Zahra Anwer, Author at Destination KSA

A Taste of Home

Saudi dishes from granny’s kitchen, Like areekah dish.

Saudi culinary culture consists of a welcoming variety of food that people eat throughout the month of Ramadan; with each area having something different to offer. Here are some of the specialties from around the Kingdom:

Saleeg

SALEEG TAIF

An Arabian version of risotto, Saleeg is a creamy rice dish cooked with broth and served with meat or chicken and duggus- a spicy tomato salsa. It makes a great iftar and is a bowl of comfort at any time of the day. To add an extra flavor, the broth is served alongside for a tasty drink to sip on or pour on your rice; making it incredibly nourishing, comforting, and delicious.

THAREED ALAHSA

Known for being a light, yet filling meal, thareed is one of the very popular dishes during Ramadan.

Thareed is a healthy stew with balanced ingredients including meat, vegetables, and delectable Arabic spices served over ragag (thin crispy bread) that soaks up all the rich juices.This satisfying stew is made with lamb, chicken, or just vegetables.

AREEKAH ASIR

areekah food , Made with a handful of nutritious ingredients, this dish comes together in a bowl and leaves you satisfied all evening.

Areekah is a warm casserole baked from both white and brown flour, honey, and ghee. When the dough is smooth and ready for serving, it›s transferred into a bowl and a small well is created that allows a generous drizzle of ghee and honey to pool perfectly in the middle.

MAFROOKAH TABUK

Mafrookah is a traditional dish of Tabuk made with saj bread (unleavened Arabic flatbread) by crumbling it with ghee, dates or honey.

Traditional Mafrooka is made by hand using only three ingredients. Also this sweet is healthiest and most delightful when the ghee is made at home. Mafrookah is enjoyed a lot in Ramadan as an indulgent iftar snack.

Sourced Photo

KLEIJA AL QASSIM

A traditional stuffed biscuit, Kleija originates from the date rich province of Qassim. It’s made with a specific wooden mold to shape the dough into patterned disks.

Originally stuffed with a smooth date paste, it›s also stuffed with aromatic nut-sugar filling such as walnut, cardamom and sugar or coconut and sugar. A meal on its own, it›s wholesome, filling, and totally worth every bite!

LAHOH
JAZAN

Lahoh (also spelled lahouh) is a sourdough flatbread, slightly spongy in texture. It›s made by mixing wholewheat flour, yeast, salt, and water and then allowing the batter to ferment for two to three days to develop the flavor. Eaten warm right off the griddle with butter, honey or yogurt, it’s also eaten with savory stews and soups.

KOBAYBA HAIL HAIL

Kubbayah Hail refers to the stuffed grape leaves that is a Ramadan favorite in Hail. It›s made with grape leaves that are stuffed with a herby rice mix, rolled and boiled until tender. These deliciously tender bites are served as an appetizer or a main course.

MASABEEB RIYADH

Masabeeb, popularly known as the Saudi pancakes are delightfully tasty. Made with hearty whole wheat flour, milk powder, yeast, drizzled with honey, and not much else. Simple, wholesome, and satisfying.

Masabeeb is little Saudi pancakes formed by pouring a yeast-based batter into a pan. Delightfully tasty with hearty ingredients like whole wheat flour, milk powder, drizzled with honey, and not much else. They are particularly popular during Ramadan and other holidays and loved because of being simple, wholesome, and satisfying tiny snacks.

MANTO AND YAGHMESH JEDDAH

This fluffy and soft textured goodness is a Hijazi version of dumplings. The wheat dough wrappers, with a silky mouthfeel, is stuffed with a well-balanced meat or vegetable filling and topped with hot sauce and spices.

The Manto dish is steamed while the baked or pan-fried version is called Yaghmesh; both shaped either round, crescent-shaped, or purse-shaped.

FUL AND TAMEEZ MAKKAH

Ful is a culinary ritual across the kingdom, but it›s eaten in Makkah more often during Ramadan. Known for being an Egyptian breakfast dish, the fava bean stew is prepared by mashing the beans and flavoring it with onions, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Coriander and tomato, the Ful is scooped up with freshly baked tameez (pita bread). It›s usually served as part of an elaborate iftar spread; a filling meal that’ll leave you satisfied.

