Saudi Arabia _Voyager

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Discover! Saudi Arabia

EVENTS | GUIDES | REVIEWS | DESTINATIONS | TOURS | TRAVEL | CULTURE | INDUSTR

Autumn 2011 / issue seven

DestinationTarut Island weekend

Al-Magar discoveryOrigins of the Arabian horse

Environment

Saving the Houbara Bustard

Al-Ahsa

getaway





_ INTRODUCTION / SAUDI VOYAGER

Autumn 2011 / Saudi Voyager / 03

SaudiVoyager

A

s we go to press with this latest edition of Saudi Voyager , the

pleasant Saudi Arabian fall weather is with us. I often tell those

who don’t know the Kingdom well that our best-kept secret is

the weather. Except for a few hot summer months, the weather is

truly idyllic for most of the year. It is only the uninitiated who think

we are plagued by year-round "desert" weather. In reality, while

our neighbors are sweating it out in unpleasant humidity and hightemperatures, we are sitting out in the garden, at the park, or in the

countryside enjoying picnics, camp fires, and barbeques in beautiful, temperate weather.

With the combination of the approaching Eid Al-Adha festivities and the nice fall

weather, our lead article in this edition is on a recommended Eid getaway to Al Ahsa

(page 33). Our intrepid reporter has surveyed the many attractions that make for

an excellent weekend getaway inside the Kingdom, a break from the routine and a

chance to visit places of historic interest. Another destination with historic interest

is the Eastern Region’s Tarot Island, which we also cover as a potential Eid trip (page

46). On the subject of historic interest, we carry a fascinating news report on the

recent discovery in the Kingdom of a site with remains of human civilization from nine

thousand years ago–including evidence of farming and animal husbandry (page 43). Of

course, you'll need a map to get to all these fascinating places; we report on one Saudi’s

passion for developing maps of the more remote areas of the Kingdom, which will be a

real boon for anyone interested in exploring this fascinating country (page 50).

Of importance to all our readers working in the travel and tourism industries, we

carry details of the launch of the next staging of the Saudi Excellence in Tourism

Awards (page 19), to be held in March 2012. Online nominations will open shortly; we

provide details of what you need to do enter, and hopefully win, in this valued industry

awards program. There are some key new categories and other additions to this year’s

arrangements, so be sure to read this report carefully if you plan to make your mark

on history by winning a 2012 SETA.

As usual, we hope you enjoy this edition of Saudi Voyager .

Editor in Chief

_ INTRODUCTION / SAUDI VOYAGER



_INDUSTRYNews / 07

News of the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia

News analysis / 14Premier Inn is the UK and Ireland’s largest and

fastest growing hotel chain, and has recently

opened in the Gulf. Darroch Crawford, managing

director Middle East and Africa talks about their

interest in moving into the Kingdom

SETA / 17

Arrangements for the second Saudi Excellence in

Tourism Awards have been announced

SCTA interview / 22

Saudi Voyager talks to Dr. Delayl Al-

Kahtani, a modern-day pioneer working

in Riyadh's National Museum

Al Khabra heritage town / 26

Al Khabra heritage town hosts traditional building

workshop

Mapping the future / 50

A surprise meeting in the rugged terrain of

Riyadh’s southern escarpment has led to an

appreciation of Abdullah Al Sayari's special skills

MICE / 72

Saudi Arabia set to establish itself as an

events hub for the marketing and

communications industry

Published byAlef International

P.O. Box 301292, Riyadh 11372Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

T: +966 1 462 3632F: +966 1 461 2966

Email: [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Majed A. Al–Sheddi

Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities

Editorial supervision - SCTANajla Al-Khalifah

T: (+966) 1 880 8910E: [email protected]

ContributorsAlex Malouf

Jackie LedgerJames Nicholson

Richard WhiteheadRanda Saab

Rashed IslamSharon DunnZoya Malik

DesignHussain Mohammed Al-Bakri

Photography Abdullah Al Sayari

Adel Al-ElatiAhmad A. Alwosaibie

Alex MaloufByron A. BuenoMark Carreon

M. Zafar-ul IslamRomel Cuison

SCTASharon DunnShutterstock

Waleed Almarhoum

ResearchJihan Bagader

Tanaya Bose Jain

SubscriptionsMajed Fares

E: [email protected]

Client ServicingTanaya Bose Jain

E: [email protected]

Consultant Editor Barry Gray

T: +971 50 653 8859E: [email protected]

Chief Executive OfficerRabih El Amine

T: +966 1 462 3632E: [email protected]

© Alef International

Saudi Voyager is published on behalf of

the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities

All rights are reserved and no part of the publication or its contents may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electrical, mechanical,

photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written approval of the publishers.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported in Saudi

Voyager, neither the publishers nor Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities will accept

responsibility for any errors or omissions and rejects any claims arising out of any action

which a company or individual may take as a consequence of the content contained herein.

Discover!Saudi Arabia

_PEOPLEInvestment / 29

Saudi Voyager spoke to Essam Abouda,

vice president of operations, Arabian

Peninsula and Indian Ocean, about HiltonWorldwide’s investment in Saudi Arabia’s

growing tourism market

Day in the life / 76

Starting out as a concierge at Riyadh’s Hotel

Al Khozama, Mamdouh Al- Arafshah has built

an enviable career in the hospitality industry,

spanning more than 25 years

My favorite place / 63

His work took HE Talmiz Ahmed, Ambassador

of the Republic of India to all four corners of the

Kingdom. He tells Saudi Voyager of his particular

favorites prior to his departure from the Kingdomon completion of his tour of duty

22

Retail price: Saudi Arabia SR10.00 Rest of world US$5.00

CONTENTSguide/autumn 2011

29



_ CONTENTS / SAUDI VOYAGER


_LIFESTYLEHeritage / 43

Evidence of horse domestication in

KSA nine millennia ago uncovered

Houbara Bustard / 54

The Houbara Bustard has been under threat

of going the way of the now extinct Arabian

ostrich. It is hoped extensive efforts of

the Saudi government will re-establish

these shy desert birds. M. Zafar-ul Islam,

manager of the reintroduction program

tells Saudi Voyager of progress to date

_RECREATIONCapital golf/ 52-53

Along with other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia

has seen an increase in golfing facilities. Saudi

Voyager reviews golfing options in the capital

Hotel review / 58

In the age of the Internet and interconnected

world it can be challenging for any business to

try and stand out from the crowd. The Sofitel

Al Khobar makes a good effort to do so

Restaurant review / 61

Najd Village provides a sumptuous experience of

the Central Region

Riyadh souqs / 73

Located at the center of historic trade routes,

Riyadh has a fascinating cross-section oftraditional markets

_DESTINATIONAl-Ahsa / 32

Al-Ahsa is not on everyone’s to do list although

it shouls be, having been nominated as one

of the seven wonders of the natural world

Hejaz Railway / 37

It is still possible to visit the remains of the

Hejaz Railway in the Kingdom and experience

firsthand the outstanding achievement and

colorful history of over a century ago

The big picture / 40

Wadi Mahar, Umluj

Tarut Island / 46

Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region has a rich

history spanning several thousand years.

Alex Malouf visits Tarut Island in his questto discover more Saudi heritage

_DIRECTORY

Hotel reviews / 64With more locally trained staff and increasing

focus on quality service,accommodation options

across Saudi Arabia are getting better and better.

Saudi Voyager highlights some of the favorites

Hotel listing / 67

43

33

37

54

61

46



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_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

JEDDAH GHAIRGENERATESSR3 BILLION

After 70 days of entertainment,

the Jeddah Ghair – the western

city’s summer festival –

came to a close in September.

Shortly afterwards, municipal

reports suggested that the

event had generated revenues

in excess of SR3 billion forthe city’s economy.

According to Prince Abdullah

bin Saud, chairman of the Jeddah

Chamber of Commerce and

Industry’s Tourist Committee,

over four million domestic and

foreign tourists visited the city

over the course of the festival.

