Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi
Jou Pabalate
Jou Pabalate

Jou is a curious Riyadhi who loves binging on movies, shows, miles, books and -isms. You make her day by letting her finish her coffee in the morning, while she unapologetically listens to pop music. She loves talking to strangers, getting lost on foot, and everything that makes her fat.

Art

In the Fold of the Future

A conversation on contemporary art and culture, criticality, and the year 2040 with Saudi curator Sara AlMutlaq

By Jou Pabalate
In the Fold of the Future
Business Talks

The Future is Now: Bots, AIs, and an Automated Saudi

A conversation with QSS AI & Robotics tech visionary, Elie Metri

By Jou Pabalate
The Future is Now: Bots, AIs, and an Automated Saudi
Arts & Music

The Birth of MDL Beast

mdl beast owner, An origin story. It’s been a couple of weeks post-MDL Beast, but its effect throughout the city of Riyadh and the Kingdom continues to reverberate. MDL Beast ushered in changes that propelled us to new dimensions—shifting lives, perceptions, and popular culture in one unforgettable weekend. As the dust settles in Banban, we […]

By Jou Pabalate
The Birth of MDL Beast
Dining

Enjoy the the globe high tea

Nestled atop Riyadh’s iconic AlFaisaliah Tower, the Globe provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city. Pair that with their High Tea and you have yourself a truly elevated weekend experience. The moment the elevator opens to the main restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Likewise, the atmosphere within […]

By Jou Pabalate
Enjoy the the globe high tea
Dining

Riyadh’s Favorite Sports Cafes

By Jou Pabalate We’ve put together a recommended list of sports cafes for guys to go watch the games and do their battle cries in peace. 1. Address Café King Abdulaziz Rd. This is the sports café for fans who want a laid back and relaxed ambience away from the usual upbeat ambience. It’s quite […]

By Jou Pabalate
Riyadh’s Favorite Sports Cafes
Healthy Living

The Best Spas In Riyadh

By Jou Pabalate I’m sharing my spa adventures with all of you, men (yes, I recognize you’re stressed too) and women in dire need of some pampering. Hot Stone Spa (Women Only) Takhassussi St. Reservations: 920009698 A personal favorite, Hot Stone is one of the first spas in Riyadh that that didn’t look like a […]

By Jou Pabalate
The Best Spas In Riyadh
Explore

10 Endemic Flowers Of Saudi Arabia

The vast Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that resembles a quadrilateral covers two-thirds of the Arabian Peninsula. While majority of the country is a desert, surprisingly there is a large amount of plant diversities that exists within it. Most of the plant life is concentrated in Asir, Al Baha, Jazan, Hejaz and the northern regions. But […]

By Jou Pabalate
10 Endemic Flowers Of Saudi Arabia
Explore Your City

Discover the Hidden Walk Trail at the Diplomatic Quarter

Tucked within the confines of the diplomatic quarters riyadh is a walking trail that is perfect for hiking newbies (like us) and advance trail blazers who want a change of running scenery. Walk Trail at the Diplomatic Quarter There are different starting points to begin your morning adventure and in our case, we started with […]

By Jou Pabalate
Discover the Hidden Walk Trail at the Diplomatic Quarter
Art

Life (Styled)

Local Design finds, Culture, and Curated Living. This year is predicted to be all about lifestyle changes. There’s a call for nostalgia with a blend of futurama, a newfound appreciation for the quirky, the curvy, unapologetic and cheeky. And now more than ever, a turn to nature is in order. Our eyes are set on […]

By Jou Pabalate
Life (Styled)
Dining

Roka: A Well-Balanced Act and Gastronomic Delight

When it was announced that the London famed Roka was creating its largest outpost in Riyadh, people were abuzz. The restaurant easily became one of the most popular restaurants in Dubai a year ago, and the anticipation of its arrival in Saudi Arabia was palpable. So the moment we set foot on its industrial-chic address […]

By Jou Pabalate
Roka: A Well-Balanced Act and Gastronomic Delight
Art

Awesome Twosome: Oasis Magazine & Saudi Design Week

Find out how these family units rock the business world A strong family relationship provides a building block for a home. Imagine what that can do in a business? Relation: Sisters Names: Basma & Noura Bouzo Business: Oasis Magazine & Saudi Design Week In 2007, the sisters’ mother Munira Al Ajlani came up with the […]