Behind Every Successful Person..Is Their Mom!

Loving them, encouraging them, and sometimes spanking them when needed (Ouch!).

So we all know about this KFUPM’s student’s gesture at his graduation, when he went up to his mother and kissed her forehead. It must have been such a heart-warming moment of respect and honor.

This isn’t surprising for us as the special link between the mother and her children is known to everyone. The link of rahmah (mercy) and love that’s specifically unique between the two.

We’re always busting the “Your mother your mother your mother,” hadeeth and constantly repeating to ourselves that Jannah is at the feet of our mothers etc. (*guilty as charged*), but how many of us actually apply this in our daily lives?

The late Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baaz comments on the hadith saying,

So this necessitates that the mother is given three times the like of kindness and good treatment than the father. (Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi’ah)

He also said:

The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she has to shoulder – responsibilities and difficulties some of which not even a man bears. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude to the mother, and kindness and good companionship with her. And in this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father.And I have no doubt that my mother – may Allah shower His mercy upon her – had a tremendous effect upon me, in encouraging me to study; and she assisted me in it. May Allah greatly increase her reward and reward her with the best of rewards for what she did for me. (Majmoo’ Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi’ah)

Our mother natures us with unconditional love and has a great role of giving us . If you’re one of those who rejoices a good relationship with yours, then know that you’re blessed. Make sure you nurture and cherish that relationship right till the end.

If a person honors their parents, this may be the cause of his own children honoring him. Allah says:

“Is there any reward for good other than good?’ [Qur’an, 55:60]

Make your intention for the sake of pleasing Allah and treat your mother with the best companionship, then your father and try to be patient with anything negative and difficult from her, along the way. (Disclaimer: Dear moms, go easy on your miskeen children yo!)

May Allah protect and have mercy on our mothers (and fathers) and grant them strong health.

4 Places to Get Cupping Done in Riyadh

Cupping (Hijama in Arabic) is an ancient method of treatment, where blood is drawn by vacuum from a small skin incision.

It is also an authentic tradition of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that has been used throughout history. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“The best medicine with which you treat yourselves is cupping, or it is one of the best of your medicines.” Al-Bukhari (5263) and Muslim (2952)

This non-surgical procedure draws out excessive toxic blood from specific points on the body where the cups are applied for each illness and may reduce ailment without any side-effects.

Cupping is performed in several steps and the common Sunnah points for cupping are on the upper back between the shoulder blades. It has numerous benefits and effectively cures digestive problems, joint and muscle pain, fever, skin problems, asthma, depression, low fertility etc. It is extremely important to get cupping done by one who is experienced and that they use instruments that are properly cleaned and sterilized.

hijama in riyadh

Here are the cupping therapy riyadh centers :

1. Shefoa Al Hegama Medical Center

Address: Saad Ibn Abi Waqas street (see map)

Phone: 9200 09038

Website: www.hegamah.com

2. Riyadh Cupping Clinic

Run by Dr. Abu Yusuf and his wife.

It is one of the best hijama centers in riyadh

Address: 8794 Khalid Ibn Al Walid St, Al Quds, Riyadh 13214 (see map)

Phone:

For men: 055 968 8994

For women: 0506760503

3. New Cupping Center

Address: Exit 9, Khalid Bin Alwaleed (see map)

Phone: 2000440

4. Dr. Saima Clinic

Address: Ibrahim Al Khayyari, Al Olaya (see map)

Phone: 4647976

Mobile: +966 500039568

6 Pro Henna Artists In Riyadh

Eid is just around the corner! While everyone loves wearing their best, often new clothes and new accessories, applying henna is also a tradition loved by women.

This Eid have you decided on the henna artists to apply henna for you? If not, here are some artists in Riyadh to get henna-fied:

hina sudani

1. Umm Ahmad

I personally saw her work when I first met her at Al Hokair land. Her designs are mostly Sudanese and are very beautiful.

Contact: 0509517227

2. Areesah’s Henna

Photo Credits: Areesah’s henna

Facebook: Areesahs Henna

Instagram: Sahar_omer94

3. Rayie Henna

Also does Jagua (bluish black) and black henna.

