AROUND TOWN
FRY TRIES FOR
THUNDER THIGHS
By Johara Al Mogbel
We send our love and compliments to their inventor, whether it’s originally French or Belgian. So of course, when it came down to our comfort food issue, it was time to taste the fries of Riyadh. Oh, the
54 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
happiness. THANK YOU FRELGIANS. WE LOVE YOU. Below, the results! THE CRITERIA Regular sized standard fries; straight out of the fryer and post-20 minute delivery.
STAFF PHOTO / MOHAMMED DEGHAISHM
There is nothing on earth that is prettier or more important than fries. That is a solid, Destination Riyadh fact and we refuse to believe otherwise.
1.McDonald’s
SR 5 Crispiness: 8.4 Saltiness: 6.3 Oil Ratio: 6.5 Overall Happiness: 7.5
Verdict Verdict
We suspect there’s a little bit of childhood bias when it comes to McDonald’s fries, but bottom line is, everyone
was euphoric with their first bite. The winner, ladies and gentlemen!
“It just tasted better with a McFlurry, sorry not sorry.” “CLASSIC”
The dark horse of the bunch, Texas was oh so close to beating McDonald’s out. Actually, we were split into two, one group crowning Texas, the
4.Elevation Burger 3.Burger King
SR 5
Crispiness: 6.2 Saltiness: 6.6 Oil Ratio: 5.3 Overall Happiness: 6.8
Verdict
The expected favorite, we were sad to see that the King’s fries weren’t
“Acceptable, but a bit weird.” “It’s Burger. King.”
other crowning the arches. Well done, Texas Chicken. You do a lot better with your fries than your chicken, for sure.
“These are cold and they’re still so good. How. How?”
SR 12
Crispiness: 7.7 Saltiness: 6.4 Oil Ratio: 6.4 Overall Happiness: 6.4
Verdict as amazing as they used to be. Still tastes great, though.
It was a hard decision with this one. On one hand, it’s definitely the healthiest of the bunch, and therefore better. On the other, it didn’t hit the
right spot for us, after all the greasy happiness we had. So if you want healthy fries, this is the place for you.
“Light, crispy.” “Healthy. Does this count as a salad?”
6.Shawermer
5.Dairy Queen
Verdict
Perfectly crispy, and full inside, DQ should’ve slayed the masses. But it didn’t
Verdict hold up so well after the 10 minutes it took to cool.
“Not bad. Not bad at all.” “It tastes like soda.”
SR 5
Crispiness: 4.7 Saltiness: 5.7 Oil Ratio: 6.7 Overall Happiness: 6.3
SR 4
Crispiness: 7.5 Saltiness: 6.9 Oil Ratio: 6.7 Overall Happiness: 6.7
SR 5
2.Texas Chicken
Crispiness: 6.8 Saltiness: 9 Oil Ratio: 7.3 Overall Happiness: 9.1
Another underdog we weren’t expecting to shine. But with a decent cut and straight out of the fryer it was surprisingly delicious.
If only it had more salt and held up against time and temperature to still taste as good.
“Mmmm…” “With garlic this would be yum.” DESTINATIONRYD.COM 55
8.London Fish 6 and Chips SR 7.Kudu
Crispiness: 5.6 Saltiness: 4 Oil Ratio: 5 Overall Happiness: 5
SR 5
Crispiness: 5.5 Saltiness: 4.5 Oil Ratio: 4.1 Overall Happiness: 4.8
Verdict
Kudu will never be a contender amongst the fry giants, but for a good fix, it isn’t half bad. It just felt
Verdict
The only freshly cut potatoes on the list, and it showed. The fries were thick cut and enjoyable and would definitely have gotten a higher rating
a bit flat because of the lack of salt. What is everyone’s problem with salt and fries?
if only they were salted properly. Salt your fries, London Fish and Chips. Salt them! “I don’t know why, but I taste fish.” “Mmm, there’s a lemony taste.”
“Would finish it.”
10.Herfy
SR 5
Crispiness: 5 Saltiness: 3.8 Oil Ratio: 4 Overall Happiness: 4
9.New York Fries
SR 12
Crispiness: 3.7 Saltiness: 4.7 Oil Ratio: 4.7 Overall Happiness: 4.4
Verdict
We had high hopes for this one, but sadly it didn’t even remotely live up to its Emirati counterpart. A tad disappointing, really, especially
since it should have had the edge on other fries with the cheese inclusion. “Now we know what the F is for, NYF. F is for FAIL.” “Not bad actually, just a bit… soggy.”
56 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Verdict
The best out of the bad fast food ones, Herfy managed to be acceptable, if a bit inconsistent.
The shorter fries tasted better than the longer ones and the crispiness was okay. “Brings back memories.” “Good.”
11.KFC
SR 5
Crispiness: 3.6 Saltiness: 3.4 Oil Ratio: 2.8 Overall Happiness: 3.2
Verdict
Do you like your fries smelling like limp chicken? If you do, dig in. If you’re a normal human being
SR 8
12.Fatburger Crispiness: 1.8 Saltiness: 2.7 Oil Ratio: 2.4 Overall Happiness: 1.8
who values their taste buds, then don’t. “It tastes like chicken. Naked chicken. What? It does!” “Yum, chicken!”
14.Johnny Rockets
Verdict
For SR 8, this is in no way acceptable. We refuse your expensive subpar fries, Fatburger.
TAKE THEM BACK.
“One’s super soggy, the other lacks salt. What is this horrible fry diversity?”
SR 16
Crispiness: 1.7 Saltiness: 1.7 Oil Ratio: 2.5 Overall Happiness: 1.4
13.Hardee’s
SR 5
Crispiness: 2 Saltiness: 1.8 Oil Ratio: 2.7 Overall Happiness: 3.1
Verdict
When we dumped the fries out of their cases, Hardee’s retained the shape
Verdict
We don’t understand what went wrong here, we really don’t. Johnny Rockets is usually so much better, and their milkshakes are the best in Riyadh. But the fries we picked
up were a disaster. Undercooked and severely inedible. Do something about this, JR. Please. Unbreak our hearts. We believe in you.
“Blech blech blech blech!” “It tastes like cardboard. And tears.”
of its container. That is all you need to know. “This is so sad.” “Seriously?”
Do you think we missed a fry? Want to nominate your favorite? Let us know @destinationryd The Jury the Editorial Foodies, an engineer, a grade schooler, a marketing expert, a fry enthusiast and DR’s very own social media manager.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 57
DINING AROUND TOWN
LUSIN Authentically Armenian.
Lusin has, since 2011, served culture and history on a spoon. The first and most favored dining address for authentic Armenian cuisine, Lusin is a marvelous feat of oriental culinary excellence. The journey begins the moment your eyes fall upon the restaurant’s front façade and its interiors. Made entirely from naturally rose tinted Tufo, a type of volcanic stone unique to Armenian architecture, the walls envelope you with a sense of warmth. Brought in directly from its mother country, the stones are given a further touch of history with delicate engravings of Armenian poetry. In developing an authentic yet refined collection of Armenian classics, Lusin partnered with renowned Chef Anahid Doniguian. Regionally and internationally recognized as one of the foremost authorities in Middle Eastern cuisine, the New York trained chef penned over 13 award winning cookbooks. Being of Armenian descent herself, Chef Anahid went to revive traditional recipes with a sophisticated Lusin twist.
The Lusin Salad
58 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Armenian cuisine is far more complex than meat skewers and lamb chops. As Lusin reintroduces the culture, they offer what is called the Lusin Salad—an in house creation consisting of eggplant with cheese and pesto sauce.
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For those seeking a truly traditional vegetarian treat, one cannot go wrong with the Armenian Itch— bulgur, cracked wheat salad dressed with tomato sauce and parsley. This is a household staple in Armenia served as an afternoon palate cleanser for children coming home from school and as the family waits for grandma or mother to serve dinner. We were pleasantly delighted to learn from Chef Kasem that the stone oven installed in the kitchen served an integral purpose their culinary creations. One might notice that the Lusin dishes have a subtle smoky aroma and flavor, which apparently comes from the wood burn within the oven.
A must try is the Manti, an oven baked Armenian dish of traditional dough wrapping small balls of meat. The result is a tasty pot that does a graceful dance with the tomato sauce and yogurt. Each bite has a textured crispness brought about by the dough that lingers in your mind long after the dish is gone.
Eggplant rolls
You will never go wrong with any of the succulent grill offerings at Lusin. The restaurant prides itself in getting only the finest meat and produce in Riyadh. For those who prefer to veer away from meaty options need not fret; the Soborak (made from layers of pastry stuffed with cheese) alone, can make for a fine argument of how well balanced the menu is to accommodate less carnivorous guest. There is also the authentically made Pilaf as well as Mixed Dolma to keep you satisfied.
