Saudi Arabia

Stone Town:

Rijal Alma

KSA’s Big10!

Princess Reema bint Bandar – Investing in the Future

Wafaa Abbar, the Brains Behind Rubaiyat

Wearing Chocolate on the Runway

Top French Restaurants in Town

Makeup

No-Nos Issue 19 SEPT 2014

OUR OUS OR GLAMSHION FA UE! ISS

striped shirts with striped ties

grown men wearing onesies

REGIONAL Editorial manager Jou Pabalate Editor-at-Large Johara Al Mogbel Associate EDITOR/PHOTOGRAPHER crocs with white MOHAMMED AL DeGHAISHiM socks

Editor Bassma Al Toaimi Associate EDITOR/web admin Swalah Eshki Contributing Writers UGGS Abeer El Sayed / Farah Idrees Hana Jazzar / hibatalla el shafie Mohammed Al Saadoun MOHAMMED MIRZA Nagmani / Tharik Hussain / Yasmin Abu halawa / ZAREEN MUZAFFAR fashion editor Mazin Al Maimani Art Director Flatform Reem Al Assal Sandals Graphic Designers Mohammed Rashad / Mohamed Fawzy Jalila Al Harith Photography Reem al rifaie Tharik Hussain Social media Hurreia asif balouch

Peep-Toe Boots

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief Enas Hashani managinG editor Rob L. wagner

LOW-WAIST BAGGY JEANS

INTERNs Ahmed Almansouri / Dina khashoggi Dona paranayil / Nisma Rafiq / Yara Bana Cover photo Saleem Al Homsi SALES & ADVERTISING RIYADH OFFICE sales@rummancompany.com +966-563578291 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.) +966-556899914 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

JEDDAH OFFICE +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

monochrome outfits, please mix and match

GENERAL INQUIRIES drinfo@rummancompany.com DISTRIBUTION distribution@rummancompany.com DestinationRYD DestinationKSA

*Destination Riyadh Magazine is a Rumman Company Publication.

License No. 7862 - 8/8/1431

PUBLISHER

Bring on the Fashion Fever!

September, the month of glossy covers, catwalks and fashion weeks; it’s the season that determines what threads would trend and what frocks would flop.

As always, the Destination team has caught the fashion craze beforehand so that we can bring you an edition that’s all about your sartorial sensibilities.

We get right down to business with Princess Reema bint Bandar, CEO of Harvey Nichols, whose insights give us a glimpse of what it takes to create socially lasting change in the fashion industry. If that’s not enough, we turn the spotlight to Wafaa Abbar, shareholder and president of Rubaiyat modern luxury.

This issue of Destination brings together the local talents and tastemakers creating a whole new fashion movement across the Kingdom. We invite you to go through the pages and read the wonderful story of the girl behind Fyunka, Alaa Balkhy.

Unleash your inner fashionista with our relatable articles on building your dream closet, hijabi style essentials, thobes and more. Even your dining options become a fashionable adventure with our reviews of fashion cafes in the city and French restaurants for the dainty Parisian in you.

In all honesty, the Destination team is a diverse bunch. We’re not Louboutin strutting, Birkin waving types; at least not in the office. Some of us party in sneakers; spend everyday in plain tees, rock in thobes while others know when the latest Chanel catalog is out. It’s probably our differences that help us put together a magazine that has something for everyone.

We guess you can say that we are a reflection of the city we love.

There’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter Riyadhi and we like that about the capital. Whatever your style is, you can be sure that there’s something within our pages that’s just right for you.

‘Till next time, our dear readers stay chic, fab and true.

Destination Riyadh Team Editor@rummancompany.com my picks this month

EDITORIAL september ISSUE # 19

cut-out shoulder tops

Harvey Nichols, P. 16

Fauchon, P. 58

Rijal Alma, P. 68

Destination Magazine UK, Coventry, CV14DH N5719 DESTINATION RIYADH 1

FEATURED CONTENT

28

64

Bangaladesh

KSA's Fashion 10

35

Your Dream Closet

16

Business

Princess Reema Bint Bandar: Investing in the Future of Fashion Wafaa Abbar: Rubaiyat President and Shareholder Alaa Balkhy: The Face Behind Fyunka

28

Special Features

KSA's Fashion 10 Forever Young for Your Dream Closet

36

Arts & Entertainment Guide to Lazy Shopping The Eye Behind the Camera

42

Fashion & Shopping

Khaleeji Thobe Essentials 5 Ways to Tie a Scarf Fashion Blunders: The Big No-No's Saudi Heritage: Aram Al Ammari

4

DESTINATION RIYADH

52

Aram Al Ammari

56

Dining Around Town DR's Guide to French Dining Versus and Joe's Cafes

62

Travel Trends

Chocolate Fashion Show Untamed Bangladesh

68

Explore KSA

Rijal Alma: The Valleys of Asir

72

Healthy Living

Upcoming Cosmetic Trends Life After Massive Weight Loss

24

Alaa Balkhy

DESTINATION RIYADH 5

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

New Trains linking Riyadh and Dammam Saudi Railways Organization president confirmed that the Riyadh-Al-Kharj rail service consists of four new trains that link Riyadh and Dammam.

The first of these four trains will arrive by the end of November, with the remaining three following a month later. The trains are being produced in CAF, a leading global rolling stock manufacturer in Spain. These new trains will be an improved version of the previously used ones and will have an increased passenger capacity and luggage facility. They will also be able to run up to 180 kmph under extreme weather conditions.

Thumbs Up to ensuring smooth traffic in Makkah The large development projects that have been taking place at the Grand Mosque in Makkah have been causing plenty of traffic congestion. In order to fix this problem and lessen its effects, the Makkah traffic department has deployed officers and motorbike riders to make certain that the traffic is smoother. In addition, the department also found a strategy to prevent trucks from going into Makkah during peak hours and built large parking lots to reduce the number of cars on the road. The presence of allocated undercover police in unmarked cars will also help give out heavy penalties for drivers who break the law.

Thumbs DOWN to Riyadh to Face More traffic headaches

In recent months, we've already seen an increase in road detours around the city. Starting next week, the Higher Commission for the Development of Riyadh will have more road construction projects underway. While we welcome improvements, many Riyadhi drivers have complained about the lack of safety signs and road warnings.

Apart from the inconvenience, this has led to daily traffic accidents around Turki Al Awal and King Abdullah roads. We do hope the project managers will attend to resolve these issues and put the proper safety measures before traffic gets even heavier when the school year begins.

6

DESTINATION RIYADH

Continues...

Join this September’s Contest: (10 th - 25th )

Capture an image that best represnts Arab Hospitality from your prespective & Post it on Twitter or Instagram Don’t Forget to mention:

#Arab_hospitality @Talah_AlJood For more details follow us @Talah_AlJood

8

DESTINATION RIYADH

CITY AND COUNTRY FACT SHEET

DESTINATION RIYADH 9

DR NEWS

THIS

JUST IN!

Lumia 930 available in Saudi Arabia Microsoft Devices announced the availability of the Lumia 930 with Windows Phone 8.1 in Saudi Arabia, a device that integrates Microsoft and Lumia to deliver video and imaging experience on a smartphone. The Lumia 930 is now available in Saudi Arabia at a retail price of SR 2,199, in a range of colors including bright orange, bright green, black and white.

Air Arabia offers direct flights to Antalya

Jaguar

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s low-cost carrier, will start non-stop services to Antalya in southwest Turkey. Air Arabia offers three weekly flights to Antalya, making it a holiday destination for passengers traveling from the UAE. Today, the low-cost pioneer operates over five weekly non-stop services between Istanbul and Casablanca.

Luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar MENA has unveiled its new website www.jaguar-me.com, designed to enhance the Jaguar digital brand for customers and fans across the MENA region. Tailored for today’s consumers, the website is designed for multiple screens, allowing customers access to Jaguar whether it be on smart phone, tablet, PC or other mobile device.

Launches New Digital Experience

ROME INSPIRES MONTBLANC JEWELED PEN A unique 1/1 Montblanc pen is currently being showcased by Montblanc in two of its boutiques in the UAE. Inspired by one of the Seven Hills of Rome, the extraordinarily luxurious Montblanc Monte Celio is the result of 800 Montblanc craftsmen whose combined talent has turned this pen into a work of art.

10 DESTINATION RIYADH

Enchantée Escada unveiled at Paris Gallery Diamonds drip glamour onto Escada’s latest revelation this season. Cultured with a symphony of 384 diamonds, the Ivory timepiece is a crochet of chic that vaults a purity of 1.55 carats. Piercing features with eloquence so refined, this Swiss-made timepiece dresses to impress no one but herself. She is a stunning rendition of “Moulin Rouge does Parisian high tea.”

TAG Heuer

Lufthansa voted Europe’s Leading Airline

makes history at Le Mans

Omar Basaad

TAG Heuer and Dempsey Racing signed a long-term partnership this weekend during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

More than 40 years after Steve McQueen starred in the race classic “Le Mans” with a Monaco chronograph on his wrist, the asphalt once again belongs to TAG Heuer and Hollywood.

Music producer Omar Basaad debuted his latest hit single “2 Love” on top music stations with over 5 million views already through its streaming broadcast. The vocals with Alicia Madison add a magical overtune on progressive house beats to create an incredible summer anthem.

debuts ‘2 love’

For the fourth consecutive time Lufthansa Airlines has been voted “Europe’s leading Airline” at the World Travel Awards – an award for the best of Europe’s travel industry following a voting process involving 230,000 travel tourism and hospitality professionals worldwide. Lufthansa was selected as winner from a shortlist of 11 top European airline brands in Athens, Greece.

Naghi Motors

shows 13% sales increase for BMW and MINI Mohamed Yousuf Nagi Motors has reported a sales increase of 13 percent for the first half of 2014, signaling a great result for the BMW Group importer in Saudi Arabia.

Driving the strong results were a number of new vehicle launches: the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, M235i as well as the all-new MINI Hatch.

Maserati exceeds

2013 sales in first half of 2014 Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati continues its global expansion strategy and reports that sales in the Middle East and Africa region have increased by 152 percent in the first half of 2014 compared to last year’s result of the same period. The result of the first six months of 2014 exceeds the sales of 2013 overall.

DESTINATION RIYADH 11

Events and Happenings

WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON!

01

Linde AG, KJC sign agreement to set up a healthcare company

CEO of Linde AG, and Sheikh Khaled Juffali, chairman of KJC, signed a shareholders agreement at the Linde Group’s head office to set up a healthcare joint venture in the KSA. The joint venture will be operated through a limited liability company, provide innovative care programs for long-term ventilated patients, homecare services for chronically ill patients and other healthcare related services.

02

iThra Knowledge Program 2014 in Riyadh a success Saudi Aramco’s cultural outreach initiative has made its way to the capital. The program ran from July 29 – Aug. 29 at the Riyadh International Conference and Exhibition Center. Described as the ultimate summer educational trip for families, the iThra knowledge program features Lego Land, traffic safety town and many more.

12 DESTINATION RIYADH

03

Matches Drawn for Gulf Cup 2014 The 22nd Gulf Cup will be held in Riyadh from Nov. 13 – 26. To kick off the biennial competition, matches were drawn Aug. 12 at the Al Masmak palace. All matches will be held at the King Fahd Stadium and the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

04

FARMERS FLOCK TO Buraidah Date Festival Local farmers flocked to Buraidah to attend the annual date festival at the Qassim souk. In addition to offering a variety of dates from all over the Kingdom, Gulf farmers were also invited to showcase their harvests. The Date festival is also made available through the Date Souk at Exit 14.

05

Al Jumaih Sponsors FJR Team Al Jumaih Automotive, the largest and leading General Motors (GM) dealer in the Middle East, sponsored the FJR team in the Saudi Drifting Championship with racer Falah Al Jarba leading the way. The drift took place in Riyadh, with over 50 participating racers from all over the Kingdom.

DESTINATION RIYADH 13

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

1

Sept 1-2 Women Leaders in Saudi Arabia Women Leaders in Saudi Arabia is a summit dedicated to women’s empowerment. The summit will examine the significant role played by women as leaders, and recognize Saudi women achievers. Keynote speakers include: Dr. Samia Al Amoudi, Dr. Basmah Mosleh Omair, Samar H. Fatany and Najlaa Abbas.

Organizer: iiGlobal Business Information and conferences.

Contact: Shawn Issac Email: shawn@iigbi.com Web: http://iigbi.com/womensaudi

9

Sept 9-10 Saudi Arabia CIO Summit CIO Summit is the largest gathering of CIOs in Saudi Arabia. This series provides thought-provoking and actionable insights to CIOs. Location: Four Seasons Hotel Mob: +971- 43912747 Sept 9-11 Recent Advances in Therapeutic & Donor Apheresis Workshop Pathology and laboratory medicine Location: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center Tel: +966 -11- 4424224

3

4

Sept 3 The Single Use Medical Devices Conference The international conference for The Single Use Medical Devices is organized

by Saudi FDA, and aims to measure scientists, experts and specialists’ views regarding the reuse of single use medical devices and associated risks for patients.

Sept 4-6 Our Beautiful World Exhibition 2014 In its third edition, Our Beautiful World Exhibition provides women and families with an atmosphere of beauty and excellence.

Location: Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +966 -11- 2038222 Organizer: Saudi Food and Drug Authority

Location: Kingdom Hall, Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966 -11- t4014412 Ext: 104/105/107 Mob: +966 - 561781322

Sept 9-11 Saudi Dental Society Workshop Three-day workshop on the fundamental skills in medical research by Dr. Bassel Tarakji, Dr. Kusai Baroudi and Dr. Omar Kujan.

Location: Al Farabi College Mob: +966 - 501158867 Sept 9-11 Saudi International Conference for Entrepreneurship Associations and Centers Conference organized by Entrepreneur Association.

Location: Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel Mob: +966 - 597076235 URL: www.s-enas.com

17 23 Sept 17-18 Desert Solar: Saudi Arabia Meeting place for all the important stakeholders in Saudi Arabia solar energy market. Examines the status and development of the Saudi Arabia solar energy market.

Mob: +31- 102809198 URL: www.desertsolarsaudiarabia.com

Sept 17-18 Basic Surgical Skills Research Center Date: Sept.17-18 Location: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center Tel: +966 -11- 4647272 Ext. 31730

14 DESTINATION RIYADH

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Sept 14 Saudi Dental Society Lecture The lecture’s program consists of the regenerative endodontics and the role of a general dentist in early orthodontic treatment.

Location: Sheraton Hotel Tel: +966 -11- 4677763 / 4677764 Sept 14-16 Second annual Talent and Diversity Leadership Forum The inaugural forum seeks to review the changing leadership demands.

Location: Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel URL: www.talentdiversityforum.com

Badr Bahijri Age: 3 years

Sept 23 Saudi National Day Celebration Luxury Events is hosting a National Day celebration in the capital bringing the public more entertainment genres.

Mob: +966 - 537258169 URL: www.luxuryevents-sa.com

7 Sept 7-10 WW-Food 2014 A platform for industry players to discuss key issues, discover new business and investment opportunities and interact with major stakeholders.

Sept 7-10 Saudi Food-Pack An event that showcases products like machinery and services that are essential for food production and packing.

Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center – RICEC Tel: +966 - 11 - 2295604 Ext: 511/512 Contact: Khalid Daou URL: www.saudi-agriculture.com

Location: Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center – RICEC Tel: +966 - 11 - 2295604 Ext: 511/512 Contact: Khalid Daou URL: www.saudi-agriculture.com

Sept 14-18 Australian Company Offers PMP Preparation Five-day course training professionals in various fields.

Mob: +966 - 546747009 Sept 14-18 12th Pediatric Intensive Review Course Pediatrics Location: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center Tel: +966 -114427761 Sept 14-19 Internal Medicine Course Part II Medicine Location: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center Tel: +966 -11- 4427495

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Sept 29 - Oct 1 POPS Physical therapy Location: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center Tel: +966 -11- 4423892

15

Sept 15 Data Centers and ConvergeIT: Future-Proofing your Infrastructure Investment Seminar includes areas on the process of selecting, designing and deploying the business-critical cabling infrastructure upon which your data center and IT network will rely.

Location: Al Faisaliah hotel URL: www.siemon.com

Sept 15-16 Saudi Marketing Conference Organized by Thinkout.

Location: Al Faisaliah hotel URL: www.thinkout.biz Sept 15-17 Saudi Mega Transport & Infrastructure Projects The definitive event in Saudi Arabia for all those seeking opportunities in the Kingdom’s transportation, construction, housing and social infrastructure projects markets.

Location: Al Faisaliah Hotel URL: www.saudimegaprojects.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH!

+

DR magazine is not responsible for any event cancellation.

To add your event here, contact us at dr@rummancompany.com

DESTINATION RIYADH 15

BUSINESS WHO’S WHO

Evening wear at Harvey Nichols.

the window of Princess Reema looks out tional, a luxury her office at Alfa Interna interests include retail corporation whose Nichols in Riyadh. the operation of Harvey

Investing in the Future of Fashion An interview with

Princess Reema bint Bandar

By Hibatalla El Shafie

In her role as CEO of Alfa and Harvey Nichols Riyadh, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is instigating change with her creative and, on occasion, bold decisions. In an industry where glamour and image are key, Princess Reema balances her leadership with a commitment to social responsibility and an ongoing program that aims to give back to the community. Pioneering female integration in the retail workforce, Princess Reema is championing change and investing in a bright further for Saudi fashion.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What made you decide to get into high fashion retail?

I am the mother of two wonderful children and I am the CEO of ALFA international (Harvey Nichols Riyadh) and the founder of Baraboux.

16 DESTINATION RIYADH

The decision to go into retail was a natural one based on my family’s history of introducing Donna Karan in Saudi Arabia 18 years ago and being shareholders in Harvey Nichols Riyadh. My personal interest in retail evolved from observing behavior patterns to

Accessories on the Lower Ground floor.

seeing how we can improve the customer journey.

The local fashion community is growing and a lot of the designers share a desire to bring their brands on the international platform.

What advice would you give them in order to make this happen?

Success in fashion requires focus on excellent craftsmanship and staying true to one’s aesthetic. The location of the design is irrelevant.

What stands out is quality.

You’ve been commended for your executive decisions to hire Saudi women in the retail industry. People have commented that such efforts have had serious revenue consequences to retailers. If it’s true, what measures have you done to balance the risks of

social change and still achieve Harvey Nichols’ bottom line?

Successfully integrating women into our workforce is not a simple matter, but the results are well worth the challenges. The store made various accommodations to comply with the government’s rules including separate break rooms, specified ratios of women to men in any given space and inserting dividing barriers in certain areas.

Harvey Nichols Riyadh was the first department store to have an onsite daycare facility for the children of its employees. We are very proud of what has been accomplished and choose to view the financial impact as an investment in our countrywomen not as a loss.