Contact: 0533688235 (whatsapp to contact)

Facebook: RayieHenna

Instagram: Rayie_henna

4. Umm Ismail

Contact: 0569102932

Instagram: @i.1.1000

5. Fiza Fathima

Facebook: Fiza.fathima.902

6. Henna by Ifrah

Facebook: Henna by Ifrah

Instagram: Henna_ifrah

Dua to Protect Child From Evil Eye by Sunnah Way

The last thing most mothers want after giving birth are curious eyes hoping for a glimpse of the happy scene. (Ain’t nobody got time for dat). so you need to know about dua to protect child from evil eye

Many parents go underground right after giving birth and abandon their social life. What they fear is that someone might give their baby an evil eye (aka Ayn) and they want to try and protect him/her from harm. Relax, no one’s asking you to show your adorable little miracle off to the world like Simba in The Lion King.

It’s absolutely okay to be overcautious and protective. But the thing is, you can not keep your children under your 24-hour surveillance. The only 24/7 protection your child has is Allah. You, as a parent may nourish your children but Allah is their Guardian.

Here’s what you should be doing:

1. Seek Refuge

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge with Allah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn and he said: “Your father (Ibraaheem) used to seek refuge with (these words) for Ismaa‘eel and Ishaaq by saying:A‘oodhu bi kalimaat Illaahi’t-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah

1. Dua to protect child from evil eye: “I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil and every vermin, and from every bad eye” [Bukhari 3371]

Also ringing up your kids with the daily morning/evening supplications is very essential. (See link)

2. O Allah I seek refuge with You from severe calamity, and from misery to fall upon me, and from a bad fate and from the gloating of [my] enemies.

3. Dua to protect child from evil eye: O Allah,I seek refuge in You from a bad neighbour, and from a wife who causes my hair to turn grey even before old age, and from a son who becomes a master over me, and from a wealth that turns into a torment upon me, and from a cunning companion, whose eyes are upon me and whose heart is scheming against me, if he were to see something good [from me], he would bury it and if he sees something bad [from me] he would spread it.

4. Dua to protect child from evil eye: In the Name of Allah. I recite over you [for purpose of healing] from all that troubles you, from the evil of every soul or of the eye of an envier. May Allah cure you; with the Name of Allah, I recite over you [for purpose of healing].

2. Safeguard

It is also recommended to recite Surah al-Ikhlaas and al-Mu‘awwidhatayn (Surah An-Nas and Al-Falaq) over them and to wipe their bodies whilst reciting, or to recite them into one’s hands and blow (spitting lightly) in them, then wipe them over whatever of their body one can reach, or to recite them into water and wipe them or wash them with it.

3. The power of a parent’s prayer

Do you know a parent’s dua is among the three prayers that are undoubtedly answered? [Ibn Maajah 3862].

So make dua for your children and ask Allah to protect them.

4. Saying BarakAllah

There’s this misconception that saying Masha Allah repels evil eye. The Sunnah is that if a person admires something that he has and owns then he should say Masha Allah, just as in the story of the companion of the two gardens (See Surah Al-Kahf, 39)

And If he sees it in other than himself, then the right way according to the Sunnah is to ask Allah to bless the person or object. (Saheeh hadith)

So it’s recommended to say Barakallahu Alaihi (May Allah bless it for him/her), BarakAllahu feek (May Allah bless you) and BarakAllahu feeh (May Allah bless her/him).

5. Keeping children indoors at Maghrib

This is not a myth! OK now don’t freak out also.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has actually advised us against letting our young out at sunset and only for a period just after sunset in authentic authoritative narrations.

6. Social media bug

With this latest trend to blur or masking just the face of the child with little hearts or other shapes on social media, I cannot help but ask, why post any photos at all? Your social media contacts can still see you have a baby and that it’s healthy and cute (C’mon, all babies are cute!) and the blurring is not serving anyone any good.

Read more How to Protect Your Children

7. After all the above, trust!

We are taught to tie the camel securely and then put our trust in Allah.

Parents are not supposed to blind fold themselves and completely abandon their children’s wellbeing. After taking necessary steps, a person should have firm belief that Allah will take care of their children and the one who places someone in Allah’s protection, they will indeed be protected. We should be conscious of the reality of the evil eye but at the same time we shouldn’t be quick to accuse people of doing it as well. these are all about dua to protect child from evil eye.

