Jeddah Youth Today

I know you have many questions and wondering on what is the usual daily routine of a typical Saudi bachelors especially the youth of Jeddah. Let me answer that by sharing to you a video that was produced and directed by a genius whom he described himself a film freak.Thank you to Ala'a El Sayed for giving me his permission to use the video.The music on the background of the video is so interesting.That was performed by a group of talented Saudis where they called themselves the Jeddah Fabulous Ambitious Members aka J.FAM.At the end of the video there is a question and please feel free to give your answer.Enjoy watching the video.

A Woman's Stand Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign,Saudi Arabia

October is the Breast cancer awareness month and because of that ,HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan launched 'A Woman's Stand'-a local Saudi initiative to help raise breast cancer awareness efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Dr.Modi Batterjee,spokesperson for the campaign, explained,"The campaign climax will take place in Jeddah at the Ministry of Education Sports Compound Al-Rawdah next to Kubri Al-Muraba on October 28,2010 from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.Women ages 12 and up are invited to form a HUMAN CHAIN in the shape of a 'PINK RIBBON'-the international symbol of breast cancer awareness.This is an attempt to break the Guiness World Record for the LARGEST HUMAN AWARENESS RIBBON".This event is exclusive for women only.Please make this happen.

I am not a terrorist! My earth hour experience in Jeddah

Oh no don't be alarmed about the title of my entry. Well let me explain and tell it to you about this.Don't you worry I'm fine and still breathing, I'm free and amazingly alive and kicking and enjoying the freedom of life here in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia. Maybe you have noticed about the gap of time from the last entry that i made here. It took me for almost six months for not to have an updates about my life here as a pinoy expat in Saudi. There is a compelling reason about why it took me so long to update my blog because of one experience that i had encountered here and that was so traumatic on my part that i blamed myself because of this hobby and that is blogging.Alas!Now I do have the courage and I'm inspired to blog again and forget the past and not to dwell on that bad experience and so life must go on because once a blogger always a blogger.

I was so excited that time to experience for the very first time about the Earth hour in Saudi Arabia. From the videos and photos posted on the net from the previous Earth hour done from different parts of the world it gave me an idea to participate and so curious about it on what will happen especially here in Saudi Arabia. It so happened that time was my day-off so no work for me.One blogger based in Jeddah emailed me if i am interested to participate, all i have to do is to take photos of the restaurants and other business establishment or my activity that I'm going to do about Earth hour and share the photos and will be posted on his blog.


A brilliant idea i had that time is to take photos of the Jeddah fountain because for me it is one of the famous landmark of Saudi Arabia and lots of restaurant scattered around the place and hotels as well and very accessible from my accommodation.One of my friend also invited me for a dinner and to try one of the restaurant in a hotel near the fountain and to meet him after his work.I said yes to my friend for a plan to have a dinner on that restaurant.I went to Al hamra ,Corniche Jeddah early an hour before the earth hour.I have an opportunity to take some photos of the area for a comparison a before and after activities of an hour of dark night .

So disappointed because the fountain during earth hour is still well lighted and working. So it mean to say not a participant for the earth hour and so with other establishment around the area and business as usual.But the good news about the fountain during the day it is not working so maybe that is the earth hour for this magnificent fountain.

Upon walking and searching for a participant of earth hour im so lucky that time because i found one, i accidentally passed on this hotel.

Lights were turned off .Armed with my mini camera i took some photos.


So excited i took photos,clicking my camera here and there.

While taking photos my friend Bob from Riyadh is calling on my phone and i answered his call and we do have a conversation about the earth hour according to him that earth hour is not a big deal on the capital city. But here comes the BIG problem.I haven't noticed because it was dark in the area but i heard someone is yelling and the voice is approaching towards me.