Are there any projects that you are currently spearheading or feel strongly about?

Our marketing calendar at Harvey is always full but next year will be very special as it marks our 15th anniversary.

I’m also looking forward to the Zahra Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation’s projects for breast cancer awareness month in October.

What’s your view on ethical fashion and social entrepreneurship?

In what ways can fashion industry players and retailers impact or give back to the community?

Business and ethics can go hand in hand and there are many ways fashion retailers can give back to their communities. One of the

Some of the glamorous gowns.

more memorable initiatives at Harvey Nichols Riyadh was the 2011 Drop & Shop campaign in conjunction with Sawa’ed Atheeb. Annually, we team up with Zahra Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation on a program called: you are beautiful where a licensed dermatologist consults on the products in our store that would suit a chemotherapy/ radiation patient. We donate both the products and the time of our make up artists to teach these women how to embrace their beauty. As a retailer we wish to respond to the community we are in so we support young designers, artists as well as like-minded people who need the umbrella of a larger institution to help them give back.

In your opinion, what gaps need to be filled in order for retailers in ksa to remain competitive in the region?

It’s an exciting time for retail in Saudi Arabia, as our service industry is not yet as developed as that in Europe or the US. This means that there are opportunities just starting to open up now for training and careers that will raise the standard of retail service throughout the Kingdom to an international level.

What’s your fashion essential?

Would you say that the transitioning to a more local talent pool has already been achieved?

If not, what do you think needs to be done for the retail fashion industry to have more trained Saudis in the industry?

Any of the essentials range from Baraboux, as these small bags are stylish and perfectly sized to be transferred between all your other, larger bags, saving the hassle unpacking keys, wallet, phone, makeup…

Transitioning to a local talent pool is a lengthy process in any country and Saudi is no different. More investment is needed by all companies to ensure that Saudis and frankly all employees receive training DESTINATION RIYADH 17

Harvey Nichols houses Gianvito Rossi among its many Italian brands.

The beauty section at Harvey Nichols is home to some of the most expensive perfumes and beauty products.

on Wu, Window display for Jas hols Riyadh.

Nic y rve Ha for exclusively

on an ongoing basis and can flourish in their chosen careers. You cannot operate a successful business if you segregate your staff into silos, creative industries function best with cohesion.

Emerging talents in the country have mentioned that production is one of the issues that hinder their success. what can be done to resolve this?

The latest collections are always available.

18 DESTINATION RIYADH

Manufacturing is another area deserving of investment.

The investment is not only in setting up the actual manufacturing plant but the full eco-system of a fashion district, as you would find in any capital city. We need fabric shops, pattern makers, seamstress, etc., all in accessible areas where they can create a supply chain.

The luxury fashion segment is predicted to remain a strong market in the Middle East. However, there is speculation that Saudization, conservative business practices, and lack of trained/ experienced human resources in the retail industry would entail that ksa may fall behind Dubai and Qatar:

These factors would have a negative impact on an industry anywhere, and countries throughout the region face versions of these issues. Saudi Arabia must continue to address such points to ensure that the luxury fashion sector continues to grow, and have something to offer both those who wish to work in it, as well as those who love to follow fashion and want a world-class shopping experience in the Kingdom.

If you want companies to provide jobs you have to recognize their need for flexibility to grow. Flexibility does not equal a disregard for regulations but it creates a space for creativity to thrive.

IA ARAB I D U SA

Dhahran khobar Riyadh

Jeddah

SAUDI NATIONAL DAY

www.qaiymah.com | Tollfree : 800 124 1000 |

DESTINATION RIYADH 19

@qaiymah_products

BUSINESS IN T H E S P O TLIG H T

Wafaa Abbar rubaiyat President and Shareholder

By Bassma Al Toaimi Photography by Saleem Al Homsi

Wafaa Abbar established the building blocks that created Rubaiyat, the fashion empire we know today.

In an inspiring conversation with Destination, Abbar outlined her retail philosophy.

20 DESTINATION RIYADH

What was your first job?

I started in Abbar Company managing client accounts— in terms of controlling purchase and performing the collection on timely manner — as well as following up on dead debt collection.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

“Patience is a virtue.”

With all the studies, the planning and the research, one must have the patience to wait for the right opportunity.

Rushing might cause more loss than gain.

What do you consider the most significant milestone in your career?

Joining the Rubaiyat business as Ladies and Children manager.

When you hire an employee, what is the single most important characteristic you look for?

It is normally a group of characteristics that go together.

The weight and the importance of each depends on the position we are hiring for.

Attitude and pride in work is at the top. I would also consider honesty a major component of an employee — it is what we call in our culture “fear of God” in every step you take and every task you make. This sums doing your job as should be with no monitoring or supervision because you know God is watching and he only holds you accountable.

What is the one piece of advice you can give to up and coming fashion designers?

Design can only be a business if it is paired with good business management.

Marketing yourself is good for the short run, management is for the continuity.

Usually designers are creative and artistic people who take pride in what they do and they are extremely sensitive about their design. They will need to find the balance between that and the world of business that is based on reality and mathematical equations.

For design to be successful, there needs to be a combination of “right brain and left brain people.”

The new store provides existing Rubaiyat customers with a new shopping experience in terms of the environment, products and services. What is that new experience and what was your motivation behind it?

Rubaiyat has always been a leader in giving an existing business that little twist to make it stand out in leading the fashion retail in Saudi.

We have a history of being “First Of” steps in men, ladies and kids fashion. Rubaiyat department store is the new step we took in the same direction and the same road map. The experience was a painful pleasure in executing.

I hope the clients will enjoy the second part of it, “the

DESTINATION RIYADH 21

pleasure,� which is what is intended for them. The pain comes from all the hard work invested in designing, sourcing, producing, importing in addition to all other restrains from various directions. All in all, it was a great experience.

What inspired you to open this new department store since you already had multi-brand Rubaiyat stores?

As you and I have said, innovation and novelty that we see that our clients deserve and an opportunity to provide something we felt was missing that we could do well.

Who designs your window displays and what guidelines do you offer the designer?

Rubaiyat department store windows were designed and manufactured in the UK. They were installed by the same company. This is with the close direction of Rubaiyat visual team.

22 DESTINATION RIYADH

Will you be focusing on opening stand-alone boutiques or more department stores?

We will always do our best to give the market and our valued customers what is needed within our capability. There is a need for both stand alone boutiques and department stores as they provide different shopping experiences; they complement one another. The direction is the element of surprise that I would like to keep in “Mary Poppins bag.�

The new department store only offers products for women. Are men and children anywhere in the future plans?

In Saudi Arabia, women shop in a different way to men, particularly when they shop for themselves, hence the birth of Rubaiyat department store. As and when we notice a change in the trend of shopping in men and kids, we will for sure step in.

The pop-up you had during Ramadan was a success and provided new local talents with an opportunity to showcase their products. Are you planning more pop-ups?

Pop-up Store is a tool to enable us to host guests locally and internationally. The idea behind it is to be able to have novelty on a regular basis and create movement at all times.

What did you look for in designers for the pop-up concept?

The designers were picked carefully based on their reputation, popularity and creativity. We tried to have a wide and diverse variety. I am sure we missed many designers due to Ramadan but we will plan well ahead of time for 2015. We can be contacted by interested companies/designers at pop-up@rubaiyat.com.

How do you feel about Saudization? How successful are you implementing the scheme at Rubaiyat?

I prefer to call it Nationalization. It is a must in each and every country. The problem we have is, we are just at the beginning and it is known that that is the most difficult part of every change.

It is pain we should bare until we start harvesting the result.

As Rubaiyat is a leading company in fashion retail, competitors headhunt our employees.

Despite that fact, we are maintaining excellent levels of Nationalization and we are seeking to recruit more nationals.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as the owner of one of the leading luxury department stores in town?

Recruitment of Saudi ladies is the biggest challenge as working in luxury sales is still new for nationals, particularly ladies. We are working nonstop on training programs in terms of service skills and product knowledge. We are confident we will deliver results and any ladies interested in a career in Luxury Fashion is welcome to contact us at m.saidi@ rubaiyat.com.

Women working at Rubaiyat stand out due to their professionalism in dealing with customers.

Can you tell us about the training program you offer for women and how it allows them to reach this level of professionalism?

many we have for a very long time. However, for the department store, we had to seek a trustworthy and reputable training company.

We have selected Wisaal to assist us in training for over 50 ladies.

We heard you had exclusive designs by certain designers only for Rubaiyat for the new department store launch.

Is it true? And what designs do your designers offer that customers can’t get elsewhere?

Some brands created items/ color exclusively for the launch occasion.Charlotte Olympia dedicated an exclusive color for one pump shoes -FK- Fragrance Kitchen- by Majed Alsabah created a couple of fragrances exclusively for Saudi Arabia that was launched in the event. Also Pink Camel created two flavors especially for Rubaiyat.

We train out staff internally and they are mentored by experienced team members,

DESTINATION RIYADH 23

BUSINESS

The Story of Alaa Balkhy

The Face Behind Fyunka

By Ahmed Almansouri

In a society that wasn’t equipped for new emerging brands, Alaa Balkhy was one of the pioneers of this new fashion era in KSA. She is the face behind Fyunka, a brand that is influenced by pop culture with a fashionable aim to spread happiness through its unique customer.

Fyunka is a designer who tussled her way through social stigma and achieved great success from her brand. She graduated from Dar Al Hekma in Jeddah majoring in graphic design. Her love for fashion, illustration and marketing took her to New York City, where she is currently studying for a Design Management Master’s degree at Pratt Institute.

Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I grew up in Canada and was there till I was 9 years old before moving to Jeddah. It was a culture shock.

I went into graphic design by mistake. It was a happy mistake. I started working my second year of college until I graduated. I had two jobs.

I was a graphic designer at a design agency and an assistant at a local fashion brand.

In the process of creating and promoting your brand Fyunka, did you think it was possible to achieve this kind of success?

I never promoted, because I never had a business plan.

There was no “OK, I am going to start a brand, this is what I want to do.” I wanted to design bags and wanted to see 24 DESTINATION RIYADH

how it goes. It went very well. I still have pieces that I made 10 from each design that was three years ago.

Now I do like a 100-150.

What would you say was the biggest challenge for you throughout the whole process?

Profile Name: Alaa Balkhy Born: Feb. 14, 1989 Pl ace of Birth: Jed dah, Saudi Arabia Horoscope Sign: Aquarius Favorite Color: Te al Fears: Birds, runnin g out of battery on her phon e Motto: Everything happens for a reason Music: Mashrou’ La ila, Yasmine Hamdan Movie: Caramel, We s Anderson movies

Honestly, that there was no support.

Now it is changing, but when I first started there were local brands, but they were old brands. No one was doing photo shoots for their collections. No one was making ready-to-wear clothing. There was no support from a society point of view.

The perception of a local brand was along the lines of “Who is Alaa? She is making

bags in her house? Why is it so expensive?” They didn’t realize that there is a lot that goes into it. Then I tried my best to change it. I wasn’t going to back down. These are the prices, because this is the work I am putting into it.

I am not selling the material, I am selling the idea. The ideas are worth something. So why

Alaa in closet Photo by Creative Closets for #Dreamcloset campaign

would I buy a leather jacket from a designer brand where it costs $3,000 because you are buying the brand, not the material? I worked so hard to create the brand.

So you said that support was lacking from a social point of view, was there support lacking from a financial point of view?

No, but there was the problem of production. We are not like other countries where people are used to people starting their own business. There are no production houses. I can’t go somewhere and tell them that I want this kind of bag with this color and this amount. I had to figure out a way from scratch, to get this from here and this from here. Get a tailor and train him. Do this, and if it doesn’t work try something else. I never took a course in bag design, but my shapes are so simple. There were no factories accessible to us.

Some factories would produce 10,000 bags for you but I didn’t want that.

Putting your brand aside, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?

I don’t know. I guess … it’s so hard. Obviously you depend mostly on yourself.

The reason I created Fyunka is not to depend on anyone.

So it is a bit ironic. There are a lot of people I depend on. There is Nada Hakeem, a co-founder of the Loft; we kind of started together. People that started their own brands inspire me. Like for example Razan Azzouni (Saudi fashion designer) inspires me. The girls behind Sotra inspire me.

There is a lot and most of them are local. Definitely I am also inspired by Kate Spade.

She couldn’t find a bag so she created one.

Is there any country that you wish to travel to?

Japan. I like how organized they are. I am actually doing a collaboration with Casio and it’s amazing how organized and prompt the people I’m dealing with are. It is fascinating. It is exciting how they are so into their culture.

We kinda have the same values when it comes to family.

Tell me about your family.

I have three younger brothers and one older sister. My dad is a plastic surgeon and my mom owns a business. She does Hijazi baked goods, its called “Sufra Hijaziyah.” My grandfather is half Malaysian.

My great-grandmother was Russian. My grandmother is

DESTINATION RIYADH 25

from Hadramoot (an area in Yemen) and the rest of my family are from Jeddah.

I want to backtrack to Fyunka, how did you come up with the designs? How did it all start?

It was baby steps. The first design I made was from confusion. It was making fun of ourselves. “Baba, I want a Birkin” (Birkin is a handbag

by Hermès and costs $9,000) I just came back from Dubai and everyone had it and I was just like it is so amazing that we think we deserve these things.

I was just wondering if anyone worked hard for their bag. It was making fun of ourselves.

It caught on because it was so true. Everything starts with “Baba, I want…” I was 21, especially at that age. It was not even material things, it was like “Baba I want to go out.

Baba I want to travel.” It was making fun of a social issue in a non-direct way.

Are you portraying yourself in the designs?

Why did you choose the name “Fyunka” for your brand?

I wanted an Arabic name that was very general and was very Hijazi slang. We say Fyunka a lot (Fyunka means bow in

26 DESTINATION RIYADH

Jeddah slang). I didn’t want it to be bag or something, because I knew it was going to be more than bags later on. I wanted something general.

What are your next steps in life?

I want to graduate from Pratt Institute. I am doing a Master’s in design management. I want to do another Masters in illustration. That is definitely what I want to do. I want to have my own studio.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Optimistic, calm… (long pause). I can’t think of the word it’s hard to explain it.

I have a poker face. I don’t know how you can say that.

Or you can say optimistic, calm and quiet.

WIN!

a Fyunka Bag or a Pouch with @DestinationRyd

at you need to d wh o all

is

Yes, the “Fyunka Girl” is me. It is me, because at the beginning when I started I didn’t want people to know that it was me, so I created this character. I was so afraid of what people would think or say. I wasn’t ready for criticism. I wanted Fyunka to be anonymous, that’s why I created this character.

“I wasn’t ready for criticism. I wanted Fyunka to be anonymous.

That’s why I created this character.”

Fyunka in September 1 Spot issue of Destination

Take a picture

Post it on instagram!

Tag @DestinationRyd @Fyunka #Hashtag #FyunkaDR

3

and

Voilà!

Noteworthy Arab Businesses

By Farah Idrees

Al Hokair

CEO/President: Fawaz Al Hokair Date Founded: 1989 Brands include: - Wallis - Bershka - Jennyfer - Suite Blanco - Nine West - Stradivarius - Miss Selfridge - Zara - Aldo

Jamjoom

CEO/President: Kamal Osman Jamjoom Date Founded: 1987 Brands include: - Nayomi - Mikyajy - The Body Shop - Early Learning Centre (ELC) - Mihyar - Neal’s Yard Remedies - Nayomi Beauty Salon - Soiree - Jamjoom Decoration - Nayomi Abaya

Al Shaya

CEO/President: Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya Date Founded: 1890 Headquarters: Kuwait Products: - Fashion and Footwear - Food - Health & Beauty - Pharmacy - Optics - Home Furnishings - Leisure and Entertainment

Rubaiyat

CEO/President: Wafaa Abbar

Products: - Perfumes - Sunglasses - Scarves - Hair/Beauty Care Products - Sweets - Luggage - Hand Bags - Shoes - Accessories - Clothing Brands - Swimwear - Nightwear

DESTINATION RIYADH 27

KSA'S FASHION10

S p e c ia l F e at u r e s

By Bassma Al Toaimi and Jou Pabalate

HALA SABBAGH Fashion Designer

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? The name Lychee comes from an exotic fruit, which I find fascinating from its mix of taste to its shape, very versatile just like my brand. My designs are created for that fashion forward savvy woman who isn’t afraid to experiment with bright colors and shapes, just like the fruit.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Women: A statement dress, printed pants, an item with see-through details and a pair of Zara heels.

Men: Well that’s a tough one, but I guess a cool shirt and the right shoes will do just fine.

Instagram: @lycheebyhalasabbagh

HALA AL HARITHY CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m a mother of two amazing boys. I've studied and lived most of my life abroad in the US. I've been interested in fashion from a very young age and learned most of what I know from my beloved and super stylish mother may she rest in peace.

I've been styling and shopping for my friends and family for years then decided to take it seriously about a year ago where I finished a course at the Sterling Style Academy based in New York. And ever since then styling has been my life, after my family, of course!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? A great pair of jeans, a nice white top, nude or black heels that work with everything, and statement pieces (accessories or bags).

Instagram: @hala_alharithy

28 DESTINATION RIYADH

HALA SABBAGH PHOTO BY Reem Al Rifaie • COURTESY PHOTO BY HALA AL HARITHY

Image consultant/Stylist

MAZIN AL MAIMANI Fashion Editor

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m a full-time graphic designer, but since I was 11 I’ve been shopping for myself. With time, I started loving how you can have your own style yet keep experimenting and updating it. Also, working with the magazine I got a chance to experience working as a fashion editor and in the past I’ve enjoyed styling a few photo shoots.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Men: Denim (that fits perfectly), slip on shoes and sunglasses.

Women: I can say things that should not be there, and if they are should stay in the closet while in Saudi, no boots please (it’s almost summer all year long!). No leather pants or tops (again, it’s almost summer all year long!) and please throw away all of your Crocs – it’s 2014.

Instagram: @mazin

MISHAEL AL RAJHI

MAZIN AL MAIMANI PHOTO BY Jalila Alharith • COURTESY PHOTO BY MISHAEL AL RAJHI

Fashion Designer

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? I’m the head designer for couture fashion line Mishael Al Rajhi. It’s bespoke evening luxury wear for women. I’m also the founder of MICCI & MISHI.

”I have high fashion respect for people who know how to dress according to their body shape.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? White shirt, black dress and jeans.

Also a jacket or blazer to add some layer to their style.

WHO’S YOUR FASHION ICON? Rihanna, Audrey Hepburn, Cara Delevigne, Kristen Stewart and Olivia Palermo.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION PET PEEVE? When people wears things that don’t fit them right.

Instagram: @mishaelrajhi

DESTINATION RIYADH 29

DALAL ALHASAN Fashion Designer

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? DALAL ALHASAN comes from a fantasyland based in the purple zone. This world was built by my emotions, actions and inspirations over the years.