He said: “It has greatly

contributed to creating an

active tourist culture in various

areas in the city including

markets, malls and amusement

parks.” He added that with morethan 50 government and private

establishments participating,

and over 200 activities

featured over the duration,

“the festival was proof of the

spirit of teamwork needed to

organize such activities.”

KING’S LIFETIME CAPTURED

FOR NATIONAL DAY

This year’s National Day celebrations, which

take place during September, were marked by

a special display with a week-long exhibition

of photographs that chronicle the life and

times of the Custodian of the Two Holy

Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The exhibit set out to illustrate the

many different facets of the King’s

successful journey through life. Theymarked his achievements and highlighted

the outstanding contributions of the

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in social,

humanitarian, political and religious arenas.

The collection was put together by the order

of Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the

SCTA and displayed under the title ‘Life and

Achievement ’ for a week from September 23

in Jeddah, Al-Damam, Al-Qasim, Al-Jouf, and

other leading locations around the Kingdom.

In addition to photographs, the

collection also featured documentaryfilms gathered from a number of sources

including the National Guard, King Abdul

Aziz Library, and the Saudi Press Agency.



08 / Saudi Voyager / Autumn 2011

_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

RECORD VISITORS VIEW SAUDI ARTIFACTS

Following record attendance

in St. Petersburg, Russia,

the Saudi ArcheologicalMasterpieces through the

Ages traveling exhibition

moved on from the third

leg of its international

tour in September after a

four-month residency at

the Hermitage Museum.

The display has proved

to be extremely popular

in Russia, achieving the

highest number of viewers

so far with 530,000 visitors

since it was inaugurated

in May by Prince Sultan

bin Salman, president of

the SCTA, and Alexander

Aydeev, the Russian Ministerof Culture. This figure is in

addition to the 160,000

visitors who turned out to

see the exhibition during

its stay at the Louvre in

Paris during the first leg of

the tour and the 140,000

visitors during the second

leg, at La Caixa Foundation

in Barcelona, Spain.

The exhibition, which

will move to the Pergamon

Museum in Berlin in January

2012, showcases 347 rare

archeological artifacts which

chronicle the heritage of

ancient Arabian civilizations.Before the tour, the objects

were formerly held at the

National Museum, King

Saud University Museum,

King Abdul Aziz Dara,

and a number of other

provincial museums.

Last year, the Custodian of

the Two Holy Mosques gave

the Saudi Archaeological

Masterpieces through the

Ages exhibition royal assent

to tour a number of European

and American cities.

SOUK OKAZ:CIVILIZATION,HISTORY ANDHUMANITY

EU PUTS ON SHOW OF PARTNERSHIP

The fifth edition of the annual Souk

Okaz festival opened in Taif in late

September with its usual high levelof fanfare and pomp. Inaugurating

the festival of heritage and

culture, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal,

the Emir of the Makkah region,

said that the event provided a

fitting display for the people of

Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom is the

country of civilization, history and

humanity. And Souk Okaz focuses

on these values,” commented

Prince Khaled proudly. Over

eight days, the culture festival

hosted a program of art shows,

exhibitions and performing arts.

“The exchange of cultural activities is key

to promote dialogue and foster better

understanding that helped people of various

civilizations shed prejudices and negative

stereotypes,” said Luigi Narbone, ambassador

of a European Union delegation visiting Saudi

Arabia, at the opening ceremony of European

Days in Saudi Arabia, the first event of its

kind to take place in the Kingdom. He jointly

opened the two-day event in Riyadh with

Dr Abdulaziz Al-Khoja, Saudi Minister of

Culture and Information, in late September.

Narbone added that the event was

aimed at promoting cultural understanding,

education, tourism and business between

the EU and the Kingdom. “Europe, known for

its range of cultures and linguistic diversity,

has relentlessly strived to share its cultural

richness with people of other regions of

the world,” explained Narbone. “It is our

strong belief that cultural exchanges help

communities and countries come closer by

forging deeper political, economic and social

ties. Europe has for centuries learnt how to

embrace and respect cultural diversity. Our

common cultural heritage, which includes

Arabic, helped us become a space of peaceful

coexistence, beauty and prosperity, and

fostered a feeling of European citizenship.”

Representatives from the embassies of 20

EU member states participated by setting up

stands and distributing brochures to visitors.

A number of Saudi officials spoke at the

opening and a Saudi troupe presented a folk

dance. Afterwards, ‘European Tour’, a photo

exhibition, and a documentary film entitled

‘Europe as Seen from the Sky’ were unveiled

to visitors, which featured a large number

of schoolchildren from Saudi-owned private

schools and international community schools.




_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

SAUDI “MOON BOAT” MAKING SHANGHAI RETURN

The second gathering of the Steering Committee of

the National Center for Urban Heritage took place in

September at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and

Antiquities (SCTA) headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting

focused on the Kingdom’s heritage as a national issue

with important economic objectives. The committee

also paved the way for the first National Urban Heritage

Forum, which will take place in Jeddah in November.Committee members praised the instructions of

Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, second Prime Minister and

Minister of Interior, to provincial governors to ensure

that authorities do not remove heritage buildings without

first seeking the advice of the SCTA, thereby allowing

the commission to verify a bui lding’s architecture and

historical importance. Following the directive, provincial

governors are now required to inform the SCTA of

any unapproved removal of heritage buildings.

Members of the committee considered how the

National Center for Urban Heritage would benefit

from the SCTA’s large network of projects, programs

and stakeholders, as well as the efforts of private

companies and individuals to preserve Saudi national

heritage. In this context, the SCTA has launched a

special program to explore international experience

with urban heritage development and preservation.

The committee also discussed the center’s plans for

the next three years, which include the establishment

of a national archive for urban heritage and adopting

a national strategy to rehabilitate and develop urban

heritage in a way that will preserve local artifacts. It

was emphasized that the development of national urban

heritage would be of great benefit to companies andcommunities and should be seen as a huge economic

resource with the potential to generate great wealth

and play a significant part in creating a large number of

employment opportunities for the local population.

Also covered in the meeting was a review of ongoing

work and proposed projects for the 2012-13 fiscal

year. These include heritage village development

programs, city-center improvement programs, the

rehabilitation of popular souks and historic buildings,

and developments in collaboration with MOMRA.

The National Center for Urban Heritage was founded

as a national think tank charged with bui lding an

institutional system that focuses on urban heritage

development by forming provincial partnerships. It is

also responsible for raising awareness of the importance

of urban heritage among local communities.

After almost 4.5 million visitors visited the Saudi Arabia pavilion at last year’s Shanghai Expo, organizers of the 2011

edition are expecting a similar level of interest on its second staging. At the time of going to press, the finishing touches

were being put to the “Moon Boat” pavilion which, last year, proved so popular that queues as long as 4,000 meters

were seen waiting for a glimpse inside. This year, in a bid to reduce waiting time for visitors, the Shanghai authorities

have decided to distribute all tickets through travel agencies.

THINK TANK DEBATES URBAN HERITAGE




_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

Efforts made to recover missing

Saudi artifacts have paid off following

the successful return of more than

500 Saudi archeological objects

from Britain. The recovered items

were from the Garyah excavation in

Tabuk province, and were removed

from the site to be taken to Britain

in 1968 for research purposes.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and Dr Abdul Aziz Al Rashid, a heritage

consultant to the SCTA president, led

a delegation to complete the recovery

process, which is in line with the

commission’s aim to secure the return

of all Saudi artifacts to the Kingdom.

The SCTA, through the Standing

Committee of National Antiquities

Recovery, has made great efforts

over recent years to recover

antiquities that have been taken

out of the country. The SCTA's

efforts in this respect have resulted

in the recovery of approximately

14,000 objects from outside of the

Kingdom, some of which had been

missing for more than 50 years.

In an official two-day visit to Ankara in September,

Prince Sultan bin Salman visited a number of projects

and programs carried out by Ankara Municipality

in the field of tourism and urban heritage.

"Ankara is a large and

developed city with a long,

historic past,” said Prince Sultan.

“We can learn much from its rich

experience in developing tourism

programs and activities to attract

a wide range of groups to come

to take part in events and visit

historical sites; this is all part

of an effort to connect Turkish

society with its national heritage.”