Complete your Armenian dining experience with their artisan crafted desserts. Refresh your taste buds with Ice Cream Lusin - rose ice cream wrapped with cotton candy or their homemade Armenian delight with cream.
Cherry Kebab
Overall, Lusin is a town favorite for good reason. In a city where the word “authentic� is thrown around too often in the dining scene, Lusin sets itself apart by matter of show rather than tell. Location: Centria Mall Tel: 920002690 Web: lusinrestaurant.com
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DESTINATIONRYD.COM 59
DINING AROUND TOWN
NIGHTS OF THE LEVANT Enjoy Skylight Pool Lounge and Restaurant.
Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski, located in the tallest residential tower in Riyadh to date, offers you and your family a marvelous dining experience at
its Skylight Pool Lounge and Restaurant. Amidst the relaxing ambience, you will enjoy delicious meals, impeccable service and breathtaking views. Attend Nights of the Levant at Skylight Pool Lounge and
Restaurant to add glamour and deliciousness to your evenings. Nights of the Levant offers a family dining experience topped with culinary arts from the Levant region and enticing and aromatic BBQ flavors. You will be greeted with Arabian hospitality and exemplary service as the staff will make sure both your food and your night are up to your high standards. When? Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. Guaranteed: You will always find something new and have the best time.
Your entire family is bound to enjoy this experience; even the little guests will enjoy their time at the children’s play area. Skylight Pool Lounge and Restaurant always strives to present you with the ultimate culinary journey and now with its Nights of Levant, you will be able to relish in a unique sanctuary with delectable food and top-notch service. Price: SR 190- Children (6-12 years) SR 95Children (under 6) Free Dining Tel: +966-11-5117777 Web: kempinski.com/burjrafal Email: dine.burjrafal@kempinski.com
60 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
ADVERTORIAL
if you have this coupoun with you
TheMagicofChocolateArrangements loroksa
loroksa
Tel: +966-11-4912 662 / +966-11-8100 411 Omar bin Abdul Aziz St. - New opening at Al Hasan bin Ali St.
www.loro.com.sa DESTINATIONRYD.COM 61
Güllüoglu
A Turkish Culinary Legacy The best of Turkey under one roof.
Start your mouthwatering journey with crowd favorites that have been given a special gullu touch. While all of the salads are refreshing and made with quality produce, we recommend pairing the Gavurdag salad (a classic Turkish starter that consists of tomatoes, walnuts, pomegranate seeds and spices) with some Gullu hummus and baba ghannous, the result is a palate cleanser combo that will have your taste buds ready for a succulent main course.
It's Breakfast Time! Try Güllüoglu's traditional breakfast menu this month, with four unique and rich plates to choose from. 62 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Since its inception in 1881, Güllüoglu has built a name that is synonymous to authentic Turkish culinary excellence. The family behind it has made it their legacy to share the best the cuisine has to offer. With over 60 branches spread over eight countries around the world; we’re delighted to finally have them in Riyadh. Upon entering the restaurant, Riyadhis are instantly reminded of the culinary scene of Istanbul. The high ceilings in the singles section provides an airy atmosphere that is often sought after in Riyadh. The hanging leaf vines, ornamented lighting and scenic paintings in one of the spaces, envelope you in a relaxing oriental ambience.
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Turkish bakers have often been considered to be stove oven masters and indeed, Güllüoglu meets such expectations. Whether you eat them on their own or as part of your starters, the Pide selection is a must try. The mixed pide is a good way to play a game of pick your favorite pie. Regardless of which you choose, all of them are baked in golden perfection - the bread soft with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. What sets this kitchen apart from the many Middle Eastern restaurants in town is the tenderness of the meat and how they have taken the time to ensure that each shish and kebab that lands on your table is packed with flavors.
We are often skeptical when a food establishment claims to serve authentic doner, it often turns out to be a glorified shawarma. However, our doubts were laid to rest when we took our first bite of Güllüoglu’s doner. The meat was thinly sliced If you ever and grilled to perfection. decide to chill at The serving was juicy and Güllüoglu, don’t forget generous, and yet, it was to pair your hot beverages so good that we ended up at the café with some tasty ordering another plate. pastry treats, from bagels,
boreks, cakes and desserts;
your Turkish coffee will Güllüoglu is your never be lonely. destination for any Turkish cravings, savory or sweet. With Turkish chefs keeping The brand is equally famous original recipes alive, a for their desserts and pastries. menu that is scrumptious as Their signature baklava has it is affordable, and a lively wowed the world and the yet comfortable ambience; sweet shop offers 19 kinds to Güllüoglu brings pride to choose from. Antep culinary heritage and gives Riyadhis a true culinary adventure that will leave them heading back for more. Opening Hours: Sweetshop: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Restaurant: 12 – 3 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The best pide in town.
Succulent mixed grill.
Location: King Fahad Rd. Mob: +966-11-4194477 / 11-4193636 Web: gulluoglu.com.sa gulluoglu
Signature dessert.
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DESTINATIONRYD.COM 63
DINING AROUND TOWN
Noodle Box tosses fun and flare through their lively wok stations.
NOODLE BOX Happiness in a box.
There’s something about the food in East Asia that just pulls you in, wraps you in noodles and never let’s you go. And no one knows it more than the founders of Noodle Box. Josh James and David Milne, two Australians who were backpacking through Asia and found themselves in Singapore, had their lives utterly changed the moment they stepped into the crowded streets of the city’s famous hawker food markets. But unlike other lesser tourists, it wasn’t enough 64 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
to experience it and go home. Back in Melbourne, and bereft of their culinary revelation, they decided they had to transport what they’d tasted, smelt, and seen back to their town and package it in a modern setting for others, and Noodle Box was born. And once they had conquered Australia, they moved onto their next plan: complete and total world noodle dominance. Which, happily, brought them to Riyadh. And with the fourth branch underway already, the city has taken to it like a storm.
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And they can’t quite be blamed for it, because with 14 different flavors on offer, Noodle Box has established itself as a foodtopia for those who like options. It stands out amongst other wok-aficionados in the city by the sheer amount of combinations on offer, and with their new wokmix concept coming out soon, noodle-lovers will certainly have a field day customizing their perfect dish.
Those who find it hard to make a decision need not fret, though, the chain also offers tried and true set combinations that range from the classics, like the absolutely delicious Singaporean noodles, the Noodle Box favorites such as the Pad Thai chicken, or the chef specialties that include the Mee Goreng.
And for vegetarians, try the Gung-Ho Soy. Made of thin egg noodles, tofu and loads of market fresh Asian veg, all woktossed in their very own secret soy sauce, it’s sure to appeal to even the pickiest vegetable lovers. Pair it with a Yum Cha, Noodle Box’s take on traditional appetizers that include salt and pepper calamari, the ubiquitous spring roll, chicken satay skewers, dim sims, dragon wings, and prawn crackers, and you have the perfect meal for lunch or dinner all conveniently carryable in a noodle box. Hah! See what they did there?
Noodle Box is well on its way to establish itself as the de rigueur hotspot of Asian fast food in Riyadh and, soon elsewhere in the country. We can’t wait! You really do taste like happy would if it could be packaged in a box, Noodle Box.
Location 1: Izdihar, Exit 7, Al Hussein Bin Ali St. Tel 1: +966-11-4562920 Location 2: Turki First St., opposite KSU Tel 2: +966-11-8108459 Location 3: Tamimi Plaza, Makkah Rd. Intersection with Turki First St. Web: noodlebox.com.au Noodleboxksa
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DESTINATIONRYD.COM 65
DINING AROUND TOWN
GODIVA SABLÉS
A Journey of the Senses A collection inspired by travel and adventure, the exquisite sablés fine butter biscuit collection will take you on a journey to remember. Take your taste buds on an expedition to savor, with Godiva’s travel-inspired sablés butter biscuit collection. Born out of Chef Chocolatier, Jean Apostolou’s adventures, the collection boasts four beautiful biscuit flavors, each reminiscent of the provenance that inspired its creation.
Journey to Africa with the Ultimate Chocolate biscuit, Oceana with the Macadamia Ginger, Europe with Almond Speculoos and the United States with the fabulous Pecan Chocolate Chip biscuit. Delicate in appearance but strong in flavor, the
sablés biscuits strike the perfect balance between wonderfully sophisticated and wickedly indulgent. Featuring a smothering of premium Belgian chocolate, the irresistible pieces have an indulgent, crunchy texture that will delight with every bite.
