07.23.08

Bison Roller-Skate, Motorcycle & 4×4 Tournament

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Tourism, What's Going on in the Gulf? tagged , , , at 4:17 pm by Desert Diaries

Bison Roller-Skate, Motorcycle & 4×4 Show/Tournament
July 30th - Aug. 3rd
Call: 050 4628598
 
This may be for men only…don’t know. Call if you’re interested.
 

Color Me Mine: Ceramics painting studio for all ages.

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Miscellaneous Services tagged , at 6:57 am by Desert Diaries

As salaamu ‘alaikum. I’ve never been…just sharing some info if you want to check it out In Shaa Allaah.
 
 
Color Me Mine: Ceramics painting studio for all ages.

Coral Mall (off Tahlia St., opposite Fuddruckers)

2nd Flr.

Telephone #: 284 7447

Open Saturday to Thursday 10am-1pm and 5-10pm

Fridays 5-10pm.

Haneefah

07.02.08

Family Oriented Fun: ‘Abdur Ra’oof Khaleel Museum

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Tourism tagged , , , at 2:01 am by Desert Diaries

 As salaamu ‘alaikum. It’s not a “please touch” museum, so keep an eye on your children In Shaa Allaah….

Abdur Ra’oof Khaleel Museum

Tele#: 58 487 5677

Al Mathaf St. - Hayy Al Andalus 

Four homes with more than 10,000 artifacts. 

Features:

  • The House of Saudi ‘Arabian Legacy (replicas of traditional Saudi houses).
  • Islamic Legacy House
  • General Legacy Exhibition and more…

Entrance fee: 20 SAR  

Saturday to Thursday

Day Hours: 9AM - 12 Noon 

Night Hours: 5PM - 9PM 

07.01.08

Family Oriented Fun:Water Balloon Baseball

Posted in Family Oriented Fun, Kidz tagged , , , , , at 8:12 pm by Desert Diaries

 
As salaamu ‘alaikum. I was browsing through BGH’s site and came across this idea. I think the small children will love to play this at the park Allaahu Aa’lam.
 
Haneefah

Water-Balloon Baseball

When the ball’s full of water, every hit makes a splash.

What You Need:
  • Water balloons; make a lot before the game begins so there’s not a break in the action
  • Baseball bat or whiffle-ball bat
  • Enough outdoor space for setting up the playing field

Instructions:

1. Divide players into two teams and take turns batting and fielding as usual. Rather than calling strikes, you may want to change batters after a certain number of swings, and switch places whenever all the players on the at-bat team have had a turn at the plate.

2. Give each team a point for every balloon they break.

3. The outfielders won’t have much to field, but they can try to tag the runners before they get to base.

Jeddah Summer Fest?

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Tourism, What's Going on in the Gulf? tagged , at 5:07 am by Desert Diaries

As salaamu ‘alaikum. Have any of you (living here) ever attended the annual summer fest?  
I’m interested in the education and recreational activities for my daughter, so long as it doesn’t involve something haram and I’d like to network with some beaders….so, please inform me of what to expect. Baarakallaahu feekum.
 
Haneefah

Jeddah festival starts tomorrow 

Saudi Gazette 
JEDDAH – It’s summer, and this city will be launching its annual festival on Wednesday.
Seen as an effort to market the city as a tourist spot, some 300 activities and events have been planned for the 29th Jeddah Summer Festival, aiming to provide entertainment in the Kingdom’s melting pot.
“A new mechanism has been chalked for the success of the festival and to achieve the desired objectives to promote Jeddah as a city of ancient beauty and magnificence,” Saleh Al-Turki, Director of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said.
The festival will be different this year in terms of programs and activities, which will be witnessed by more than 3 million visitors from within the Kingdom, and other Gulf countries, he added.
“The festival is special because it preserves privacy pertinent to the Saudi community, at the same time catering to all walks of social life.”
“Events are divided into three parts: family activities, activities for young women, and those for children; all of which include educational and recreational activities like sports, marine and cultural events,” Al-Turki said. He said the Tourist Commission looks forward to help families reap the social benefits from such cosmopolitan events.