By Jou Pabalate
Awesome Twosome: Oasis Magazine & Saudi Design Week
Events & Happenings

Diriyah Riyadh’s Cultural and Entertainment Oasis

Land of kings, heroes and modern-day champions. Nestled in the northwestern part of Riyadh, Diriyah has stood as a testament to the Kingdom’s rich history and independence. Its significance lies in being the first capital and settlement of the Saudi State. Its place in history, which is also manifested in the mud brick architecture and […]

By Jou Pabalate
Diriyah Riyadh’s Cultural and Entertainment Oasis
Arts & Music

Saudi DXN, FTW

These local designers and brands are turning the world into a Pinterest board, while shifting Saudi’s aesthetic and functional consciousness. As creatives descended in Riyadh for Saudi Design Week, we saw breakthrough talents and design practitioners rise to the occasion with showcases that marry contemporary design with a unique play on local identity. The SIKKA […]

By Jou Pabalate
Saudi DXN, FTW
Arts & Music

Sorry, You do What Again?

These local designers and brands are turning the world into a Pinterest board, while shifting Saudi’s aesthetic and functional consciousness. As creatives descended in Riyadh for Saudi Design Week, we saw breakthrough talents and design practitioners rise to the occasion with showcases that marry contemporary design with a unique play on local identity. The SIKKA […]

By Jou Pabalate
Sorry, You do What Again?
Dining

Have A Lux Ramadan Night

At Crowne Plaza Riyadh, the RDC Hotel and Convention Center gets inspired by traditional Arabic hospitality. The luxurious Ramadan decoration set up in the Mosaique restaurant is specially designed to treat you and your loved ones to a culinary voyage of discovery across the region; with live cooking stations, authentic dishes, and traditional flavours emblematic […]

By Jou Pabalate
Have A Lux Ramadan Night
Dining

Enjoy Ramadan at The New Marriott Riyadh Hotel

Your monthly guide to eating and feasting around Saudi Arabia. Enjoy a Wadi Haneefa-inspired ambiance at Goji Restaurant. We recommend their Konafa and their organic ice cream! For groups, Alwadi Ballroom can cater to 200 plus customers. You can also dine privately around the outdoor pool. Location: Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Abdullah Al-Sahmi […]

By Jou Pabalate
Enjoy Ramadan at The New Marriott Riyadh Hotel
Offbeat

In Conversation with Ryan Gliha: US Consul General, Jeddah

Ryan Gliha is no stranger to Saudi Arabia; he started his diplomatic career on the very shores of Jeddah. Upon his return last September 2018, he assumed the role of Consul General (CG). We sat down with him to better understand the part of consulates, deepening the bilateral relations between the US and KSA, cultural […]

By Jou Pabalate
In Conversation with Ryan Gliha: US Consul General, Jeddah
Offbeat

A Brave New Saudi: Reema Al Juffali

Imagine lights flashing, with a thousand motions happening at once, the sound of revving engines and screeching tires, the smell of burnt rubber filling the air. In the middle of it all is where you’ll find Reema Al Juffali. Saudi woman. Professional race car driver. What is it about motorsports that got you interested to […]

By Jou Pabalate
A Brave New Saudi: Reema Al Juffali
Fitness

Majeed Abdullah, 31

Dominance in sport goes beyond the physical; consistent, dedicated training requires mental discipline. Sport: Ultramarathon, Triathlon, Trail Running No. of years in sport: 5 Stats: Ultramarathon (140km run, 8,000km elevation) Full-Distance Ironman Tough Mudder 8 Marathons 6 Half-marathons 5 Olympic Distance Triathlon Races 2 Half Ironman Challenges Training time: Swimming: 156km/year, 5-8 hours/month Cycling: 3,013km/year, […]

By Jou Pabalate
Majeed Abdullah, 31
Fitness

Nada Aboalnaja, 33

Dominance in sport goes beyond the physical; consistent, dedicated training requires mental discipline. Sport: Squash No. of years in sport: 10 Stats: First Saudi Open Squash Tournament Champion 2019, Saudi Masters 2017 Champion and Wild Card at the first PSA Women’s Tournament in Riyadh Training time: 48 hours/ week, 5K runs before competitions, 6 hours […]