GODIVA’S EXQUISITE NEW COLLECTION INCLUDES: Macadamia Ginger
Let the exciting combination of spicy ginger and crunchy macadamia nuts transport you to chocolate softens the lively flavors locked within.
Almond Speculoos Pecan Chocolate Chip
Ultimate Chocolate
An ode to Americana, these caramelized pecan nuts and chunky cocoa chips are dipped in smooth Belgian milk chocolate.
Decadent and dark, this sophisticated biscuit is a flavorful celebration of the beauty and intensity of Africa. 66 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
ADVERTORIAL
Crushed almonds add a pleasing crunch to this spiced Speculoos biscuit. Dipped in dark Belgian chocolate, this piece captures the sweet, familiar flavors of Europe. Godiva sablés are now available in Godiva stores. GodivaArabia Godiva_Arabia
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 67
H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
DON’T BE A VICTIM of Food Poisoning How to avoid food poisoning both at home and when eating out. By Massa Bitar
A few months ago, more than 2,000 restaurants in Jeddah were shut down due to unsanitary food practices and an ascending number of food-poisoning cases.
personal hygiene in staff, pests, cleaning cloths and cleaning chemicals).
• Wash and disinfect all utensils and surfaces before and after food preparation.
In fact, food in most of these restaurants was contaminated with more than 11 types of harmful bacteria.
• Make sure that the
Bacteria multiply faster in hot and humid weathers, which create the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria to grow in food.
• Throw the food if
food doesn’t stay at room temperature for more than two hours. it stays for more than four hours at room temperature.
If this food ends up in our systems, food poisoning is an unavoidable consequence. Symptoms of Food Poisoning Symptoms can start at any point between a few hours to several weeks later. Most common symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, lack of energy, lack of appetite, fever, aching muscles and chills. Symptoms are stronger in children, elderly, pregnant women and people with immunodeficiency. 68 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
• Wash your hands very well before touching any food product.
• When you buy food
Prevention
Follow these tips when handling food at home:
• Keep it away
from all sorts of contaminants (raw meats or eggs, dirty surfaces, unwashed hands, dirty equipment, poor
at the supermarket, take it home as quickly as possible.
• Do not leave hot
food to cool at room-temperature, wait till no more steam is rising and cool it rapidly by dipping the container in ice water bath.
• Do not over pack your refrigerator.
What to Avoid When Eating Out When in doubt, avoid it. After all, it’s not worth the risk.
Raw or undercooked: meat, poultry, eggs, fish or shellfish or any foods containing them.
Avoid water if it’s not straight from a sealed bottle
(beware of ice cubes- ice machines can be loaded with bacteria).
Raw or unpasteurized milk, cheese, fruit or vegetable juices.
How do you know if a restaurant follows proper food safety practices?
1 Check bathrooms. They are a good indicator for the overall cleanliness of a place.
Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk such as feta, Brie, Camembert, and Mexican-style.
2
3
Scan the employees. Clean uniform, hair pulled back, clean fingernails, no uncovered cuts, no sign of sickness- coughing or runny nose, have Baladiah cards.
Check if the restaurant holds any food safety certification..
Massa Bitar, MSc. RD. Registered Clinical Dietitian and Food Safety Expert MSc in Nutrition from King's College London Massa's nutriclub Massa.nutriclub
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 69
H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Truth
Myth
Muscles and fat are two Doing crunches, sit-ups, and planks different things in your body. will slim my One doesn’t turn to the other. waist and show Doing exercises like crunches or resistance my packs. training using weights strengthens the
Our focus is to turn the light on these hard-held beliefs on fitness, training, and health and to shed away the misconceptions that, despite the wealth of knowledge in the wellness industry, still exist today. By Mirvat Ammouri
muscles making them look strong and toned. For the muscles to show however, you need to shed off the layers of fat under the skin that hide them away. And to do that, a good high intensity cardio regimen must be a part of your overall workout routine.
Conclusion
Having washboard abs that your friends would envy is more than just abs exercises.
In addition to a healthy nutritious diet, exercises focusing on fat burning are essential.
Recommendation • Eat clean: Healthy fats, well-sourced proteins and complex organic carbs.
• Have a well-rounded weight training/ resistance training program targeting all muscles.
70 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
• 2-3 times per week of high intensity cardio (30 minutes is enough). Get your heart really pumping and break a real sweat.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 71
SPIRITUALITY
How to Deal with
Emotional Challenges and Hardships By Productive Muslim, Raghad Ebied
72 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Sometimes we face stubborn challenges that hold us back from our dreams. They can come in the form of loss: whether a loss of health, wealth, loved ones, or loved things. These mentally hold us back from fulfilling the vision we have for our life.
WE ARE TOLD IN THE QUR’AN: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 155].
So the question is, how can we overcome the losses, challenges and disappointments while carrying on with our lives and maintaining a strong connection with Allah? First, it helps to remember that loss is a natural part of life, because everything is transient and temporary. Although we can experience great sadness, we can also experience great joy.
ALLAH TELLS US ONCE AGAIN IN SURAT AL NAJM: “And that to your Lord is the finality. And that
it is He who makes [one] laugh and weep. And that it is He who causes death and gives life.” [Qur’an: Chapter 53, Verses 42-44]
Our health, wealth, and loved ones are all blessings and gifts that belong to Allah, which He lends us for some time. We know that for the believer, being tested or being blessed is an opportunity for patience and gratitude: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and
this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; andif adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” We are also told about loss, the greatest loss, being a loss of Allah’s pleasure and happiness both now and in the Hereafter in Surat Al Asr: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous
deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” [Qur’an: Chapter 103, Verses 1-3]
THE KEYS TO COPE WITH LOSS 1. Belief in Allah 2. Doing Good 3. Enjoining each 3. other to truth 4. Enjoining each 4. other to patience
ProductiveMuslim AbuProductive
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 73
SPIRITUALITY
PAY IT
FORWARD Pay it Forward is a movement based on repaying good deeds forward to others rather than the original benefactor. By Rakan Tarabzoni
Islam, like many other civilizations, realized this from the very beginning and made sure of its implementation. Hence, giving to charity is one of the main five pillars of the religion, making Zakat obligatory for all Muslims.
Don’t Just Give Out Your Old Clothes
Try setting a fixed number of items you have and always maintain that number. For example, if you
have 15 pairs of shoes, make sure they remain 15, so if you buy a new one, you must give one out to charity. The point is to have a fixed number and not go over it.
74 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Here are some It's Not Always ideas to get About the Money Time is more valuable you started: than materials, so
taking time out and donating one hour a month is also considered a great act of giving. Some ideas off the top of my head would be to volunteer at a children's hospital, or go out and visit the poorest parts of your town and help distribute food and clothes with one of the community charities. Or volunteer with the local high schools and teach some skills or career planning trainings to kids who would benefit from such practices.
Set Aside a Certain Amount for Helping Others In Islam, we are asked to give out 2.5 percent as Zakat, so why not make it a habit to give out 2.5 percent of any income you make. Personally, I adapted the idea, and made a monthly habit.
In all cases, the act of giving is an enriching experience all by itself. So make it a habit, add one more reminder into your smartphone to give back to the community. One final note, always remember Prophet Mohammed’s saying: "The wealth of a man never diminishes by giving to the needy."
Family Comes First You will be surprised to know that often your relatives, close or distant, qualify for the help. And if that is the case, they come foremost.
What to do with the Extra Food?
Most of us face the issue of having ordered/cooked too much food that gets beyond the need of the family. I would suggest making it a habit to give away the extra food especially when it is extra food after a party. DESTINATIONRYD.COM 75
T R AV E L T R E N D S
TRAVEL NEWS Explore Nature With Raffles Praslin “Ranger for a Day”
‘‘Ranger for a Day’’ and ‘‘Junior Ranger for a Day’’ is a special experience only found at Seychelles with Raffles Praslin. Partnering with Seychelles National Parks Authority, the program provides budding conservationists with ‘behind the scenes’ access to inaccessible areas on Curieuse Island. This is fun activity helps raise awareness and conserve nature.
Explore the Omani Culture with Al Bustan Palace Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, invites guests to their “Flavors of Oman” excursion. The journey showcases the various attractions of Oman, taking
76 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
guests from the historic souk in Nizwa and the heights of Jebel Al Akhdar, to the newly opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace and more.
Mövenpick Al Khobar Revamps its Friday Family Brunch at The Blue The Blue restaurant of Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar presents a more delightful weekend feast, as it revamped its Friday Family Brunch. The dining outlet will provide its guests with a variety of more delicious food choices as well as a cozier ambience and heaps of entertainment for children of allages. The hotel also welcomed its new Scottish executive chef, Alexander Peter Reilly.