06.29.08

Jeddah Preps for Summer Action

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Life in Jeddah, Tourism at 9:15 pm by Desert Diaries

Jeddah preps for summer action
Arab News

 
JEDDAH: City authorities in Jeddah have approved an action plan for the summer holiday season, which includes maintenance, hygiene control and preparation of new public facilities to meet the requirements of massive crowds that are flowing to the city for vacationing, according to a municipal official.

Khalid Aqeel, deputy mayor for services, said the plan aims at intensifying cleaning work around the city and assigning more teams to monitor restaurants and food outlets.

“This year we have introduced new high technology equipment that could measure the hygiene level not only of food but of workers as well,” Aqeel said.

He said each monitoring official would carry three different devices that could instantly measure hygiene levels of food and workers, quality of cooking oil and the right temperature of refrigerators. “With these new devices we will have instant and accurate readings that ensure the safety of food outlets,” he said.

Aqeel said the municipality would also launch an awareness campaign against the negativities of horse and motorbike rentals that have been taking place along the Corniche.

The campaign is aimed at educating the visitors to refrain from dealing with illegal horse and motorbike owners, who sometimes manage to slip their way into the Corniche area.

According to Bahjat Hamouh, head of the garden and parks department, the municipality is currently working on rehabilitating more than 125 public parks around the city.

“The municipality has also identified 50 open yards around the city which would become public facilities and play grounds in the near future,” he said.

The open yards were designed to cater to all both men and women of all age groups. They will have playgrounds, green areas, public seats and toilets, he said.

06.26.08

Fun for Kids: Ice Skating

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz tagged at 9:59 am by Desert Diaries

Ice Skating Rink
‘Azeez Mall 2nd fl. (in front of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts)
Hayy As Safaa
2 616 1715
 
Please call and ask a customer service rep. about fees and the hours of operation. Children must bring their own ice skates. We’ve walked by many times and never witnessed any intermingling or heard any music, Allaahu Aa’lam.  I’ve never seen a girl over 6 or 7 in the rink, so call and ask about restrictions.
 
Haneefah

06.19.08

The Nassif House: Family Oriented Fun & a Lil Jeddah 101

Posted in All About Saudi, FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Photos, Tourism tagged , , at 9:59 pm by Desert Diaries

The Nassif House
 
 
The Nassif House was built in the 1870s for the Nassif family, one of Jeddah’s oldest and most respected merchant clans. It was home to 100 members of the family and their staff. The building has four floors at the front, seven at the back and until the 1970s it was the tallest building in Jeddah.

King ‘Abdul ‘Azeez requisitioned the house in 1925 while his palace was being constructed – hence the name of its location, King ‘Abdul Historical Square. The King and his army were welcomed here by the people of Jeddah September 23rd 1924.
 
Note the tree in front of the house – until 1920 this was the only one in Jeddah (but now one of 10 million).
In 1964 the government bought the house and converted it into a museum, now housing an interesting cultural and heritage exhibition.

The Nassif House
Saturday - Thursday
Hours: 9AM - 1PM
Admission: Free.
Location: Al Alawi St.
Source: The Virtual Tourist

06.12.08

Bowling Centers

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz tagged , at 4:35 pm by Desert Diaries

Bowling Centers
 

Jeddah Lanes Bowling Center (K5) is located north east of the junction of Madeenah Road & Sari Street.  It offers 24 AMF lanes, games, cafeteria and pro shop and is open seven days a week to members and non-members.  Mornings are reserved for women and evenings are men only. Special rates are available for children and corporate functions.  Telephone: 691 7206 

GR Bowling (O6) in Mosadia Plaza on Madeenah Road - 12 bowling lanes, internet café, air hockey, a burger bar, hot dog stand, ice cream bar and more. Telephone: 669 0343, 669 0347, 642 4415, 642 4483. 