My designs take you to a journey parallel to the stars. This journey shares my thoughts and imagination that are translated in my seasonal collections of contemporary, innovative and fun ready to wear.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Accessories, a precious piece whether it is a family heritage or a travel founding.

“My fashion icon is my mother’s '80s wardrobe.”

Instagram: @dalalhasanofficial

HAIFA FAHAD WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? I am currently working on two very distinct fashion labels. The first one is YOYO, which is a young avant-garde and innovative ready to wear line. I also have a luxury haute couture line under my name HAIFA FAHAD. WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Black dress.

WHO’S YOUR FASHION ICON? I love avant-garde designers, people who make me think about how a piece was made.

I love designers with creations that are intricate yet elegant, fashion game changers; like Lacroix, Galliano, Stephane Rolland and Rick Owens.

Instagram: @haifafahad 30 DESTINATION RIYADH

DALAL ALHASAN PHOTO BY Reem Al Rifaie • COURTESY PHOTO BY HAIFA FAHAD

Fashion Designer

“I always wanted to experiment with Gabi fabric (Ethiopian fabric used for blankets and clothing) so perhaps I might work on that for next season.”

REEM ABBAR

FASHION ENTREPRENEUR/DESIGNER

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? Amina Atelier is a unisex casual wear brand made in Jeddah combining a mix of ethnic inspiration with contemporary fashion. I do one collection a year that is launched during the holly month of Ramadan. For each collection I offer a collectable charity item that reflects the story of the collection and proceeds are donated to a chosen local organization in line with the theme of the product.

The brand is dedicated to Dada Amina, a family member who passed away a long time ago. She was a hard working and charitable woman who loved to sew during her free time. Growing up my cousins and I would visit her in her room for some tea on occasional afternoons. I recall it was packed with knickknacks that she had collected over the years, along with pillows and tissue box covers that she had sewn. We’d tiptoe inside her colorful room with amusement admiring her collection while she warned us of some of her missing sewing needles. She had lots of character, warmth and kindness and was an influential figure in my childhood may her soul rest in peace.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Abayas, thobes, sandals and sunglasses.

UPCOMING TREND YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? Post-Apocalyptic Gypsy

REEM ABBAR PHOTO BY REEM AL RIFAIE

WHO’S YOUR FASHION ICON? I don't have a particular fashion icon, I muse over a lot of creatives that I find inspiring.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION PET PEEVE? When the mass majority goes crazy over a trend, disregarding their individuality and resembling a flock of sheep. Also pointless trends like the “Mustache” print, accessories and homeware.

Instagram: @aminaatelier

DESTINATION RIYADH 31

ALAA ALGHUFAILI ACCESSORIES DESIGNER

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? I always loved unique and unusual things, throughout my research over local market items that are designed by local designers. Most of what I have found were machine-based and unnatural and have no cultural background accessories and fashion pieces, as an architect and Saudi-oriented person, that frustrates me, here the idea of “Aghuph” has come by, a hand-made, culturebased, more feminine and elegant and classy from the prospective of the Saudi culture.

“My collections can be found through our website, Instagram, and through events.”

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? I’m working on clutch bags and some other cool stuff that are inspired from the Islamic geometric, so stay tuned.

UPCOMING TREND YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? Urban fashion trend that cocooned the body and added attitude at the same time.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION PET PEEVE? Showing off top brands patterns from head to toe.

ALAA ALGHUFAILI PHOTO BY MOHAMMED DUGHAISHM

Instagram: @a_ghuph

32 DESTINATION RIYADH

TEE SAUDI

FASHION DESIGNERS

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS? We're three cousins, Ayya, Talal and Lubna, who decided to start a t-shirt project to encourage local art. Our brand, Tee, focuses on printing art designed by local young artists on high-quality t-shirts. Our designs are youthful, fun, and a lot of them are related to our Arabic culture.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? Abaya and thobe. A nice Tee shirt won't hurt either ;) WHAT’S YOUR FASHION PET PEEVE? Socks and sandals. Birkenstocks especially.

Please make it stop.

Instagram: @tee_saudi

“We started out three years ago as high school students with a lot free time, and ended up with so much more than we expected.”

DAREEN ALYAWAR

COURTESY PHOTO BY DAREEN ALYAWAR • COURTESY PHOTO BY TEE SAUDI

IMAGE CONSULTANT/FASHION STYLIST

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL PIECES IN EVERY SAUDI'S CLOSET? As a Saudi woman you need a good classic black abaya, trendy abaya, white shirt and a pair of right fitting jeans. As a Saudi man you need a classic thobe with a fine cut plus you need good shoes that go perfectly with any thobe, good jeans that fit very well and white tee for our summery days.

UPCOMING TREND YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT? I actually can’t wait for the new trendy stripes that will kill the market. The futuristic technocolor flowers, the knee length shorts, the Boho chic look and Cruise 2015 is going to kill it.

Instagram:@dareenalyawar

DESTINATION RIYADH 33

S p e c i a l F eat u res

FOREVERYOUNG With Your Dream Closet

By Yara Bana

Every girl dreams of the day she’ll be old enough to have her very own glamorous closet just like in the movies. However, as this little girl blossoms into a grown woman she realizes that the picture-perfect closet she dreamed of is the hardest thing to maintain and is quite farfetched.

This is for all the young girls inside every one of us that yearns for a flawless closet full of couture dresses and stilettos. No matter how much space or organizing experience you’re lacking, this is going to make you understand the simplest tricks for getting the organized wardrobe of your heart’s desire.

1.

Before starting any organizing process the first thing to do is to get rid of any unwanted clothes or clothes that are no longer your size.

Many women feel the need to keep their things because of their value later. The best thing to do in this case is to put all the pieces you’re keeping but not currently using into air compressed bags.

2.

Now that you’ve emptied your closet and got rid of all the unwanted items, you can start working out how you want your layout. Some women prefer a lot of hangers, while others have more items that need boxes instead of hangers. That’s why a good plan can only be 34 DESTINATION RIYADH

identified by you since your personal things are different than everyone else’s. Try to estimate the number of dividers and the right sizes for your closet, then run out to the nearest store and buy some.

3.

Now start fitting everything based on its category into a place where it fits best. The best piece of advice is to keep the things used most often at the front and the least at the back. For a final touch, hang some scented fragrance enhancers into your closet for fresh clothing at all times.

4.

As for the outer appearance of your dressing room, try making it seem like it’s specially dedicated to your inner fashionista.

Add decorations using some old fashion items like lipsticks or perfume bottles or even hang some fashion magazine covers in some old picture frames making it appear like the ultimate dress-up room.

DIY SUNGLASSES

By Nada Megbil

You want to re-style your sunglasses instead of buying ridiculously expensive new ones?

Here are some ideas!

ADD A BIT OF FLORAL

You will need: • Mod podge or super glue • Toothpick • Plastic or fabric flowers

BEAD THE SIDES You will need: • Any type of permanent glue • Small beads

ADD PAINT OR GLITTER

You will need: • Spray paint, nail polish, glitter glue, etc.

• Tape • Popsicle stick • Nail filer

For small spaces, using organizing cubes or bags are the best way to get the most usage out of a small area. Use all the space that could possibly be used! Add organizer bags to the inner part of the closet door. Or maybe even try double shelving for more storage space.

ADD A MIRROR

BAGS HANG SHOES

LONG DRESSES

Your vanity is also a part of your closet.

So whatever mentioned here also applies to your makeup and hair-care products. For your vanity you can spice it up a bit by adding lights, mirrors or any other sort of decorative accessories of your preference.

PANTS No dress-up experience is complete without some good old speakers for confidence boosting runway songs.

Invest in a good set of speakers for your dressing room. It has been proven that people feel more confident with music playing.

DESTINATION RIYADH 35

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Tips for navigating the odd and wonderful world of

LAZY SHOPPING

By Johara Al Mogbel

Once upon a not very long time ago, the Internet was invented. And since humans have loved money since the creation of currency, they immediately looked for a way to profit off it.

One of these ingenious (and occasionally odd) ways, as we all know now, was to make it so people could sell off things like cornflakes shaped in Ronald Reagan’s image and all in a digital transaction.

It was an instant hit as people generally like buying things and are lazy about it.

However, as is the case with all wonderful creations, online shopping came with its own pitfalls and dangers. Here are a few do’s and don’ts I’ve learned over the years (and a few dozen of packages after).

DON'T: Use your high limit credit card. This is overused information but I figure the hassle of canceling the charges and theft is worth issuing the warning again.

DO: Use a verified payment

website like Paypal or Escrow and a low limit credit card, especially when buying from an unknown website or seller.

It’s easy as pie to make an account (easy as eating pie, mind you. Making pies a whole other story).

DON'T: Stick to one website.

Yes, Amazon or Overstock 36 DESTINATION RIYADH

might have everything under the sun but that’s the best thing about shopping on the interwebs, you have so many choices open.

DO: Compare prices between

websites. Sometimes a dress you like on Bloomingdale’s will be on sale in Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue. Check prices between the sellers themselves on a marketplace website like Etsy or Amazon’s marketplace too, or between the same store specified for two different regions (like US Amazon or UK Amazon, for example).

Speaking of which …

DON'T: Always stick

to shipping to Saudi Arabia, even if the store offers it.

Some websites (like Neiman Marcus) immediately add an unexplainable SR 200 surplus to the prices when you switch to the KSAoriented website. Sometimes it’s just cheaper to ship to a post office box. Yes, I know. Shipping is the devil’s spawn. We’ll get two-day shipping … someday.

DO: Find websites that offer

free shipping to Saudi Arabia, like bookdepository.co.uk or Asos. Yes, I know. There’s still magic in the world. It’ll

help you save a bit, if you don’t consider that extra bookshelf you have to put in now that free book shipping to KSA is a real thing. Also, do register your house for an official address at the Saudi Post. For a yearly subscription, they’ll deliver your packages straight at your door as soon as a package filters through. Less hassle, less mashaweer, and you get a mailman! With a mail truck!

You’re welcome.

DON'T: Be afraid to

wander into the world of Chinese resellers. Most of the new Saudi Instagram clothing home businesses are buying directly from China at low prices then doubling and quadrupling the price.

DO: Be careful. Again,

make sure the online marketplace you’re using, like Aliexpress for example, insists on escrow or PayPal being used in your transaction.

Courtesy photo/devianart.com

DON'T: Bid on auction items if there’s a few days left till its end. That just drives the bid up you’ll almost always be outbid (probably by me if it was that 12-pound Praktika Nova.

Sorry, I’m not sorry).

DO: Wait until the last possible minute, and then bid.

Make sure your browser isn’t freezing up, or your Internet connection hiccupping because this will be a fight to the death, mark my words. (I’m looking straight at you, Wi-Fi, that lost me the perfectly priced Judith Leiber. Argh).

FASHION

NERDS Who Know Better

THAN YOU

By Zareen Muzaffar

Let’s check out some of the most popular fashion blogs and bloggers around: BAG SNOB

ideas on DIY, food, decor, beauty and more.

cupcakesandcashmere.com AIMEE SONG, SONG OF STYLE

Aimee Song is known for creating bold but laid back looks and her site garners 4 million monthly views.

Visit Bag Snob and check out the recommendations by Tina Craig and Kelley Cook.

songofstyle.com

WENDY’S LOOKBOOK

Check out some of the trendiest outfits, shoes, stylish advice and color schemes on Wendy’s Lookbook.

snobessentials.com MAN REPELLER

Twenty-four-year-old Leandra Medine is the brain behind this popular fashion blog.

wendyslookbook.com FASHION TOAST

manrepeller.com

A traveler and a fashion blogger, great combination isn’t it?

CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE Emily Schuman’s blog is not just about fashion, it features

fashiontoast.com

INTERESTING

FashionApps

By Dona Paranayil

POSE –

Pose provides us with personalized styling ideas.

WALK IN MY CLOSET – Also allows us to sell items we don’t want anymore.

THE FIND –

One of the best!

FASHION KALEIDOSCOPE – Street-style fashion app.

WINK N POUT –

Get your own personal stylist.

DESTINATION RIYADH 37

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

THE EYE BEHIND CAMERA THE

By Bassma Al Toaimi

There’s more to a fashion photographer than just owning a camera, dressing up some models and taking shots.

Fashion photography is an art that is only mastered by lensmen (and women!) constantly learning new styles, poses and technology. Here are some of our favorites.

Keep these pages handy for your next photo shoot!

MOHAMMED AL DEGHAISHIM

With Deghaishim it started out as a hobby in 2009, then in 2012 he quit his career in HR to become a full-time photographer.

Mob: +966-565956669 Email: Md@exposuresa.com Instagram: its_md Web: www.exposuresa.com

“Fashion photography these days should be relatable, designers and retailers are learning this.

Saudis now look at an image and want to see their reflection.”

-Mohammed Al Deghaishim Destination Fashion Photo Shoot

38 DESTINATION RIYADH

“Fashion.

Turn to the left.”

-Fahad Ayyad

FAHAD AYYAD

An extremely creative photographer known for his artistic and unique vision behind the lens.

Mob: +966-558333339 Web: www.fahadayyad.com Instagram: fahadayyadphoto

Ot Kutyr Photo Shoot

DESTINATION RIYADH 39

"Fashion photography is not achieved with a few clicks, it's a long creative process that is summed up in few images.

Each photo shoot brings life to the fashion line; it gives it a character and a spirit."

THE LOFT

The Loft take care of models, styling, makeup, art direction and every detail involved when it comes to a proper photo shoot.

Tel: +966-12-6629080 Email: info@theloftme.com Web: www.theloftme.com Instagram: theloftme

Samah Abayas

40 DESTINATION RIYADH

Nasiba Hafiz Vintage Collection

MOKHTAR CHAHINE

Mokhtar is one of the best photographers in town not only because of his ability to capture beautiful photos, but also for his friendly and approachable personality.

Email: info@MokhtarChahine.com Web: www.mchahine.com Instagram: mokophotography

Destination Fashion Photo Shoot - Sotra Destination Fashion Photo Shoot Thobe by Lomar and Degla by Toby by Hatem Al Akeel

“My aim with fashion photography is to allow the viewer to feel the fabric through the picture.”

-Reem AlRifaie

REEM AL RIFAIE

An up and coming talented photographer with a distinctive style.

Mob: +966-549039993 Email: reemalrifaie@gmail.com Instagram: reem_alrifaie_studio Ytrend Abaya by Yasmin Mulla

DESTINATION RIYADH 41

FA S H I O N

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

brand spotlight

ALEXANDER WANG

Guest Editor: Haala Al Khereiji

At just 30, California-born Alexander Wang has reached new heights in the fashion industry, more than any at his age.

The originally Taiwanese designer was still a sophomore at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City, when he launched his eponymous label in 2005. He was quickly recognized for his model-off-duty, urban-cool, chic and insouciant designs, yet with sleek and sharp bodycon tailoring.

In 2009, the designer (also known as the “T-shirt master”) launched T By Alexander Wang; his diffusion line was born as a representative of the core elements and everyday basics that his costumer needed.

Whether it was his first or second line, with every collection, Wang always reinvents and pushes forward his basic design elements such as sportswear. Every piece in his recent collections was in his first ready to wear collection, except in a different form or shape.

This was applied to his debut collection for Balenciaga. On Nov. 30, 2012. Women’s Wear Daily announced that Alexander Wang was named the new creative director at Balenciaga, succeeding Nicolas Ghesquière.

All eyes were on the young designer; fashion critics were waiting to see if he would live up to their expectations, and indeed he did.

“ I think everyone shares a fear of failure–that you're only as good as your most recent collection. That's definitely a fear, but it's a fear that fuels me, that makes me want to work harder, that makes me take on more challenges.”

“I'm going back to the roots, identifying the codes of the house, and translating them into a functioning, full wardrobe,” Wang said.

After digging through the old archives of the French fashion house, the designer delivered a modern take on the signature silhouettes of Balenciaga.

“Each piece is up for interpretation, it’s up for everyone to make their own. That’s what I love, and that is what I enjoy,” he said.

Alexander Wang Flagship Store, NYC

42 DESTINATION RIYADH

Currently Alexander Wang and T by Alexander Wang are available exclusively at Rubaiyat Derpartment Store.

Fa s h i o n Ed i to r : M a z i n A l M a i m a n i

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Did you think half of the presented shoes are for men? Well, you're wrong. Apart from the fact that you feel like owning them just for how cool and fabulous they look, they can lift your daily outfit to a more fashionable (sometimes, more professional or presentable) level.

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FA S H I O N

raw

D E N I M

if you're unfamiliar with raw denim, it's the type of denim that feels rough like a stone. That is because all basic denim has been treated, especially the very faded ones (different washing techniques, chemicals, etc). as much as raw denim feels uncomftable the first few wears, later it'll develop it's fit according to your movement and your body shape.

You can find raw denim easily, but our own personally tried favorites are by: apc, acne studios and nudie jeans. some interesting diy washing effect techniques: 1 Let the denim get dirty, and we mean really really dirty (for as long as you can), when you've given up give it a first wash (dry clean prefered), followed by another wash in which you will finally soak the jeans for an in hour in water mixed with woolite black — a denim washing detergent — or you can search for anything similar- rinse it, roll it in a towel and hang it up to dry.

2 There's another technique, which has not been tried personally yet.

This also requires for you to wear your denim the maximum time possible, but instead of a wash, put your denim on and go swimming in the sea/ocean (yes this is not a joke!), rub your jeans in some dry sand.

Repeat until the desired fade/wash has been achieved.

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damaged

G O O D S If you're an artist ignore what we're about to say. If you're like all other normal people, instead of ripping your jeans we'd suggest buy one that has been ripped and aged perfectly! Guys selection is from topman, girls selection is from topshop. Yes highstreet fashion does look good!

Prices vary from SR 150 up to SR 345

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FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

Khaleeji Thobe

E sse n tials

By Mohammed Al Saadoun

The thobe (Arabic: ALA-LC: thawb) Even though I’m a local and have worn the thobe as a uniform to school most of my life, I never realized the vast range of thobe cuts among neighboring countries.

The Differences of GCC Thobes Collarless: - UAE: The doorbell thobe. It’s collarless with a long loose tassel at the front covering the buttons and no shirt pocket.

Many locals also wear their headdress as a bandana.

- Oman: The most notable difference is in their headdress; instead of a shemagh, they wear an embroided cap known as a kummah. Their thobe is collarless with a short loose tassel above the chest and to the side with no shirt pocket.

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Two Tassel iqal: - Qatar: The most notable difference is in their headdress; their iqal has two draping tassels that I like to call tea bag halo. Their collar is buttonless.

- Bahrain: No comment…

I’m kidding; their thobe usually displays a shirt collar.

No Shirt Pocket: - Kuwait: Their thobe displays a one button shallow collar and the norm is no shirt pocket.

