Daily Life in Jeddah AlBalad
Work AlMisahhar Wakes people up for Suhoor/late-night meal in Ramadan AlFarran The baker AlFawwal Sells the dish foul AlLaban Delivers milk AlSayyad The fisherman AlBalila Sells the Balila dish AlKhaddar Sells vegetables Hagg Ilkibda Sells chicken liver Saby AlGahwa Serves coffee and tea Alsagga Delivers water AlSagga bilKaro Delivers water …
Continue ReadingPlaces in Jeddah AlBalad
Mosques Al-Shafi Mosque Al- Shafi Mosque in the Historical area of Jeddah. Named after Imam Mohammad bin Edriss Al Shafi, one of the famous four Suni jurisprudence scholars. It was built where second rightly-guided Caliph, Omar bin Al-Khatab prayed in Jeddah as a main Muslim port. The Minaret is a …
Continue ReadingAlBalad Souvenir: A magical window onto the Historical Area of Jeddah
This gem is about two things that I value deeply and which bring a lot of joy and hope to my heart. One is the magic that happens when someone dreams of something beautiful and makes that dream come true by the grace of God. The second is the kindness …
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RPS Studio: the art of making games that connect us and nurture our imagination
Rock Paper Scissors (RPS) is a games company co-founded by Rola and Rafah. Since I first discovered their charades game in Virgin Megastore, Dubai, it has been one delightful encounter after another. Virgin has always been the “it” store to see interesting concepts from around the world come to life …
Continue ReadingKees Chic: A journey of one conscience stepping up and making a difference
Diana Rayyan the founder of the project “Kees Chic”, was trained as a pharmacist and her first job had her attending every event related to ‘Green Environment’ in Jeddah. One day, a speaker held up a plastic bag and spoke of the enormous harm a single piece of plastic can …
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Manya Jewelry: A unique approach to art and creativity
I saw that my friend Manya had an incredible gift with jewelry making from the moment I set eyes on her work with its signature flair and variety of textures. Immediately, I recognized that I had found a gem. So, I set up the interview with gracious Manya, and what …
Continue ReadingDish Dash: A journey of Love, Excellence and Service through Middle Eastern Cuisine
This gem is beautifully layered in a way that honors age-old values and relationships and is therefore so inspiring and close to my heart! It’s about the hero’s journey of answering one’s own calling, even if it is very different from the norm. It’s about a work ethic that involves …
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The Painters of the Orient: An Exhibit at the Marmottan-Monet Museum
This gem is an interesting one as it comes within the folds of a not so positive legacy. Let me explain how I feel, as I am no expert of orientalist works of art. I am happy on some level as I know it is of my world and some …
Continue ReadingChris Gazaleh: Art with a message for social justice
This gem came actually came through another one, as it was Nabila Mango who took me to the fundraiser where Chris Gazaleh was a guest speaker. Nabila is the founder of Aswat ensembles and a pillar in her community for doing good. I was sold from the moment I saw …
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The Decorated Word/ Writing and Picturing in Islamic Calligraphy – An Exhibit at The Met, NYC
I have had a love for calligraphy since I was in school. And, I am so grateful that we had a subject in school to teach us this gorgeous art form, as simple as our classes were. The lessons also inspired me to teach myself to write English cursive beautifully. …
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