I saw a man,a black and strong and almost six feet tall masculined man.So snappy with his uniform armed with a long gun attached across his back as if he is a man in a battlefield,not an ordinary gun and not an ordinary or regular security guard for me, a few meters away his armored car is waiting for him and waiting for me as one of his passenger.He is a soldier.He start to speak to me in little english and arabic and he is trying hes best to talk in english.While talking to me in a loud authoritative scary voice he grabbed my mobile phone forcefully.While talking he is dragging me going to his armored car as if i am a rugged or voodoo doll ready to use on his ritual.I am very hesitant to follow.I asked him what i have done wrong in my little arabic "esh fi mushkila sadiq?'.I am struggling to go out of that situation but what can i do he is pushing me going to the armored car.So much scared that all i can hear is the deafening sound of my heartbeat,my legs were shaking,a butterfly on my stomach.I am so puzzled on what is my violation.He said no need for talking this time all i have to do is to follow his order for interrogation.Interrogation?I said it loud almost shouting with my teary eyes.You are a suspect for terrorism!!!!Terrorism?He is asking on what group i belong,who is my boss while checking my mobile phone.He saw me talking on my mobile phone before and asked if that is my boss.He said i am secret agent doing a surveillance of the hotel.What?a secret agent of a terrorist group.He asked me on what i am doing in the dark and why i am taking photos. Feel dizzy that time OMG!!!Im going to jail and experience earth hour for the rest of my life.I am now a suspect and i am guilty unless i can prove to him that i am innocent.Im sweating but i feel so cold.All i have to do that time is to pray,calling all the angels and saints that i knew but impossible because they are not welcome in Saudi because it is a muslim country.Kidding aside he kept on talking to his walkie talkie i dont understand that much because it is in pure arabic.He ask me to help him to operate my camera so that he can see the photos but after how many minutes the camera turned off because the battery is empty that time.I composed myself and try to talk to him on a diplomatic way on the best way i could.I gain confidence again and show to him that i am a good man, a peace loving man and explain to him about the earth hour.Not yet convinced he asked my iqama my resident permit.I explain my work to him.While talking and standing in front of him near his armored car I saw his reaction on his face as if he saw an angel with a spread wings and a halo that appeared on me. He looks so amazed.He touched my shirt and examined it as if i am a model doing a full turn just to scrutinize what i am wearing.I saw smile on his face.My saviour just arrived.He is now good to me and as if he is now my servant.He obeys and follow my request to give back my mobile phone,my camera and my iqama.My t-shirt is my saviour because what im wearing is a picture of King Abdullah the King of Saudi Arabia.The soldier read what is written on my shirt which is in arabic "kulo na abnaok" in english it says Brother to all.Im loving now this shirt that i bought in a souvenir shoppe in serafi mega mall.The soldier now was so convinced that i am a peace loving person.He asked me now in a friendly manner.As a sign of friendship and peace i offer him a firm handshake.He let me go as if nothing happened.I waved my hand and say good bye to him and walk slowly but i feel so tired that time of that emotional torture experience i had.I feel so agitated that all i have to do is to walk,thinking what happened,walk and walk until i noticed i reached my home.I walked that far.Yes very far and i laughed at myself i fell so crazy that time.At home my friend is calling at my mobile phone for a dinner.I made an excuse that im not feeling well that all i have to do is to sleep.That experience i keep as a secret to my friends. That's all folks my unforgettable experience in KSA...

LONG LIVE THE KING......

Earth Hour in Saudi Arabia for the first time

This is Jeddah at night where you can see the Jeddah fountain.If i want to see this beautiful view i just climb to the rooftop of our apartment here in Jeddah admiring the different colors of lights but for the very first time on March 27,2010 it will turn dark for an hour because Saudi Arabia is switching off its power for a whole hour from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening. Lights are expected to be switched off in major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The country is taking part in Earth Hour for the first time since the event debuted in 2007.Earth Hour aims to encourage people around the world to reduce emissions and be more aware of climate change. Saudi Arabia is participating alongside 92 countries, where lights will be turned off in almost 2,500 cities. Let us see on what will happen on that night,surprise!!! lol.If you love mother Earth please join and participate.

Women's boycott of men from selling Lingerie to women in KSA!!!

Im not aware of this issue until i browsed the blog in the events corner of Ms.Susie that starting from February 13th to 27th, 2010 that all women in Saudi Arabia are all encourage to be united in a boycott to protest against men selling undergarments to women in KSA. If you want to read the complete article you can read it HERE.

I have a good news for all the women out there on where to buy your lingerie.

This is the window display of Nayomi store. This store is very close to my work place. This is the only neighbor that I'm not acquainted with. Even to ask loose change for them or to say hello lol.

Yes you've read it right.All the salesclerk working here are all female.

Ladies are only allowed to get inside.This store is located at Mousadia Plaza number 2 along Madinah road in Jeddah.

Judas Cave and Al-Hasa Oases

Its Eid Al Adha holiday again here in Saudi Arabia.For some expat it is along vacation for them.Any plans on how to spend your holidays?Planning for an adventure?Well if you are here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly on the eastern part of the kingdom i can recommend to you to visit Judas Cave and Al-Hasa Oases.As what i did last year together with my friends we decided to have a tour on that place.