- Saudi Arabia: Cuff links are known as a dominant feature and a 2-button collar with a shirt pocket included.

• Indispensible Add-Ons

What all thobes have in common are these Three elements: a shemagh, an iqal and a white cap (taqiyah). For Saudis, I will add a fourth on — Starch. These indispensible add-ons are necessary to complete the formal look.

The headdress comes in two colors; a patterned red-white combination or plain white.

Little do people know that the plain white headdress indicates that the gentleman is married, while the red-white patterned one shows that the suitor is still single and ready to mingle. Fact or fiction you might ask, well that is a small fib I like to play on newcomers to Saudi Arabia.

Even more so, the ghutrah (plain white headdress) comes in two forms; patterned and plain.

There are two patterns across both the ghutrah and shemagh in which it represents the region.

The waves represent our natural landscape’s sand dunes, while the connected dots are actually influenced by the British houndstooth monogram.

Key Takeaways:

- Oman and UAE are the only collarless thobes - Qatar’s iqal has two tassels hanging from it - Kuwait thobes usually have no shirt pocket.

The iqal AKA The Black Halo It was originally designed to hold the headdress in place and was a symbol of luxury and aristocracy. As it comes in different sizes, flexibility and material, it has been adapted creatively for other uses.

1. My aunt uses them to tie gift items wrapped in Yemeni headdresses.

2. Some parents used them for spanking.

3. Others might have used them as boomerangs to retrieve dates (just saying).

Recommend e W• #HammudRecommends

:

However, the true story behind the red-white patterned shemagh is that the Ashraf wanted to differentiate themselves from the rest of the tribes as a ruling dynasty of Al-Hijaz, so they designed the red-white combination replacing the original black-white combination disused locally but still used widely across Palestine and Iraq.

• Modern Day Adaptations of Classic Essentials

30th Street for tailored thobes and Souq Al Andalus for readyto-wear thobes.

• #HammudRecommends open-ended sleeves to have cool air circulate inside your thobe while driving.

- The Sabha or Islamic Prayer Beads Now available in the form of a digital ring, the traditional beads are what the fashion industry calls a capsule item. At weddings and festivities, men have mastered the art of dancing with it, similar to people dancing to modern day Tango with a rose.

- The Infamous Sunglasses Stay alert jet-setters, as this phenomenon mostly takes place at airports! Whenever you notice a Khaleeji with sunglasses indoors at the waiting lounge, be sure he is wearing them to check out some eye candy incognito.

Hypothetically, Superman was worse with x-ray vision.

Youtube: Search for sandal skating http://youtu.be/thkJ5Uhggfw - The Saudi Sandals We are known for our ne’aal (also called madas in other provinces) due to its distinctive style. They are very popular in summer seasons. Though today’s youth have taken the simple game of sliding in the rain to extreme sandal skating, which could easily develop to become our new national sport.

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FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

5 WAYS

TO TIE A SCARF

By Dona Paranayil

2. Loop the longer end around the front of your neck.

The Basic Loop

1. Fold the scarf in half

diagonally to create a triangle, and rest 1/3 of the scarf over one shoulder.

3. Drape the rest over your other shoulder and adjust as needed!

Bow-Tie Cutesy Timeless 1. Take the same long piece and drape around the back of your neck.

3. Wear the bow centered down the front or swung over to the side!

HIJABI Must-Haves

By Yasmine Abu Halawa

2. With the ends at the front simply tie a loose bow, adjusting so that the knot is tight and the loops are full.

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I love shopping, but as a Hijabi, it can sometimes drive me insane. I learned how to narrow the basics down so that I look stylish every time!

HERE ARE MY TOP HIJABI’S MUST-HAVES, TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TOO. 1. Scarves / 2. Turbans 3. Bold Prints / 4. Accessories 5. Maxi Skirts & Dresses 6. Blazers & Cardigans

The Faux Knot

2. Drape it around your neck towards the front, with one end slightly longer than the other.

Take the longer end and tie a loose knot halfway up.

1. Create the long, thin shape from Step 2 of the Loop Knot.

3. Take the shorter end from your

other shoulder and slide it through the loose knot. Tighten the knot and adjust as needed.

Loop Knot 1. Fold the scarf into a triangle.

2. Loop the scarf

around your neck entirely, with the ends coming back to the front on each of your shoulders.

3. Tie the remaining ends in a loose knot. Leave the knot exposed just below the loop or tuck it up underneath so only the ends show.

2. Drape the

Courtesy photo/MADLYCHIC.COM

Rectangle Knot

1. Fold the scarf in half, creating a rectangle.

scarf across the back of your neck and bring the ends to the front.

3. Take the ends and tie them in one loose knot, swing the knot around to one shoulder. Easy!

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FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

JEANS OVER JEANS:

Fashion Blunders

THE DON’TS OF FASHION

By Nisma Rafiq

Back in the day when guys wore suits and ties as casual wear and women never thought of leaving the house without a hat and gloves, there were fashion rules to live by. Today, we have Madonna to thank for underwear as outerwear, Cyndi Lauper for wearing every color in the rainbow at the same time and Ryan Gosling for torn, dirty t-shirts as some kind of fashion statement.

Fashion keeps changing, but there are some fashion’s timeless classics that remain constant and if you fail to follow them, then Oops! You are committing a fashion blunder.

BAD FIT:

Don’t plan for the future with your clothes. Buy only what fits you in the present.

If you don’t have fit you don’t have style! Wearing a tight piece of clothing is going to make it very difficult for you to breathe, while ill fitting dress is highly unflattering.

One-size fits all is never going to create your personality. Customize you dress according to your fit.

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OVERACCESSORIZE:

A woman is wearing a classy gown with beautiful and intense embroidery at the top and the bottom, while she is killing the elegance of the dress with her heavy necklace and long earrings.

It’s a disappointment. Don’t be a jewelry shop ladies! When you are wearing a heavy dress, go for lighter jewelry.

Jeans are nothing new, but there is always a style to it if properly worn. There are some who commit a blunder by wearing a denim shirt with denim jeans looking highly unflattering.

DIRTY SHOES:

Hairstyle, done! Makeup, done! Dress, done! Shoes, done? Whether man or woman, they take proper time to get ready from head to toe. Everything needs to be in perfect order, but when it comes to shoes – yes they match with the dress, but are they clean? Too many people overlook this area of wearing clean shoes or sandals for that matter. Stylish people always keep their footwear clean and free of scratch and dirt!

EXCESSIVELY BUTTONED UP:

Most of the times in official business meetings, gatherings, and seminars men are often confused about their jacket or coat buttons. They either fasten every button, finding it hard to sit in a comfortable posture, or leave them open and feel rough and casual while standing. The key is to close only the top button or top and middle buttons while leaving the third one open. It’s a tradition going on for a long time that gives a smart look.

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FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SAUDI HERITAGE:

An inspiration for fashion designer

Arwa Al Ammari

By Nagmani

Talents from Saudi Arabia, be it male or female, are making waves in the fashion world in different ways. They are bringing on their own indigenous elements to fashion dominated by the so-called Western paradox. And the best part is that it appeals to the fashion fraternity as they are always on the lookout for something distinctive in style.

One such innovative individual is Riyadh-based fashion designer Arwa Al Ammari, founder of ArAm and winner of Grazia Style Award for Emerging Talent, March 2014.

Learning the Art of Fashion

Ammari studied public policy, planning and financing and holds a Master’s degree from London School of Economics and Political Science in addition to an MBA from University of Leicester, UK. But she dug into the artistic genes that she inherited from her parents who also have an artistic side in their heart and soul.

To establish a foothold in the fashion industry, she joined a French fashion school “ESMOD” to study fashion design in its entirety. “The courses that I did earlier along with my passion for arts also shaped up my artistic vision and taste,” she says.

What Makes ArAm Stand Out?

Since the launch of her brand

52 DESTINATION RIYADH

ArAm a year ago, it has succeeded in influencing the KSA women’s proclivity for fashion in a big way.

Describing what makes her designs stand out, she said, “My brand has four elements that give them an advantage.

The designs are feminine, classy, contemporary and memorable. With this mantra by my side, I’m aiming to bring back or showcase femininity in a contemporary and classy form by cuts and color combinations that are just catchy and memorable.”

Her Latest Collection

“ ‘Tea Time at ArAm’ ” is inspired by traditional English tea parties flavored with a hint of the ’50s and ’60s styles and all the magic of wonderland tales.”

HER INSPIRATIONS

“My greatest sources of inspiration are travel, architectural and historical landmarks, and art pieces,” she says. “I’m moved by paintings and sculptures.

I absorb the natural sceneries; assimilate the color combinations and

Arwa Al Ammari, founder of ArAm and winner of Grazia Style Award for Emerging Talent, March 2014.

preferences of different societies and all of these along with other cultural aspects such as music and heritage get reflected in my designs.”

When it comes to fabrics and colors, she makes sure they really gel well with the theme of her collection. As she puts it this way, “Personally I like strong colors that have a statement.”

Her heritage plays an important role in her work. Without it, it would sound completely hollow. She feels it has added a spark to her fashion career a great deal.

“At the end of day, fashion design is about a way of expression. It reflects who I am to a certain extent. Where I come from, where I lived, the society surrounding me, my culture, and other elements all of this have impact on the way I design,” she says. “It’s this blend that you can see in my fashion design. It’s also this experience that shapes up my career.”

Her TOP Celebrities and Her Take on Arab Women’s Taste

She would like her designed pieces to shine on a fashion icons who meet her fashion dreams. They include Sheikha Moza, Carla Bruni, Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lupita Nyongo.

“Arab women are picky when it comes to their looks. They pay attention to details, they spend lots of time and effort on their appearance and they are fashion consumers of international brands.”

“I am aiming to bring back or showcase femininity in a contemporary and classy form by cuts and color combinations that are just catchy and memorable.”

However, she admits, sometimes they are overdoing it. You don’t have to be dressed in designers’ brands from head to toe to look fashionable, or wear the same heavy makeup for work, shopping and evening.

“I’m not stereotyping, but I’ve seen many cases that push you to speak up,” she says.

New Products

By ArAm

As the brand gets recognized, she will be bringing other items on board like leather goods but particularly shoes.

She wants ArAm to be seen as an international brand. “This is what I’m planning to reach over the coming five years.”

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GADGETS

FA S H I O N & S H O P P I N G

Grey HTC Dot View Case SR 220

Function meets form with this dual-purpose smartphone case that offers instant phone access while the case is still closed. Wraparound protection with flashy dot matrix cover lets you take calls, receive email notifications, schedule reminders, weather updates, and more without even opening the case.

Available at wysada.com Beats By Dre Studio SR 1,349

Beats Studio lighter, sexier, stronger, and more comfortable with precision sound. 20-hour rechargeable battery: The New Beats Studio has auto on/off feature turns off the headphone when you unplug and with the visible Battery Fuel Gauge, you always know how much juice is available. Available at izone.

HISY SR 99

It is not called a #selfie anymore, it’s now a #HisyPix! Place your phone down and step back up to 90 feet, pose with your friends and Click, Click, Click! You just took the perfect HisyPix! Capture moments by setting your camera mode to video mode and be able to record video from a distance with a single press of a button!

Available at izone.

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MyBunjee Beaded SR 39

Simply clip this MyBunjee Beaded in Black to your jacket, belt loop or bag, to secure any mobile phone, preventing it from hitting the deck. The beaded lead extends to 62cms allowing full usage when clipped into your bag. You’ll never drop or lose your phone again! Fashionable colors black, pink and purple. Designed to fit all phones.

Available at wysada.com

Sony SmartWatch Swarovski SR 448

Limited edition Sony luxury Android SmartWatch wristband made with Swarovski elements. SmartWatch makes life easy. If you have an Android smartphone, this is the perfect accessory. Smart Connect lets you decide what happens when you connect your smartphone to any device.

Available at wysada.com

Nada iPad Pouch SR 150

There hasn’t been a better-looking iPad pouch than this, which is brought to you from Fyunka. The designer pouch is all you’ll need to protect your iPad from scratches and bumps, besides, lending your iPad the special attention and care it deserves. Designed to perfection, the pouch features quality material and attractive layout, which is just about right for you to flaunt, stylishly!

Available at dokkanafkar.com

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DINING AROUND TOWN

The DR guide to French dining in the city

By Ahmed Almansouri

LadurĂŠe sweets

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Paul main dish

Paul bakery

Courtesy photo/Mohammed Dughaishm and Jou Pabalate

Bonjour! Why travel all the way to France when the best of France comes to Riyadh? We picked the top French brasseries, bistros and restaurants in Riyadh for you.

Le Relais De l’Entrecôte

(Almas Plaza, Tahlia St.) This world-renowned restaurant known for its one and only dish, located at Almas Plaza in Tahlia. Premium cut of beef taken from the rib section and fries is the only dish on the menu with a few choices of dessert. Atmosphere is upscale but relaxed at the same time and not too formal.

DR Tip:

Courtesy photo/le Relais de lentrecote website

One of the best outdoor sitting terraces in the city. Don’t forget to get reservations though.

Café Le Nôtre

(Centria Mall, Olaya St.) An elegant and quite pricey restaurant located on the second floor in Centria Mall.

It is known for its desserts (specifically the macaroons) and coffee, but don’t overlook their refreshing and exquisite lunch and dinner menus. Here you can experience the finer things in life and nothing spells luxury like Café Le Nôtre.

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Appétit Kitchen

(Al Louloua Center‬, ‪Tahlia St.)‬‬‬‬ Exquisite design and atmosphere that could only be influenced by Paris. It has a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. In the entrance a sparkling chandelier and vintage French newspapers and books will greet you. Food made with a traditional method and a wide variety to choose from. Make sure you leave room for dessert!

Fauchon

(Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz Road) Recently opened in Riyadh, Fauchon is known for its French gourmet food.

It sells products ranging from delicatessen, cakes, pastries, breads and confectionery.

Fauchon speaks luxury with its sleek design and grand atmosphere. The café has a gourmet food store and a gift shop. It also has a coffee bar counter, where the barista prepares all drinks in front of you. Definitely a must try for people who appreciate French gourmet food!

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Ladurée

(‪ Centria Mall, Olaya St.) Ladurée is known worldwide for having the best macaroons there is. Macaroons are meringue-based French confection that comes in many different flavors like raspberry, coffee, chocolate, strawberry and many more. Besides the macaroons, Ladurée serves breakfast, pastries and a selection of desserts.

DR Pic for a P k aris breakf ian a s t!

Paul

(Tahlia St.) The French chain is a hit in Riyadh. Its atmosphere resembles living rooms with posh chairs, sofas, paintings and chandeliers. If you come as early as 9:30 a.m. on a Friday, you will find the place packed. They offer three different sets of breakfast accompanied with a hot beverage, orange juice and your choice of a pastry or omelet. Paul stands out as a great atmosphere and ideal for breakfast.

DESTINATION RIYADH 59

DINING AROUND TOWN

Fashionable Cafés versus

&

J oe ' s

By Mohammed Al Saadoun

With several collaborations, exclusive lines and one hit wonders, cafes and restaurants seem to be a hot topic among fashion houses looking to expand their empire. Among those are Versus by Versace and Joe's by Joseph. This looks to be the next chapter of Riyadh’s love affair with haute couture.

V ersus

The good:

The bad:

The bottom line:

Apparently cake, cake, cake is the word! In particular their date cake topped off with Arabic coffee and dips. They also offer vegan sandwiches and serve good quantities.

They have been listening to customer feedback and banned children less than 15 years of age to keep the peace.

The venue is for families only and they do not accept SPAN nor do they provide Wi-Fi. It has been almost a year and they still do not provide packaging to go. I was disappointed to discover no decaf or diet options. Avoid rush hour, which is usually after 8:30 p.m.

Despite negative reviews on Foursquare, the place is always packed, which goes to show that our locals are bi-polar critics. Surprisingly, tourists flock from around the country to try it.

Note: In their defense, they do not take reservations due to the function of the venue as a leisure station in an in-mall open space.

Versus Raspberry Macaroon

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Even if you don’t speak Italian, by the end of your espresso at Versus, you will be speaking English with an Italian accent.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Mohammed AL DEghaishIm and Jou Pabalate

Strategically located at the heart of Panorama Mall is Versus, the chic café by Versace. When approaching this Italian space, it is hard to miss the velvet ropes and fake bouncer, giving the atmosphere of a VIP section at a club. It is a nice touch for having customers live the moment with paparazzi selfies. The Café, which is opening soon in Jeddah, kept their brand essence of vibrant colors within their cocktails.

JOE'S

Joe is a swanky corner and a favorite among locals. Opened in June 2013, it was the first franchise outside London.

They took localization into consideration by replacing their signature Dennis Cake with Date Pudding regionally.

Despite its misleading name, it is in fact a fullfledged restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The business model is an extension to the customer’s journey as the café-boutique concept usually has the store and restaurant side by side or as a double deck.

The good: D-A-T-E-S makes the world go round, according to Riyadhis. Customers are very fond of Joe’s sticky date pudding. Reading reviews, I coughed up feathers as the dish chicken risotto was recommended over and over again. Luckily the food arrives hot and the venue is superb with a relaxed feel to it. Pina colada is a global favorite at this joint. Public Wi-Fi and SPAN are available.

The bad: The risotto only comes in yellow sauce due to missing ingredients for the other sauces. WC for men remains outdoors.

Note: Reservations are for dinner only.

The bottom line: Their date pudding is a winner. Their bar is a fun place to be but it is only for families. Keep a lookout for the introduction of their afternoon tea and scones this fall. For the mean time, enjoy their French breakfast entrees, served between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Unfortunately both cafés have a long way to go with loyalty programs between correlated stores and cafés.

Now that you have all of the needed information, dress up, look your best, and we will see you there.

The highly-rated Sticky Date at Joe's

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

F ashion S how The world’s largest chocolate trade show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is back to Paris in October and November.

By Dona Paranayil

The chocolate fashion show showcases a symphony of style and taste. International fashion designers collaborate with chocolatiers of famous brands from various countries all over the world to make stunning and inspiring chocolate dresses that are worn by the models at the show.

Every year the show is held in nearly 16 cities with more than 10,000 visitors and Paris, which is a permanent host of the show witness up to 130,000 visitors in the Viparis Porte De Versailles Pavilion.

This year, the fashion show is presenting an amazing retrospective exhibition or the “Anniversary Collection” in which the 150 most beautiful chocolate outfits ever made are revealed. These chocolate wears, though they are mouthwatering, are not eaten but rather preserved for future in a dedicated exhibition.

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During each show, the outfits are to be kept cool, which is vital because these are worn for four fashion shows. The backstage of the show where the models get dressed up is also chilled. If any damage occurs, the chocolatier will be available to make the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

The making of a chocolate costume was revealed in NewInZurich.com, where Christa de Carouge collaborated with Angela Jordi at Confiserie Sprungli to create an exceptional chocolate dress for the show in Zurich last year.