8 Rajab Quotes About the Significance of the Month of Rajab

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve (in a year): It was so ordained, by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

These four months, according to the Prophet ﷺ are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. (Bukhari)

So what makes Rajab special?

There is no authentic hadeeth from the Prophet ﷺ concerning Rajab, and it is not prescribed to specify it with worship, like prayer or fasting. However, one may ask, then what makes it sacred?

In the Qur’an, when Allah mentioned about the Sacred months, He said not to wrong ourselves or commit any act of aggression that makes us wrong ourselves in these months. Honoring these months can be done by “refraining” ourselves from sinful deeds and by doing what Allah has instructed us to do; such as prayers, fasting, obeying our parents, connecting to our next of kin, being kind, not cheating and other righteous deeds.

We have compiled a list of Rajab quotes about it that will put more light on the significance of this month

Quote 1 of Rajab quotes

1. “Wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful than wrong doing at any other time.” [Qatadah]

Due to its sacredness, any bad deed done during the sacred months are worse than in other months. So be extra careful and watch those eyes, ears and limbs. Guard that tongue and protect yourself from all wrongdoing.

Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He wants… (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

Remember that if sin is great therein, then obedience is even greater.

Quote 2 of Rajab quotes

2. “Rajab is the month to sow the seeds; Shabaan is the month to irrigate the crop; and Ramadan is the month to reap the harvest.” [Abu Bakr b. al-Warraq al-Balkhi]

Quote 3 of Rajab quotes

3. “Rajab is like the wind; Shabaan is like the water-laden clouds; and Ramadan is like the rain.” [Abu Bakr b. al-Warraq al-Balkhi]

Quote 4 of Rajab quotes

4. “The year in its entirety is like a tree: during Rajab its buds sprout; during Shabaan it sends forth its branches; during Ramadan its fruit ripens; and the believers are the farmhands who harvest that fruit.” [Unknown]

Quote 5 of Rajab quotes

5. The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Shabaan is that of the clouds and the likeness of Ramadan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Shabaan, how can he reap in Ramadan?” [Said by Abu Bakr al-Balkhi]

Quote 6 of Rajab quotes

6. “It is not recorded that any Muslim attributed any merit or privilege to the night of Isra’ and Mai’raj. None of the Companions ever did so. That is why we cannot tell when exactly Isra’ and Mai’raj happened.”

“There is no clear evidence of the exact month when it happened, or the exact date of it. There are, in fact, so many reports in this regard and none of them is decisive. There is no specific ritual pertaining to it.” [Ibn Taymiyah quote mentioned in Zad Al-Ma`ad by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim]

It is thus clear that there is no clear evidence that the night of Isra’ and Mai’raj is on the 27th of Rajab, despite of the common belief that it happened that day.

Read more 30 Good Deeds in Ramadan

Quote 7 of Rajab quotes

7. “Fasting on the 27th of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a bid’ah (innovation), and every bid’ah is a going astray”. [Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) when asked about fasting on the 27th of Rajab and spending that night in prayer]

Quote 8 of Rajab quotes

8. “There is no saheeh hadeeth that speaks of the virtues of Rajab. The month of Rajab is no different from the month of Jumaada al-Aakhirah that comes before it, except that it is one of the sacred months only. Otherwise there is no fast that is prescribed in this month, and no prayer or umrah or anything else that is prescribed. It is like all other months” [Ibn Uthaymeen in Liqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh (174/26)].

Two months to go until Ramadan, insha Allah. If you want to make the best of it, then start from now; plant the seeds now in Rajab, water them in Shabaan and then see their fruits in Ramadan

Respire to Aspire

Passion for coffee matched by a passion for the planet.

Respire a unique eco-friendly addition to Riyadh’s coffee scene, a solar-powered lounge at Al Rabi district where you’ll find great quality coffee alongside a simplified menu of pastries, and light snacks, a minimalistic yet trendy and welcoming atmosphere.

