Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi
Sohila El Saadany
Sohila El Saadany

I am originally Egyptian (Alexandria), but have lived in Jeddah mostly all my life. Two things I am totally crazy about are reading and catching up on all the Hollywood news. One of my favorite novels and movie adaptations is The Great Gatsby; I love that 20’s era! I also really like The Simpsons, I mean come one Homer is just so funny! I would definitely call myself a travel buff, because what can be greater than being exposed to different cultures and having loads of fun while doing so.

Arts & Music

Destination Meets Barakah

Director Mahmoud Sabbagh, actor Hisham Fageeh and actress Fatima Al Banawi tell us about “Barakah Yoqabil Barakah.” “Barakah Yoqabil Barakah,” (or Barakah Meets Barakah, in English), takes place in Jeddah and revolves around Barakah and Bibi falling for each other and wanting to publicly meet in a rather conservative society. The film stems from the […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Destination Meets Barakah
Things To Do

Family Night Activities to do in Jeddah

Here are some activities and their providers for more enjoyment at family gatherings. Fun Night Launched in 2013 by Abdulelah Alzughaibi, Fun Night provides a full cinema set up, both indoors and outdoors as in houses, cabins, back yards or rooftops. It also supplies karaoke gear, board games and even snacks. Snapchat: fun.9 Instagram: fun.night […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Family Night Activities to do in Jeddah
Activities

Domino Divers at it Again

They took their diving skills to the North Pole this time. The Domino diving team, Hussam Shukri and Mariam Fardous, has successfully etched their name in history as being the first Saudis to dive at the North Pole. Their trip across the Russian, Finnish and Norwegian borders to the highest point at the North Pole took […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Domino Divers at it Again
Movie Review

Now You See Me 2: What We Thought (No spoilers, promise)

This time we put on our magician’s hat and watch the sequel to 2013’s blockbuster Now You See Me. The movie has everything you would expect, sleight of hand, grand cinematic gestures that double as magic tricks, witty Ping-Pong dialogues and of course lots of unrealistic stuff. Trailer: Cast Jesse Eisenberg Mark Ruffalo Woody Harrelson Dave […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Now You See Me 2: What We Thought (No spoilers, promise)
Travel Stories

Madame Tussauds

Even today the world remains in awe of Madame Tussauds waxworks. The only one to have ever done justice to the sheer beauty of mankind is Madame Tussauds and her authentic statues that have been a delight to everyone’s eye. Baker Street is not only the home of Sherlock Holmes; but back in the 1830s […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Madame Tussauds
Movie Review

Fright Night Stay-in: The Conjuring 2

For all you horror movie buffs out there, The Conjuring 2 is made for you. There has been a lot of buzz around it, not only because it is a sequel of a successful first movie, but also because of its scary antics. Oh, one more thing, it’s based on a true story. We took […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Fright Night Stay-in: The Conjuring 2
Dining

The Scrumptious Factor

Jeddah’s food reviewers spill the beans on what makes their mouth water. AHMED DARWISH (Founder) I work full time in a Saudi digital and social media marketing agency in Jeddah, I’m also a professional photographer with an eye for food photography and styling. My passion for cooking arose while studying in Manchester and continued ever […]

By Sohila El Saadany
The Scrumptious Factor
Dining

Break-Fest Top Picks in Jeddah

We went on a breakfast food venture around town to recommend the best dishes. KALILA Fatet Hummus Why We Love It: Kalila excels at anything with hummus. Nutella and Strawberry Pancakes Why We Love It: Just in case you want to have dessert for breakfast. Instagram: kalila_cafe Location: The Courtyard City, Rawdah St., Khalidia Dist. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Break-Fest Top Picks in Jeddah
Arts & Music

A Rising Star Behind the Camera

Jumanah Shaheen, cinema production’s breakout star, gives us the deets. The up and coming movie producer is blazing a trail in the world of film; already adding to her name the Oscar-nominated movie, Theeb as a visual effects production manager. Ever since childhood, Shaheen had her mind set on working in film, mainly due to […]