During his visit, the Prince

met with Ertu rul Günay,

Turkey’s Minister of Culture and

Tourism. The meeting included a

discussion on a number of issues

related to tourism investment

between the two countries,

and highlighted ways the two

nations could enhance tourism development through

the construction of heritage villages and museums, and

carrying out tourism training. They also put into effect a

memorandum of cooperation between the Kingdom and

Turkey in the field of tourism.

“Today we are enhancing

the cooperation between the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and

Republic of Turkey, especially

since tourism in Turkey has a

wide appeal and places heavy

emphasis on the country’s

wide and diverse heritage,”

said Prince Sultan bin Salman.

The Turkish Minister of

Tourism and Culture welcomed

the visit of Prince Sultan to

Turkey, and emphasized the

importance of the enhancement

of relations between the

two countries in the field of

tourism, and of encouraging

investment in tourism sector.

SAUDI AND TURKEY CEMENT CLOSER RELATIONS

_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

PRINCE KHALID TO LEAD SUMMIT

GARYAH ARTIFACTS RETURNED

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul A ziz Al-Saud,

governor of the Makkah Province, announced

his patronage and attendance at the second

Modern Makkah Summit and Awards. The summit

is the latest development in a series of large-

scale, business-driven events in the province.

Under the theme of ‘Modernizing the Holy City

and the Greater Province’, the two-day event,

scheduled for December 10-11 2011, will explore

projects that are shaping the future of the region.

Key local, regional and international players from the

infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, and tourism

sectors will be in attendance, all looking to showcase

their expertise and drive future expansion plans.

In conjunction with the Modern Makkah Summit, the

Makkah New Era Awards will recognize industry leaders

who have played an active role in the development

of the province and its historical transformation.

Prince Khalid will officially open the inaugural

awards dinner on the first day of the summit.




_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

A former astronaut himself, Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA,

visited Moscow during September to attend the fifth conference of the

Association of Space Explorers, a body of which he is a founding member.

The conference covered a number of issues related to space

science and technology, and recent studies and research into space

discovery – areas which are of ongoing interest to Saudi Arabia.

"The Kingdom is making steady progress in space technology as well as in

other different knowledge areas," said Prince Sultan in a statement following

the conference. The Prince also praised the efforts of the Custodian of the TwoHoly Mosques, the Crown Prince and the

government of Saudi Arabia for their work

in social, economic and scientific areas,

including space science and technology.

"The Kingdom has spared no efforts

in encouraging and promoting the use

of satellite technology all over the

region, where it has some of the most

advanced technology,” he added.

Prince Sultan participated in the

Discovery-G51’s voyage into space in

1985, and was one of the founders of the

Association of Space Explorers in the same

year, which now has a membership of over350 astronauts from 35 countries.

PRINCE ATTENDS

ASTRONAUT CONVENTION

BRIEFS

HAIL’S GROWTH

The province of Hail has registered a remarkable,

122 percent growth through strong investment

in its accommodation sector, compared with

the corresponding period of 2010. The total

number of rooms in the province’s 100 hotels

and furnished flats has now reached 2,100;

up from 800 rooms just five years ago.

BUSINESS BONANZA

A report released recently by Tourism

Information and Research Center revealed that

the number of domestic trips within the Kingdom

for the purpose of business tourism reached 3.9

million last year. This marks a significant increase

in trips compared with 2009, when only 2.3

million trips had been booked for business.

BRITAIN SEEKS CLOSER TIES

In a move to further co-operate in the field of

museums and antiquities, the British Ambassador

to Saudi Arabia, Sir Tom Phillips, met with theSCTA to discuss an initiative by the British

Institute for Arabian Peninsula Studies. They

also discussed the upcoming visit by the Duke

of York, Prince Andrew, to the Kingdom.

BOOK LISTS NEW APPROACH

SCTA’s director of media production, Dr Habass

Al Harbi, has released a new edition of his book,

‘Tourism Marketing In Tourist Facilities’, which

offers new methods for tourism marketing

in the modern world. The book focuses in

particular on the intense competition between

countries to gain a larger portion of the market.

TAWASOL UNVEILED

A new company intranet has been unveiled

for employees of the SCTA. The new site,

named Tawasol, highlights the commission’s

most important news, staffing information,

IT policies, and health and community news.

The portal also allows staff to write their

own articles for colleagues to read.

STUDENTS VISIT DIG

A group of students from the College of

Architecture at King Saud University took part

in a visit to the Ghat Heritage Village as part

of an SCTA training program that sets out to

teach students of the importance of urban

heritage. The SCTA itself has also recently

established a center devoted to urban heritage.

AGENCIES CHECKED

A joint team of officials from the SCTA and

Ministry of Labor made a series of sweeping

inspection visits to tourism and travel agencies

in Riyadh in September. This move was to ensure

that companies had been adhering to their license

conditions and employing the required proportion

of Saudi nationals within their organizations.

WORLD TOURISM CHIEFSINGLES OUT SAUDI ARABIA

During an address at the opening

ceremony of the second Al Aqaba

Economic Conference, the secretary

general of the World Tourism

Organization lauded Saudi Arabia’s

efforts to promote domestic tourism

as an example to the rest of the world.

Dr Taleb Al-Rifai singled out

the Kingdom for its focus on local

tourism, saying its efforts “can

be considered unique and are

an example to be followed.”

He also urged Arabic countries to

focus on their own domestic tourism

industries by establishing partnerships

with the private sector with a particular

emphasis on enhancing their cultural

offerings. Doing so, he said, would

generate a rich source of income while

also preserving their national identities.

On a global level, Al-Rifai pointed

out that tourism is the third-largest

and fastest-growing industry in the

world, accounting for 5.2 per cent

of world GDP with an economic

value of around $1.2 trillion.

However, he also cautioned that the

tourism industry is at a crossroads,

especially following the global financial

crisis and recent unrest in the Arab

world. He signalled that tourism across

Arab countries had fallen by 11 per cent

since the start of the recession, although,

over the last 10 years, international

tourism income had almost doubled

from $480 billion to $920 billion.




_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

Speaking at an industry meeting in Jordan,

Prince Sultan bin Salman revealed that the

SCTA was determined to nationalize the

tourism market over the next three years,

and once again emphasised the benefit of

the industry to the domestic economy.

“Tourism is an extremely important

industry for us and it plays a significant

role in providing job opportunities and

alleviating poverty. The Kingdom is

currently passing through a remarkable

transitional period and this sector too is

witnessing a change. Tourism, which is amajor human activity, has today become

an industry al l by itself,” he said.

Prince Sultan said that among rural

communities, the tourism industry

had succeeded in generating indirect

employment, for example in the making

and selling of handicrafts, in addition

to direct job creation in historica l,

heritage and agricultural sites.

“These activities will ensure a

good living for the people who live

in the rural areas, who will no longer

find they have to migrate to the

cities to make a living,” he said.

Prince Sultan also explained that

the tourism sector in the Kingdom was

witnessing a dramatic change based on

partnerships with local communities,

saying, “This policy (of cooperatives)

has resulted in large investments for

the welfare of the communities.”

He added that the SCTA had beenfocusing its investments in traditional

communities, especially those in

agricultural and rural areas.

“We have been cooperating with

a number of public and private

establishments to further consolidate

this trend. We have taken a giant leap

as we continue to build on our work in

rural and heritage areas,” he added.

SCTA COMMITTED TO SAUDIZATION

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities

has confirmed it is part of a joint effort to raise an

historic, sunken ship dating from the turn of the

century at Qunfudah Port on the Red Sea Cost.

On successful completion of the operation, the

ship is to be put on public display in Qunfudah.

Led by SCTA vice-president Ali Al-Ghabban,

who has visited the port to assess the measures

required for the reclamation, a specialised

company has been engaged to perform the

operation alongside specially trained SCTAdivers. The ship was sunk in an air raid by Italian

warplanes during the first world war, which also

resulted in the destruction of a number of other

ships in the area. The team also intend to reclaim

another, vessel located beneath the ship, with the

intention to also display it.