Judas Cave is located at Hofuf it is the main town of the Al-Hasa Oasis about two hours drive by car from Dammam or an hour if you take the train.Al Hasa is the biggest dates palm plantation in the kingdom. We arrived on that place so early in the morning where the place is covered by fogs.

For the locals the mountain rock formation they called it Jebel Al- Qarra where the limestone cave is located the arabs called it the Ghar Al-hashab which is the cave of the arrow maker in english.

But for the Pinoy community here in the kingdom it is popularly known as the Judas cave that according to the stories circulated around the group that Judas was cast out here after betraying Jesus.I dont know if it is true maybe chismis lang lol i need some proof regarding on that claim.

The rock formation outside the cave is so stunningly beautiful formed millions of years ago.. Beneath this is the entrance going to the cave,the cave is well lighted by fluorescent light installed inside so no need for torch and lamp. The place is much cooler compared outside with the scent of urine produced by the bats, so be very careful if you will stare the ceiling be sure that your mouth is closed maybe some of the bats dung will drop exactly on your mouth if you feel lucky lol.

If you want more adventure try to reach the top of the mountain.On top of it you will see the oasis.

Wear comfortable attire and that includes abaya for all the ladies and comfortable shoes for hiking as well. Bring some refreshments a bottled water will do. The good thing about this half day tour there is no entrance fee inside the cave so its free.Enjoy and have fun.....

The Good and the bad of 79th Saudi National day celebration

September 23,2009 is a very special day for Saudi Arabia because it was the 79th Saudi National day celebration. The good thing that coincide with the national day for the Saudis was the inauguration of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and it was in the international news this past week. President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is one of the invited guest to witness the event.The university is located north of Jeddah in Thuwal on the Red Sea.If you want to know more about KAUST you can check their website http://www.kaust.edu.sa/.

The other good news that day if you love shopping some malls give special discount on all items that has color green on it "the green discount" why green? it has a connection in honor for their national flag which is color green.

That was a good news and i noticed it happened on the western part of KSA.If there is a good news there is also a bad news and it happened the other side of KSA in the eastern region and in the Gulf area. The place is in Al-khobar. I love that place because i was assigned to work their for almost one and a half years.

So here is the bad news.That night some Saudi teenagers went wild and crazy maybe this is the result of their intense boredom for the celebration is kinda boring because as you know live concerts,disco or clubbing is not allowed here in KSA. And because there is no avenue for them to release their too much excitement they produce a riot. What the Saudi teenagers did that night they sacked restaurants, looted shops and destroyed pretty much anything in their path.

Oh boy my company where i am working right now is not lucky enough, one of our branch located in Tamimi safeway in Corniche was part of the victim of that riot.It destroyed our shop by breaking the glass windows and they took our computer where all of the data of all transactions of the business was there.It is now a big problem for our company specially the IT department.They took also our cash register so money is gone but only the petty cash. Since it was long holiday and banks were closed so most of the cash to be deposited were accumulated until the bank operations resume so it is a big amount but the pharmacist in charge of that place is lucky enough because he took the money on a safe place.So lucky the cash is with him. so here is the picture the result of the riot.

It was in the arab new check this.

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=126786&d=27&m=9&y=2009

Two years in Saudi Arabia

Today is a very special day again for me here in Saudi Arabia because today I'm celebrating my second year of staying and working here.This is the day that Saudi Arabia welcomes me.

To understand more what Saudi Arabia is,please feel free to watch the video that i got from youtube.Enjoy.

Shopping Experience,Kingdom Centre,Riyadh KSA

Shopping here in Saudi Arabia is also a very one of a kind experience.It is very different from the Philippines that everybody is allowed to enter the mall like in Glorietta,Greenbelt or any SM super malls.

Here in Saudi Arabia there are malls where only families are only allowed to enter and bachelors are not allowed especially the Saudis or any Arab nationalities but for some expat like to Filipinos,Americans and British or European nationalities security guards give considerations for them to do shopping.Before going to mall phoned first the customer service if bachelors are allowed to enter for not to waste time and effort.All people working in shopping malls from cashiers, sales people are all males and don't be surprised if there is no females that will assist you.Store hours also must be observed in shopping because as we all know KSA is a conservative Muslim country so prayer time is strictly followed and during prayer time all showrooms,boutiques and all establishments are closed .Five or so minutes before the prayer call customers are asked to leave the shop,the staff also exit closing the shutters and failure to do so religious police or the Mutaween also known as the Authority for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice will catch the staff and the customer for disciplinary measures.