By Jou Pabalate
Nada Aboalnaja, 33
Fitness

Saja Kamal: Sports Advocate

Saja started playing football at the age of 4, and now she is the first Saudi female commentator. An influence to the next Saudi generation. London born, Saudi Arabian women sports advocate Saja Kamel didn’t know that she would become a voice for women’s participation in the social sphere when she first started playing football […]

By Jou Pabalate
Saja Kamal: Sports Advocate
Offbeat

Saudi Hospitality

An Illustrated Guide. Nothing showcases generosity and indulgence quite like Saudi hospitality. Some attribute it to our bedouin culture, we’re known to pamper our guests to the fullest and are big on customs that make anyone feel welcome. Azeema 101 Here are some of the things you can expect when visiting a Saudi Home. Turkish […]

By Jou Pabalate
Saudi Hospitality
Online Magazine

La Belle Vie Butter And The Good Life

Destination makes its way through the Brittany countryside and onto the cobblestones of Paris to discover the rich history, and culinary tradition of French butter. Our journey begins in Nantes, a picturesque city in the west of France. It marries its long history with innovation. From reimagined spaces to culinary traditions finding modern renditions; Nantes […]

By Jou Pabalate
La Belle Vie Butter And The Good Life
Online Magazine

5 Luxury Experiences in Rome And Florence:

Have a glimpse of authentic Italian fashion, culture, and artisanship in these two cities. Awaken your scent-sibilities Learn the art of perfumery with Aqua Flor, the experts; and create your own fragrance. Appreciate the works of italian masters Visit the Uffizi Museum, Academy of Florence Art Gallery, to name a few. Artchitecture at its finest […]

By Jou Pabalate
5 Luxury Experiences in Rome And Florence:
Healthy Living

Landmark Arabia Launches ‘Super Kidz’ Initiative in Saudi Arabia

Nationwide online creative contest aims to promote healthy lifestyle amongst children in light of the diabetes awareness month. Riyadh-KSA: November, 2018 –  Landmark Arabia, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, has launched a nationwide initiative in Saudi Arabia titled ‘Super Kidz’. The initiative aims at encouraging kids to eat healthy and adopt an active […]

By Jou Pabalate
Landmark Arabia Launches ‘Super Kidz’ Initiative in Saudi Arabia
Business

Chef Nour Al Zaben

Conceptual Dining. Chef Nour’s 2019 Food Trend Predictions: Vegan pop ups and speciality restaurants that focus on one thing, often artisanal, and doing it exceptionally well. Jeddah born Nour Al Zaben discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. At 14, she moved away to boarding school, where meals lacked a touch of warmth […]

By Jou Pabalate
Chef Nour Al Zaben
Offbeat

A Brave New Saudi: Ahmed Al Omran

Writing on the Margins. While boys his age were playing on the streets of Hofuf, Ahmed Al Omran would be reading the Asharq Alawsat, a pan-Arabdaily newspaper— his youthful mind already enthused by politics and current affairs. His love for reading quickly diversified into a passion for writing. The latter caught the attention of a […]

By Jou Pabalate
A Brave New Saudi: Ahmed Al Omran
Local Designers

A Brave New Saudi: Arwa Banawi

Bedouwins and Silhouettes. Ever since she debuted the Suitable Woman collection in 2015, we, and everyone else it seems, have not been able to take our eyes off Saudi fashion designer, Arwa Banawi. Her creations have graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and came to life on the runways of Dubai, Paris, and of […]

By Jou Pabalate
A Brave New Saudi: Arwa Banawi
Dining

A Brave New Saudi: Rakan Al ORAIFI

Fervour and Flavors. “Sometimes, your passion is ignited when you get thrown into the fire, that’s how I discovered mine —I opened a restaurant straight out of college, and one day, I found myself without a cook, and all I could do was put on an apron and brave the heat of the kitchen.” From […]

By Jou Pabalate
A Brave New Saudi: Rakan Al ORAIFI
Art

A Brave New Saudi: Khalid Zahid

Aesthetic Resonance. From Sheikhs on carousels capturing the simplicity of faith, car-door winged dolls sparking hope, to a beating dome installation that rendered him the meta pied-piper of Jeddah, Khaled Zahid is a Saudi contemporary artist who knows how to merge concepts and the familiar together, leaving viewers amused and provoked at the same time. […]