Filmfest Hamburg Getaway
URT FRANKF FUN from SR 435 (Cost of airfare is excluded)
Have fun on this tour as you “Hop On Hop Off” tourist busses to explore the city of Frankfurt and visit the main tourist highlights during one day. Stay for three days and two nights and have some Frankfurt fun. Web: kanootravel.com
The Filmfest Hamburg descends into the city from Oct. 1 – 10. Combine this year’s international festival with the perfect Hamburg getaway at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. The hotel offers its historic charm along with 15 percent off the best available rate in a luxury suite including breakfast, plus a $28 spa voucher. Rates start from $289 per night.
New Road Links Saudi and Oman
The inauguration of a 680-kilometer long road linking Oman with Saudi Arabia is expected to be a milestone for both countries. The opening of the road, which is supposed to take place in October, will create investment opportunities and boost tourism and business between the two countries.
Running the Marathon
The Fairmont Empress on Vancouver Island, Canada, is an official partner with the GoodLife Fitness Marathon on Oct. 11 as the Royal Host Hotel. Participants can take advantage of the hotel’s two-night ‘Marathon’ package. It includes a $20 food and beverage credit per room plus a late checkout. The package is valid for bookings from Oct. 8 – 13.
Starwood Celebrates Opening of Sheraton Bucharest Hotel Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced its market entry in Romania with the opening of the Sheraton® Bucharest Hotel, which is located in one of the
most charming cities in central Europe. In partnership with SC Grand Plaza Hotel SA, the milestone debut builds upon the Sheraton first mover advantage in the region and expands the brand’s European portfolio to more than 60 hotels. DESTINATIONRYD.COM 77
T R AV E L T R E N D S
Augmented Reality enabled here
SCOTLAND By Ahmed Gassas
Scotland is known for its rich culture and history. While Edinburgh is its capital city, Glasgow is its largest city. Edinburgh is known to be the world leading festival city. During the month of August, Edinburgh holds six of the major festivals throughout the year and marks this month as one of the busiest for the capital.
1,200 performers, the bands and groups came from different regions of the world. The performers came from the UK, India, Nepal, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Finland, China and Switzerland. The diversity in performances shown at the Tattoo make this festival one of the most enjoyable and truly unforgettable experiences.
Performances have been a sellout for the past 16 consecutive years with this year’s crowd being 8,800 visitors per evening. The Tattoo lasts around 90 minutes. Since 1952, performers have travelled to Edinburgh from 48 countries to take part in this parade. Web: edintattoo.co.uk
Military Tattoo
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO In its 66th year, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was held Aug. 5 – 27 in an open area located right in front of the Edinburgh Castle. The theme this year was ‘East Meets West’. With around 78 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
Hover on the page
H TO WATC W O H S THE
DOWNLOAD • DISCOVER • INTERACT
STAFF PHOTO / AHMED GASSAS
Edinburgh, The Festival City and Glasgow, The European City of Culture
Charles Avery's Jadindagadendar tree
commissioned to artist Martin Creed and each 104 steps featured a different colored marble from all around the world. There were also temporary pieces such as Charles Avery’s Island Jadindagadendar tree, which is part of his lifelong project The Islanders that was displayed at the Waverly Train Station. Web: edinburghartfestival.com
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh International Festival was held Aug. 7 – 31 and featured a wide range of entertainment including opera, theater, dance and the best music from around the world. The EIF was first inaugurated in 1947 and is in its 68th successful year.
SOURCE PHOTO / IKO FREESE, DRAMA- BERLIN.DE
EDINBURGH ART FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh Art Festival is the youngest one of the Edinburgh summer festivals and the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. This year marked its 12th year. This years’ commission program was titled The Improbable City and it brought together the work of seven artists, all of which offer an encounter with worlds or spaces at the limits of the probable. Platform: 2015 is the first in an annual exhibition dedicated to showcasing new talent at the heart of the festival. The vast majority of the festival was free to attend. There have been more than 30 galleries, museums and artistrun spaces set up around the city with over 100 artists. There were some permanent commissions for instance such as the Scotsman Steps that linked the Old and New Towns. The restoration project was
Mozart’s The Magic Flute was re-imagined and comically animated. It was sung in German with English subtitles. The stage was a white backdrop with a projector to give life of the characters and the scene. One of the highlights of The Magic Flute was the three-story spider. Web: eif.co.uk
Scotsman Steps
The Magic Flute
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 79
Floating Heads Installation by Sophie Cave
Charlotte Square Gardens
EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh Book Festival is held for 17 days at Charlotte Square Gardens in central Edinburgh from Aug. 15 – 31. There are over 800 authors in 750 events for adults, teens and children. Old favorites, debut authors and international writers from all across the world are brought in to inspire and entertain.
KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is among the top three free-to-enter visitor attractions in Scotland and one of the most visited museums in the UK outside London as well as one of Europe’s great art collections. The museum featured pieces of French art, Dutch art, Scottish art and much more.
Web: glasgowmuseums.com
80 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE
Circus Hub
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe featured 50,459 performances of 3,314 shows from 49 countries in 313 venues across Edinburgh.
STAFF PHOTO / AHMED GASSAS • COURTESY PHOTO / 5. KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Web: edbookfest.co.uk
The Fringe began in 1947 and is in its 68th year and features different acts such as theater, dance, circus, comedy, music, opera, cabaret, children’s shows, free shows, exhibitions, events and spoken words. According to Kath mainland, Chief Executive of The Fringe, the festival is “the largest, oldest, most well renowned festival in the world.” The festival is something for everyone and has something new for everyone to experience and enjoy. Many of today’s big names such as Mike Myers, Hugh Laurie, Miranda Hart and Rachel Weisz got their first break at the Fringe. A number of emerging talents such as Ricky Gervais, John Malkovich and Susan Sarandon have also decided to perform at the Fringe.
GLASGOW MUSIC CITY TOUR
The guided walking tour explores Glasgow’s music scene. Glasgow is officially designated as a UNESCO City of Music and even Time Magazine labeled it as “Europe’s Secret Capital of Music.” Some of the sites visited during this tour include the temporary installment of Barrowland Park with all the performers that performed at Barrowland names labeled across the pathway and the visit of King Tuts, the venue where some of the biggest names (such as Oasis), started their career. Web: glasgowmusiccitytours.com
The Album Pathway on Barrowland Park
Web: edfringe.com
THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART: GLASGOW STYLE CITY WALKING TOUR
STAFF PHOTO / AHMED GASSAS
The Glasgow Style City Walking Tour gives visitors an in-depth overview of the industrial city’s architectural language and the building that shaped Glasgow’s style as early as 1859 with St. Vincent Street Church.
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 81
EXPLORE KSA
WEEKENDESCAPE ABHA By Elizabeth Davis
When the temperatures rise in the city, dwellers in the know flock to Asir Province for its cooler climate and mountain terrain—but a visit to this southern region isn’t just about the good weather. Located in the Sarawat Mountains, the largest range in the Arabian Peninsula, Asir boasts Saudi Arabia’s highest peak-Mount Souda, as well as a local culture rich in ancient traditions. Abha, the region’s capital city, sits 7,448 feet above sea level and its year-round mild climate and sunny days are to 82 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
thank for the city’s abundance of open spaces, parks and outdoor cafes. Encased by rugged peaks, most famously Mount Souda, the city’s remote location has tempered rapid modernization, so besides a few shopping malls and a couple of western fast food spots, Abha remains authentic and unspoiled. Aplomb with pastoral charm, the region’s people and places are welcoming and relaxed which make it a perfect weekend destination.
Where to Stay
Abha Palace Hotel
The only five-star hotel in region, Abha Palace Hotel exudes old-world elegance and
hospitality. One of seven hotel properties owned and operated by the Syahya National Co. for Tourism, Abha Palace features 122 standard superior rooms and 14 luxury suites. The hotels rich tawny wood and marble interiors evoke classic elegance. Perfectly perched on the mountainside, the hotel overlooks Lake Saad, and offers both city and garden views from lobby’s terrace, restaurant as well as most rooms. An in-house tour company offers experienced local guides, which makes it easy to explore the area’s highlights. For convenience and luxury, a stay at Abha Palace takes the stress and guesswork out of exploring the area.
PHOTO/ ELIZABETH DAVIS
Exploring the heritage of ancient architecture, artisans and awe-inspiring landscape in Asir.
Must-See and Dos
Culture, Cable Cars and More
Soar over the city center and mountain gorges on one of Syahya’s four cable cars, which transport tourists to various points of interest around Abha. Taking an aerial tour of the city is particularly easy for Abha Palace Hotel’s guests since one of the cable car stations is located adjacent to the hotel, at the New Abha Resort.