By Sohila El Saadany
A Rising Star Behind the Camera
Art

Hanan Kamal: Highlighting the Beauty of Graffiti

Pink In and her graffiti talent. Hanan Kamal has followed her passion to even the top of buildings. She is a multi-talented person who uses graffiti as her medium for expression. She describes herself as “a dreamer” with “a different and epic imagination.” On her beginnings, Kamal says, “I started drawing at nine years old… […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Hanan Kamal: Highlighting the Beauty of Graffiti
Fashion Trends

Home Festivities

Glam up your home for Eid with these accessories and furniture picks. Distretto Serie Up 2000 Couch Instagram: distrettodesignofficial Location: Prince Sultan St. Home Center Calvin Table Lamp, Chestnut Table Lamp Web: homecentrestores.com Hanadi Karkashan Unique Table Web: karkashandesign.com Ikea Stockholm Bowl Instagram: ikeasaudiarabia Location: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St., Aziziyah Dist. Sinwan House Trays […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Home Festivities
Dining

When Destination is in the Mood for Bafarat

This time we decided to skip the typical breakfast that consists of eggs and foul and what not and have a serene breakfast with coffee and good music. This is why we headed to Bafarat. The place gives off a really chill vibe with cool music and good service. An assortment of organic tea is […]

By Sohila El Saadany
When Destination is in the Mood for Bafarat
Dining

Destination Jeddah Goes to Al Ayoubi for a Hearty Breakfast

We took off on an early ride to Obhur so we can visit Al Ayoubi for a Hejazi breakfast; also we really wanted to drive by the corniche there. Al Ayoubi did not disappoint at all. The ambience is perfect with the traditional décor that encompassed woven tamees holders, tiny miniatures of Hejazi vendors, custom […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Destination Jeddah Goes to Al Ayoubi for a Hearty Breakfast
Dining

Iftar and Suhoor Deals This Ramadan 2016

Iftar, suhoor, buffets or set menus, we have it all for you. Habsburg Restaurant Iftar Buffet SR 310 Suhoor SR 260 Instagram: rwjeddah Location: Rosewood Corniche, Corniche Rd., North Sari St. Noodles Restaurant Iftar Buffet SR 295 Suhoor SR 260 Instragam: rwjeddah Location: Rosewood Corniche, Corniche Rd., North Sari St. Ghanooj Iftar Buffet SR 175 […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Iftar and Suhoor Deals This Ramadan 2016
Dining

6 Reasons Crowne Plaza Breakfast is Worth Waking Up Early For

On Saturday, we woke up early and headed to Al Zahra Restaurant at Crowne Plaza for its breakfast buffet. The buffet is from 9-11 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for SR 155. We recount the reasons we loved going there even though we had to rise and shine real early on our weekend. There were […]

By Sohila El Saadany
6 Reasons Crowne Plaza Breakfast is Worth Waking Up Early For
Dining

Top 5 Things To Have For Breakfast at Cookshop

Hello break-fest musketeers, or breakfesteers? No? This time we take you to Cookshop, one of the best Turkish restaurants here in J-Town. The décor gives off a very lively vibe with red and white being the most dominant colors. We went in the morning, so sunlight shone bright on everything. The restaurant is very spacious […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Top 5 Things To Have For Breakfast at Cookshop
Dining

Destination Jeddah’s Brilliant Bagel Bar Breakfast

Bagel is the New Bread/ Breaking Bagel/ The Bagel Diaries On a one fine morning, we embarked on our Break-Fest, this time heading to Bagel Bar Coffee House. (All while thinking of those bagel show puns) We present you with a list of everything we tried over there and encourage you to go for on […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Destination Jeddah’s Brilliant Bagel Bar Breakfast
Dining

Paul’s Break-fest: A Little Slice of France in J-Town

The DJ team is still on their break-fest. This time we visited Paul for a full on French breakfast. So read on, to find out what to order next time you head there and maybe pick up a little French yourself.. notre ami. The Place or le lieu: The place is mesmerizing. You have the […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Paul’s Break-fest: A Little Slice of France in J-Town
Dining