The process involves a huge amount of skill, hard work, concentration, pain and patience. It can take up to two weeks to bring out a unique chocolate concoction.

The chocolate is melted and used for two things, either to act as glue or to create beautiful designs.

To act as glue, melted chocolate is painted onto the dress and accessories and is further coated with “nougat varnish” to toughen the fibers.

To create a design, the paper is removed from the vat of the melted chocolate once each section of the chocolate is dried.

To create a variety pattern, edible gold leaf is applied on top of the dried chocolate.

There is another story of Lauren Smith, a Graduate Fashion Week Gold Award Winner who collaborated with Lindt to make an “Eternal Diamond” dress/ “piece de resistance.” Food artist and Scottish designer Paul Wayne Gregory created the entire dress from 50kg of Lindt, chili and orange segments.

Similarly, Mark Tilling, a master chocolatier, put 10 pounds of chocolate into the creation of Audrey Hepburn inspired outfit and bag.

The chocolate show includes many other activities for children and adults. At the Cocoa show, a conventional form of art, dance and music of countries producing cocoa, is performed. At the Choco Demo, live demonstrations of popular chocolates from chefs and chocolatiers can be seen and the chocolates can be tasted on the spot.

At Chocosphere, visitors can participate in conferences that are conducted to discuss the history of chocolate and health related issues.

Other events include the Charles Proust Pastry Competition, the Chocolate Club where the children are in charge, the Chocoland, the Chocolate bookshop and the Chocolate Awards.

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T R AV E L T R E N D S

UNDISCOVERED, UNTOUCHED AND UNTAMED

Bangladesh awaits

Text and Photography by Tharik Hussain

“Ssshh!!”

My wife and daughters freeze on the spot, as if playing musical statues and someone has just pressed pause.

I look at our guide Liton, his index finger to his lips scanning the treetops. Slowly he cups his hands around his mouth and repeats the low howling call he has been making all morning. “oooh – oooow – oooow” Only this time there is an echo from high above and we all smile.

“There, look!” Liton shrieks, pointing up into the roof of the rainforest, where leaves are rustling. “Look Mummy!”

8-year-old Anaiya is a picture of excitement as she points up at a dark face with white rings around its eyes. We are all hoping it is the rare Hoolock Gibbon whose call Liton has been mimicking.

“No that’s the Langur, look he has a tail, the Hoolock is an ape and doesn’t have a tail,” explains Liton as I train my camera lens on the curious visitor.

“But the Hoolocks are here, you can hear them,” Liton said, 64 DESTINATION RIYADH

Srimangal town Train through forest

pointing to the air and we all crane our ears. Sure enough low howls can be heard followed by screeches, the tell tale signs of the Hoolocks who number in the 60s in this park – the largest group in all of Bangladesh.

It is a bright winter’s morning and we are deep in northeast Bangladesh’s Lawacherra National Park, the wet dew still dripping onto the damp forest floor as the sun slowly begins to warm the day. Local guide Liton in jeans, a blue “pufferjacket” and a woolly hat looks more like he should be running a market stall somewhere in east London rather than leading

us on a wildlife tour, but this is Bangladesh. Liton is hoping we will catch a glimpse of the rare and critically endangered Hoolock, but so far we have only come across Langurs, which has been just as exciting for us city slickers.

“This is the perfect time of the day to see them, but you have to be very lucky,” said Liton, sounding more disappointed than us that the Hoolocks haven’t put in an appearance.

My two girls and their mother are clearly not as bothered and point excitedly at the growing numbers of Langurs now swinging from the tree tops using their long tails as a fifth limb. Alone in the jungle with the Langurs is exactly the kind of Bangladeshi wildlife experience I had in mind for our family.

The Langurs and Hoolocks make up a wealth of stunning wildlife that can be found in

lush, green Bangladesh, which sits on the northeastern shoulder of India and is effectively the largest river delta in the world. Part of the Gangetic Delta, Bangladesh is like the sinkhole for all the water collected by the Himalayas in Nepal, India and Bhutan.

Using the Ganges, Brahmaputra (known as the Padma and Jamuna in Bangladesh) and several smaller rivers this water drains into the sea at the Bay of Bengal. This constant replenishing of the soil also means Bangladesh is one of the most fertile places on earth.

We are in Srimangal, high up in the hills of the northeast and though not affected by rivers in quite the same way, we are a mere 200km from Cherrapunjee in India, the wettest place on earth.

Already we have visited a rubber tree plantation to see the natural process used to collect rubber sap and on our way to the rainforest Liton stopped our brightly decorated green CNG, to point out two eagles basking in the early morning sunshine.

By the time he leads us out of the rainforest – though we didn’t get to see them – we had heard the Hoolocks, come face to terrifying face with giant Orb Spiders; spotted an array of colourful birds and learnt the names of many exotic plants including the Agarwood tree – from where we get incense.

Nishorgo cottages

Lady teapicking

Even as we headed towards our next destination, to meet local Kashi tribal people, we are forced to stop and allow an elderly Macaque to cross the DESTINATION RIYADH 65

Kashi tribal teenagers

road and join the rest of his huge family! The country is virtually teeming with wildlife.

In spite of this, sadly Bangladesh doesn’t even make it onto the subcontinent’s tourist map, in part because it is flanked by “tourist-sexy” India on one side and temple-heavy Myanmar (Burma) on the other.

Yet, in just one fabulous day, my family and I were treated to all of the above before Liton took us to watch flocks of rare and exotic birds dance over lakes blossoming with lotus flowers; made us trek through fragrant tea gardens set up by the British in the mid-19th century (Bangladesh is the ninth largest producer of tea); introduced us to potters in a hindu village where they still make pots using only manpower, before staring in awe as hundreds of fruit bats awoke at sunset. Finally Liton and my family sat under a starry sky in the Nilkhantha teahouse

66 DESTINATION RIYADH

to enjoy a legendary cup of the local “seven layered tea.”

All of this in just one day and in just one tiny corner of a country still waiting to be discovered by those with a passion for wildlife and a lust for the unchartered and remote. Bangladesh may be young and lacking in the infrastructure and touristic provision of its heavyweight neighbors, but that is also what makes a visit here so attractive.

What it lacks in modernity it more than makes up for in friendliness and natural beauty.

Awash with water and wildlife, Bangladesh is one of the last remaining countries still untouched by mass tourism, meaning it is also one of the only places you can still enjoy nature all to yourself.

If you decide to head to Srimongol, here are Travel Trends' top tips on where to stay, eat and drink.

WHERE TO STAY Nishorgo Litchibari, Eco Cottages, Radhanagar, Srimongol We fell in love with these dreamy, idealized treehouselike bamboo huts, not just because of their beauty and simplicity, but also the brilliant concept of the creator to develop eco-cottages that encourage low-impact tourism while directly supporting the local economy. Nishorgo now have three sites and the eco cottage we stayed in at Litchibari was built hanging off a little green hill that backed into the tops of trees so that

every morning we awoke to the sound of birds inches from our balcony as we sat drinking tea.

WHERE TO EAT Kutum Bari, Station Road The name literally translated means “cousin’s home” and the fresh Indian and Bengali curries served in comfortable contemporary surroundings give you a sense of intimacy whilst also bringing you a very professional service. This is the restaurant most frequented by tourists, but as with anywhere in Bangladesh, the numbers are so few that it isn’t a problem.

WHERE TO DRINK Nilkhantha Tea Cabin, Ramnagar Road Run by Ramosh Ram Gour and his son, it is Ramosh who created the headline act, the seven layered tea, an intriguing drink where each layer of tea sits on top of the other without mixing. This includes cinnamon chai, lemon chai, lal chai and several others all in one clever cup in such a way that each layer can be enjoyed without disturbing the other! Only Ramesh and his son know the secret to this, which they guard with their lives. This means every time you place an order, the doors of their kitchen are firmly shut and only opened once the rainbow of browns and caramels is ready to be served.

Away from Srimongol, there are some amazing wildlife highlights too.

Langur monkey

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY NOT TO MISS The Sundarbans Literally translated as the “beautiful jungles,” these mangrove forests (submerged forests) are the largest of their kind and ideal for a tranquil boating holiday. Also home to two amazing mammals, the Irrawaddy river dolphin and the highly endangered, majestic symbol of Bangladesh itself, the man-eating Royal Bengal Tiger, no trip to Bangladesh is complete without the Sundarbans.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts These ancient rain forested areas offer stunning hill scenery, indigenous tribal cultures and some of the most serene Buddhist monasteries on the Indian subcontinent.

The area is a trekkers haven with numerous undiscovered pathways into remote corners of a region seldom explored by outsiders – this really is for the ultimate adventurer.

River Life This is a country where 50 percent of the land is flooded annually and so life and water are intrinsically connected and

Liton with tribal girls

thus rivers are not only a key feature of Bangladesh, but also one of the best ways to get to the heart and soul of the nation. From budget options through to luxury historic Bangladeshi boats, you just have to get on a boat, especially as Bangladesh boasts one of the largest populations (6,000) of Irrawaddy dolphins.

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN Flights to Bangladesh from Riyadh are available via most major airlines but only Saudi Airlines and Bangladesh Biman offer direct flights.

Trains from the capital Dhaka are the best way to get to Srimangal and cost approximately SR 17 and take between 4-6 hours

Teknaf Game Reserve One of the Bangladesh’s last remaining pristine rainforests, where virgin evergreen trees line the hills.

Teknaf has some amazing trekking routes that could bring you face to face with the reserve’s headline act, the wild Asian elephant.

Tour guide Liton can be contacted on 00880 1710 994099 and Nishorgo’s Mr Shamsul can be contacted on 00880 1715 041 207 for accommodation.

TOP FIVE WILDLIFE SPOTS 1. The olive ridley and green

sea turtles (St. Martin’s Island) 2. Wild Asian elephant (Teknaf Game Reserve) 3. Irrawaddy dolphin (large rivers and Sundarbans) 4. Hoolock Gibbon (Lawacharra Forest) 5. Royal Bengal Tiger (Sundarbans)

The Author: Tharik Hussain is a freelance travel writer, journalist and photographer living with his family in London, UK. Tharik is a qualified post 16 lecturer of sociology and media studies and also the director of a sixth form center.

Follow him at: www.thewanderingmusulman. wordpress.com Twitter: @_TharikHussain Facebook: TharikHussainUK

DESTINATION RIYADH 67

EXPLORE KSA

Stone Town Rijal Alma

In The Valleys of Asir Text and Photography by Mohammed Mirza

Strange as the name may sound, Rijal Alma is one of Saudi Arabia’s best keep secrets.

Situated at the foot of a valley with a hilly landscape in the background, this heritage village is almost in the same form as it was centuries ago.

Rijal Alma is rich in history and culture and clearly oriented for tourists. Clinging to the side of a hill and overlooking a sinuous road that once brought spice and incense trade into the interior of the peninsula, the entire village has taken the appearance of a living museum. From the moment we reached the peak near Abha and began our descent the views were astonishing.

68 DESTINATION RIYADH

The road followed the lines of the mountain with short, straight sections, then hairpin turns. And after every hairpin, a new view reveals itself either of the vast cocoacolored mountains fading to a hazy blue, bisected by a thin gray road or of the dark ravines that had bits of vegetation growing on them – creating a beautiful color combination. After an eventful

journey we reached the town of Rijal Alma. It was dotted with defensive watchtowers that were sitting at points that were overlooking vast portions of the perilous valley. Once in the town, the signboards guided us straight to the heritage village.

There it was, dark-colored traditional Asiri stone-built houses that had white window brackets and stairs in front of them with the Sarawat mountain range running in its backdrop. The view was

breathtaking; almost like an impressionist painting.

The solidly built houses double as mini-fortresses.

The relief work on balconies, made from wood gathered from the trees that grow on the hills, cling to the obscure houses. The whole place is constructed in numerous levels, with each level housing a line of historic structures. At the bottom level were supermarkets, handicraft shops and ticket counters. We climbed the uneven steps to the upper levels and went to the onsite museum. It housed articles that the original dwellers of the village used, such as the kind of pottery they stored food in, the clothing they used to wear and the utensils they used. The museum is situated inside a four-story building that has interconnected passageways.

The museum shows items of great value passing through, a culture immersed in trade, one that picked up trade goods and elements of foreign culture from travelers as they passed through.

Some areas in the village were blocked by rubble and scaffolding was placed on their pathways. The western portion of the village is in poor condition with some structures only rubble remained whilst others had broken walls revealing the interiors.

We then went to an area that had houses in a better condition, as we went past them we felt a cool breeze that was blowing from their

interiors on a rather hot day.

Apparently the material that was used to construct the houses keeps the interiors cool despite the hot weather.

I must say the rather underpriced ticket of SR 10 is worth it for a place of this caliber. This was a great chance to visit one of the most well preserved ones amongst them.

Equally importantly, to visit what is by historical standards a considerable architectural achievement and even today a remarkable piece of work filled us with a sense of awe.

Display in the museum

To Get There:

From Abha head towards Jabal Sawda. From there keep heading straight on to the Abha-Jizan Highway. As soon as the descent begins look on your left for a narrow road that goes down a very steep slope. Proceed on this narrow road with caution as the turns and bends are quite dangerous. Once the decent ends you are in Rijal Alma.

Head straight until you reach a roundabout and take a left.

Keep heading straight on this road and you will enter a tunnel. Once the tunnel ends take the first left that proceeds it and this road will lead you straight to the heritage village.

Newly built pathways

Note:

In case you have difficulty finding the place, once you reach the town of Rijal Alma just ask the locals for directions to the Muthaf (museum).

Coordinates:

18°12’44.6”N 42°16’26.2”E Houses on the outskirts of the village

DESTINATION RIYADH 69

SPIRITUALITY

PRODUCTIVE WARDROBE HACKS

By Lotifa Begum

How many times did you wake up and think, “what on earth am I going to wear today?” And then find yourself thinking you have nothing to wear, and then get frustrated because of the time you spend thinking about what to wear every morning.

We’re going to look at practical tips to organize your wardrobe so you can say goodbye to time wasted on just deciding what to wear.

The above is a scenario I know many of you will share. I like to call it the Muslimah’s wardrobe dilemma, and I’m going to help you sort it out.

I know how the whole closet nightmare feels and luckily over the years I learned how to get smart with my wardrobe, so now I can get ready in 30 minutes (including bathroom time).

70 DESTINATION RIYADH

Look Good, Feel Productive

Every Muslimah has her own style or ‘‘look’’ so this article isn’t about style.

Rather, it is about using the Top 5 Wardrobe Hacks to get productive and have an organized wardrobe. These hacks have helped me a great deal, and receiving many questions from my sisters asking me how I manage to find some of my wardrobe items, I thought it was time to share my closet secrets.

Wardrobe Hack #1: Organize Clothes Into Compartments Firstly, to be productive, you have to get that wardrobe organized. Recently my sisters and I invested in a compartmentalized wardrobe, one with a full length mirror and sliding doors that allow you to hang clothes and convenient compartments to organize our clothes.

Wardrobe Hack #2: Buy Matching Items A rule of thumb for me when I go shopping is never to buy an item that I may not have a matching hijab. Plain colored hijabs seem to be more smart and ideal for matching with other clothing items rather than floral prints, unless you wear them with plain clothes.

Personally, some of my favorite colors include purple, teal and pastels, as these are rich colors.

But I also like to buy black, navy and beige items, which are suitable for work and can be easily matched with any other color. This can help save lots of time and headache, I assure you. Only for special occasions like weddings or events do I make an exception to this rule.

Wardrobe Hack #3: Invest in Multipurpose Clothes This wardrobe hack is very useful and has helped me mix and match items on many occasions. For example, some evening dresses can be worn at both weddings and evening work functions. In my case, I like selecting long sleeve tops that can cover my hands, which can double up to make a modest dress under sleeveless shirts. Another thing I find helpful is long skirts in corporate colors that I can mix and match with different blouses.

About the Author Productive Muslimah is a Muslimah who is striving for the highest station in Jannah by making the best of all the resources around her.

Sister Lotifa Begum serves as Head of Productive Muslimah at ProductiveMuslim.com. She has gained insight into a wide range of productivity-related issues and has delivered workshops for sisters on issues relating to time management, personal development and productivity. She is passionate about sisters excelling in their pursuit of productivity.

OUTFITS SUNNA-WISE

By Abeer El Sayed

Sunnahs of Wearing Clothes To say “bismillah” when putting on and taking off your clothes.

To recite the following supplication when putting on clothes: “O Allah, I ask you of the good and the good of what is to him and seek refuge in You from the evil of what evil is his” To start wearing your clothes and shoes on your right side

(right shoe before left shoe, etc.)

To start taking off your clothes on your left side (left shoe before right shoe, etc.)

The Prophet (pbuh) loved to wear white clothes.

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G BEAUT Y

Upcoming

COSMETICTrends

By Zareen Muzaffar

When you take care of yourself, look good and feel good, you automatically exude and invite positive energy. Follow some of the trendiest make up styles and ideas this season and you will feel confident and poised. Head to your nearest mall and pamper yourself.

HIGHLIGHTERS –

Highlighters are the best investment for gleaming and glowing skin. Applying a little on the cheekbones, corners of the eye and bridge of nose will give an instant glow to your face. High Beam by Benefit is available at Sephora and this product is sure to bring out radiance on your face. Mac Mineralize Skin finish in Soft and Gentle is another great highlighter for a soft and dewy finish.

SHADES OF RED –

Red lips have been around for a while and they will stay this season too.

Some of the most trendy red lip colors include Ruby Woo, Lady Danger and Russian Red

by MAC. Revlon’s Certainly Red is another beautiful shade of red.

PLAITS –

Messy, sleek or bouncy ponytails are classic hairstyles that have been around for the longest time. These days, different kinds of plaits have been seen at most famous fashion walkways.

For those with long hair, wrap around fishtail braid is getting extremely popular this year.

GO METALLIC –

One swipe of some vibrant shades of metallic eye shadow and you can transform your entire look. Daywear or nighttime plans, metallic eye shadows are popular due to their high pigmentation and range of colors. Estee Lauder’s pure color eye shadow range, YSL 5 color eye palette and L’Oreal offer some vibrant eyeshades this season.

72 DESTINATION RIYADH

makeUP mistakes

By Yara Bana

Every woman’s golden goal is everlasting beauty. However, sometimes women lose sight of the idea of being beautiful in their own way, and try too hard to look like someone else.

That’s why some of the makeup mistakes below should be avoided:

1. Over-drawn lips 2. Misshaped and over darkened eyebrows 3. Powdery concealer or coverage 4. Using the wrong shade of foundation or concealer 5. Lining your waterline with black eyeliner (When trying to make eyes appear larger this should be avoided)

LINERS –

A thin line, the cat eye, or the smoldering look.

Who can go wrong with a black eye liner?