Abha Palace-Interior
For the less adventurous, the gondola leaving from Abha Palace Hotel is the relaxed trip over downtown, stopping mid-way at Abu Khayal and then onto one of Syahya’s other properties, the Green Mountain Restaurant.
Al Habala and Al Souda Cable Car trips are a much different experience and not for the meek—however, they both deliver the most extraordinary experiences you can have in Asir. Known as the Hanging Village, Al Habala cable car station is located at the Syahya’s Al Habala resort and transports DESTINATIONRYD.COM 83
visitors over a deep mountainside ravine, descending 600 meters to the cliff side abodes. Once inhabited by a local tribe, the cluster of clay and wood houses are indicative of the regions traditional architecture. Precariously positioned 400 meters above an imposing craggy crevasse, a walk among the ancient homes while listening to songbirds and the far-off Adan (call to prayer) is magical. Walking trails line the rocky cliffs dotted with relic buildings. High above the village, lying prostrate along the jagged rock face, a large rope dangles over the precipice. Long before the invention of the cable car, these cliff dwellers transported goods and people up and down the steep ledges. After wandering about, grab a fresh mango juice at the food kiosk and relax for bit at one of the shaded tables on the lower terrace area. It’s a great spot to see small troops of baboons tussling about under the trees. Spanning from the border of Jordan down through Yemen, the Sarawat Mountain range captures the imagination
84 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
with its austere beauty and quiet expanse. Dedicate a full day to a trip to Mount Sooda and the cable car ride to Rijal Almaa. The road to the summit winds through some remarkable old villages, where children stop tourists to sell hand-woven head wreaths made of marigolds and sage. It’s best to start early in the day to enjoy the best weather and leisurely day of local culture. After a stomachknotting 7-kilometer descent from Al Sooda resort down the vast escarpment, visitors disembark at Rijal Almaa. In 2015 Rijal Almaa, a small
city about 45 kilometers west of Abha, was submitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural site due to its wellpreserved clay-constructed palaces and homes. The primitive adobe-like buildings are made of layers of shale, stone and local clay and dot almost every town and enclave in Asir. Architecture here is incongruous at best, where timeworn mud homes are juxtaposed with modern cement and marble villas. HOW TO GET THERE Flights depart from Riyadh and Jeddah to Abha International Airport daily, which makes a sojourn to this southern gem easy and affordable.
RYD
www.destinationryd.com
EXPLORE KSA
HISTORIC SAUDI IMRU’ AL QAIS
The Poet-Prince He began composing poetry from his childhood days, an activity that was condemned by his father. In his poetry, he used language that was easy to understand. While the content of his poems have been criticized, the prose is widely praised. He is the author of one of the odes in the Muallaqat, a compilation of Arabic literature attributed to seven famous Arabian poets.
The inspiring story of Imru’ Al Qais. By Mohammed Mirza
Born in the 6th century A.D. in the Najd region, Imru’ Al Qais is considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of Arabic poetry. Like many historic figures of ancient Arabia, due to a lack of a formal writing system and a heavy reliance on oral transmission of stories, the details of the life of Imru' Al Qais are hard to determine with certainty. But historians believe based on the content of his poems that he was born into royalty, in the house of the Kindah Kingdom's regent.
86 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
His personal life was just as interesting
as his poems. He was sent in to exile by his father. While in exile he heard of his father's killing by the Asad tribe. He takes it on himself to avenge his father's death, which he managed to do after many years. Imru’ Al Qais has been a source of literary and national inspiration for Arabic intellectuals all the way to the 20th century.
KING SALMAN BIN
ABDULA ZIZ AL SAUD
PRINCE MUQRIN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD
DESTINATIONRYD.COM 87
LATI Tel: +966-11-2111078 Ladies Floor, Kingdom Center Web: lati-fashion.com
BALLOONS BALLOONS TIME Debab St. Derma Clinic Building GOODSHIP LOLLIPOP Prince Muhammad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-4659521 www.goodship-lollipop.com RIYADH PARTY SUPPLIES STORE Al Nakheel Dist. Tel: +966-11-4702454 WORLD OF BALLOON ART Safwa Center Mob: +966-542233838 VILLAGE GALLERY Tel: +966-11-4631089
LA-BOUTIQUE Mob: +966-566369905 Al Nahda Rd. MODERN US DESIGNERS Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4612079 www.riyadhdress.com
7 FOR ALL MANKIND Al Faisaliah Mall
JACADI BOUTIQUE Tel: +966-11-2056949 Garanada Center Hayat Mall/Sahara Mall www.jacadi.us JII SANDER NAVY Al Faisaliah Mall
CUSTOM THOBES
SHOPPING MALLS
AL QASR MALL Al Swaidi St. Tel: +966-11-4515600 www.alqasrmall.com Supermarket: Hyper Market
TERRA ECLAT JEWELLERY Salahuddin Dist. Mob: +966-543768585 Mob: +966-542988187 www.terra-eclat.com
HOSS INTROPIA Olaya Main Road Tel: +966-11-4658122 Al Faisaliah Mall
TRADITIONALS King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2012300
LOMAR THOBE Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2170094 www.lomarthobe.com
BIZOU Hayat Mall Panorama Mall Tel: 8001241000
THE ART OF LIVING #4 Serecon Building Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4610533 www.theartofliving1999.com WOLFORD Al Faisaliah Mall Tel: +966-11-2736669
HARVEY NICHOLS Al Faisaliah Mall Tel: +966-11-2734444 www.harveynichols.com
SILVER DEW Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4197153
MISS SIXTY Panorama Mall Tel: 8001241000
STACHE Eng. Musaid AlAnqari St. Tel: +966-11-4656333
BRIONI Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-211 2222
THE WHITE HOUSE King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4615332
AL FAISALIYAH MALL Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-2730000 www.alfaisaliahmall.com
SADA SHOP (ONLINE) Tel: +966-11-4411940 www.sadashop.com
BLANK BOUTIQUE Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-2010033
ROSA CLARA Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4652677
AJLAN & BROS Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4665555 www.ajlanbros.com
ARMANI EXCHANGE Al Faisaliah Mall Granada Mall Localizer Center Othaim Mall Tel: 8001241000
BACO DESIGN Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2935633 www.bacodesign.com
THE CLASSICS Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4611888
MONTBLANC King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2111080 www.montblanc.com
QUEEN OF SPADES Al Faisaliah Mall Tel: +966-11-273 4444 www.queenof spadesstore.com
BOUTIQUES
PRONOVIAS Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4163410
BRIDAL & EVENING DRESSES AL FALAH Tel: 920001678 AIREBARCELONA Orouba St. www.airbarcelona.com BDBA Tel: +966-11-2884807 Olaya St and Gernada Mall http://www.bdba.com BASMA AL JAZAERY Orouba St. Tel:+966-11-2790276 Tel:+966-11-4622670
Add Your Place On 88 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
FURNITURE @ ROOM Tel: +966-11-2298457 King Abdulaziz Rd. North
AZIZIA MALL Tel: +966-920027707 Off of King Fahad Rd.
AYAR Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4612757 Tahliah St. Intersection, Takhassusi St.
CENTRIA MALL Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2161111 www.centria.com.sa
CITIES Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-2180007 DAR AL HADAYA Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2155550 HOSHAN FURNITURE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2933939 IKEA East Ring Rd. Exit 16 Tel: +966-11-2442233 JAZIRA INTERIORS King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4632631 JAZIRA PROJECTS King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4632631
GRANADA CENTER East Ring Rd., Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-2534990 www.granadacenter.com.sa Supermarket: Carrefour HAYAT MALL King Abdul Aziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-2057401 www.hayat-mall.com Supermarket: Danube Hypermarket KINGDOM CENTER Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-2112222 www.kingdomcentre.com.sa LOCALIZER MALL Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-2178999
KA INTERNATIONAL King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920001216
PANORAMA MALL Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2814950 www.panorama-mall.com Supermarket: Danube
MILADORA FURNITURE King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920003277
RIMAL CENTER East Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2441004
RAZIN Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4660931
Riyadh Eats App
FRENCH APETIT KITCHEN Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4656491
ANTHURIUM Abdulla Alhamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4661473 AZZURRO The Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +966-11-8028020
riyadh
CAFÉ LENOTRE Centria Mall. Tel: +966-11-2791108
CENTO PER CENTO Olaya Rd., Behind Jarir Tel: +966-11-4644159
eats.com
LE BIJOU BURJ RAFAL HOTEL KEMPINSKI King Fahad Road Tel: +966 11 511 7889
DA PINO Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-2732222
L’ECLUSE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648
IL GABBIANO Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4616066
LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECOTE Almas Plaza. Tel: +966-11-4615058
L’OLIVIO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4634240
INTERNATIONAL
LA CAMPAGNA Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4624339
AL BUSTAN Sheraton Hotel Tel: +966-11-4543300
LA CASTA Al Rahmaniya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4198016
AL DANA Holiday Inn Hotel Tel: +966-11-4612000
Get the App Today!