Marriott Bowling Centre (O4) - two lane bowling alley in the Marriott Hotel can be booked for private parties with the catering supplied by the Marriott staff.  Telephone: 661 4000. 

King Fahd Coastal City provides competitive and recreational bowling for members and guests -12 AMF lanes with specialist coaching if required - men only.  Telephone: 651 1717.

Rahat Volcano (Madeenah) to Become Eco-Tourism Center

Posted in All About Saudi, FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Tourism, What's Going on in the Gulf? tagged , at 2:21 pm by Desert Diaries

Harrah Rahat to Become Eco-Tourism Center
Yousuf Mohammad, Arab News

MADINAH — The Supreme Commission for Tourism plans to make the Harrah Rahat (Rahat Volcano) an eco-tourism center.

Harrah Rahat on the 916-meter high Jabal Lamsa plateau near Madinah is a volcano crate with an enormous surrounding licorice-black lava field.

“Harrah Rahat is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Kingdom,” said Yusuf Al-Mozaini, head of the tourism department in Madinah. “In terms of volcanic studies the site is immensely significant.”

The tourism department, local municipality and the Saudi Geological Survey are currently working to preserve the natural features of the Harrah, Al-Mozaini told Arab News.

The volcano first erupted in this part of Arabia two million years ago and remained active until 1256 AD when it last erupted. Then, the fiery eruptions lasted nearly two months and spewed lava and ash from a massive fissure southeast of Madinah, throwing up six cones of cinders. The lava flowed a distance of 23 km from the crater.

According to ancient historians, the depth of the lava flow was a long spear’s length, around three meters and it flowed like a red-blue boiling river, carrying in its way gravels, stones and trees, with a noise-like thunder.

The volcanic cinders have consumer uses as well. Glowing a pleasant red at 1000 degrees Centigrade, volcanic cinders are ideal for lining gas barbecues. As firewood becomes scarcer in the region, kebab restaurants and grills increasingly turn to volcanic stone placed over gas fires.

A visitor to the top of the mountain can view the city of Madinah in its full glory sprawling around the Prophet’s Mosque.

06.08.08

Family Oriented Fun: Horseback Riding

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz, Miscellaneous Services, Tourism, What's Going on in the Gulf? tagged , , at 3:14 pm by Desert Diaries

Horseback Riding 

Equestrian Council of Jeddah is currently under construction on the Corniche, south of the Inter-continental which promises to be impressive in its size and facilities.  Arabic speakers call 671 8975 / 670 3685 / 671 8714 for further information. 

The Arabian Horse Centre is a private stable, 15 minutes from the Briman Junction on the Makkah/Madeenah expressway, which offers riding instruction by qualified instructors for families and children. Livery with personal attention is also available and cross country rides and desert riding are available on request.  Eng. speakers call 691 8810 ext #172 or 055 671934 for further information. 

Mersal Village has an equestrian club and can arrange riding lessons by appointment.  Telephone 225 0003. 

Trio Ranch Country Club offers private individual lessons, half private (two riders), group (three riders and more), riding without instructor and pony rides.  Payment of an annual membership fee allows unlimited access to all facilities, including training ring, other arenas, golf course and tennis courts at reduced rates. There is also a clubhouse and lounge where refreshments are served.  Telephone 669 5129 or Fax 669 4896.

05.31.08

Photos: Private Pool House - A Cheap Getaway

Posted in Cheap Getaways, Family Oriented Fun, Photos tagged at 6:31 pm by Desert Diaries

As salaamu ‘alaikum. There are many private pool houses in and around Jeddah. Some are cheap….others are more expensive. This particular one runs just under 400 SAR per night. It’s like a home away from home. It was rather clean which made overlooking a few flaws easy. It has everything you need to be relatively comfortable, just bring towels, eating utensils, toilet paper, and related essentials. There’s a masjid nearby, small shops and a few eateries. I’ll give details about our stay another time In Shaa Allaah. Here are a few photos…enjoy!