The project is being supervised by a joint

committee comprising representatives of the SCTA,

the Border Guards and Ministry of Agriculture.

SCTA TO SUPERVISEBOAT SALVAGE




_ INDUSTRY / NEWS

RESIDENTS ON TOUR

"We did not expect Riyadh to be so beautiful and to have

such a long history." This was a common theme of comments

made by a group of families resident in Riyadh, who were

recently the guests of the Saudi Commission of Tourism

and Antiquities on a tour of Riyadh, which took in a number

of historical monuments and sites around the capital.

Some of the group confirmed that during their stay in

the Kingdom, often living in expatriate housing compounds,

they had had limited exposure to the many historic sites

in the capital. The familiarization tour, organized by

local company Bon Voyage, with the support of SCTA,

headed by bus to the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center,

Al-Masmak Fort and the carpet souq, one of the oldest

markets in Riyadh and also known as Al-Zal Market locally.

The tour combined heritage and culture with modernity

including a visit to the Al-Faisaliah Tower, a modern

icon of the capital. To finish off the tour, the visitors

enjoyed a traditional Saudi-style dinner in the Najd area,

seated on carpets on the floor and eating by hand.

One long-term resident of Riyadh, Mr. Steve Baker,

who works with BAE Systems, stated that despite being

in Riyadh for many years, the tour had showed him many

interesting places he had never visited before. Another, Kim

Baker, agreed and appreciated that the tour allowed her

the opportunity to see the Al-Masmak historical Palace. “I

entered the sitting room of the founder, King Abdul Aziz

and was overawed to be in the same room in which the

founder of Saudi Arabia used to sit to make his deliberations,”

she said. She expects to make more tours in Riyadh.

Stephanie Baker was also impressed with what she saw,

especially in the mix of the traditional and modern aspects,

such as the ancient places in Riyadh against the Al-Faisaliah

Tower. She said she enjoyed the tour very much, especially

Al-Masmak fortress and the King Abdul Aziz Historical

Center, because she had not imagined that there were

such places in Riyadh. She said the tour was interesting and

that she enjoyed the traditional Saudi dining experience.

Kaya Evans said: “It was an amazing learning experience

at Al-Masmak fortress, where we saw traditional buildings

made of mud and stone.” Andrew Badly thought it would be

a good idea for companies to organize similar tours for newly

arrived employees as part of their induction or as a reward

for achieving work goals. It would help them to quickly and

effectively link with the local culture and lead to a better

understanding of the environment that surrounds them.

Maram Hamiduldin, the owner of the tour organizers

Bon Voyage, explained that the tour was not only about

tourism but also to highlight to the expatriate residents

of Riyadh the ongoing evolution and development of the

capital. She said: “ Integrated tours with knowledgeable

tour guide are an important part of gaining a complete

appreciation of the county in which they are living.”

EXPAT FAMILIES GUESTS OF SCTA FOR RIYADH TOUR




_ INDUSTRY

/ NEWS ANALYSIS

Premier Inn is the UK and Ireland’s largest and fastest growing hotel chain, and hasrecently opened in the Gulf. Darroch Crawford, managing director Middle Eastand Africa tells Zoya Malik about their interest in moving into the Kingdom

Making strides into KSA

Premier Inn has over 600

properties across the UK, Ireland

and the UAE with more than

43,000 hotel rooms, and Darroch

Crawford is tasked with expanding

this network in the Middle East

and Africa region. Crawford has his sights firmly

set on KSA as the region’s biggest hospitality

market in the GCC, and is ready to adapt the

brand’s established strategy in Saudi Arabia

from owner operator to a management model.

Feasibility studies commissioned by the group

for KSA suggest immense opportunities for the

mid-scale Premier Inn brand, especially alonghighways, at airports and in city centers, where

a consistent, clean product offering value to

travelers would ideally suit the Saudi market. The

advantage for potential investors in the Kingdom

is the simplicity of Premier Inn’s operational

model: a property can operate successfully

from 80 rooms upwards, especially as roadside

properties, which are seen as a specific gap in the

Saudi market. This scale of operation means a

more economical capital outlay for investors, who

may wish to enter the hospitality sector, or who

wants to specifically focus on the bourgeoning

mid-market market with a tried and tested brand.

Investors have approached Crawford through

networks and regional trade exhibitions, such

as Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and

Kingdom Hospitality Expansion Summit, with a

view to partnering with Premier Inn. Crawford

is in talks with a developer experienced in

the hospitality sector who already owns

two 5star hotels. The investor is planning

high quality roadside services for fuel, food

and accommodation. The concept suits the

Premier Inn positioning, with the brand already

partnering on other mix-use sites in other parts

of the world.

Another developer has identified large

and empty office spaces in Riyadh, Jeddah

and Dammam that he wishes to convert into

Premier Inn properties, believing the brand

will best suit current market needs of business

people and families.

Crawford explains, “For Saudi Arabia, we

have set ourselves a minimum target of 25

hotels by 2018, but we believe the potential

can be greater. The brand’s USP is to provide an

immaculately clean room, consistently friendly

service and always at a low cost. Our room

rates include accommodation for a family of

up to four persons at the same, set room rate

inclusive of taxes.”

The brand has adapted to the needs of the

Middle East region, where traveler expectations

are high. For example in the UAE, unlike in

the UK, the properties provide free Wi-Fi,

room service and a pool and spa as standard.

Crawford is equally confident that the brand will

provide amenities unique to the specific needs

of guests in the Kingdom.

“We are aware of the cultural requirements in

all of our locales and we are looking to employ

staff in the Kingdom who are able to offer thebest possible service, consistent to our brand

promise. Premier Inn hand-picks staff and we

will establish a training school in the Kingdom

for both on and off-the-job training”.

Crawford believes that Premier Inn’s success

in the UAE since launching five years ago has

cemented investor confidence in the region

and set a benchmark with Premier Inn Dubai

International Airport property being awarded

the owning group’s Best Performer Worldwide

award for 2010 / 11 as part of the groups’

Excellence Awards - the first time a hotel outside

their home market of the UK has been selected.

“We think of ourselves as offering a 4star

brand at 2star prices. We are looking for

long-term investor-partners who recognize the

potential in the ‘value’ sector with Premier Inn

frequently returning gross profits of over 60%”

confirms Crawford.

Travelers can also rest assured that Premier

Inn keeps consistency of pricing irrespective

of demand. “We don’t change to inappropriate

rates due to seasonal fluctuations in demand

as many other brands do in the hospitality

sector. We build our brand on consistency and

fairness”, concludes Crawford.




_ ADVERTISING FEATURE

T

he recent 1st Private Museum

Owners' Forum held in Riyadh

highlighted the importantrole museums have to play

in preserving artifacts from

the Kingdom’s rich past, as

well as the best way to display them for the

education and enjoyment of the public.

Museums and specialized collections around

the world are seeing a great resurgence of public

interest, and those in the Middle East are no

exception. The highly regarded Guggenheim

and Louvre museums have both agreed multi-

million dollar projects to establish Middle Eastern

extensions, while the Saudi Commission for

Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) in Saudi Arabia

has also announced a SR145 million program for

the development of four provincial museums in

Baha, Tabuk, Hail and Dammam. Plans are also

being developed to set up a museum for Islamic

and National Heritage in Jeddah and a museum

of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah.

Museums play a unique and important role

in the preservation of the culture and history

of communities and in educating future

generations. When it comes to designing

museum displays, curators have a number of

important decisions to make when considering

how best to give visitors an educational, but also

enjoyable, even entertaining, experience.

A decision has to be made initially on

whether the overall style for a museumwill be ‘Edutainment’ or education-based.

These two distinct options, both with their

individual benefits, have a direct influence on

the experience of visitors to the museum, and

therefore on visitor numbers and the amount of

income generated. The same influence is bought

about by the relevance, standard and quality of

the internal environment of the museum, from

the standard of decoration and lighting to the

quality of display cases and signage.