This affects shoppers particularly at Midday or Dhur, prayer start between 11:30am and 12:30 pm,it is worthwhile checking if the shop will re-open after prayers, as many stores and malls close between midday and 4:00pm or after mid afternoon or Asr prayer , because during that span of time the temperature is at its highest so its is a siesta time.Shopping malls open from 9:00am until or before midday prayer time. Also during Sunset or Maghrib,prayers start between 5:30pm and 6:30 pm and last prayer time of the day the Isha or dinnertime prayers start between 7pm and 8pm and re-open until 10 or 11pm.

This mall the Mamlaka or Kingdom Centre (Arabic: برج المملكة‎) is very closed to my apartment only a block away when i was assigned working in Riyadh and it is my landmark for not to get lost in the city.Kingdom Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, somewhat resembling a modern bottle opener. With a height of 303 m (992 ft), it is the 24th tallest building in world.

The tower is host to the highest mosque in the world. The Kingdom Centre is owned by Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a prince of the Saudi royal family. It is also the headquarters of his holding company: Kingdom Holding Company. The total cost of the project was 2 billion Saudi Arabian Riyals and the contract was taken by Saudi Arabian El Saif and the Italian Impregilo S.P.A. Kingdom Centre is situated in Al-Urubah Road between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street in the growing business district of Olaya in Riyadh.

Kingdom Centre was the winner of the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award, selected as the "best skyscraper of the world for design". A three-level shopping center, which also won a major design award, fills the east wing. The large opening is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors. Besides the shopping mall, the Centre includes a Four Seasons Hotel and state-of-the-art apartments. The 56 meter long skybridge atop the skyscraper contains a public observation deck and a view of the entire city of Riyadh.

The Shopping Mall contains 170 prestigious stores.The first and second floor is open to both gender and third floor is stictcly for females only where they can freely remove thier veil or abayas.If you feel hungry during shopping and if you want to eat,the wide array of choices of local and international fast food chains is located in ground floor ,also the Family and bachelors section is stricly followed.Enjoy Shopping.

Saudi Arabia 101

Some facts about my host country,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Discover Riyadh

Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض‎ Ar-Riyāḍ) is the capital of Saudi Arabia and its largest city. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Nejd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to over 4,260,000 people.
The city is divided into 15 municipal districts, managed by Riyadh Municipality headed by the mayor of Riyadh, and the Riyadh Development Authority, chaired by Governor of Riyadh Province, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The current mayor of Riyadh is Abdul Aziz ibn Ayyaf Al Migrin, appointed in 1998.

The name Riyadh is derived from the plural of the Arabic word rawdha, which means "garden," particularly those formed in the desert after the spring rains. Riyadh has for more than 1500 years been a fertile area set in the heartland of the Arabian Peninsula.The settlement was historically famous for its Palm Trees and Dates and Orchards. The modern name was first applied to only certain parts of the settlement where orchards predominated. Gradually the name was used for the entire settlement.

Terrorist Attacked

This video that you are watching happened a year ago to the place where i am working right now.This is in Panda Supermarket,Dammam Saudi Arabia.I wasn't aware about this because that time, this event occurred i was still in the Philippines.

My fellow Pinoy shared this video, for me to be aware on the history of the place.He is working that time to the adjacent building where his office is located.He witnissed the crime from his window and it was captured from a mobile phone by his arab colleagues.At first knowing and watching the video my reaction is to be scared but examining the place now it is peaceful and well secured so no need for me to be frightened and to be worried about it.

That's why whoever ask the exact location of my health shop they knew it easily by means of that event happened in the store.To all my friends don't worry about me everything now is okay, and the place is now well secured and peaceful.

IKEA

Under the scorching heat on the 26Th day of June in Saudi Arabia my fairy gay godmother Manny decided to let our group including the neophytes, the new recruit in the Kingdom ,Mark and Egay to have lunch at Ikea cafe and invade the place to do shopping afterwards.Ikea escapade is not part of my itinerary but since i haven't been and experience it with so much gusto i said yes and join with them.

With the generous kindhearted of yours truly me, myself yes its me is the one who paid the bill for the sumptuous lunch that the entourage partake that include herb bake salmon,soup cream of chicken,hamour steak, and tenderloin with the desserts of blueberry and strawberry cheesecake and chocolate croissant.Ohlalala i love it we are so much full and by that we had enough energy to invade the place to do shopping.