03.06.08

‘Arabic Vocab. Game

Posted in 'Arabic, Family Oriented Fun, Kidz tagged , at 2:02 am by Desert Diaries

As salaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. I was trying to come up with ideas for my daughters homemade ‘Arabic vocab picture book. As I was going through the alphabet and thought that it would be fun to see how fast I could name an object for each letter.
So, here’s a new game for you and your children….you can even battle your spouse at a quick game of wits (the loser has to wash the dishes or something like this).
  • Name 1 object for each ‘Arabic letter.
  • Time each person with a stop watch.
  • Think fast! You can’t skip a letter or pause the stop watch.
  • If the player pauses longer than 5 secs, add 3 extra seconds to their end time (this is 3 secs for every 5).
  • Keep track of all times. The person with the least amount of time wins.
See if you can go through the whole alphabet faster the next time you play without using the same words. In Shaa Allaah this will help all players increase their vocabulary. Have fun.
Haneefah

11.08.07

Sounds like Fun: Aerobatic Display at the Coriniche

Posted in Family Oriented Fun, What's Going on in the Gulf? at 8:46 am by Desert Diaries

Bull’s-Eye for Red Arrows in Jeddah

Arab News JEDDAH,

8 November 2007 — Exactly to the second, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Display Team, the Red Arrows, burst onto the Jeddah Corniche in a thunderous opening to a 22 minute display of spectacular and disciplined flying yesterday. Having obtained special clearance to fly over the city at low level, the huge crowd spread over three kilometers of the Corniche was mainly looking seaward when the nine scarlet Hawk jets screamed overhead in V formation trailing read, white and blue smoke.

The first nine minutes saw all the aircraft in close formation, maneuvering in a series of rolls, loops and high-speed low-level passes in a breathtaking display of aerobatics. At some times during the display, wing tips were less than two meters apart as the Hawks sped over a calm sea at speed up to 800kph drawing gasps of incredulity from some seasoned pilots watching the display.

“The second part of the display, about 10 minutes, is designed to really excite the crowds,” said Wing Cmdr. Jason Hawker who, as Red 1, led the nine aircraft formation through the first half of the display. “The second half is far more dynamic and involves some very exciting stuff.” The stress on the pilots during the high-speed aerobatics is huge. Pulling eight times the force of gravity, the pilots highlighted the complexity of their maneuvers by trailing smoke which hung in the air in their wake.

The team is made up of front-line fast jet pilots who volunteer for a three-year secondment to the Red Arrows. “We get about 30 a year, short list it to nine and then select three to replace three who then return to other duties,” Hawker told Arab News. “When it gets to the short list, we are hair splitting — the standard is extremely high.” The Red Arrows have displayed in the Kingdom before — most recently in Dhahran. Yesterday, however, was the first time in Jeddah and the team dedicated a special maneuver, the Palm Split, to Jeddah city to celebrate. Approaching the assembled dignitaries at 600kph they pulled up into a vertical climb in tight formation, breaking out at altitude into a nine-leaved palm tree, which drew spontaneous applause from the audience.

The team appeared in the new Red Arrows livery which highlights the Royal Air Force logo on the fuselage. “It’s to emphasize the fact that we are representing the Royal Air Force to the people worldwide who come to see us,” said Hawker. The team leaves for Dubai International Air Show today where they will once more bring the crowds to their feet with some simply extraordinary flying.

10.23.07

Old Jeddah’s Cultural Village

Posted in FYI, Family Oriented Fun, Life in Jeddah, The Shops!, What's Going on in the Gulf? tagged , at 5:52 pm by Desert Diaries

As salaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. I’m sharing these articles for informational purposes only. I don’t agree with all of the activities mentioned.