Shaboury & Associates is an Arab company

specializing in the design, marketing and

execution of museums. The company has worked

on numerous design and re-development

projects locally and internationally and is well

versed in the role a modern museum plays in the

preservation, valorization and documentation

of a country's heritage. Today, museums are

responsible for the preservation of a community's

identity in a rapidly changing world, and the

documenting and preserving of culture and

heritage in both tangible and intangible forms.

Established in 1970, by Dr. Hussein El

Shaboury in Alexandria, Egypt, Shaboury

& Associates has developed an expertise

and specialization in the design, marketing

and construction of museums and museum

interiors, In 1997, the company collaborated

on the displays for the Nubian museum projectin Aswan, Egypt, and has since established its

expertise in the field of museography, museum

display and exhibition design, delivering more

than forty museum and cultural exhibition

projects in Egypt, France, Italy, UAE and Qatar.

Designing a museum space or a museum

exhibition is no longer a simple process of

creating a space and putting a collection on

display. It is a complex task that aims to create an

appropriate environment to attract a wide range

of visitors of differing backgrounds, cultures,

interests and ages. Psychology, semiotics,

aesthetics and communication are some of the

key issues a museum designer needs to consider,

regardless of the importance and value of a

collection. The design and way in which displays

are presented play an important role in a visitor's

experience and on the museum’s ability to

attract and retain the interest of its visitors.

“In today’s world, people have a lot of leisure

destinations and opportunities to choose from,

but not enough leisure time. Hence, museums

are not just competing with each other, they

are competing with destinations such as theme

parks, shopping malls and other leisure venues to

capture their share of their client’s leisure time,”

Museum design moves into the 21st century

The future of our past






says Ahmed Shaboury, managing director of

Shaboury & Associates JLT. “This change has put

increased emphasis on museum architecture, its

functionality, display, design and the marketing

of the institution in order to create attractive

environments that turn a museum visit from

being a simple transaction into an enduring

experience” Ahmed emphasizes.

Karim Shaboury, architect and partner of

Shaboury & Associates explains the evolution in

the approaches that museums can use as a basisfor the style of their exhibitions. “These are the

Latin, the Anglo-Saxon and the American styles,”

he states. “The Latin style could be seen as the

classic museum, which was construed as a place

of culture, a temple of beauty and marvel. This

style underpinned the evolution of the European

civilizations with their huge artistic heritage

which started from ancient Greece and Rome

and runs through to the Renaissance, at a time

when differentiating between art and religion

was impossible.” states Karim.

The Anglo-Saxon culture treated the museum

as an institute, and a place for learning. Objects

were mainly collected and gathered for thepurpose of knowledge and study. Unlike the Latin

‘Temple-Museum’, the Anglo-Saxon ‘School-

Museum’ is more related to science than to

history, to knowledge rather than cult.

The more modern, American approach can

be considered as a second-generation Anglo-

Saxon format: it maintains the same educational

purpose but within an entertainment-based

environment. Termed ‘edutainment’ it combines

science and knowledge within an interactive

approach, where a visitor is not simply a receiver

but is involved in the experience.

In 2007, Shaboury & Associates collaborated

with the United Nations Development Program

(UNDP) in the requalification, re-design and

construction of the Visitors’ Center for the Wadi

el Rayan Protected Area in Fayoum, Egypt. the

company is also collaborating with the Getty

Institute as part of the team working on the

conservation and rehabilitation projects for the

tomb of Queen Nefertari at the Valley of the

Queens and the tomb of King Tutankhamen at

Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt.

In 2010, Shaboury & Associates extended its

geographical footprint into Europe by designingand executing the Egyptian Museum in Rome

and the Egyptian Exhibition at the Palais de

l’UNESCO in Paris. It has recently established a

regional office in Dubai, UAE, to cater for the

demand for museographic and exhibition design

services in the Gulf region, under the brand

name MOUSEION.

In this most recent move, MOUSEION offers

services in three specific areas necessary for

the success of museums: conceptualization and

design, marketing and execution.

Conceptualization and design: This includes

master planning, museum architecture,

museography, interior design, exhibition design,lighting, displays, graphic design, and the design

of exhibits and display accessories.

Marketing services: Every successful business

needs a clear vision and mission. MOUSEION

helps create these, developing an overall concept

for the museum and its exhibits, building

branding and identity, and helping with targeting,

segmentation and positioning as well as with

strategic and tactical marketing plans. It also

advises on research and communication issues.

Execution: Once the planning is complete,

MOUSEION manages the project, oversees the

fabrication of exhibits and display accessories,

the production of signage and explanatory

graphics, marketing communication execution,

and construction and installation.

Explaining the need for the new services,

Ahmed Shaboury added, “Over the past 14

years, we have built unique expertise and strong

credentials as the leading firm in the field of

museography in the Middle East in terms of the

number of projects executed. Besides being

the only specialized firm in our field in the Arab

world, what really differentiates us from our

European and American competitors is our deepunderstanding of the Arab culture, civilization and

language; our offices in Alexandria, Cairo and Dubai

put us in close proximity to our clients, while our

marketing services aims to turn museums from

being cost-centers into profit-makers in the long

term by generating new revenue streams beyond

the traditional ticket sales revenue.”

In today’s world where people have many

leisure time choices, museums need marketing

more than ever to increase their visitor numbers,

build relationships and generate new revenue

streams. In this part of the world, museum

marketing is still in its infancy, but as culture and

heritage continues to gain momentum in theMiddle East and as the cost of running museums

increases, it is imperative for museums to adopt

professional marketing theories, tools and skills

in order to meet their objectives.

“Our mission is to enrich, preserve and

promote cultural heritage across the region.

In this respect, museum marketing is intrinsic

to our consultancy services, starting from

concept development to the tactical marketing

campaigns that promote the museum as a

destination” emphasizes Shaboury.

For further information:

www.shaboury.com

SOME KEY PROJECTS AND CLIENTS

Visitor Centre, Wadi Al-Rayan

Protected Area, Fayoum, United

Nations Development Program

Renovation of the Tombs of

King Tutankhamen and Queen

Nefertari, Valleys of the Kings

and Queens in Luxor. The Getty

Conservation Institute - The

Egyptian Supreme Council of

Antiquities

The Egyptian Museum,

Academia D'Egitto in Rome, The

Egyptian Ministry of Culture

The History of Egypt and UNESCO,

Palais de l’UNESCO in Paris, The

Egyptian Ministry of Culture

President Gamal Abdel-Nasser

Museum, Cairo, The Egyptian

Ministry of Culture

The Coptic Museum, Cairo, The

Egyptian Supreme Council of

Antiquities

The Biodiversity Museum,

Sharm El-Sheikh, The

Egyptian Ministry of State for

Environmental Affairs

The Archaeological Museum,

Alexandria, Bibliotheca

Alexandrina

President Sadat Museum,

Alexandria, Bibliotheca

Alexandrina,




_ INDUSTRY

/ AWARDS

Arrangements for the secondSaudi Excellence in TourismAwards have been announced

2012 SETA announced

I

ndustry insiders have confirmed that

arrangements for the staging of the second

Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA)

have been agreed between the organizers

and the key partner of the event, the Saudi

Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. A

six-month program of promotional activities

and industry initiatives will lead up to a gala

awards event to be held in Riyadh on March 27,

where the winners will be announced and fêted.

Since the launch of the inaugural awards and

the presentation of trophies to the winners

earlier this year, the recipients have had the

opportunity to realize the benefits that being a

winner of a SETA brings—the most obvious and

immediate being the motivation and excitement

felt by the winning organization’s staff. Everyone

likes to work for a successful company, and for

one that receives recognition—and securing

a SETA trophy is immediate recognition for

a job well done. Longer-term benefits arise

from the ability to use the win in advertising

and promotions for the company or individual,

which helps generate new business. Telling

potential customers that a panel of independent

experts judged you to be the best will help build

reputation and increase long-term business.

The Steak House restaurant chain, which

took the honors in the ‘Best Mid-market

Restaurant’ category, enthusiastically confirmed

a significant increase in business after winning its

award. “We celebrated our award by arranging

ceiling danglers and roll-ups in the lobby of

the restaurants and put stickers on the menu.