AL DIWAN Al Sahara Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500
LA CUCINA Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222 LA PIAZZA Sheraton Hotel Tel: +966-11-4543300
AL ORJOUAN Makkah Rd., inside The Ritz Carlton Tel: +966-11-8028020
LIOLIMPO Al Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4166222
CAFE CERAMIQUE Sahara Mall Tel: +966-11-4520677 CENTRO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4658488 COCOS Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939444
EQUESTRIAN CLUB King Abdulaziz Racecourse Mob: +966-503008044
LA BRASSERIE Al Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222
SAZIO Kingdom Tower-77th Floor Tel: +966-11-2111180
OASIS GRILL Hilton Garden Inn Tel: +966-11-2935533
THE GRAND King Fahad Road Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Tel: +966 11 5117890
PANORAMIC Makarem Riyadh Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500
ELEMENTS Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500
HEDIARD Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2173933
MIRAGE Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127
PAVILLION Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +966-11-4655000 RUSSIAN CORNER Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4658387 SENSES Luthan Hotel Tel: +966-11-4807799 SIZZLER HOUSE Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661133
THE WINDROSE Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222 TRADER VICS Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-2814782 TSC SIGNATURE Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-2939693
ITALIAN
MBCO Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-2936506 NINO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2016662 PIATTO Exit 5, Northern Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2006868 PIZZA ERA King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4542233 PIZZA INN Dabbab St., Tel: 920001601 PIZZA ROMA Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4629032
AL FORNO King Abdullah Rd. Mob: +966-558442255
PIZZA STOCKHOLM King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2811888
AMORE Tahlia St., Tel: +966-11-4653082
PIZZERIA NAPOLI Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-2172288
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QUATTRO Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115599
AL HAJ DAWOOD Imam Saud St. Tel: +966-11-4943691
AVADH Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4654109
ROMA Mussa Bin Nusair St. Tel: +966-11-4641133
AL MANSAF Al Sulamaniyya Tel: +966-11-4630345
COPPER CHANDNI Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4167000
ROMA WAY Al Rabwah, Othaim Mall Tel: 920000129
AL NAKHEEL Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-4654650
CROWN GARDEN Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4616334
MACARONI GRILL King Abdullah Rd. Exit 5 Tel: +966-11-4158322
AL NASEEM Marriott Hotel Tel: +966-11-4779300
DARBAR Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2930249
ROSSO Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500
CAFE BLANC Prince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4633426
INDIAN GARDEN Riyadh Gallery Tel: +966-11-2161112
ROSSOPOMODORO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939565
EATZAH Al Ghaz St. Mob: +966-531224433
INDIAN STYLE Sheikh Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966-11-4561138
SANTINO’S Hayat Mall Tel: +966-11-2057497
FAIROUZ GARDEN King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2167171
INDIAN SUMMER Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4652328
SPAZIO 77 77th floor in Kingdom Tower Tel: +966-11-2111888 Tel: +966-11-2111181
GAD Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4641212
RED ONION Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2176644
GARDEN BARBECUE Hotel Al Khozama Tel: +966-11-2732222
TAMARIND Prince Faisal Bin Turki St. Tel: +966-11-4738770
SQUISITO King Fahad Rd., Across Ovotel Tel: +966-11-2160111 THE PIZZA COMPANY Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4642952 VECCHIA ROMA Al Sulamaniyyah Z PIZZA King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4881199
MEXICAN BUFFALO’S Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2792123 EL CHICO’S Exit 5 Tel: +966-11-4640385 FAJITA AVENUE Al Hamra Tel: +966-11-4644999 TAKO HUT Faisaliyyah Mall Tel: 920000129
MIDDLE-EASTERN ABDUL WAHAB Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2934111
GHOUZI Al Rawdah, Khuraish St. Tel: +966-11-4934162 KARAM BEIRUT Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4161717 KOSHARY EXPRESS Jarir St. Tel: +966-11-4728881 LEBANESE CORNER Olaya (Talateen St.) Tel: +966-11-2170555 MAMA NOURA Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4622195 MAREEZ King Abdullah St. Tel: +966-11-4508877 SHAWERMA HOUSE Prince Mamdouh St. Tel: +966-11-2191999 SHAWERMAMA Abdullah Bin Rawaha St Tel: +966-11-2936644
INDIAN ALADDIN Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2112150
CHINESE CANTON Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4520584 CHINESE GOLDEN PALACE Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4655127 GOLDEN DRAGON Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4645136 GULF ROYAL Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4631622 MIRAGE RESTAURANT Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127 NOODLE HOUSE Centria Mall, Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2939969 PEKING Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4765250 SEASONS Madina St., Exit 28 TAAL Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-2734383
JAPANESE FURUSATO Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648 HAYAT Prince Mansoor bin Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4042655 LA SANI King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4655666 MARHABA Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4622070 SAMURAI Faisaliah Mall & Kingdom Mall Tel: +966-11-2734386 SHOGUN Radisson Blu Hotel Tel: +966-11-4791234 SUSHI YOSHI Al Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-8120055 TOKYO Ouruba St. Tel: +966-11-4605672 YOKARI Centria Mall, 2nd Floor Tel: +966-11-2886999
SAUDI AL SUDDA Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4800111 SHAWAYA HOUSE Khalid Bin Al Waleed St. Mob: +966-557819214 SHEIKH AL MANDY Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4644099
SEA FOOD AMO HAMZA Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2316148 DOE King Abdullah St. Tel: +966-11-4887080 DR. OCEAN Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4708647 FOUNTAIN FISH Al Malaz Dist. Tel: +966-11-2158888
Check out our online listing and add yours! 90 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
KENYA AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.kenya-airways.com
AIRLINES AIR ARABIA Tel: 920013322 www.airarabia.com
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4771026 www.klm.com
AIR CANADA Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.aircanada.ca AIR FRANCE Tel: +966-11-2885218 www.airfrance.com AIR INDIA Tel: +966-11-4786409 www.airindia.com AIR NIGERIA Tel: +966-11-4626165 www.myairnigeria.com AMERICAN AIRLINES–AA Tel: +966-11-4625993 www.aa.com
CYPRUS AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4640391 www.cyprusair.com DELTA AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4613688 www.delta.com EGYPT AIR Tel: +966-11-4784004 www.egyptair.com
SUDAN AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4720040 www.sudanair.com
KUWAIT AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4631218 www.kuwait-airways.com
SWISS AIR Tel: +966-11-4789745 www.swissair.com
LUFTHANSA Tel: 8001245550 www.lufthansa.com
TAM BRAZILIAN AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.tam.com.br
MALAYSIA AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4784039 www.malaysiaairlines.com
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4782140 www.flyethiopian.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4197722 www.etihadairways.com GARUDA INDONESIA Tel: +966-11-2937690 www.garudaindonesia.com
GULF AIR Tel: +966-11-4626666 www.gulfair.com JAPAN AIRLINES–JAL Tel: +966-11-4645056 www.jal.com
THAI AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4766766 www.thaiairways.com
AL ROMAIZAN TRAVEL AGENCY Tel: +966-11-4652100 www.romaizan.com AL SARH TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-11-4941111 www.alsarh.com.sa AL SAGER TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4827979 AL SARAH TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4647480 AL SARH TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4627000 AL TASHELAT TRAVELS Tel: +966-11-4034477 AL TAYYAR TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.altayyargroup.com AMJAD TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-11-41161737 www.amjadtravel.com
TUNIS AIR Tel: +966-11-4626165 www.tunisair.com
OMAN AIR Tel: +966-11-4733133 www.omanair.com