Most fashion walkways models have supported a sleek black line this season so go ahead and invest in some black eye liners this fall. Makeup Forever kohl and aqua eyes pencil, Lancome’s Artliner and Benefit Cosmetic’s push-up gel liner are your best bets for beautiful eyes.

STRONG EYEBROWS –

Gone are the days of the ultra thin eyebrows.

These days women are growing out their eyebrows for a natural look or simply using a brow pencil or gel for the thick look.

When done properly, thick eyebrows can be the foundation for a soft beautiful look.

Benefit Cosmetics (Sephora) and Body Shop’s brow gel will do the trick and give your eyebrows a great shape.

6. Eye shadowing with too many colors 7. Harsh contouring 8. Improper blending (Applies to eye shadow and facial makeup)

THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF MAKEUP IS TO

ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY

AND ACCENTUATE YOUR FEATURES. SO WHEN EVERYDAY MAKEUP BECOMES TOO STRONG AND CHANGES THE NATURAL APPEARANCE, IT NO LONGER SERVES ITS MAIN PURPOSE. DESTINATION RIYADH 73

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Life After Massive Weight-Loss

By Hana Jazzar

For many people who battled obesity over the years, and finally and won, losing a lot of weight (over 50-100 kilos) – either by diet and exercise or by weight-loss surgery – is a life-changing accomplishment.

Extra skin can limit mobility and cause hygiene and medical problems (such as rashes and sores which can turn into infections), and sometimes 74 DESTINATION RIYADH

the only way to get rid of the excess skin and improve your shape is through bodycontouring plastic surgery.

That said, significant weightloss resulting from diet and exercise requires more selfcontrol, determination and will power as opposed to taking a shortcut with Bariatric surgery.

Old-fashioned weight-loss done slowly with diet and exercise over a long period of time helps tone muscles and causes less skin sagging; since the fat under the skin gets burned slowly, giving the skin

time to maintain some of its elasticity by preserving some of the collagen function.

On the other hand, Bariatric surgery should be considered a last resort; going under the knife is a decision involving difficult lifestyle changes.

Additionally, significant weight-loss after surgery happens much faster, causing the stretched skin to loose elasticity and sag more.

Consequently, patients may need more body-contouring surgeries down the road.

Courtesy photo/medifastblog.com • plasticsurgery.org

Now, on the healthy path to eliminating many health-care problems and improving quality of life, you would like your body to reflect how good, healthy and confident you feel. However, despite all the weight you lost, you might be left feeling flabbier and shapeless, with sagging and loose skin around the face, arms, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks and thighs.

WHAT BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES ARE REQUIRED? Priority differs between genders. Males are usually concerned about their chest and thighs, while women request attention to their abdomen, buttocks and arms.

Depending on each patient's wants and needs, procedures may include: Liposuction and lipofilling (from patient's own fat), eyelid lift, face lift, neck lift, arm lift, breast lift and enhancement, tummy tuck, back lift, thigh lift and buttocks lift.

Note that contouring procedures may take many sessions to complete overall satisfaction.

Each patient is different and multiple procedures may be required depending on the patient's needs and priorities, usually done in three- to sixmonth intervals and addressing one or two areas at a time.

Surgeries take an average of three hours and the patient usually is hospitalized for one to three days depending on the procedure and pain threshold.

Plastic tubes might be left at the surgery site to drain fluids or blood and will be removed in two to 14 days.

Usually no sutures are removed, and a binder needs to worn for two to three months to reduce edema.

IS BODY-CONTOURING SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU? For patients to achieve optimum result from body contouring surgery they must consider the following: • Weight management: Maintaining an ideal (or near ideal) weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) for at least six months prior to surgery.

• Overall health and nutrition: Patient must be medically fit; healthy, clear of diseases and a non-smoker.

• Physiologically prepared: Willing to accept scars and possible risks or side effects.

• Expectations: Realistic expectations and understanding the results.

Consult your board-certified plastic surgeon for more information.

Source Person: Dr. Adnan Gelidan Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Mob: +966-500705577 Ajmal Clinic Mob: +966-500107222

DESTINATION RIYADH 75

Music

by Big Hass of Re-Volt

1

2

Finjan

3 Patience Is a Virtue

Omar Offendum

MC Rakan, Moe Zein & Al-Farabi

If You Didn’t Know

The Reminders

Other Albums to look out for!

My Everything

Ariana Grande

NOW That’s What I Call Music!

V Maroon 5

Joan Rivers slams Selena Gomez for “Pray for Gaza” post.

Apps

Upload your photo and discover which styles best flatter your face. It’s fun to shake things up with a new look using TAAZ virtual makeover technology.

Stylect - Find your Perfect Shoes!

Find your perfect shoes! Discover more than 50,000 shoes from brands, keep track of your likes in the wishlist and buy your favorite products.

76 DESTINATION RIYADH

Stylebook Get the most out of your closet — for the price of a latte or a gossip magazine, you could have a closet assistant for life! It helps you curate your closet and get more out of what you own!

APPS OF THE MONTH

Hair Try On by TAAZ

Books

By Justine Picardie

In this critically acclaimed, bestselling biography, Justine Picardie shares the history of Coco Chanel, the incredible woman who created the way we look now. popular & favorites

Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara

By Mark Tungate

DVDs

Graphic Design for Fashion

R E A D W H AT Y O U L O V E

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life

By Jay Hess and Simone Pasztorek

When Dave Bautista found out he got the role of Drax the Destroyer, he broke down in tears, overjoyed at getting a Marvel comic-book role.

WAT C H W I T H FA M I LY & FR I E N DS Must-See tv Defiance (Season 2) OSN First HD Time: 21:00 KSA Monday

Guardians of the Galaxy

American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, produced

by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the 10th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film became a critical and financial success, having grossed over $425 million worldwide.

Iconoclasts Sundance Channel HD Time: 21:00 KSA Friday Z Nation is an upcoming Zombie TV series scheduled to air on Syfy. The first season will consist of 13 episodes, and is expected to premiere in fall 2014.

DESTINATION RIYADH 77

A Brief History

of the Formation of

Saudi Arabia

By Mohammed Mirza

On Saudi Arabian National Day, we see Saudis turning out in large numbers on streets across the country playing patriotic music and driving past in long processions in every major city.

With ostensible signs of patriotism, the streets are full with decorated cars that are spray painted and adorned with flags.

The spirit with which the day is celebrated is hard to match.

The National Day festivities show no boundaries for age or gender and many can be seen celebrating the day with great fanfare.

The history of what was to become Saudi Arabia dates to the beginnings of human habitation in Arabia up to 20,000 years ago. The region has twice in world history had a global impact. The first was in the 7th century when it became the birthplace of Islam.

The second was from the mid20th century onwards that still continues to this present day when the discovery of vast oil deposits propelled the country to a position of key economic and geopolitics.

For much of its history most of the region has been controlled by a patchwork of tribal rulers.

The Saudi royal family were originally tribal rulers of the Najd region in central Arabia.

From the mid-18th century, imbued with religious zeal the tribe started expanding its borders. Over the following 78 DESTINATION RIYADH

Know the Timeline: 7th Century:

Birthplace of Islam.

19th Century:

Al Saud reigned over most of Arabia.

1902:

Abdulaziz bin Saud seized Riyadh.

century, the extent of their territory fluctuated.

1906:

The Al Saud family had reigned over much of Arabia in the early 19th century. It lost part of its territory to the Turks later in the century and was driven from its capital near Riyadh, by the rival House of Rashid.

1913:

Fast forwarding to the beginning of the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire continued to have suzerainty over a majority of the Arabian Peninsula. Subject to this suzerainty, Arabia was continued to be ruled by tribal rulers, some were even vassals to the Ottoman Empire.

In 1902, Abdulaziz bin Saud, leader of the Al Saud tribe, returned from exile in Kuwait to resume the conflict with the Al Rashid clan and seized Riyadh – the first of a series of the great King’s conquests.

By 1906, King Abdulaziz had driven the Al Rashid out of Najd and the Ottomans

Abdulaziz became recognized as ruler of Najd.

Abdulaziz acquired Al Hasa from the Ottomans.

1926:

Abdulaziz declared himself King of Hejaz.

1927:

Abdulaziz took the title King of Najd.

1932:

Hejaz and Najd were united.

Sept. 23, 1932: The country was named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

recognized him as the ruler of Najd. His next major acquisition was Al Hasa, which he took from the Ottomans in 1913, bringing him control of the Arabian Gulf coast and what would become home to Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves.

He avoided involvement in the Arab Revolt, having acknowledged Ottoman suzerainty in 1914, and instead continued his struggle with the Al Rashid in northern Arabia.

Prior to 1923, King Abdulaziz had not risked invading the Hejaz because Hussein bin Ali, king of the Hejaz, was supported by Britain. On Jan. 10, 1926, Abdulaziz declared himself King of Hejaz, following which on Jan. 27, 1927, he took the title King of Najd.

By the Treaty of Jeddah, signed on May 20, 1927, the United Kingdom recognized the independence of Abdulaziz’s vast realm. In 1932, the two kingdoms of the Hejaz and Najd were united as the “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Boundaries with Transjordan, Iraq, and Kuwait were established by a series of treaties negotiated in the 1920s, with two “neutral zones” created, one with Iraq and the other with Kuwait.

In the process, he united warring tribes into one nation.

And on Sept. 23, 1932, the country was named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an Islamic state with Arabic as its national language and the Holy Qur’an as its constitution.

Destination Magazine Archive Photo

DESTINATION RIYADH 79

A Trip To Historic Saudi Tabuk Railway Station

80 DESTINATION RIYADH

By Mohammed Mirza

Tabuk was always a major center of trade sitting right at the spot were Arabia meets the Levant, connecting the South to the North.

And rightly so, the Tabuk railway station was one of the biggest junctions on the marvelous Hejaz railway line that ran through the deserts of Arabia. Although now defunct, one can still witness Ottoman construction expertise in this century-old junction. The Tabuk railway station looks like an exact replica of the station at Mada'in Saleh, another stop on the enigmatic Hejaz railway.

Today, the station is located right in the heart of the city of Tabuk and consists of a group of buildings constructed in a straight line parallel to the railroad. The entire premises covers an area of approximately 80,000 square meters, which has recently been renovated and is in a good condition. One can see remains of railway lines, rolling stocks, iron crossties and a small workshop at the site.

FUN & RECREATION

Al Maktaba Bookstore Sitteen St.

Alem Al Ibdaa King Abdul Aziz Rd.

Al Raqeem Bookstore Olaya Main St.

Alfa Cassettes Batha Commercial Center

Al Shagrey Bookstore Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4611717 Al Sharq Bookstore Al Malaz Tel: +966-11-4720538 Al Wataniyah Bookstore Aswaq Al Majd Tel: +966-11-4450619 Dar Al Hdrama Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-4788510

Anamel Arts of Ceremics Olaya Main St. Arts Al Andalus Center Art Line Gallery Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4622573 China Town Euromarche Cool Prince Abdullah Rd.

Dar Al Qasem King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4092000

Dar Al Maskukat Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4651166

Dar Al Minhaj for Used Books Prince Abdullah Rd.

Eastern Gift House Oruba Plaza

Dar Al Shawaf Library Thalatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4622667 Dar Elem Bookstore Prince Abdullah Rd. Golden Pages Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4631917 Islamic Book Center Sitteen St. Jarir Bookstore Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4626000 Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2645807

Fantastic World Thalatheen St. Gift House Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661316 GIft Village King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4620219 Heritage Touch Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan Tel: +966-11-4612930 Konouz Tahlia St. Luxury Events Mob: +966-509421214

Medical Bookstore Prince Abdullah Rd.

Magic Art Sahara Mall

Najd Bookstore Jareer St.

My Home Flower King Abdul Aziz Rd.

Obekan Bookstore King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4160018

Occasions Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4654555

Reema Bookstore Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4705228

Papermoon Sahara Mall Tel: +966-11-4520393

Tuttie Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4613976

Party Time Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4659101 The Final Touch King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4641023 The Gift Thalatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4615859

LIBRARIES Al Sewaidi Sudair St. Tel: +966-11-4251263 Dar Ben Jawzi Prince Saud bin Mohammed St. Tel: +966-11-2107228 King Abdul Aziz Library King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4050188

Al Khuzama Studio and Lab Tel: +966-11-4609417 Fahad Studio Prince Mandouh Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4623547 Luxury Pictures Mob: +966-56595669

King Fahad National Library King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4891455 The Centeral Talking Liberary Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4020997

MUSEUMS & ART VENUES 7 Star Art Gallery Akkariya Buildings Art Vision Kingdom Centre Tel: +966-11-2112412 Lamsa Exhibition Al Faisaliah Tel: +966-11-2734239 The Art Of Photography Abu Bakr Al Sedeeq Rd. Tel: +966-11-4944614 The Bazaar Akkariya Buildings The Orientalist House Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4634228 Tunisen Antique House Euromarche Village Gallery Thalatheen St. Wonder Castle Corporation Dabbab St. Zamani Art Gallery Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4613057 Zekrayat Frames Tahlia St.

STUDIOS Ajman Photographic Lab Tel: +966-11-4610210 Ajman Studio and Lab Tel: +966-11-4823608 DESTINATION RIYADH 81

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORY

BOOKSTORES

FASHION & SHOPPING DIRECTORY

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

BALLROOMS Al Faisaliah Rosewood Hotel King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2732000 Hotel Al Khozama Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4654650 Holiday Inn Olaya Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4612000 Madareem Crown Hotel Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-2758888 Marriott Riyadh Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-4779300 Nayyara Al Raed St. Tel: +966-11-4806655 Sheraton Riyadh King Fahd St. Crossing King Abdulla St. Tel: +966-11-4543300

BOUTIQUES Baco Design Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2935633 www.bacodesign.com

Harvey Nichols Al Faisaliah Mall Tel: +966-11-2734444 www.harveynichols.com Hoss Intropia Tel: +966-11-4658122 Jacadi Boutique Garanada Center Hayat Mall Sahara Mall www.jacadi.us La-Boutique Al Nahda Rd. Facebook: La-Boutique Riyadh La Coquette Kingdom Centre Modern Us Designers Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4612079 www.riyadhdress.com Montblanc King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2111080 www.montblanc.com Queen of Spades Al Faisaliah Mall www.queenof spadesstore.com Sada Shop (online) Tel: +966-11-4411940 www.sadashop.com Stache Tel: +966-11-4656333 Terra Eclat Jewellery

by Ranyah Seraj Mob: +966-543768585 Mob: +966-542988187 info@terra-eclat.com www.terra-eclat.com The Art of Living #4 Serecon Building Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4610533 www.theartofliving1999.com Z Boutique Garanada Center Olaya Mall

BRIDAL & EVENING DRESSES

Balenciaga Centria Mall www.balenciaga.com

Al Falah Tel: 920001678

Bijou Boutique Tel: +966-11-2882601 http://beautebijou.com

Airebarcelona Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-2884807

Blank Boutique Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-2010033

Basma Al Jazaery Orouba St.

Brioni Olaya St.

82 DESTINATION RIYADH

Mystique Kingdom Mall Tel: +966-11-2112592

Princess Fashion Olaya St. Rusais Center Mob: +966-562289459 Pronovias Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4163410 Rosa Clara Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4652677 Silver Dew Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4197153

CUSTOM THOBES Ajlan & Bros Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4665555 www.ajlanbros.com Lomar Thobe Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2170094 www.lomarthobe.com

EVENT PLANNERS Lollipop Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz St. Mob: +966-508916441 Luxury Events Mob: +966-567893966 Ghala Events Tel: +966 55 5597951 www.ghalaevents.com

FLORISTS

HOME FURNITURE @ Room Tel: +966-11-2298457 Ayar Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4612757 ChenOne Home Olaya St. 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 KA International King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920001216 Miladora Furniture King Fahad Rd. Tel: 920003277 Morocco Line Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2816612 Razin Tahlia St.

Al Gaba Flowers Orouba St. Mob: +966-502017058

The Classics Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4611888

Arawla Musaed Al Angari St. Mob: +966-508085546

The White House King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4615332

Lamar Safwa Center Mob: +966-555505441 Nardeen Mob: +966-507976733 Spring Rose Tel: +966-11-2167777 Spring’s Wedding Musaed Al Angari St. Tel: +966-11-2791024 Style Flower Musaed Al Angari St. Mob: +966-504237071

Traditionals King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2012300

SHOPPING CENTERS Al Faisaliyah Mall Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2730000 www.alfaisaliahmall.com Al Qasr Mall Al Swaidi St. Tel: +966-11-4515600 www.alqasrmall.com Supermarket: Hyper Market Azizia Mall Off of King Fahad Rd.

FASHION & SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Centria Mall Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2161111 www.centria.com.sa

NOTES

Garanada 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 Panorama Mall Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2814950 www.panorama-mall.com Supermarket: Danube Rimal Center East Ring Rd. Tel: +966-11-2441004 Riyadh Gallery King Fahd Rd. Tel: +966-11-2078111 www.riyadhgallery.com Supermarket: Hyper Panda Sahara Mall National Guard St. Tel: +966-11-4520300 www.saharamall.com.sa Supermarket: Tamimi Market

STUDIOS AD Advertising Sulaimaneya St. Safwa Center Tel: +966-11-4665111 Ajman Photographic Lab Tel: +966-11-4610210 Ajman Studio and Lab Tel: +966-11-4823608 Al Khuzama Studio and Lab Tel: +966-11-4609417 Fahad Studio Prince Mandouh Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4623547 Glamour Shots Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-2814326 Souvenir Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2199919

83 DESTINATION RIYADH 83

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

AMERICAN Chili’s Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2934849 Grilled Bell Pepper Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2814747 Johnny Rockets Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2016667 Outback Steakhouse Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2174633

Kalimat Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-2885511 La Bouchee Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2190099 Lateen Tel: +920011999 Le Notre Boutique Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4651465 La Reine Chocolate Ubadah bin Samit St. Tel: +966-11-2272000

Pardon Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4 160933

Golden Saj Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4807441

Richony Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-8801062

Hardee’s Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-2929900

Shangai Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2934734 Tea Lounge Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115000

Steak House Al Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4649638

Patchi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834464

The Diamond Cafe’ Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2170125

The Pancake House King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2016816

So Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4629229

Tony Romas Hayat Mall Tel: +966-11-4649178

Synphytun Chocolate Tel: +966-11-2931813

Tutti Cafe’ Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2160666

BRAZILIAN IL Terrazzo Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222

ARMENIAN Al Mayass Oasis Complex, Orouba Rd. Mob: +966-503753333 Lusin Restaurant Centeria Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2939800

CHOCOLATES Alpina Chocolate King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2013452 Cannelle Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4664491 Chocolate Dream Candy Bouquet Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4197237 Chocolate Studio Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4657476

COFFEE & TEA SHOPS Areej Art Cafe’ Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-4162990

YmmY Riyadh Gallery Mob: +966-553333998

FAST FOOD

Bateel Across Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2936240

Al Tazaj King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2254769

Cafe’ Blanc Prince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4633426

Baby Burger Imam Rd. Tel: +966-11-4941129

Cafe’ Pascucci Tahllia Tel: +966-11-4620555 Colony Coffee Sultan Bin Salman St. Mob: +966-597452311 Diwan Cafe’ Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4833595 Java Cafe’ Old Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-4773582

Chocoline Olaya Main Rd. Tel: +966-11-4641172

Maui Wowi Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4616363

Ganache Faisaliyyah Mall Tel: +966-11-2734337

Papparoti Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2936452

84 DESTINATION RIYADH

Versai Cafe ‘ Exit 4 Tel: +966-11-4703853

Breakfast to Breakfast Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2178233 Buffalo’s Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2792123 Burgerizzr King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4874477 Burger Hut Al Munisiyah, Al Thumamah Rd. Mob: +966-545356463 Burger King Al Ahsaa Rd. Tel: +966-11-4732506 Elevation Burger Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2885859 Fatburger Bustan Center, Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2154176

Herfy Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4816826 Hotdog Express Al Ahsaa St. Tel: +966-11-2912565 Hungry Burger Tel: +966-11-5485999 Jan Burger King Abdul Aziz St. Tel: 920006765 Johnny Rockets Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-2016667 Jollibee 2nd Floor, Al Rajhi Building Tel: +966-11-4057420 KFC Takhasoussi St. Tel: 920021111 Kudu Al Muhamadiyyah Dist.