By Jou Pabalate
A Brave New Saudi: Khalid Zahid
Artist & Musicians

Nugamshi

Sweeping Contradictions. A man flitted and flounced over a canvas laid on the floor. His movements are impetuous; tempered with swift deliberate strokes. It was marked with purposeful pauses to reload his weapon of choice, a broom, no less drenched in paint as much his thobe.  He gives the impression of an artist lost in […]

By Jou Pabalate
Nugamshi
Fashion Trends

TOUS Jewelry opens at Riyadh Park Mall

TOUS Jewelry opens 22nd of September KSA store at Riyadh Park Mall. Global CEO for TOUS Spain Jose Maria Folache has opened the 22nd TOUS KSA store in Riyadh Park Mall, one of the largest and latest shopping malls in Riyadh. The new opening comes in line with the TOUS strategy to consolidate and strengthen […]

By Jou Pabalate
TOUS Jewelry opens at Riyadh Park Mall
Food News

Hits and Misses: Riyadh’s Latest Food Trends

The making of legends, fads, and flavors our palates wish to forget.  Instagram-ready Unicorns Contoured waffles, doughnuts posing on top of shakes, glittered dessert-scapes, and yes, unicorn inspired drinks—Riyadh rode the instragram foofie (food selfie) trend like no one’s business. Don’t get us wrong, we like pretty food, for as long as it doesn’t compromise […]

By Jou Pabalate
Hits and Misses: Riyadh’s Latest Food Trends
Activities

Take A Hike!

Your Winter just got cooler. A roundup of hiking clubs and touring services to get you exploring like a true Riyadhi. It’s the winter season, and those who love the sun can finally play under it without any apprehension. This is the season for all the outdoor adventures that a Riyadhi can dream of, and […]

By Jou Pabalate
Take A Hike!
Healthy Living

Abayas for the Active You

By Safa Hassan and Duha Al Hosainy Don’t let them get in the way of your activities! Your typical abayas can be quite a hassle when you’re trying to get a movin’, let alone working out or getting active. We’re firm believers though that you shouldn’t let it get in the way of staying healthy […]

By Jou Pabalate
Abayas for the Active You
Fitness

Saudi Superhumans – Saudi Para-Athletes Heroes

These para-athletes are just a few of the heroes bringing pride to our nation. Nour Al Sana Long-Distance Runner “Every one of us has an inner talent that can be awakened by practice.” With years of training, young athlete and engineer Nour Al Sana has become the Paralympics champion of the Kingdom for long-distance running. […]

By Jou Pabalate
Saudi Superhumans – Saudi Para-Athletes Heroes
Fitness

We All Can Be Champions – The Saudi Paralympics

The Saudi Paralympic Vision. Part of the Kingdom’s 2030 vision is to create a society where citizens are able to live healthy and be healthy. We imagine a future where everyone is able to participate in sports and activities, their well-being not an afterthought but a priority. We see a future that is inclusive, where […]

By Jou Pabalate
We All Can Be Champions – The Saudi Paralympics
Game Review

Chillaxing Games

By Al Bandary Khaled Al Johar These games will put you in the right chill frame of mind. With great power comes great responsibility; with great responsibility comes great stress. If you keep letting all that stress build up, your head may pop like popcorn kernels, and I’m sure you don’t want that do you? […]

By Jou Pabalate
Chillaxing Games
Hair & Makeup

Beyond Basics: Shaving, Micro Braids and Colors

By Yara Alhazmi A shift from the mainstream. This summer, the heat should be the least of your worries as hairstylists have come up with extremely cool hair trends: shaving, micro braids and fascinating hair colors. These hairstyles have taken over. Shaving Shaving is not just a hairstyle, it’s a statement. A lady’s beauty is […]

By Jou Pabalate
Beyond Basics: Shaving, Micro Braids and Colors
Healthy Living

SWEET, ENOUGH

By Khadija Kareem Get off your sugar high and start living right. Sugar is addictive, which is why getting it out of your system requires conscious effort. Once you stay constant though, your body will automatically develop a new habit and it will get easier for you to have a healthier lifestyle. Ease yourself off […]