The concept behind Respire’s green approach is to harness solar-powered processing to join the sustainability movement and integrate some unique environment-friendly technologies. The cafe has joined forces with Naqaa Solutions that specializes in sustainable architecture; a reliable innovative and leading sustainability enabler for delivering Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Founded in Jeddah almost ten years ago, Naqaa Solutions has been assisting advising companies in Saudi Arabia to design, plan, and implement innovative sustainable models and target goals in addition to taking part in community engagement campaigns, deliver workshops and organize online awareness campaigns. The environment-friendly technologies at Respire also include free electric car charging stations and the first of its kind Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). The best part about this is customers being rewarded with free coffee for using both facilities as a means of promoting and encouraging the sustainability culture.

The cafe also looks forward to offering similar concepts and welcoming any local businesses that offer similar practices or services to clients – not only to spread awareness but to inspire like-minded people who aspire to accomplish their passion.

Instagram: respirelounge
Instagram: naqaasolutions

Ready, Set, Create!

Infusing a culture of innovation in communities.

Recently rising in popularity, Makerspaces are inviting spaces that call artists, techies, and just plain enthusiasts to gather to co-create, share resources and knowledge, work on projects, and develop skills and creativity. Bringing together a one-of-kind space and hub to facilitate and foster creativity, these are places where you can let loose your imagination.

Ithra

Ithra features endless opportunities and an intriguing public space where one can get their creative juices flowing and tinker to their heart’s content. Learn to carve Mangour wood, design jewelry making, pottery, or gain in-depth knowledge of several other exciting activities.

Location: Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran
Instagram: ithra
Web: ithra.com

Kham Space

Kham Space hosts a variety of classes and sponsors activities as well, along with a library that provides resources and vintage books for anyone in the creative and artistic field.

With facilities for pottery, sculpting, carpentry, including fun activities for children, Kham serves members of all ages and believes in the power of the creative mind, offers space and outlets for people to design, experiment, and partake in launching inspiring ideas.

Location: Saeed Ibn Zaqr, Mishrifah, Jeddah
Instagram: kham.space

Koun KSA

Koun KSA stirs up the inner muse by offering various workshops such as crochet, flower arrangement, painting, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Owned by a DIY-er at heart, Sarah AlDosary is always passionate about growing the community of makers and passing on the knowledge.

At Koun, you can also boost your creativity while sipping delicious coffee at Koun’s fully functional cafe that serves excellent beverages and snacks.

Location: King Abdullah Rd., Al Raed, Riyadh
Instagram: koun_ksa

AlMashtal Space

A hub for creative nomads and passion-preneurs, AlMashtal is an all-inclusive space providing a maker’s lab, library, cafe, co-working spaces, a retail outlet, hot desks, areas to hold and attend workshops, and even a gallery. The team behind AlMashtal took over a children’s nursery from the 80s in DQ and transformed it into a new hot spot for learning, creativity and more.

Location: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Web: almashtal.io
Instagram: almashtal.space

Upgrade

At Upgrade, take the plunge, unleash your passion and commit to trying your hand at a new skill. From whisking your own desserts and rolling your own bread to pottery, fashion, jewelry making, candle-making, photography, and many more crafts, Upgrade is a perfect place committed to edutainment through workshops and interactive meetings.

Location: Al Khalidiyah Center, Qaryat Miskah, Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah
Instagram: upgrade.sa

Catalyst V

Whether it’s through building worlds with sculpting, 3D printing, or simply exploring creativity, Catalyst V’s goal is to offer several creative activities to those who are passionate to learn. It’s a pinch of art, a dash of tech, a drizzle of science, and a huge amount of fun.

Location: Prince Fahad Bin Mohammed, Hittin, Riyadh
Instagram: catalystv.sa

Home Ground Holiday Retreat

It’s time to plan the ultimate stay cation.

A few things have changed as we vacation in the new normal– expect contactless services, strict attention to social distancing and hygiene, flexible booking options. However, overall you’ll still be able to have a luxurious getaway within city limits. Seas, greenery, and wildlife; these listed staycation venues have it all.

Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort – Riyadh

Majestic dunes, sprawling green lawns, a soft breeze, a cozy villa with an adjoining African safari park in the midst of it all; doesn’t it sound exotic? Well, that’s exactly what Radisson Collection Resort is! Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort, is located 45 minutes from downtown Riyadh and feels like you are in a different place altogether – a nature lover’s paradise! The resort features secluded luxury bungalows and villas complete with private pools, a jacuzzi, and gardens for business or leisure travelers. Other leisure facilities include restaurants, a large beach pool, two freshwater lakes, horseback riding, and a challenging 18-hole golf course.