Tel: 920006999 Little Caesars Al Ahsa St. Tel: +966-11-4765112 Mama Noura Dabab St., Suleimania Tel: +966-11-4628144 Manoosha Localizer Mall Tel: +966-11-2190491 McDonald’s Al Ahsaa Rd. Tel: 920000001 My Burger Imam Mohamed bn Saud Road-Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-4503324 My Way Uruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643824 Panini Prince Turki Al’awl Rd. Tel: +966-11-4809909 Panino’s Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2734388

Quiznos Sub King Saud University Tel: +966-11-4824741 Saj Al Balad Jaber St., King Saud University Shuneez Tahliah St. Tel: +966-11-4648989 Texas Chicken Turki bin Abdulaziz Rd. Tel: +966-11-2545454 The Sandwich Co. King Abdullah Rd. Mob: +966-558442255

FRENCH Apetit Kitchen Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4656491 Cafe’ Lenotre Centria Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2791108 L’ecluse Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648 Le Relais de l’Entrecote Almas Plaza.

Tel: +966-11-4615058

FUSION Pizza Fusion Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4633329

ICE CREAM Baskin Robbins Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4801138 Fresh Berry Garnada Mall Tel: +966-11-2535587 Fresh & Tangy Hayat Mall Mob: +966559333344 Marble Slab Creamery Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4538746 Pink Berry Garnada Mall Tel: +966-11-2534783

Russian Corner Olaya, Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Al Bustan Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Tel: +966-11-4658387 Rd. Senses Tel: +966-11-4543300 Luthan Hotel Al Dana Tel: +966-11-4807799 Holiday Inn Hotel Sizzler House Tel: +966-11-4612000 Tahlia St. Al Diwan Tel: +966-11-4661133 Al Sahara Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500 Spazio Kingdom TowerAl Orjouan 77th Floor Makkah Rd., inside Tel: +966-11-2111180 The Ritz Carlton

Il Gabbiano Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4616066

INTERNATIONAL

Tel: +966-11-8028020 Cafe Ceramique Sahara Mall Tel: +966-11-4520677 Centro Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4658488 Cocos Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939444 Cristal Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222 Elements Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500 Hediard Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2173933 La Brasserie Al Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222 Living Colors Faisaliyah Tower Tel: +966-11-2734410 Lobby Lounge Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115591

The Globe Al Faisaliah Tower Tel: +966-11-2732222 The Lounge Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300 The Windrose Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222 Trader Vics Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-2814782 Waterlemon Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2194444

IRANIAN Sheraz Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Bin Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4655886 Shaya King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4708933

ITALIAN

L’Olivio Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4634240 La Campagna Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4624339 La Casta Al Rahmaniya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4198016

La Cucina Al Faisaliah Hotel Tel: +966-11-2732222 La Piazza Sheraton Riyadh, King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4543300 Liolimpo Al Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4166222 MBCo Abdullah bin Sulaiman 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., Opposite Medical City 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

Mirage Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127

Amore Tahlia St., Olaya Intersection Tel: +966-11-4653082

Pizzeria Napoli Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-2172288

Oasis Grill Hilton Garden Inn Tel: +966-11-2935533

Anthurium Abdulla Alhamdan St. Tel: +966-11-4661473

Quattro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115599

Panoramic Makarem Riyadh Hotel Tel: +966-11-2204500

Azzurro The Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +966-11-8028020

Roma Mussa Bin Nusair St. Tel: +966-11-4641133

Pavillion Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +966-11-4655000

Cento Per Cento Olaya Rd., Behind Jarir Tel: +966-11-4644159

Roma Way Al Rabwah, Othaim Mall Tel: 920000129

Da Pino Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-2732222

Rosso Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +966-11-2115500 DESTINATION RIYADH 85

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

Penguin Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4829843

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

Rossopomodoro Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2939565

Eatzah Al Ghaz St. Mob: +966-531224433

Darbar Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2930249

Santino’s Hayat Mall Tel: +966-11-2057497

Fairouz Garden King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2167171

Indian Garden Riyadh Gallery Tel: +966-11-2161112

SPAZIO 77 77th floor in Kingdom TowerRiyadh

Tel: +966-11-2111888 Tel: +966-11-2111181

Gad Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4641212

Indian Style Sheikh Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966-11-4561138

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 Al Haj Dawood Imam Saud St. Tel: +966-11-4943691 Al Mansaf Al Sulamaniyya Tel: +966-11-4630345 Al Nakheel Al Khozama Center Tel: +966-11-4654650

Garden Barbecue Hotel Al Khozama Tel: +966-11-2732222 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.) 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 Sit Al Sham Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920000399 Yamal Al Sham Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4613292

ORIENTAL

KOREAN: Korean Palace Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4198878

INDIAN: Aladdin Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2112150

Al Naseem Marriott Hotel Tel: +966-11-4779300

Avadh Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4654109

Cafe Blanc Prince Mohamad Bin Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-11-4633426

Copper Chandni Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4167000

86 86 DESTINATION RIYADH

Crown Garden Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4616334

Indian Summer Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4652328 Red Onion Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2176644 Tamarind Prince Faisal Bin Turki St. Tel: +966-11-4738770 Tandoor Al Ahsa St. Tel: +966-11-4734531 Tulaitelah Al Wazarat Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4082968

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

Hayat Prince Mansoor bin Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4042655 Khan’s Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan St. Tel: +966-11-2937880 La Sani King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-4655666 Marhaba Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4622070 Samurai Faisaliah Mall and 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

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

Mirage Restaurant Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4834127

Amo Hamza Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2316148

Noodle House Centria Mall, Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-2939969

Doe King Abdullah St. Tel: +966-11-4887080

Peking Suliamaniyah Tel: +966-11-4765250 Seasons Madina St., Exit 28 Taal Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2734383 Yummy Wok Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4889166

JAPANESE: Furusato Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4657648

Dr. Ocean Takhasoussi St. Tel: +966-11-4708647 Fountain Fish Al Malaz Dist.

Tel: +966-11-2158888 London Fish & Chips Tel: +966-11-2102480 Jasmin White Palace White Palace Hotel Tel: +966-11-4787800

Al Hallab Tel: +966-11-4725559 Anoosh Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4609588 Al-Rabwa Tel: +966-11-4971649 Al-Hamra Tel: +966-11-2784297 Al-Bade’ah Tel: +996-11-2679689 Khurais Rd. Tel: +996-11-2080833 Ben’s Cookies Exit 7 Tel: +966-11-2084862 Crepaway Bustan Center Tel: +966-11-2010505 Diplomat Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4652411 Dixie Cream Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661192 Edible Arrangements Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-4643131 French Corner Dabab St. Tel: +966-11-4645322 Golden Brown Bakery Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz St. Mob: +966-569337314 Kabbani Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4816892 Kitsch Cupcakes Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4633838 Krispy Kreme Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4610409 Laduree Centria Mall Tel: +966-11-2885075

Pane Piatto Al Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4168882

RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY

SWEETS/DESSERTS & BAKERIES

Rotiboy Arabia Jarir Mall, Omar bin Abdulaziz Road Tel: +966-11-2886546 www.rotiboyarabia.com Salehia Dates King Fahad Rd. Tel: 8004308888 Sugar Dreamin Khurais Rd. Mob: +966-553383749 Sugar Sprinkles Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2290505 Talah For Dates Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-2173303 Tmreya Prince Sultan St. Tel: 920000652 Torta & more Al Hassan Ben Ali St. Tel: +966-11-2080003 Wooden Bakery Intersection of Saleh El Din Al Ayoubi St. Tel: +966-11-4725559 Yummy Tummy Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4538720

NOTES

TURKISH Anatolia Turkish Grill Granada Mall.

Tel: +966-11-2535527 Assaraya Thalateen St. Tel: +966-11-4649336 Caravan Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4658856 Köşebaşı Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2886418

Le Croissant Shop Al-Ameer Mamdouh St. Tel: +966-11-4655328 Maya Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-2113311 Munch Bakery Abdullah Al Hamdan St. Tel: 920015010

87 DESTINATION RIYADH 87

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

AIRLINES Air Arabia Tel: 920013322 www.airarabia.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

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Tel: +966-11-4771026 www.klm.com Korean Air Tel: +966-11-4658222 www.koreanair.com Kuwait Airways Tel: +966-11-4631218 www.kuwait-airways.com Lufthansa Tel: 8001245550 www.lufthansa.com Malaysia Airlines Tel: +966-11-4784039 www.malaysiaairlines.com Middle East Airlines Tel: +966-11-4614670 www.mea.com.lb

Nas Air Biman Bangladesh Airlines Tel: +966-11-2171800 www.flynas.com Tel: +966-11-4623537 www.biman-airlines.com Olympic Air Tel: +966-11-4644596 British Airways www.olympicair.com Tel: +966-11-4645550 www.britishairways.com Oman Air Tel: +966-11-4733133 Cyprus Airways www.omanair.com Tel: +966-11-4640391 www.cyprusair.com Pakistan INT’L Airlines Delta Airlines Tel: +966-11-4659600 Tel: +966-11-4613688 www.piac.com.pk www.delta.com Egypt Air Tel: +966-11-4784004 www.egyptair.com Emirates Airlines Tel: +966-11-4655485 www.emirates.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 German wings Airlines Tel: +966-11-4632004 www.germanwings.com Gulf Air Tel: +966-11-4626666 www.gulfair.com Japan Airlines–JAL Tel: +966-11-4645056 www.jal.com Kenya Airways Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.kenya-airways.com

88 DESTINATION RIYADH

Philippine Airlines Tel: +966-11-2160530 www.philippine airlines.com 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 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 South African Airways – SAA Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.flysaa.com

SriLankan Airlines www.srilankan.lk Sudan Airways Tel: +966-11-4720040 www.sudanair.com Swiss Air Tel: +966-11-4789745 www.swissair.com TAM Brazilian Airlines Tel: +966-11-4633133 www.tam.com.br TAROM Romanian Airlines Tel: +966-11-5788935 www.tarom.ro Thai Airways Tel: +966-11-4766766 www.thaiairways.com Tunis Air Tel: +966-11-4626165 www.tunisair.com Turkish Airlines Tel: +966-11-4000287 www.turkishairlines.com United Airlines Tel: +966-11-4772228 www.united.com Yemenia Airways Tel: +966-11-4039282 www.yemenia.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 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 Fursan Travel Tel: 920000442 www.fursan.com.sa Haya Tour Al Nozha Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4507176 Kingdom Wings Travel Agency Tel: +966-11-4625544 My Holiday Travel & Tourism Tel: 920010087 www.myholiday.com.sa Rixon Tour Network Tel: 920029993 www.myrtn.com Travel Port Tel: +966-11-4163810 www.travelport.com The Orientalist House Tel: +966-11-4634228 Top Travel Tel: +966-11-4641969 Tunisen Antique House Tel: +966-11-4825247 Village Gallery Tel: +966-11-4631089

Al Rajhi Travel Tel: +966-11-4566900

Wonder Castle Corporation Tel: +966-11-2790482

Al Rasheed Awnings Factory Tel: +966-11-4059031

Zahid Travel Group Tel: +966-11-4602829 www.zahidtravel.com

Zamani Art Gallery Tel: +966-11-4613057 Zekrayat Frames Tel: +966-11-4661196

HOTELS Al Faisaliah Rosewood 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 Coral Gulf Riyadh King Abdul Aziz St., Ministries Area Tel: +966-11-4121000 Corp Executive Deira Hotel Al Batha St. Tel: +966-11-4141500 Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Al-Hada Dist., Abdullah bin Hothafa St. Tel: +966-11-2817300 Crowne Plaza Hotel Riyadh Minha Old Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-8749200

Makarim Riyadh Hotel Near To King Khalid International Airport Tel: +966-11-2204500

TRAVEL DIRECTORY

Zahran Air Travel & Cargo Co. Tel: +966-11-4659614

NOTES

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 Radisson Blu Hotel Al Mubarakiah Plaza King Abdul Aziz St. Tel: +966-11-4791234 Riyadh Marriott Hotel Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4779300 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

Four Seasons Hotel Kingdom Center Tel: +966-11-2115000 Golden Tulip Andalusia Olaya Rd. Tel: +966-11-4611000 Holiday Inn Riyadh Izdihar Abdulwahab Bin Abdullah St., Unit One Tel: +966-11-4625000 InterContinental Riyadh Al Maather St. Tel: +966-11-4655000 Luthan Hotel And Spa A Women Only Hotel Orubah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4807799 Madareem Crown Hotel King Khalid International Airport Rd. Tel: +966-11-2758888 DESTINATION RIYADH 89

HEALTH DIRECTORY

BEAUTY CLINICS Al Manihal Center Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069 Al Safeer Tel: +966-11-2050810 Apollo Tel: 920027070 Ayan Consultative King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2725555 Ayma Consultative King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2635555 Beauty Corner King Fahad Rd. Mob: +966-543300557 www.beautycorner.co FOUR Salon & Nail Spa Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-2014444 www.www.four.com.sa Malesa Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4888831 Med Art Clinics Olaya Main St. Tel: 920000045

Pearl’s Smile Sulaimaniya Tel: +966-11-4646334

FITNESS CENTERS

Riyadh Medical Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060

My Gym Panorama Mall Tel: +966-11-42814870

Saudi Sugeons Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4653030 SSC Tel: +966-11-2335000 Uranus Medical Orouba St. Tel: +966-11-4657000 White Wing Medical Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4834286

DENTAL CLINICS Aagi Dental Center Tel: +966-11-2080107 Dima Dental Tahlia St. Tel: +966-11-4661200 Gama Dental Clinic King Abdulaziz Road Tel: +966-11- 4542929 Mob: +966-534542929

Obagi Hospital Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4627111

Noble Smile Abdullah Al Angary St. Tel: +966 11 4197740

Platinium Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2097777

Ramah Dental Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4800931

The British Center King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-2795555

Sanaya Dental Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-2174888

CLINICS

EYE CARE

Attadawe King Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-2780211

Al Hokama Mallaz Tel: +966-11-4797777

Consulting Center Tel: +966-11-4555545

Menshaf Eye care Al Rawda Mob: +966-565869059

Czech Center Infront of King Saud University Tel: 920002737 ENT Center Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4802229 Mayiez Medical Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169999 90 DESTINATION RIYADH

The Eye Center Tel: +966-11-4623094 www.eyecenter.com.sa

KIDS

MEN Apple Fitness Tel: +966-11-4538800 Body Masters Tel: 920000626 Tel: +966-11-4875531 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 Manihal Center Diplomatic Quarter Tel: +966-11-4881069 Curves Olaya St. Tel: +966-11-4633219 Kinetico Tel: +966-11-2815595 Mob: + 966-530034010 Luthan Hotel & Spa Tel: +966-11-4807799

Al Falah INT’L Tel: +966-11-4463737 www.alfalah.com.sa 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 Dallah Hospital Tel: +966-11-4720777 Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Mishari Hospital Olaya Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4657700 http://drabdulrahman almishari.com.sa Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Olaya Medical Complex Tel: +966-114622224 www.drsulaiman alhabib.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

Lumiere Olaya Tel: +966-11-2169030

King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) Makkah Rd. Tel: 8001277000

Scented Tel: +966-11-2112003

Kingdom Hospital Tel: +966-11-2751111

Yibreen Off of Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4411115

King Faisal SHRC Al Zahrawi St. Tel: +966-11-4647272 www.kfshrc.edu.sa

HOSPITALS ABAS Medical Group Rawda-Hamra-Dabab Tel: 920000172 ADMA Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4660000 Alamal Complex for Mental Health Al Khuzami Dist.