By Jou Pabalate
SWEET, ENOUGH
Game Review

Over-aged and Under-gamed

By Yara Jan Young or old, you’ll still buy these games. Most of the board games and card games are usually thought of as “lame”, but you need to realize that the games industry is changing and emerging big time. If you’re not sure where to start and what games you should get, here are […]

By Jou Pabalate
Over-aged and Under-gamed
Online Magazine

Crème de la Crème

Destination goes on indulgent odyssey in Singapore to discover the wonders of European cream. Every pastry chef is different. Each one has a unique style of his or her own—ideas, techniques, and whatnot are as varied as they come. However, when it comes to using the ingredients, there is a consensus. Culinary masters agree that […]

By Jou Pabalate
Crème de la Crème
Dining

Awesome Eats Under 10

Riyadh can be one fancy schmancy dining scene— but what we love about it is that it can go on the exact opposite direction! We are a city that can serve up some good hearty meals and snacking options on the cheap.  Next time you’re on a budget, here’s some awesome eats for ten Riyals […]

By Jou Pabalate
Awesome Eats Under 10
Community

THE FIX

By Mohammed Shamsi Saudi app Morni is your summer road savior. “I got a flat tire.” That’s how Salman Al Suhaibaney, founder and CEO of Morni, described his eureka moment, in August 2013, when he first thought of his now thriving app. “I couldn’t fix the tire myself, so I drove to the closest gas station looking […]

By Jou Pabalate
THE FIX
Artist & Musicians

Artistry Connect: A Platform for Artists and Art Lovers

Young duo creates digital art platform. Who are the folks behind Artistry Connect? Omar Abdulrahman Al Mutlaq, an accountant who recently graduated in May from Prince Sultan University. Maram Khalid Al Nemer, an emerging artist, a senior student at Prince Sultan University studying Interior Design, College of Engineering. What’s the inspiration behind this project? What […]

By Jou Pabalate
Artistry Connect: A Platform for Artists and Art Lovers
Online Magazine

Summer Bucket List

By Naseema Shafi, Jou Pabalate, and Safa Hassan Summer Bummer? Not when you’ve got this guide for thriving and adventuring this long, extra long, vacay. Literally Chill Snow in Riyadh and in summer at that? Yes, you read it right. Snow City, which opened last year is an experience to be had. Whether you want […]

By Jou Pabalate
Summer Bucket List
Offbeat

The Ramadan Newbie Guide for Expats

By Safa Hassan Experience the uniqueness of celebrating the holy month  in Saudi. Expats and newcomers in Riyadh, you’ll experience a whole different way of living during the pious month of Ramadan. Here’s your much awaited Ramadan guide – the do’s, the don’ts and everything in between. Traffic is the worst 30-60 minutes before sunset […]

By Jou Pabalate
The Ramadan Newbie Guide for Expats
Art

Artist Corner: Abdullah Al Yahya (Aiden Corte)

By Reema Al Humaid Meet this month’s emerging artist! Name: Abdullah Al Yahya (Aiden Corte) Age: 18 Occupation: Filmmaker At 18 years old, this filmmaker is changing Riyadh’s visual landscape by challenging the norm and recreating how we view art in the city. Who are you and what do you do? My name is Abdullah […]

By Jou Pabalate
Artist Corner: Abdullah Al Yahya (Aiden Corte)
Community

Echoes Of A Community: Al Ghatt

A beacon of local tourism. Nestled 240 kilometers northwest of Riyadh and hidden behind the Qassim highway is the small town of Al Ghatt. If you’re wondering how to find this, keep an eye out for a gigantic tea and Arabic coffee pots at the exit. If you sight those, take the exit and drive […]

By Jou Pabalate
Echoes Of A Community: Al Ghatt
Online Magazine

Unlikely Weekend Getaways

By Andrew Eddmenson In the past year, I visited nearly a dozen countries! Weekend excursions allow you to preserve those vacation days and still feel as though you’ve experienced the best of what each country has to offer. Let me share with you my top weekend destinations from Riyadh and how to make the most […]

By Jou Pabalate
Unlikely Weekend Getaways