TURKISH AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4000287 www.turkishairlines.com
PAKISTAN INT’L AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4659600 www.piac.com.pk
UNITED AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.united.com
HAYA TOUR Al Nozha Dist. Tel: +966-11-4507176
YEMENIA AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4039282 www.yemenia.com
KINGDOM WINGS TRAVEL AGENCY Tel: +966-11-4625544
QANTAS AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.qantas.com.au QATAR AIRWAYS Tel: +966-11-21180424 www.qatarairways.com ROYAL AIR MOROCCO Tel: +966-11-47741100 www.royalairmaroc.com
GERMAN WINGS AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4632004 www.germanwings.com
TAROM ROMANIAN AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-5788935 www.tarom.ro
AL RASHEED AWNINGS FACTORY Tel: +966-11-4059031
OLYMPIC AIR Tel: +966-11-4644596 www.olympicair.com
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-2160530 www.philippine airlines.com
EMIRATES AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4655485 www.emirates.com
SRILANKAN AIRLINES www.srilankan.lk
KOREAN AIR Tel: +966-11-4658222 www.koreanair.com
MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES BIMAN BANGLADESH AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4614670 www.mea.com.lb Tel: +966-11-4623537 www.biman-airlines.com NAS AIR Tel: +966-11-2171800 BRITISH AIRWAYS www.flynas.com Tel: +966-11-4645550 www.britishairways.com
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS – SAA Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.flysaa.com
ROYAL JORDANIAN Tel: +966-11-2180850 www.rj.com SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES Tel: 920022222 www.saudiairlines.com SINGAPORE AIRLINES Tel: +966-11-4734102 www.singaporeair.com
TRAVEL AGENCIES ABC TRAVEL AGENCY & CARGO Tel: +966-11-4631600 ACE TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4648701 www.ace-travel.com AL ABBAD TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4778736 AL AHMADIAH TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4656668 AL MOUWASAT TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4160580 AL NAIEM TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: +966-11-4655698 AL RAJHI TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4566900
FURSAN TRAVEL Tel: 920000442 www.fursan.com.sa
MY HOLIDAY TRAVEL & TOURISM Tel: 920010087 www.myholiday.com.sa RIXON TOUR NETWORK Tel: 920029993 www.myrtn.com TOP TRAVEL Tel: +966-11-4641969 TRAVEL PORT Tel: +966-11-4163810 www.travelport.com ZAHRAN AIR TRAVEL & CARGO CO. Tel: +966-11-4659614 ZAMANI ART GALLERY King Abdul Aziz Rd Tel: +966-11-4613057 ZEKRAYAT FRAMES Tel: +966-11-4661196
www.DestinationListing.com DESTINATIONRYD.COM 91
COURTYARD RIYADH DIPLOMATIC QUARTER Al-Hada Dist., Abdullah bin Hothafa St. Tel: +966-11-2817300
HOTELS AL FAISALIAH HOTEL King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2732000 AL KHOZAMA HOTEL Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4654650 AL MASHREQ BOUTIQUE HOTEL Orubah Road Tel: +966-11-2834777
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL RIYADH MINHA Old Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-8749200 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2115000
BURJ RAFAL HOTEL KEMPINSKI King Fahad Road Tel: +966-11-5117777
GOLDEN TULIP ANDALUSIA Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4611000
CORAL GULF RIYADH King Abdul Aziz St., Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4121000
HOLIDAY INN RIYADH IZDIHAR Abdulwahab Bin Abdullah St., Unit One Tel: +966-11-4625000
CORP EXECUTIVE DEIRA HOTEL Al Batha St. Tel: +966-11-4141500
INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4655000
LUTHAN HOTEL AND SPA A WOMEN ONLY HOTEL Orubah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4807799
RADISSON BLU HOTEL Al Mubarakiah Plaza King Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4791234
MADAREEM CROWN HOTEL King Khalid International Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-2758888
RIYADH MARRIOTT HOTEL Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4779300
MAKARIM RIYADH HOTEL Near To King Khalid International Airport Tel: +966-11-2204500 MENA GRAND - KHALDIA Khazzan St. (Immam Faisal bin Turki) Tel: +966-11-2682222 MERCURE VALUE HOTEL Exit 9, Eastern Ring Rd., Close to Granada Center. Tel: +966-11-2773300 NOVOTEL ALANOUD King Fahd Rd. Tel: +966-11-2882323
RIYADH PALACE HOTEL Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4054444 SHERATON RIYADH HOTEL & TOWERS Olaya Junction of King Fahad & King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300 THE RITZ-CARLTON RIYADH Hada Area, Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-8028020 VIVIENDA HOTEL VILLAS Prince Turki Street Tel: +966-11-4002200 Granada Oasis Tel: +966-11-5118000
Whether you want to beautify yourself for a special occasion, or you want to host a girls night in and get pampered, look no further than Spa to Go! Call and book a day or two in advance and look forward to relaxation on your favorite sofa!
0544408585
Al Faisaliah’s New Hotel Manager Italian Francesco Pantalone has been executively appointed as Hotel Manager at Al Faisaliah Hotel.
Discover the city in an all new way! 92 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
BEAUTY CLINICS AL MANIHAL CENTER Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069 AL SAFEER Al Naseem Tel: +966-11-2050810
ENT CENTER Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4802229
THE EYE CENTER Tel: +966-11-4623094 www.eyecenter.com.sa
MAYIEZ MEDICAL Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169999
FITNESS CENTERS KIDS
PEARL’S SMILE Sulaimaniya Tel: +966-11-4646334
APOLLO Tel: 920027070
RIYADH MEDICAL Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060
AYAN CONSULTATIVE King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2725555
SAUDI SUGEONS Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4653030
AYMA CONSULTATIVE King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2635555
SSC Tel: +966-11-2335000
BEAUTY CORNER King Fahad Rd. Mob: +966-543300557 www.beautycorner.co
URANUS MEDICAL Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4657000
FOUR SALON & NAIL SPA Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-2014444 www.www.four.com.sa
WHITE WING MEDICAL Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834286
DENTAL CLINICS
MALESA Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4888831
AAGI DENTAL CENTER Tel: +966-11-2080107
MED ART CLINICS Olaya Main St. Tel: 920000045
DIMA DENTAL Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661200
OBAGI HOSPITAL Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4627111
GAMA DENTAL CLINIC King Abdulaziz Road Tel: +966-11- 4542929 Mob: +966-534542929
PLATINIUM Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2097777 THE BRITISH CENTER King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2795555
CLINICS ATTADAWE King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2780211 CONSULTING CENTER Tel: +966-11-4555545 CZECH CENTER Infront of King Saud University Tel: 920002737 Tel: + 966-11-4877855
MY GYM Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-42814870
BODY MASTERS Tel: 920000626 Tel: +966-11-4875531
ALAMAL COMPLEX FOR MENTAL HEALTH Al Khuzami Dist. Tel: +966-11-4804548 www.alamal.med.sa
APPLE FITNESS Tel: +966-11-4538800
FITNESS TIME Tel: 920003131 GOLD’S GYM Tel: +966-11-6912077 LIFE FITNESS Tel: +966-11-2061133 UP SCALE CLUB King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4871502
WOMEN
AL HAMMADI HOSPITAL Khalid ibn Yazid Muawiyah St. Tel: +966-11-4643312 www.hammadi.com AL JAFEL HOSPITAL Western Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-4322222 www.aljafelhospital.com AL MOUWASAT HOSPITAL Western Ring Rd., Exit 114 Tel: +966-11-4455555
AL MULTAKA LADIES Tel: +966-11-4783388
DALLAH HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-4720777
CURVES Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4633219
DR. ABDUL RAHMAN AL MISHARI HOSPITAL Olaya Dist. Tel: +966-11-4657700 http://drabdulrahman almishari.com.sa
LUTHAN HOTEL & SPA Tel: +966-11-4807799
MENSHAF EYE CARE Al Rawda Mob: +966-565869059
AL FALAH INT’L Tel: +966-11-4463737 www.alfalah.com.sa
AL MANIHAL CENTER Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069
RAMAH DENTAL Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4800931
AL HOKAMA Mallaz Tel: +966-11-4797777
ABAS MEDICAL GROUP Rawda-Hamra-Dabab Tel: 920000172 ADMA Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4660000
KINETICO Tel: +966-11-2815595 Mob: + 966-530034010
EYE CARE
HOSPITALS
MEN
NOBLE SMILE Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966-11-4197740
SANAYA DENTAL Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2174888
YIBREEN Off of Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4411115
LUMIERE Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169030 NUYU FITNESS www.nuyu-ksa.com SCENTED Tel: +966-11-2112003 SPECTRUM Mob: +966-552007897 Olaya Main St.