Breakfast at Shobak is Something Every Jeddawi Must Do

We visited Shobak as part of our break-fest. We also narrowed down the top reasons why we love having breakfast there and think you should go ahead and try it too. Note: we went to the restaurant itself at Tahlia not the mall stands. Smell of fresh bakery: Even before you step in, the aroma […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Breakfast at Shobak is Something Every Jeddawi Must Do
Movie Review

The Saudi Animation Movie Bilal At Cannes festival

There is no surprise Cannes festival has a paramount stature in the movie world. Everyone dreams of having their movie screened there and for the Saudi animation movie Bilal, this has indeed come true. The movie will show on Cannes’ “Animation Day,” which is on May 18. The festival itself starts May 11 till 22. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
The Saudi Animation Movie Bilal At Cannes festival
Explore

Become an Explorer with Jeddah Jeepers

By Sohila El Saadany and Tarik Al Abdullah Check out their tour of Madain Saleh, Shaabaan Beach and more. About Jeddah Jeepers: The team was founded in 2011 and has worked hard on exploring tourist sights around the Kingdom by Captain Sulaiman Al Butehy and Captain Qutaibah Mufti; it has expanded to include 22 members. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Become an Explorer with Jeddah Jeepers
Artist & Musicians

Taking Music to a Whole New Level

Rapper and songwriter, Moh Flow, and music producer MindCircus discuss their new original music. Music lovers, rejoice! Harmony Brothers and Sounddive are working on making new music together. Moh Flow (Molham) and A.Y. (Ayham) from Harmony Brothers along side MindCircus (Mohannad) from Sounddive are releasing a new album very soon. Moh Flow and Mind Circus […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Taking Music to a Whole New Level
Activities

Celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s (II) Birthday in the British Consulate of Jeddah

The DJ team was honored to have been invited to the Queen of England’s 90th birthday party at the British Consulate of Jeddah. The remarkable event reflected the festivities and the cheerfulness of the occasion especially with bagpipe tunes echoing across the entire place.The consulate’s yard harbored English made cars like the Jaguar and the […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s (II) Birthday in the British Consulate of Jeddah
Dining

Top Dishes to Order at Kalila for When You Really Want Breakfast All Day Long

Destination Jeddah team is touring different breakfast spots around Jeddah to map out all the routes you can take to have the most important meal of the day. First on our list is Kalila Top 5 Things we loved about Kalila: All day breakfast!!! Around the clock deliciousness! Freshly baked bread. The dough slowly rising […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Top Dishes to Order at Kalila for When You Really Want Breakfast All Day Long
Fashion Trends

Turban Styles for Your Spring & Summer Adventures

Whether it’s spring or summer you will want to travel, dress up and have fun. Turbans are perfect accessories that compliment your travel outfits, just in case you want to put a twist on the traditional hijab. Here are the top turban colors and styles for you to kick off your summer from a fellow hijabi […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Turban Styles for Your Spring & Summer Adventures
Events & Happenings

Jeddah Knowledge School Annual Mark it Day

Mark-it Day is an annual large outdoor benefit fair that takes place at Jeddah Knowledge International School in Jeddah yearly. It is the largest student run event in Jeddah and is undertaken by grade 11 students. The purpose behind the event is to raise money for charity. The latest event was held on March 25. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Jeddah Knowledge School Annual Mark it Day
Movie Review

Batman Vs Superman Dawn of Justice: Was it Worth the Hype?

We present you with everything you need to know about the DC movie, along with a commentary on what we thought of it upon watching it. Check out the trailer right here: Cast: Ben Affleck as Batman/ Bruce Wayne Henry Cavill as Superman/ Clark Kent Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor Amy Adams as Louis Lane […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Batman Vs Superman Dawn of Justice: Was it Worth the Hype?
From the Magazine

Words of Wisdom from a Breast Cancer Survivor

Jehan Ashmawi on surviving cancer and her vow to help others. By Sohila El Saadany Jehan Ashmawi; a member of the Zahra Foundation, presenter of Enta Bekheir (You Are Well) show on YouTube, holder of MA in hospital administration, life coach, mother of two and a breast cancer survivor. Her diagnosis revealed her true character […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Words of Wisdom from a Breast Cancer Survivor
Movie Review