We also advised our customers through SMS

messages. Yes, we are enjoying double-digit

sales growth and we feel the SETA award

has contributed to this positive trend,” said

Steve Skoien, executive general manager of

the managing company. He added that the

restaurants have also received positive internet

and newspaper press following the awards.




_ INDUSTRY

/ AWARDS_ INDUSTRY

/ AWARDS

But it’s not just the companies that

benefit by winning a SETA: even for staff,

participating in the SETA helps to build skills,

generate healthy competition and increase

the quality of service deliverables. Involving

customers in voting for you can also create

fun and build relationships. Indeed, one of

the enhancements for this year’s event is to

be the addition of an extensive promotional

campaign, aimed at raising awareness

amongst the general public and generating

more votes from them. Every company,

restaurant, hotel, shopping mall or other

outlet nominated on the website will receive

promotional materials for use in their campaignto win a SETA.

Mr Abdullah Al-Jehani, vice president of

Marketing of SCTA, told Saudi Voyager, “The

inaugural event of the Saudi Excellence in

Tourism Awards was very well received by

all in the travel and tourism industries who

participated, and the program achieved many of

its key objectives. Now we plan to build further

on last year’s event and make the SETA an award

that is not only valued but also hotly contested

right across the kingdom.” When asked what the

key aims of SCTA’s involvement in the awards

program was, he explained, “These awards are

about excellence - the development of which isa key aim of SCTA within the tourism industries

in the Kingdom and in a Saudi Arabian context.

We were pleased to see that a few organizations

made great efforts to win a SETA trophy during

the last event, and we trust we shall see more

nominees making similar efforts to impress the

judges this year.”

Managed by Riyadh-based Alef Media and

Publishing, the publishers of Saudi Voyager

magazine, and with support from the Arabic-

language Terhal magazine, the next round of the

Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards is planned to

be an even bigger event in all aspects, especially

in the pre-event promotion and media coverage.

Also, the number of nominations is expected to

double this time by building on the excitement

generated by the inaugural event.

Nominations for the SETAs come either

from the general public or from individuals or

companies nominating themselves. Nominations

are made online at www.sauditourismawards.

com and it is a very straightforward process.

All that is required are the contact details of

the person making the nomination, the name of

the individual or company being nominated and

the reason for the nomination. It will help the

nomination if full details are given as to why the

nominee deserves to win a SETA. Nominations

can be made in either English or Arabic, as the

organizers review all nominations for contentand accuracy and translate them into the second

language. Only after this checking process by

the organizing committee will the nomination be

listed on the voting area of the website, at which

time the general public can start to vote for it.

However, it is not the number of votes

that a nomination obtains which determines

the winners, although votes are important in

determining those nominees that progress on to

the shortlist.

Once the shortlist of each category is

selected, a number of review elements are

requested from the shortlisted nominees for

scrutiny by the judges. Key elements of the judges’ review will include:

A comprehensive and well-prepared

nomination pack that provides comprehensive

details of the nominees business, its aims,

objectives and importantly the achievements

during calendar year 2011.

Specific information appropriate to each

category as detailed in the ‘Criteria’.

In some cases, such as restaurants and hotels,

there may even be a visit by a representative of

the judges to review the operation.

To satisfy the judges, a comprehensive and

well-prepared presentation pack will be

required. This should provide extensive details of

successes and improvements in service, copies

of company promotional materials and even

photographs. As well as the pack’s important role

in the judging process, even preparing the pack

will be a valuable experience for the staff, who

will learn new skills and gain new experiences

that will benefit their careers.

It is anticipated that the panel of judges will

increase in number from the eight of the last

event to perhaps as many as 12. However, the

combination of Saudi and international judges,

with a mix of practitioners and academics, is

expected to be maintained, as it provided a

broad base of experience that was considered to

enhance the judging process.The chairman of the last event’s panel of

judges, Barry Gray, stated that he was happy to

see that several nominees in last year’s event had

undertaken extensive promotional activity to

generate votes by circulating flyers, emails and

text messages to their customers, encouraging

them to go online and vote for them. “This type of

promotional activity involves the customers and

general public in the Awards, which is good, and we

shall be encouraging this type of activity this year,”

said Gray. Explaining that promotional activity was

open to all nominees, he stated, “Votes come from

happy customers and can be generated by any

organization or individual, and the activity addsinterest and excitement to day-to-day business

in the run-up to the Awards. However, nominees

should realize that the number of votes secured

does not decide the winners; they merely assist

the organizing committee in compiling the shortlist

of each category.”

“What I hope to see this year is more effort

being put into the nomination packs by the

shortlisted nominees for the judge’s review - a few

were very good, but many did not have enough

information or effort put into them, probably

because nominees thought it was only the number

of votes that mattered. That is why we will provide

specific details of certain criteria for supporting

information that has to be included in the

nomination packs, rather than leaving it open for

nominees to put in anything they wish, although

a degree of creativity will still be welcomed. We

also plan to introduce a more stringent review of

shortlisted nominees,” said Gray.

“The Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards is

set to become the gold standard in business

awards in the Kingdom, and now is the time for

companies and individuals to start preparing

their information for the categories most

appropriate for them.”




Timetable2011 Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards

The schedule that the industry should plan to work

to starts in October and will run through to the end

of the year: dates decided upon include:

The Awards website will open for

nominations in October 2011

During October and early November SETA

workshops will be held around the country to

advise participants on the nomination process

The website will close for receiving nominations

on 31 December, 2011 (but will remain

open for voting until 31 January, 2012

Shortlisted nominees will be provided the

judges requirements for nomination packs

during the first week of February

Receipt of nomination packs

closes 28 February, 2012

Judging takes place in Riyadh on 6 March, 2012

Grand gala awards event on 27 March 2012.

1. ACCOMMODATION i) Best Luxury Hotel

(5 stars or More)

ii) Best 4star Hotel

iii) Best 3star Hotel or Motel

iv) Best Furnished

Accommodation

v) Best Specialized Resort

2. RESTAURANTS i) Best Fine Dining Restaurant

ii) Best Traditional

Food Restaurant

iii) Best Casual DiningRestaurant

3. SHOPPING ANDENTERTAINMENT i) Best Shopping Experience

ii) Best Tourism Festival

iii) Best Recreation Center

or Amusement Park

iv) Best Tourism Attraction

4. TOURISMACTIVITIESi) Best Museum Experience

ii) Best Saudi Heritage

Experience

iii) Best Tourism

Transportation

iv) Best Trip Organizer

v) Best Travel Agency

5. TOURISMPROGRAMS i) Best Tourism Quality

Assurance Program

ii) Best Tourism Promotional

Campaign

6. TOURISM PEOPLEi) Best Tour Guide

ii) Tourism Sales

Professional of the Year

iii) Tourism Service

Professional of the Year

7. SPECIALRECOGNITION

8. PRESIDENT'SAWARDSIndividual

Organization

ACCOMMODATIONBEST LUXURY HOTEL

This category is applicable to SCTA

certified 5star (and higher) hotels.

Nominations should include details

of new or improved services,

successful special promotions

or improved facilities etc.

Following nomination, shortlisted

organizations will be requested

to provide the judges detailed

information, with supporting

statistics, of special activities, new

facilities or improved services,Details of achievements in regard to

Saudiazation, improved staff training

programs and CSR or environmental

programs within the local community

will also assist the nomination..

BEST 4STAR HOTEL

All SCTA certified 4star certified

hotels may apply to this category.

The judges will be looking for

details of new or improved facilities,

innovative services, successful special

promotions or enhanced levels of

service etc. Nominations shouldinclude details of specific activities

b eing nominated with details of

the improved results achieved.

Following nomination, shortlisted

organizations will be requested

to provide the judges detailed

information, with supporting

statistics, of special activities, new

facilities or improved services,

Details of achievements in regard to

Saudiazation, improved staff training

programs and CSR or environmental

programs within the local community

will also assist the nomination.