Tel: +966-11-4804548 www.alamal.med.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

OBIED Specialized Al Farazdaq Rd. Tel: +966-11-4767222 Prince Sultan Cardiac Center Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4783000 www.pscc.med.sa

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

Dar Al Dana Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan Tel: +966-11-4643373

Sara Spectrum Medical Pharmacy Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4601018

Mazin Pharmacy Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4624562

Shrazad Sitteen St. Tel: +966-11-4787047

Medical & Pharmaceutical Service Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-4629680

University Pharmacy Akkariya Buildings Tel: +966-11-4191944

Medicine Time Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4569140

Riyadh Care Hospital Tel: +966-11-4933000 www.riyadhcare.com

Al Olaya Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-46411501

Riyadh Military Makkah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4791000 www.rmh.med.sa

Al Raja No 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942

Mohammmed Al Hozaimi Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4628758

Al Rawabi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4828028

Nabra Pharmacy Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887329

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

Al Riyadh Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4643108 Al Saggaf Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4640716

Specialized M.C.H King Fahad Rd. Tel: +966-11-41164000

Al Saggaf 25 Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645274

Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City Exit 6 Tel: +966-11-5620000

Al Shameeah Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880595

PHARMACIES Adhwaa Al Seha Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4887455

Al Teriaq Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4828289 Al Thalatheen Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4623529

Al Dimishqi Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4707887

Al Shamsia Jamal Center Tel: +966-11-4057296

Al Farabi Takhassusi St. Tel: +966-11-4880843 Al Hozaimi Ibn Sulaiman Commercial Center Tel: +966-11-4722054

Arac Health Care Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4645107 Asir Pharmacy Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4811629

Nazaar Pharmacy Al Awais Market Tel: +966-11-4541408 NEO (Neointernational) Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4615089

University (2) Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4626338 Wardat Al-Oroba Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4622904 Whites Pharmacy Tel: +966-11-2886877 / 4895994/ 4897750 / 4897751 www.whites.net Zahrat Al Rawda Pharmacy Prince Abdullah Rd. Tel: +966-11-4804935 Zahrat Sami Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4653060

Nissah Pharmacy Al-Rajhi Five Buildings Tel: +966-11-4041573 Noorana Pharmacy Al Malaz Tel: +966-11-4785006 Olaya International Olaya Main St. Tel: +966-11-4160349 Prince Pharmacy Talatheen St. Tel: +966-11-4611418 Rajaa Pharmacy 2 Oruba St. Tel: +966-11-4624942 Riyadh Corner Jareer St. Tel: +966-11-4780759

0544408585 DESTINATION RIYADH 91

HEALTH DIRECTORY

National Guard Health King Abdulaziz Medical City Tel: +966-11-8011111 www.ngha.med.sa

GENERAL DIRECTORY

BANKS Al inma Bank Tel: +966-11-2185000 www.alinma.com Al Jazira Bank Tel: +966-11-4317474 www.baj.com.sa Al Rajhi Bank Tel: +966-11-4603333 www.alrajhibank.com.sa Arab National Bank Tel: +966-11-4029000 www.anb.com.sa Bank Al Bilad Tel: +966-11-4971905 www.bankalbilad.com Banque Saudi Fransi Tel: +966-11-2899999 www.alfransi.com.sa National Commercial Bank Tel: 920001000 www.alahli.com Riyadh Bank Tel: +966-11-4013030 www.riyadbank.com SABB Tel: +966-11-2764356 www.sabb.com Samba Tel: 8001242000 www.samba.com Saudi Hollandi Bank Tel: +966-11-2548500 www.shb.com.sa

CAR AGENCIES Audi Tel: +966-11-4660044 BG Khurais Rd. Exit 30 Tel: +966-11-2300000 BMW Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000 Cadillac Tel: +966-11-4924048 Chevrolet Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454040 Chrysler Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

RAM Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222 Renault Khurais Rd. Tel: 8002445050 Rolls Royce Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000 Seat Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2301515 Skoda Tel: +966-11-2301515 Subaru Tel: +966-11-2300000 Toyota Tel: +966-11-2486777

COMPOUNDS

Dodge Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

Volks Wagen Tel: 920000380

Ishbilia Tel: +966-11-2406000 Mob: +966-593111389 www.ksacompounds.com

Fuso Tel: 8002440060

Volvo Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4923539

Al Hamra Oasis Village Tel: +966-11-2490440 www.alhamra.com.sa

GMS Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454040

Unic Tel: +966-11-2300000

Al Issa Compound Tel: +966-11-4918400

Harley-Davidson North Ring Rd. Exit 5 Tel: +966-11-4554499 Honda Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4454646 Isuzu Tel: +966-11-2300000

CAR RENTALS Al Falah Tel: 920001678 Al Moddarraj Tel: +966-11-4779902 Avis Tel: +966-11-4884887

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

Jeep Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

Best Rent A Car Tel: 8001249955

Lexus King Fahad Rd. Exit 9 Tel: +966-11-4566600

Diplomat Khurais Rd. Tel: 920008008

Auto Gard Tel: +966-11-2924343

Mazda Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4968888

EuropCar Al Ahsaa St. Tel: 920000153

Al Ola No 7 Tel: +966-11-4608095

Llumar Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2912929

Mini Cooper Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-2391000

Faz Prince Sultan St. Tel: +966-11-2912679

Red Cap Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4913212

Mitsubishi Khurais Rd. Tel: 8002440060

iCar Tel: +966-11-4561099

Al Rabwa Al Rabwa Area, Exit 14 close to Nahda Rd. Mob: +966-544096296 www.almutlaq.com

Solar Control Khurais Rd. Tel: +966-11-4966633

Mopar Khurais Rd. & Dabbab St. Tel: +966-11-2332222

Sajil Tel: +966-11-4935222

Unique Your Car Mob: +966-566225544

Peugeot Tel: +966-11-4666614

CAR ACCESSORIES 3M Tel: +966-11-2884135

Porsche Tel: +966-11-4667788

92 DESTINATION RIYADH

Theeb Rent a Car Khurais Rd. Tel: 920000572 Uber Application: Uber.com/app support.riyadh@uber.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

Asasco Village Tel: +966-11-4199000 Barada Village Arabian Homes Tel: +966-11-4541888 www.arabian-homes. com

Mob: +966-541362462 ROC Compound Tel: +966-11-2412800 www.roc.com.sa Sahara Towers Tel: +966-11-4625666 Seder Village Tel: +966-11-2280000 www.sedervillage.com

Bonita Village Mob: +966-597721361 www.alwakkan.com

Star Compound Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4881139

Cordoba Oasis Village Tel: +966-11-24834711 www.cordoba.com.sa

Villas Rosas Al-Wadi Tel: +966-11-4881139 http://villasrosasco.com

Delta - 11 Estate Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4803201 Delta - 2 Estate Villas Rossas Tel: +966-11-4804084 Eid Villas Tel: +966-11-2483366 www.eidvillas.com.sa Euro Compound Tel: +966-11-4780718 FAL Compound Tel: +966-11-2490091 www.falcompound.org Granada Village Tel: +966-11-2488387 Green City Olaya - Rahmaniah Dist.

Mob: +966-559623393 www.gccompound. tripod.com Jadawel Compound Tel: +966-11-2406000 Kingdom City Tel: +966-11-2750275 www.kingdom-city.com Najd Compound Tel: +966-11- 2481040 Palm Court Tel: +966-11-4850288 Ranco Village Tel: +966-11-4924411 www.ranvil.com Riyadh Village Khurais Road, off exit 36 Tel: 08111010101

GO Tel: 8111011180 www.go.com.sa Gulfnet KSA Tel: +966-11-4628562 www.zajil.net Nesma Tel: +966-11-4633100 www.nesma.net.sa Nour Net Tel: +966-11-4728900 www.nour.net.sa NTG National Technology Group Tel: +966-11-4763777 www.ntg.com.sa

CANADA Tel: +966-11-4882288 CHINA Tel: +966-11-4832126 CZECH REPUBLIC Tel: +966-11-4503617 DENMARK Tel: +966-11-4880101 Ext 111163 DJIBOUTI Tel: +966-11-4543182 EGYPT Tel: +966-11-4810159 Tel: +966-11-4831458

Oger Tel Tel: +966-11-4889826 www.ogersystems.com

ERITREA

Arabian Hala Tel: +966-11-4884887 www.hala.com.sa

PrimeNet Tel: +966-11-4193000 www.prime.net.sa

ETHIOPIA

Aramex Tel: +966-11-4160353 www.aramex.com

Saudi Internet Company Tel: +966-11-4603031 www.sol.net.sa/en

DHL Worldwide Express Tel: +966-11-4654200 www.dhl.com.sa

Saudi Net Tel: +966-11-2180300 www.saudi.net.sa

FRANCE

FedEx Tel: +966-11-4633999 www.fedex.com/sa

Shabakah Net Tel: +966-11-4193193 www.shabakah.net.sa

GABON

COURIER

Overseas Courier Service Tel: +966-11-4647193 www.ocstracking.com www.ocscouner.com UPS Global Tel: +966-11-4626655 www.ups.com

DSL NET

EMBASSIES

Tel: +966-11-4801731

Tel: +966-11-4824055 FINLAND Tel: +966-11-4881515 Ext 9

Tel: +966-11-4881255

Tel: +966-11-4567173 GAMBIA Tel: +966-11-2052158

ALGERIA Tel: +966-11-4887171

GERMANY

ARGENTINA Tel: +966-11-4652600

GHANA

AUSTRALIA Tel: +966-11-4887788

GREECE

Tel: +966-11-4880700

Tel: +966-11-4545122

Tel: +966-11-4801975

Advance Telecom Company (ATC) Tel: +966-11-4601877 www.atc.com.sa

AUSTRIA Tel: +966-11-4801217 BAHRAIN Tel: +966-11-4880044

Arabic Computer Systems (ACS) Tel: +966-11-4763777 www.acs.com.sa

BANGLADESH Tel: +966-11-4195300

HUNGARY

BELGIUM Tel: +966-11-4882888 BRAZIL Tel: +966-11-4880018

INDIA

Atheer Tel: +966-11-4198000 www.atheer.net.sa Awal Tel: +966-11-4600111 www.awal.com.sa CYBERIA Tel: 8001248124 www.cyberia.net.sa DigiNet Tel: +966-11-4192009 www.digi.net.sa

BRITAIN Tel: +966-11-4880077

GUINEA Tel: +966-11-4881121

Tel: +966-11-4546707

Tel: +966-11-4884144 INDONESIA Tel: +966-11-4882282 IRAN

BRUNEI Tel: +966-11-4560814

Tel: +966-11-4881444

BURKINA FASO Tel: +966-11-4652244

Tel: +966-11-4882300

CAMEROON Tel: +966-11-4880022

IRELAND

ITALY Tel: +966-11-4881212 DESTINATION RIYADH 93

GENERAL DIRECTORY

Arizona Golf Resort Tel: +966-11-2484444 www.agr.com.sa

GENERAL DIRECTORY

JAPAN Tel: +966-11-4881100 JORDAN Tel: +966-11-4880071 KENYA Tel: +966-11-4882484 KOREA Tel: +966-11-4882211 KUWAIT Tel: +966-11-4883500 LEBANON Tel: +966-11-4804060 MALAYSIA Tel: +966-11-4887100 MALI Tel: +966-11-2290753 MALTA Tel: +966-11-4615315

QATAR Tel: +966-11-4825544 RUSSIA Tel: +966-11-4811432 SENEGAL Tel: +966-11-4880146 SIERRA LEONE Tel: +966-11-4643982 SINGAPORE Tel: +966-11-4803855 SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +966-11-4429728 SPAIN Tel: +966-11-4880606 SRI LANKA Tel: +966-11-4608232 SUDAN Tel: +966-11-4887979

GROUND TRANSPORTATION AILAF Tel: +966-11-2713377 Blue Connect Tel: 920004948 www.the-blueconnect .com London Cab Club Tel: +966-11-4966670 http://londoncabclub .com SAPTCO Tel: +966-11-2884400

KINDERGARTENS

Tarbia Pre-School Tel: +966-11-4199017 Tiny Tots Mob: +966-580473602 Twinkle Kindergarten Mob: +966-559268188 White Rose Play Mob: +966-563296205

MINISTRIES Agriculture Tel: +966-11-4016666 Civil Service Tel: +966-11-4026900 Commerce

Baby Day Care

Tel: +966-11-4012220

Mob: +966-582657594

Communications and Information Technology

Birds of Hope Mob: +966-569754506

Tel: +966-11-4637225 Culture and Information

British Islamic

Tel: +966-11-4014440

SWEDEN

Tel: +966-11-4649666

Defense

Tel: +966-11-8806700

www.britishislamic

Tel: +966-11-4785900

Ext 204

school.com

MOROCCO

SWITZERLAND

Busybee

Tel: +966-11-4826382

Tel: +966-11-4881291

Tel: +966-11-2193900

NEPAL

SYRIA

Tel: +966-11-4645170

Tel: +966-11-4887481

NETHERLANDS

TANZANIA

Tel: +966-11-4880011

Tel: +966-11-4542833

NEW ZELAND

THAILAND

Tel: +966-11-4887988

Tel: +966-11-4881174

NIGERIA

TUNISIA Tel: +966-11-4887900

MAURITANIA Tel: +966-11-4646749 MEXICO Tel: +966-11-4808822

Tel: +966-11-4823024 NORWAY Tel: +966-11-4881904 Ext 300 OMAN Tel: +966-11-4823120 PAKISTAN Tel: +966-11-4884111 PERU Tel: +966-11-4822474 PHILIPPINES Tel: +966-11-4823559 PORTUGAL Tel: +966-11-4826964

94 DESTINATION RIYADH

TURKEY Tel: +966-11-4820101 UAE Tel: +966-11-4881227 UGANDA Tel: +966-11-4544910 UKRAINE Tel: +966-11-4508536 URUGUAY Tel: +966-11-4620739 USA Tel: +966-11-4801831 YEMEN Tel: +966-11-4881769

www.busybee.com.sa Dazzling Stars Mob: +966-545682945 First Step Mob: +966-500320566 Kids World Tel: +966-11-4006000 www.kidsworldschool.net Little Rosas Tel: +966-11-4865128 My Home Mob: +966-569598011 Play House Mob: +966-556365035 Play n Learn Mob: +966-564684094 SM Nursery Mob: +966-558391591 Super Kids Mob: +966-564460167 www.superkidseducation center.com

Education Tel: +966-11-4042888 Finance Tel: +966-11-4050000 Foreign Affairs Tel: +966-11-4067777 Hajj Tel: +966-11-4022200 Health Tel: +966-11-4012220 Higher Education Tel: +966-11-4644444 Industry Tel: +966-11-4772722 Interior Tel: +966-11-4011944 Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Tel: +966-11-4730401 Justice Tel: +966-11-4057777 Labor and Social Affairs Tel: +966-11-4771480 Municipal and Rural Affairs Tel: +966-11-4415434

Water and Electricity Tel: +966-11-4016666

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AFTA Society for ADHD (Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit) Tel: +966-11-4815455 Mob: +966-554559086 Mob: +966-530034981

SCHOOLS & INSTITUTES Al Alameen INT’L Tel: +966-11-4649666 Al Amjad National Tel: +966-11-2494188 Al Andalus National Tel: +966-11-4936585 Al Khaleej National Tel: +966-11-2012112 Al Olaya National Tel: +966-11-4538867 Al Rowad INT’L www.rowad-is.com American INT’L Mob: +966-567990096 www.aisr.org British International Tel: +966-11-2482387 www.britishschool riyadh.com Dar Al Maarefah Tel: +966-11-2314010 École Française Internationale de Riyad www.efi-riyad.com EDUCON STUDY ABROAD Tel: 920001338 Elite International Tel: +966-11-4627224 Fursan Al Jazeerah Tel: +966-11-5457505 Future Window Tel: +966-11-2063371 http://fwis.edu.sa/ International Indian Boys Section Tel: +966-11-4934688 www.iisriyadh.com

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

UNIVERSITIES Al Faisal University Tel: +966-11-4401626 www.alfaisal.edu Al Namuthajigah Campus Tel: 920000842

Manahel Al Elm Tel: +966-11-4770419

Al Yamamah University Tel: +966-11-2242222 www.yu.edu.sa

Manarat Al Riyadh Tel: +966-11-4509916 http://maarif.com.sa

Arab Open University Tel: +966-11-2742277 www.arabou.org.sa

Middle East Modern Education Tel: +966-11-4622815 Najd National Tel: +966-11-4914434 Nour Al Maaref Riyadh Tel: +966-11-4028411 www.riyadhschools .edu.sa Saudi Arabia Multinational Tel: +966-11-2751751 www.mns-r.com

SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION Aberr Charity Society Tel: +966-11-5448654 Al Bir Charity Tel: +966-11-4056666 Al Nahda Tel: +966-11-4650029 www.alnahda-ksa.org Al Wafa Tel: +966-11-4650029 Charity Committe For Orphans Care www.ensan.org.sa Charitable Society for Memorization of the Qura’an Tel: +920011799 www.qk.org.sa

GENERAL DIRECTORY

Transport Tel: +966-11-4042928

Dar Al Uloom Tel: +966-11-4949000 www.dau.edu.sa Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic Tel: +966-11-2580000 www.imamu.edu.sa Institute of Public Administration Tel: +966-11-4740412 www.ipa.edu.sa 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

Charity Ibn Baz Organization Tel: +966-11-2293333 www.alzwaj.org

Girls Section Tel: +966-11-2323248 DESTINATION RIYADH 95

RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY

Accommodations close to the Two Holy Mosques: MADINAH Al-Ameen Crom Hotel Markazeyah al Gharbiyah Tel: +966-14-8198000 Al-Ansar Golden Few steps away from Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8290177 Al-Ansar New Place Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8207770 Al-Haram Hotel Abi Zar Road Tel: +966-14-8182300 Al-Karam Hotel King Abdulaziz St. Tel: +966-14-8155500 Al-Madinah Crom Markazeyah Al-Gharbiyah Tel: +966-14-8192020 Andalus Classy Hotel King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8290000 Andalus Dar Al-Khair Hotel Few steps away from Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8181114 Anwar Al-Madinah Movenpick The Courtyard of Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8181000

Green Palace Hotel Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8269040 Hilton Madinah King Fahad Road Few steps away from Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8201000

Le Meridien Makkah Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5751111

Le Meridien Madinah Khalid Bin El-Waleed St. Tel: +966-14-8460777

Le Meridien Towers Hotel Rawabi Ajyad Road Tel: +966-12-5399999

Marriott Madinah Omer Ibn Al-Khatab St. Tel: +966-14-8180000 Movenpick In front of Al-Safeya Bridge, Opposite Al-Haram Tel: +966-14-8188888 Ramada Al-Hamra Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8208084 Ramada Al-Qibla Islamic Court St. Tel: +966-14-8160008 The Madinah Oberoi Abi Zar St. Tel: +966-14-8282222

MAKKAH Ajyad Makkah Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5720500 Al-Jaad Crom Hotel Naqa Al-Sulaimaneyah St. Tel: +966-12-5705555

Dallah Taibah Hotel King Fahad St., crossing Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8290180

Al-Shohada Hotel Ajyad St. Tel: +966-12-5744401

Dar Al-Iman InterContinental Off Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8206666 Dar Al-Taqwa InterContinental Off Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8291111 Durrat Andalus Hotel King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8291114

96 DESTINATION RIYADH

InterContinental Dar Al-Tawhid Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5411111

Hotel Elaf Taibah Saad Bin Maaz St. Tel: +966-14-8180050

Barakat Andalus Al-Siteen St. Tel: +966-14-8208884

Dar Al-Hijra InterContinental King Fahad St. Tel: +966-14-8207777

Hilton Makkah & Towers Hijrah St. Tel: +966-12-5340000

Dar Al-Manasek Hotel Ibrahim Al-Khalil St. Tel: +966-12-5394444 Elaf Ajyad Hotel Al-Masafi St. Tel: +966-12-5722200 Elaf Al-Sud Hotel Ajayad Al-Sud St. Tel: +966-12-5708586 Elaf Kindah Hotel Al-Messyaal St. Tel: +966-12-5745555

Makkah Clock Royal Tower King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5717777 Manazel Al-Ain Mesrcure Al-Azizia St. Tel: +966-12-5578000 Mercure Grand Um Al-Qura Al-Jamaiza St. Tel: +966-12-5702212 Mercure Hibatullah Hotel Um Al-Qura St. Tel: +966-12-5498855 Raffles Makkah Palace King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5717888 Swissotel Makkah King Abdulaziz Endowment Tel: +966-12-5718000 Zam Zam Grand Suites Adjiad St. Tel: +966-12-5715555

Hajj & Umrah Visa: www.hajinformation.com

Useful websites:

1- www.biblioislam.net 2- www.tvquran.com 3- www.rasoulallah.net 4- www.islamonline.com 5- www.quranexplorer.com 6- www.islam-guide.com 7- www.islamweb.net 8- www.islamicity.com 9- www.theholyquran.org 10- www.al-mawrid.org