Everything You Need to Know Before You Watch The Movie “Theeb”

Everything You Need to Know Before You Watch The Movie “Theeb” For all you movie buffs, we advise you to place Theeb way up on your to-watch list. The intricate drama is one of brotherhood, maturity, and bravery. Read up to learn everything you need to know about it. The Movie Theeb is a 2014 […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Everything You Need to Know Before You Watch The Movie “Theeb”
Literature & Books

Top 5 Reasons Why You Need to Read “The Girl On the Train” by Paula Hawkins

Quick recap (spoiler free): So Rachel takes the train to work everyday and always sees this golden couple across the train railways out of the window. She believes they lead the perfect life, the one she wants for herself. However, one day she sees something that shatters her notion of them and well… a can […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Top 5 Reasons Why You Need to Read “The Girl On the Train” by Paula Hawkins
Shop In Jeddah

Surprise Your Mother This Mother’s Day With These Awesome Gift Ideas!

We help you figure out what to get the most precious woman in your life. Shade and Shadow Home decor for a cozy place. Price: SR 200 Instagram: shade_and_shadow Location: Tahlia Center, First Floor Inch of Gold Provides the gold plated chain and customizes it to your preference. Price depends on the length. Instagram: iog.ksa […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Surprise Your Mother This Mother’s Day With These Awesome Gift Ideas!
Dining

Seafood Oscar Celebrations

DJ’s team picks its award winning seafood dish out of each visited restaurant. The team embarked on the seafood festival as they visited several fruit de mer restaurants and tried different dishes. Since it is Oscar season, find below the award-winning dishes and DJ’s top picks. Sayadiyah Express Fish Hara (SR 36) Oscar for the […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Seafood Oscar Celebrations
Offbeat

Check Out Our Favorite Pre, Mid and Post Oscar Moments

We give you our favorite Oscar moments from before the ceremony starts up until its finale. Check out if your best moments made the cut. Jacob Tremblay, “Room” star, heading to the Oscars with his parents. Isn’t he just adorable ?!? In the car! #Oscars A photo posted by Jacob Tremblay (@jacobtremblay) on Feb 28, […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Check Out Our Favorite Pre, Mid and Post Oscar Moments
Dining

Sea Food Review: Nafoura at Park Hyatt Jeddah

The Luxury of Dining Our seafood fest comes to an end at Park Hyatt’s Nafoura. (Spoiler alert) The fest’s finale was a great one indeed. Here are the dishes we have tried out for you. The buffet is every Thursday and is for SR 250 (minus drinks) It is from 6.30 p.m. to 12 a.m. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Sea Food Review: Nafoura at Park Hyatt Jeddah
Dining

Sea Food Review: Habsburg Restaurant at Rosewood Jeddah

For a sophisticated seafood dinner Our seafood festival continues as we march onto the classy Habsburg’s buffet. The buffet costs SR 225 without the beverage and is from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. There is a theme night every Thursday. What we loved most about dinner here were the live stations around, as the venue […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Sea Food Review: Habsburg Restaurant at Rosewood Jeddah
Dining

Sea Food Festival: Al Zahra Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Review

Place a Crown on that Our expedition to bring you the ultimate seafood taste continues. This time we went to our first buffet of the festival at Al Zahra Restaurant in Crowne Plaza. Here are the dishes that left the largest impact on us. What You Need To Know Sea food buffet every Monday and […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Sea Food Festival: Al Zahra Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Review
Dining

Dishes That Will Ruin Your Diet…But Are Totally Worth It

Warning, do not read on if you are on a diet and don’t want to ruin it. This is a list of various delicious meals from different restaurants from all over Jeddah that will get your mouth watering. Here are some of Destination staff’s own preferences along with readers’ submissions via Snapchat. Please feel free […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Dishes That Will Ruin Your Diet…But Are Totally Worth It
Dining