BEST 3STAR

HOTEL OR MOTEL

This category is applicable to

smaller and domestic hotels and

motels. Nominations should include

details of new or upgraded services

or facilities and high levels of

service. Nominations should give

details of activities or services

that make the hotel stand out

against other similar hotels.

Shortlisted nominations will

be requested to provide detailed

information, with statistics, of

special promotions, new or improved

facilities. Details of achievements

regarding Saudiazation,

improvements or increased staff

training activities as well as activities

within the local community or

charities will help the nomination.

BEST FURNISHED

ACCOMMODATION

This category is open to all furnishedapartments and villas regardless of

categorization. Nominations should

include details of special services

or new or improved facilities,

successful special promotions etc.

For judging purposes, shortlisted

nominations will be required to

provide detailed information

with documentary evidence

of the business, any improved

activities being nominated with

full details of improved results.

BEST SPECIALIZED RESORTThis category is open to any holiday

or recreational resort or venue

offering specialized vacation,

recreation or pastime activities. This

could include beach resorts, marinas,

horse riding facilities, golf clubs etc.

Nominations should include

details of the special facilities as

well as the services that sets the

venue apart from local competitors.

Details of new services or

improved facilities will also help.

Shortlisted nominees will be

required to provide the judges

specific details of the facilities

provided as well as improvements

and enhancements made over the

period of the Awards. Additional

information on achievements

regarding Saudiazation, staff training

programs or local community work

will add value to the nomination.

Categories2011 Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards

Criteria2011 Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards




RESTAURANTS BEST FINE DINING

RESTAURANT

This category is open to either

individual restaurants or those

located within luxury hotels. The

award will recognize standard

of cuisine, superior service

levels and overall ambiance.

The judges will require shortlisted

nominees to provide details of menu

and information on any improvement

made during 2011 to service,

facilities or marketing. Photographs,

or documentary evidence withstatistics or measurable results

will support the nomination.

BEST TRADITIONAL FOOD

This category is open to any

restaurant (whether independent or

within a hotel) or for caterers that

provide a traditional Saudi Arabian

eating experience to a high standard.

Shortlisted nominees will be asked

to provide details of menu and any

special service aspects or special

facilities provided. The inclusion of

photographs or other documentaryevidence with measurable results


BEST CASUAL

DINING RESTAURANT This category is open to franchised

or Saudi Arabian originated casual

dining restaurants that provide

a consistently good standard of

product and service. The cuisine

served is less important than

branding, operational standards

and customer experience.

Shortlisted nominates will be

asked to provide details of menu

and facilities, the service provided

with any special or unique features.

Photographs and other documentary

evidence with measurable results


SHOPPING ANDENTERTAINMENT

BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Open to malls and independent

retails, this category aims to

recognize efforts that raise the

shopping experience beyond just

retail purchasing. Nominees should

be able to show they have conducted

extensive and successful in-store

promotions that have attracted

customers and enhanced the

retail experience and raised the

perception of the retailer or mall.

The judges will require

shortlisted nominees to provide

documentary evidence of activities

undertaken with details of the

improved results. Photographs

and or other documentaryevidence with measurable results


BEST TOURISM FESTIVAL This category is open to all Provincial

Tourism Organizations to nominate

their 2011 festivals. The award will

recognize successful staging of the

event, new or creative elements

within the program and the effective

advertising and promotion that

resulted in improved attendance.


asked to provide documentaryevidence of the activities at the

festival with specific details of the

pre-event marketing activity and

details of attendance. Photographs,

or other documentary evidence

with measurable results will

support the nomination.

BEST RECREATION CENTER

OR AMUSEMENT PARK

Open for nominations for any

area of recreation or amusement

which attracts visitors from around

and outside their local area. The

size or style of the attraction is

less important than its quality,

the visitor experience and the

number of visitors attracted.

Shortlisted nominees will

be asked to provide details of

the attraction, details of any

improvements of services, facilities

or equipment during 2011.

Documentary evidence with details

of any advertising or promotional

campaigns will also be helpful, as

will brochures or photographs.

BEST TOURISM ATTRACTION

This category may be entered

by a commercial organization,

Provincial Tourism Organization

or other private body providing a

tourism attraction which draws

visitors from around and outside

their local area. The size of the

attraction is less important than

the overall interest generated

and the breadth or depth of the

visitor experience and the number

of visitor numbers generated.Shortlisted nominees will be asked

to provide details of the attraction

with number of visitors and details

of any advertising and promotional

campaigns will also be helpful, as

will documentary evidence such

as brochures or photographs

TOURISM ACTIVITIES BEST MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

This category is open to museums,

regardless of their size, subject

or whether they are privately- or

government-owned. The importantelements will be the quality of the

visitor experience, the standard

of display, the method and style

of information provided and

any innovations in interactivity

between exhibits and visitors.

In addition to documentary

evidence regarding the museum and

its subject, the judges will require

shortlisted museums to provide

details of visitor numbers, marketing

activity and improvements

in facilities and services.

BEST HERITAGE EXPERIENCE

This category may be entered

be any individual, government or

semi-government organization

or private commercial company

or individual who offer historic

exhibitions or the display of

traditional skills, managing heritage

sites or other entities such as

restaurants or artisan workshops,

which provide visitors a traditional

Saudi experience and promote

Saudi Arabian culture or heritage.


be asked to provide detailed

information on the activity,

including visitor numbers, quality

of visitor experience and the

marketing activity employed

to promote the activity.

BEST TOURISM

TRANSPORTATION

This category is open to any form of

transportation serving Saudi Arabia’s

tourism industry, including air, sea

and on- or off-road or road. Theaward will recognize professionalism

of service, improved services and

successful advertising or promotional

activities which have highlighted

the Kingdom’s tourism industry

as well as the service provided.

The judges will require

documentary evidence of the

services and of the advertising

undertaken. Documentary evidence

will also help the nomination

and this can include brochures,

advertisements, photographs etc.

BEST TRIP ORGANIZER


individual or organization managing

tour groups within Saudi Arabia.

Travel agents may make nominations

or guides may nominate themselves

and the aim of the award is to

recognize professionalism in

performance that has resulted

in increasing levels of visitors or

groups handled by the individual.

The judges will expect shortlisted

nominees to provide supporting

information on the structure of tours

organized, details of the number

or groups handled during the year

or new destinations added during

2011. Nominations can be supported

with photographs or client letters.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

This category is open to any travel

agency providing tourism services

within the Kingdom, whether

based inside our or side of Saudi

Arabia. Key in this category will be

Criteria continued…




_ INDUSTRY

/ AWARDS

on the scale of bookings of visitors

to Saudi Arabian destinations,

tours or accommodation.


be asked to provide the judges

supporting information on

their services, their points of

differentiation from competitors

and documentary evidence to

support the nomination.

TOURISM PROGRAMS BEST TOURISM QUALITY

ASSURANCE PROGRAM


commercial organization, hospitality

or catering operator or academic

institution that provides or

manages an established quality

assurance program to, or within,

the Kingdom’s tourism sector.


expected to provide the judges

specific details of the program, its

aims and benefits and the number of

national and non-national graduates

that have graduated the program.

BEST TOURISM

PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN

This category is open to any media,

tourism operator, commercial

organization or individual that

has conceived and undertaken

an activity that has helped

develop, promote or advertise

the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

This is a very wide category that

can include journalists, publishers,

websites, hoteliers, travel and tour

companies or any commercial

company that has promoted

tourism through their business.


expected to provide the judges

specific details of the activity, giving

its aims and its results. Documentary

evidence of the activity with metrics


TOURISM PEOPLE BEST TOUR GUIDE

This category is open to all

SCTA registered tour guides

operating in the Kingdom.

The judges will request

shortlisted nominees to provide

details of the number of groups

served during 2011, the areas of

specializations of the guide and any

added value services provided.

TOURISM SALES

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This is an important and high-profilecategory aimed at identifying

the Kingdom’s No 1 tourism sales

professional. Nominations are only

open to sales executives, or from

their employers, with winners

selected on the level of sales of Saudi

Arabian–based tours, hotels nights

and other local services with the over

riding statistic being the level of sales

revenue generated against target.