Location: Riyadh Makkah Highway, Exit 857, Riyadh
Instagram: radissoncollectionriyadh

photo by Mokhtar Chahine / www.mchahine.com

Aseel Resort – Riyadh

With both the Wadi Hanifa and the Salwa Palace in view, Aseel Resort is the perfect hideout in the heart of Diriyah. Enjoy a variety of farm-like private villas that simulates heritage with modern amenities.

Offering its guests a truly rejuvenating experience, the idea behind the resort is to blend in as seamlessly as possible with nature. You can choose to lounge with your family around the pool or enjoy your time dining at the Aseel Garden Lounge.

Location: Wadi Hanifa Rd., Riyadh
Instagram: aseel_resort

Dana Beach Resort – Sharqiyah

With magnificent views of Half Moon Bay, the Dana Beach Resort serves up a slice of serenity and is a perfect choice for a staycation in Sharqiyah to soak up some vitamin sea. Whether you are planning for a villa vacation, a long weekend, or a romantic retreat, Dana features a stunning resort comprising more than 100 contemporary and elegant family villas surrounded by lush landscaped gardens and exceptional beachfront views.

A stay at Dana Beach Resort comes loaded with a variety of water sport activities, dining by the beach, children’s play areas, and the cherry on the icing, Dana Beach Resort also plays host to the Loopagoon Water Park featuring an exciting mix of thrilling water slides and attractions for the whole family.

Location: Half Moon Beach, Al Khobar, Dhahran
Instagram: danabeachresort

Narcissus Resort and Spa – Jeddah

Narcissus Resort attracts two kinds of travelers – those who love the sea and those who desire solitude during their staycation. Narcissus Resort is the ideal location to soak in some luxury without leaving the city overlooking the pristine beach. This beach resort has something for everyone, including a health club, massage room, and separate swimming pools for men, women and children. Don’t forget to pamper yourself at the Narci Spa, a place where you can relax and bask in ultimate relaxation.

Location: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal St., Jeddah
Instagram: narcissushotel

InterContinental Hotel – Jeddah

Featuring breathtaking views of the Red Seafront and the iconic King Fahad’s Fountain, the Intercontinental Jeddah is resplendent with gorgeous accommodation set in exquisite surroundings.The hotel offers standard and executive rooms and plush suites to its guests; some rooms have an enviable balcony with views of the sea and King Fahad Fountain. While you’re staying here, you can enjoy the optimal experience through the essential amenities, including spa services, a fitness center, and dining outlets, where you can savor breakfast and dinner served in your room or the restaurant. As a bonus, kids eat free.

Location: Al Kurnaysh Rd., Al-Hamra, Jeddah
Instagram: ic_jeddah

Shaden Desert Resort – AlUla

Nestled against the rugged terrain of AlUla, the Shaden Resort with great views of magnificent rock formations is one of AlUla’s most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature well-designed luxury villas, suites and rooms that offer private patios to an enormous pool, diverse dining options and numerous services aimed at a multigenerational clientele.

Location: Hail St., Al Ula
Instagram: shadenresort

Dessert Queen: Dareen Shaker

A passionate baker in Jeddah, Dareen Shaker has a special knack for effortlessly creating tantalizing favorites from quick-and-easy scrumptious recipes.

She has been winning over hearts and tummies with her delicious baked goods. As a self-taught baker, Dareen is dedicated to providing well-tested recipes and sharing everything from video tutorials, helpful tips, and enticing food photos along the way.

After ten years of successfully time constraints and other later, Dareen’s Instagram page is a thriving food blog anchored by love for family and – what else? – yummy freshly baked goodies.

Dareen reveals her obsession for tahina, “I’m fond of adding tahina to my recipes, and so I came up with the Tahini Brownie recipe, which was a huge hit and soon became my signature dish.”

Her guests are spoiled for choice when they visit her and always look forward to devouring her cookies, brownies, and Nutella banana bread (Well, we don’t blame them).

Instagram: dees_cakesnbakes