Sea Food Festival: Sayadiyah Crab House in Jeddah Review

Aaah seafood, we meet again; this time at Sayadiyah Crab House. The restaurant provides a one of a kind experience here in J-Town. Upon setting foot there, we could immediately sense its light-hearted vibes especially with its bright colors and funny posters hanging everywhere, so it is perfecto for family gatherings. The service there was […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Sea Food Festival: Sayadiyah Crab House in Jeddah Review
Artist & Musicians

Saudis Wowing at DIFF

Maram Taibah, Abdulrahman Khawj and Nada Al Mojadedi are powerfully paving their ways in the Saudi and international film scenes. Dubai’s International Film Festival last December shed light on important Saudi talents. These young filmmakers are venturing into somewhat novel territory in the Kingdom and are offering some food for thought. MARAM TAIBAH Masters of […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Saudis Wowing at DIFF
Offbeat

Your Guide To Arabizi: Check The Infographic And Text Like A Pro

If texting in only one language isn’t enough for you, here’s a specially tailored infograph of Arabizi figures to help you out.

By Sohila El Saadany
Your Guide To Arabizi: Check The Infographic And Text Like A Pro
Dining

Sea Food Festival: Twina Jeddah Review

Next on our list for the sea food expedition is Twina. First thing we noticed about the place…it is huge! Twina is made up of two stories with the family section taking larger space than the singles’. There are even private sections with partitions for families. Oh, to top it all off, creatures of the […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Sea Food Festival: Twina Jeddah Review
Dining

Jeddah’s Sea Food Festival: Sayadiyah Express

As part of our seafood journey, we will head to different fruits de mer restaurants and give you a heads up on what to expect when you go there. First on our list, Sayadiyah Express. Sayadiyah Express is a great place for a lunch break and thankfully it’s next to our headquarters, yeah we went […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Jeddah’s Sea Food Festival: Sayadiyah Express
Activities

A Jeddawi On A Budget: How To Stay Entertained

Fun on a Budget Fun shouldn’t be limited to money, just cause you are tight on your budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Aside from the cliché solutions of, reading, starting a new series and hanging out with friends indoors, here are a few entertaining activities that you may do without harming your pocket. […]

By Sohila El Saadany
A Jeddawi On A Budget: How To Stay Entertained
Things To Do

Where to go in Jeddah when you’re feeling down?

Whenever we feel down, we usually just resort to staying at home and wallowing in our misery. However, if you don’t feel like doing the same and think that maybe a change in scenery will make you feel better then here are the places Jeddah has to offer; to turn your frown upside down. Mosques […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Where to go in Jeddah when you’re feeling down?
Shopping

Dolce and Gabbana Makes Abayas For Women

Dolce and Gabbana Launches Abaya Collection Hijab-friendly fashion is taking over! More light is being shed on abaya and hijab fashion by major brands and fashion houses, the latest of which is Dolce and Gabbana. (modafinil) Stefano Gabbana This is the first-of-its-kind collection, from the fashion house, and designer Stefano Gabbana proudly broke the news […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Dolce and Gabbana Makes Abayas For Women
Artist & Musicians

Mejahed Al Jabri a.k.a. Jude Skate: Jeddah’s Skater Champion

Mejahed Al Jabri is a budding name in the roller skating world. Remember Avril Lavigne’s Skater Boy song back in the day? Well, we have got you a real skater boy, Mejahed Al Jabri, who has won local and international championships and is trying to accredit the sport right here in Saudi. Known as Jude […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Mejahed Al Jabri a.k.a. Jude Skate: Jeddah’s Skater Champion
Shop In Jeddah

Shopping For Eid Gifts

Get something different this year. Creative Household Items Gift your loved ones innovative items to decorate their homes. We Recommend Sinwan Concept (Rawdah St.): Decorative stools and tables. The Store: Tribal couch pillows by Mansoojat Lovesac (Stars Avenue): Book ends West Elm (Tahlia St.): Coasters Zara Home: Photo frames Vero’s Creations (Instagram:veroscreations): Traditional baskets Kitchenware […]

By Sohila El Saadany
Shopping For Eid Gifts