Haneefah

Old Jeddah’s Cultural Village

16/10/2007
Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat - The celebrations held in Jeddah last 13 October evening marked the advent of Eid ul-Fitr and brought the people together in a festive spirit. The village lies along the coast and has over 60 handicraft shops that sell old traditional wares and approximately 50 other modern shops, in addition to a number of historic buildings and a variety of cultural events. Hassan Mihwil Eissa, who is over 80 years old is a man who has witnessed Jeddah’s transformation, “This is the Old Jeddah in all its beauty and simplicity that you are seeing now,” he said in reference to the heritage village. He recounted stories of skills and crafts from days gone by in the Old City, including how they used to build their own houses. One of the pioneering builders in Old Jeddah, Eissa used to teach construction and building skills and was the head of ‘al Majmoua’ group that was responsible for building Beit Jeddah, a cultural center, in the village. He added that the project took five days and revealed that they used approximately 15,000 stones to complete it. There was a large family presence at the village as many flocked in to shop and celebrate on the day of Eid. “It was very well organized,” said Umm Khaled who was there with her children and added, “but the best thing is that it is open to all.”

Umm Khaled said that what impressed her most was that all the ancient handicrafts and skills were readily available, in addition to various antiques; however, she noted that most of these shops did not have names.

For his part Engineer Sami Nawar, the director of the Historic Area Preservation Department and the head of Jeddah’s Tourism and Culture Department said that the village was the new face of tourism in Jeddah, in addition to being a cultural and recreational center.

Approximately 45,000 square meters, the village has a showroom for historical cars and a huge square for children’s games and competitions, as well as traditional Hijazi food stalls, a poetry hall, art exhibitions displaying paintings of heritage sites and buildings, in addition to traditional Hijazi clothing and accessories for women.

However, it is not simply shopping that the village offers, there are folkloric troupe performances, in addition to other cultural events and performances that take place in the newly built Beit Jeddah al Turathi, as well as in the open theatre, which is located in an 80 meter area.

In terms of the anticipated number of visitors, Nawar said that the village is expected to attract over 100,000 over Eid. He added that the Jeddah municipality has divided the village into three sections; the fist one is dedicated to ancient Hejazi heritage; the second to the cultural of heritage of other regions in the Kingdom; and the third is devoted to international world heritage so that it may attract all the different communities living in the city.

From the Khaleej Times……

Old Jeddah to bid for heritage honour
By Habib Shaikh

11 August 2007 JEDDAH — The historic old Jeddah area is being prepared to be registered as an international heritage site.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT), who met the holy city of Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al Faisal, said that Prince Khaled had agreed to develop Old Jeddah for the purpose.

 

Prince Sultan said that plans have been approved to establish a mega tourism project in Jeddah and hold Abhur Festival and Okaz Souk Festival to attract a large number of tourists to the region.

 

“It has been agreed to set up a tourism development council for the Makkah region under the chairmanship of the governor,” he told reporters. “The Makkah governor reviewed some projects in Jeddah and Taif and gave instructions to establish a comprehensive tourism project like Al Oqair project in the Eastern Province. It will become a major tourist attraction in Jeddah,” Prince Sultan said.

 

He did not say how much the project would cost. According to press reports, Prince Sultan had previously signed a SR2.08 million contract with an international consultancy company to prepare a plan for Red Sea projects, which would include hotels and recreation centres.

 “A five-year plan for basic tourism projects in Jeddah and Taif will be presented within the next few weeks,” he said. Speaking about the Abhur Festival, Sultan said it would be organised as a large-scale national annual festival beginning from Ramadan, the fasting month that is scheduled to start on September 13. “In the coming phase, the focus will be on Taif, which will be developed to become a major tourist attraction. We will also organise agricultural and rose festivals in the city,” he said, and added that the Okaz Souk festival would be launched this year,” he said.

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