Sad to say Bob one of my friend wasn't able to join due to work.What i bought from Ikea is the beautiful wall clock,mirror,slippers .Manny and Johnny bought plates and other kitchen utensils.Mark and Egay bought some stuff for laundry and for bathroom.Everybody felt exhausted yet happy for the experience even in a limited time.we hurriedly went home to take our afternoon siesta.

Doing that it reminisced my experience that i had with my friend Meow shopping some stuff for his haven in the Philippines, i missed it especially when we looked for the bamboo curtain.

IKEA in RiyadhP.O.Box 91285, Riyadh 11633

Saudi ArabiaPhone: +966 1 2442233

E-mail: Inforyd@ikea.com.sa

Opening hours at normal days including EID

Saturday to Thursday: 10:00AM – 12:00

Midnight Friday: 4:00PM – 12:00 Midnight

IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden and it is owned by a Dutch-registered foundation controlled by the Kamprad family.

IKEA is an acronym comprising the initials of the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd), and his home county (Agunnaryd, in Småland, South Sweden).

IKEA is a privately-held, international home products retailer that sells flat pack furniture, accessories, bathrooms and kitchens at retail stores around the world. The company, which pioneered flat-pack design furniture at affordable prices, is now the world's largest furniture manufacturer.

Europe
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(Czech Republic)
(Denmark)

(Germany)
(Spain)
(Greece)
France
(Iceland)
(Italy)
(Cyprus)
(Hungary)
(Netherlands)
(Norway)
(Austria)

(Russia)
(Poland)
(Portugal)
(Romania)
(Switzerland)
(Slovakia)
(Finland)
(Sweden)
(Turkey)
United Kingdom
North America
Canada
United States

Middle East
(Kuwait)
(Israel)
(Saudi Arabia)
(United Arab Emirates)

Asia Pacific
Australia
(China)
(Hong Kong)
(Japan)
Malaysia
(Taiwan)
Singapore

Welcome to KSA Mark and Edgar

After my work on June 25 at around quarter to eleven in the evening,I hurriedly went to the bus station of SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company)to catched up the last trip of the day headed to Riyadh, the bus left at around 12:30 am and it takes five hours travel from Dammam to Riyadh.

It was a nice trip I only sleep at the bus and the moment i open my eyes wow i was now in Riyadh.The reason why I went there is just so simple, just to meet and welcome my friends Edgar and Mark, both of them will now work here in Saudi at the same company where i am working.To EDGAR and MARK welcome to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Iqama

I just renewed my IQAMA recently and the new one is with me now.So what is this IQAMA,why it is very important here in Saudi Arabia being an expat like me.Sorry no photograph of my iqama to be posted here for security purposes.

The first paperwork hurdle once in Saudi Arabia is your own Iqama term used for residence permit.Dont wait for HR personnel to ask you,present them with the documentation on day one once you are here in the Kingdom. You will need to do another medical- known as the iqama medical and results take three to four days.

Issue of Iqama takes two to five days, for the mean time the company will issue a letter together with the photocopy of your passport attached to it,because the emloyer will keep your passport for safety and for exchange for it is the iqama.The letter will serve as your temporary Iqama with a validity of one week until you received the Iqama.

The new iqama issued , it looks like an ATM or credit card with your picture,name in english and arabic characters,birthday,nationality, expiration date,name of the company.Unlike before its look like a mini passport green for Muslim and brown for non-Muslim.
IQAMA CHECKLIST

1. Get Iqama medical done
2. Prepare company letter
3. Copy of contract
4. Copy of medical results
5. passport
6. photographs

The iqama can be viewed as your residency card. The iqama indicates you are a legal resident in the Kingdom. With this document you can open a bank account, rent or buy a car, rent lodging and any other legal and/or business transactions.It is needed when you are going to buy a sim card for the mobile phone, prepaid or postpaid and for telephone line at home and for dsl connection for internet.Iqama is needed in buying tickets for bus,train and plane for local travel within the kingdom.

Without an iqama, one is very limited in what they are allowed to do. For example, one may come into the Kingdom on a visitors visa but that visa will not allow one to engage in many standard transactions of day to day life.

Make a photocopy of your iqama and have that with you at all times. Keep your original iqama in a safe place. Also be sure and note its expiration date.Validity of iqama is one year only.If your iqama expired you cannot perform any transactions in the bank like to deposit or to withdraw from your bank accounts! You will have no access to cash.Until you renewed it.Iqama is very important here in Saudi Arabia.