DR. SULAIMAN AL HABIB Olaya Medical Complex Tel: +966-11-4622224 www.drsulaimanalhabib.com GREEN CRESCENT Abdul Malik Bin Marwan St. Tel: +966-11-4644434 www.gch.com.sa KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY King Abdul Aziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-4775524 www.medicine.ksu.edu.sa
www.DestinationListing.com DESTINATIONRYD.COM 93
KING FAHAD MEDICAL CITY (KFMC) Makkah Rd. Tel: 8001277000 KINGDOM HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-2751111
SULTAN BIN ABDULAZIZ HUMANITARIAN CITY Exit 6 Tel: +966-11-5620000
PHARMACIES ADHWAA AL SEHA Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887455
KING FAISAL SHRC Al Zahrawi St. Tel: +966-11-4647272 www.kfshrc.edu.sa KING KHALED EYE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL Oruba Branch St. Tel: +966-11-4821234 www.kkesh.med.sa KING SAUD MEDICAL CITY Al Imam Abdul Aziz ibn Saud St. Tel: +966-11-4355555 www.ksmc.med.sa MAGHRABI HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-4455049 www.maghrabi.com.sa NATIONAL GUARD HEALTH King Abdulaziz Medical City Tel: +966-11-8011111 www.ngha.med.sa OBIED SPECIALIZED Al Farazdaq Rd. Tel: +966-11-4767222
AL DIMISHQI Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4707887 AL FARABI Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880843 AL HOZAIMI Ibn Sulaiman Commercial Center Tel: +966-11-4722054 AL JAZA Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4642072 AL LIZAM Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4655595 AL MOWASA 3 Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4568598 AL MUTANABBI Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-2910981
PRINCE SULTAN CARDIAC CENTER Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4783000 www.pscc.med.sa
AL OLAYA Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-46411501
RIYADH CARE HOSPITAL Tel: +966-11-4933000 www.riyadhcare.com RIYADH MILITARY Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4791000 www.rmh.med.sa S.B.H King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4636666 SAUDI GERMAN HOSPITALS GROUP King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2685555 www.ryd.sghgroup.com.sa SPECIALIZED M.C.H King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-41164000
AL RAJA NO 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942
AL TERIAQ Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4828289
RIYADH CORNER Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-4780759
AL THALATHEEN Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4623529
SARA SPECTRUM MEDICAL PHARMACY Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4601018
AL SHAMSIA Jamal Center Tel: +966-11-4057296 ARAC HEALTH CARE Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645107 ASIR PHARMACY Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4811629 DAR AL DANA Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan Tel: +966-11-4643373 MAZIN PHARMACY Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4624562 MEDICINE TIME Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4569140 MOHAMMMED AL HOZAIMI Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4628758 NABRA PHARMACY Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887329 NAZAAR PHARMACY Al Awais Market Tel: +966-11-4541408
AL RAWABI Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4828028
NISSAH PHARMACY Al-Rajhi Five Buildings Tel: +966-11-4041573
AL RIYADH Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643108
NOORANA PHARMACY Al Malaz Tel: +966-11-4785006
AL SAGGAF Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4640716
OLAYA INTERNATIONAL Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4160349
AL SAGGAF 25 Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645274
PRINCE PHARMACY Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4611418
AL SHAMEEAH Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880595
RAJAA PHARMACY 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942
Be visible and join 94 DESTINATION RIYADH OCTOBER 2015
SHRAZAD Sitteen St. Tel: +966-11-4787047 UNIVERSITY PHARMACY Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4191944 UNIVERSITY (2) Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4626338 WHITES PHARMACY Tel: +966-11-2886877 / 4895994/ 4897750 / 4897751 www.whites.net WARDAT AL-OROBA Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4622904 ZAHRAT AL RAWDA PHARMACY Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4804935 ZAHRAT SAMI Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060 MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICE Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-4629680 NEO (NEOINTERNATIONAL) Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4615089
BANKS AL INMA BANK Alanoud Tower Tel: +966-11-2185000 www.alinma.com AL JAZIRA BANK King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd. An Nafal Tel: +966-11-4317474 www.baj.com.sa AL RAJHI BANK Uthman ibn Affan Rd Tel: +966-11-4603333 www.alrajhibank.com.sa ARAB NATIONAL BANK Arrwadah Tel: +966-11-4029000 www.anb.com.sa BANK AL BILAD Prince Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Tel: +966-11-4971905 www.bankalbilad.com BANQUE SAUDI FRANSI King Abdullah Rd Tel: +966-11-2899999 www.alfransi.com.sa NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK Prince Sultan St Tel: 920001000 www.alahli.com
SABB Northern Ring Branch Rd Tel: +966-11-2764356 www.sabb.com SAMBA Alaqiq Dist. Tel: 8001242000 www.samba.com SAUDI HOLLANDI BANK Prince Sultan St Tel: +966-11-2548500 www.shb.com.sa
AL FALAH Tel: 920001678 AL MODDARRAJ Tel: +966-11-4779902
AL OLA NO 7 Tel: +966-11-4608095
BEST RENT A CAR Tel: 8001249955
AL RABWA Al Rabwa Area, Exit 14 close to Nahda Rd. Mob: +966-544096296 www.almutlaq.com
BUDGET Riyadh Airport Tel: +966-11-2201401 DIPLOMAT Khurais Rd. Tel: 920008008 EUROPCAR Al Ahsaa St. Tel: 920000153 FAZ Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2912679 ICAR Tel: +966-11-4561099 SAJIL Tel: +966-11-4935222 THEEB RENT A CAR Khurais Rd. Tel: 920000572 UBER Application: Uber.com/app support.riyadh@uber.com
COMPOUNDS
RIYADH BANK King Abdul Aziz Road, Al Murabba Tel: +966-11-4013030 www.riyadbank.com
CAR RENTALS
AVIS Tel: +966-11-4884887
ISHBILIA Tel: +966-11-2406000 Mob: +966-593111389 www.ksacompounds.com AL HAMRA OASIS VILLAGE Tel: +966-11-2490440 www.alhamra.com.sa AL ISSA COMPOUND Tel: +966-11-4918400 AL JAZEERA BADER Tel: +966-11-4921135 www.badercompound.com AL MANAR Tel: +966-11-2460100 AL MOHAEYA Tel: +966-11-4821222 AL MOSTAQBAL HOMES Tel: +966-11-4816666 www.almostaqbal homes.com AL NAKHEEL RESIDENCE Tel: +966-11-4704191
AL RAYAN RESIDENTIAL Tel: +966-11-2089027 AL WAHA VILLAGE VILLAS ROSSAS Tel: +966-11-4864711 AL YAMAMA VILLAGE Tel: +966-11-4012550 ARAB INVESTMENT Tel: +966-11-4823444 ARIZONA GOLF RESORT Tel: +966-11-2484444 www.agr.com.sa ASASCO VILLAGE Tel: +966-11-4199000 BARADA VILLAGE ARABIAN HOMES Tel: +966-11-4541888 www.arabian-homes.com BONITA VILLAGE Mob: +966-597721361 www.alwakkan.com CORDOBA OASIS VILLAGE Tel: +966-11-24834711 www.cordoba.com.sa
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DHL WORLDWIDE EXPRESS Tel: +966-11-4654200 www.dhl.com.sa
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OVERSEAS COURIER SERVICE Tel: +966-11-4647193 www.ocstracking.com www.ocscouner.com UPS GLOBAL Tel: +966-11-4626655 www.ups.com
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KINDERGARTENS
AL FAISAL UNIVERSITY
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FURSAN AL JAZEERAH Tel: +966-11-5457505
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INTERNATIONAL INDIAN BOYS SECTION Tel: +966-11-4934688 www.iisriyadh.com GIRLS SECTION Tel: +966-11-2323248 KING FAISAL SCHOOL Tel: +966-11-4820802 www.kfs.sch.sa KING SAUD INT’L Tel: +966-11-4633180 www.ksischool.com KINGDOM SCHOOL Tel: +966-11-2755555 www.kingdomschools. edu.sa MANAHEL AL ELM Tel: +966-11-4770419 MANARAT AL RIYADH Tel: +966-11-4509916 http://maarif.com.sa
www.britishislamic
BUSYBEE Tel: +966-11-2193900 www.busybee.com.sa DAZZLING STARS Mob: +966-545682945
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NAJD NATIONAL Tel: +966-11-4914434
SUPER KIDS
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www.superkidseducation
DAR AL MAAREFAH Tel: +966-11-2314010
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IMAM MUHAMMAD IBN SAUD ISLAMIC Tel: +966-11-2580000 www.imamu.edu.sa
FIRST STEP
MIDDLE EAST MODERN EDUCATION Tel: +966-11-4622815
SAUDI ARABIA MULTINATIONAL Tel: +966-11-2751751 www.mns-r.com
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KING SAUD UNIVERSITY Tel: +966-11-4670000 www.ksu.edu.sa KING SAUD BIN ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES Tel: +966-11-2521300 MUNISIYA CAMPUS Tel: 920000183 OLAYA/QUATOBA CAMPUS Tel: 920000182 PRINCE SULTAN UNIVERSITY Tel: +966-11-4948000 www.psu.edu.sa PRINCESS NORA BIN ABDULRAHMAN UNIVERSITY +966-11-2297290 www.pnu.edu.sa RIYADH COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY AND PHARMACY www.riyadh.edu.sa
KINDERGARTEN Mob: +966-559268188 WHITE ROSE PLAY Mob: +966-563296205
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