The judges will require detailed

and confidential information

from the individual’s employer in

support of shortlisted nominees.This will include confirmation of

employment throughout 2011,

the individual’s sales achievement

against target with a deciding

factor being any other specific

areas of strength or specialization

that the sales executive displays.

TOURISM SERVICE

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Providing a quality service is core

to any visitor experience. This is

an important and high-profile

category aimed at identifying the

Kingdom’s leading tourism service

professional. Members of the public,

organizations or the individuals

themselves may nominate, with

the only criteria being that they

are directly involved in providing

client services such as meet and

greet, reception, table service,

In the case of shortlisted

nominees, the judges will require

information from the individual’s

employer to support the

nomination, including confirmation

of employment throughout 2011,

details of areas of strength and

examples of exemplary service.

Customer comments or letters of

commendation will help the review.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Often it is the efforts of a few active

individuals or organizations that make

a significant impact on a situation.

This applies as much to the Kingdom’s

tourism industry as anywhere else

and this category is intended to

attract nominations for individualsor companies that have positively

influenced the industry through

their dedication and commitment.

Nominees will be carefully

reviewed by the judges who will

PRINCE’S

RECOGNITION AWARD

This award is left to the discretion

of HH Prince Sultan Bin Salman

bin Abdul Aziz, president of the

Saudi Commission for Tourism and

Antiquities. This year, Prince Sultan

has decided to separate thje awardin to two – one for an individual

and one for an organization.

Nominations may not be

made for this category, although

considerations may come from the

Winners of the categories above.

The recipients will be selected

for their overall contribution to

the development of travel and

tourism in Saudi Arabia and for

the long-term benefits likely to

arise from their contribution.

For more details on making

nominations for the Saudi Excellence

in Tourism Awards contact

[email protected]



_INDUSTRY / INTERVIEW


PICTURED:DR KAHTANI ANDCOLLEAGUE SURVEY AN HISTORIC SITE





As one of the first five women

to graduate with a doctoratein culture and tradition from

King Saud University, it may be

ironic to call Dr. Al-Kahtani an

innovator when her passion is

rooted in the past. However, for ten years she

has worked as an antiquities specialist at the

National Museum. As the first Saudi woman in

her field she is passionate about her work and

passionate about encouraging others to join her.

"We've grown from me being the first to

having 24 female staff members over the past

decade, all of whom are involved across the

board from public relations to education and

administrative work. But we still need more

female staff both in the museum and in the

sector," states Dr. Al-Kahtani. "I chose this

subject because it was new to the Kingdom

back then and it was interesting. We were

the first women to study antiquities in Saudi,

all my classmates went into education, but

instead I went to the National Museum."

Dr. Al-Kahtani’s achievements at the

National Museum include both managing the

women’s section as well as establishing the

educational or schools department at the

museum, which is responsible for facilitating

visits for thousands of students every year.

She spends four days a week organizing tours.“We’ve developed the concept of school

visits to the museum. Also, we now have female

colleagues going out to schools to give lectures

and promoting the museum and our traditions.

I have given two presentations at King Saud

University about the purpose of the museum

and what we are aiming to achieve here. We

are doing as much as possible to make sure that

people know what we are doing here and why.”

What is crystal clear about Dr. Al-Kahtani

is her commitment and her drive. She’s a

perfectionist and is unapologetic about

setting goals for both herself and her staff

that others may deem unattainable. Her aim,

it would seem, is to educate as many people

as she can reach, be it hundreds or thousands,

about Saudi’s rich history and heritage.

“We still need to raise the profile of the

National Museum with Saudi nationals through

marketing and events, as I feel that we should

always look to continually improve on what

we are doing here. What we do see from our

educational activities is that once students

come here, they go home and convince their

families to come and visit afterwards. We’re

constantly holding new exhibitions, both

Pioneer of theKingdom's past

It's rare to meet a trailblazer thesedays and the word pioneer recalls a

bygone era of a time when it wasnot unusual to challenge boundariesor accepted practices. Saudi Voyager talks to Dr. Delayl Al-Kahtani,a modern-day pioneer working inRiyadh's National Museum




inside the National Museum as well as abroad

when possible,” states Dr. Al-Kahtani.

Today’s achievements must have seemed a

long way off a decade ago. As the first woman

working at the National Museum, Dr. Al-Kahtani

has been witness to what one could call a

gradual but irreversible change in perceptions

of women in the workplace in Saudi Arabia.

“When we first started working at the

museum our responsibilities were limited – we’d

be involved in routine work. That’s changedcompletely and you will see the female staff

working in a variety of roles, which include

specializations. We hold training workshops for

our female staff on a regular basis, we travel

with delegations and I have represented Saudi

Arabia’s cultural activities at two events, in

Bahrain and the UAE. There have been changes

for the better for women in our sector.”

Much of that progress is due to the

support given to Saudi women by the state

as well as the government, maintains Dr.

Al-Kahtani. Her own field in particular has

benefited from the personal support of

members of the royal family, who are alsoinspired to educate the country’s youth

about their heritage and traditions.

“We as women could not have achieved as

much as we have done without the support

of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud,

who has given us so many opportunities to

prove ourselves. Likewise, we have also been

supported by Princess Adelah bint Abdullah

bin Abdul Aziz. She’s been incredibly active

in terms of publicizing Saudi heritage and

traditional crafts. She’s the chairperson of

the advisory committee at the National

Museum and she always encourages

everyone here to promote our culture.”

Dr. Al-Kahtani is also full of praise for

the head of the Saudi Commission for

Tourism and Antiquities. The positive

approach taken to create a tourism industry

for Saudi nationals has benefited the

country’s antiquities sector, she claims.

“Until recently there wasn’t a strong

concept of tourism, of what tourism could

do for the country. That has changed under

Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz,

president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism

and Antiquities. We’re now seeing various

government organizations coming together

to promote tourism and investment in this

sector. Everyone is working towards the same

goal, to build the tourism sector in Saudi

Arabia. This has, and will continue to create

interest in what we are doing at the National

Museum and encourage more young Saudis,

both men and women, to enter this field.”

Saudi’s reputation in the field of antiquities

isn’t just growing at home. A number of

conferences in Europe have highlighted the

country’s rich heritage. At the Louvre

Museum in Paris, an exhibition was opened

in July last year entitled "Arabian Routes – the

Archeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia." Supported by the Saudi Commission for

Tourism and Antiquities, the event ran for two

and a half months and was visited by more than

160,000 people. As many as 300 archeological

pieces were exhibited from Saudi Arabia,

revealing the history of the Kingdom from

the Stone Age until the modern period. This

exhibition and others have transformed how

the international world perceives Saudi Arabia.

“Our country is known internationally for

being the cradle of Islam and as one of the

largest oil-producing countries,” notes Dr.

Al-Kahtani. “However, the exhibitions that we

have held in locations such as the Louvre arouse

peoples’ curiosity. Once a person discovers

our heritage and history, they realize that

there’s so much more to Saudi Arabia and they

ABOVE: DR KAHTANI INSPECTS HERITAGE ARTIFACTS AT HER L ABORATORY

“WE BELIEVE THAT OUR WORK WITH UNIVERSITIES

WILL HELP US MAKE SAUDI WOMEN AWARE THAT

THERE IS A CAREER IN THIS SECTOR, A CAREER THAT IS

REWARDING IN SO MANY WAYS“





want to know more about us. We’ve come a

long way in terms of promoting our history

and our heritage but there’s so much more

to do. I’m proud to be part of these efforts,

to develop an awareness of the K ingdom’s

traditions both inside and outside the country.”

Closer to home, Dr. Al-Kahtani and her

female colleagues refuse to stand still. They’re

constantly looking at ways and means of

creating new concepts for the National

Museum, including exhibits that can be touched

and handled by school children as well as

guides for those with a visual impairment. The

women at the National Museum have created

a raft of programs designed around the 3,000

plus pieces housed in its various buildings.

“We’ve cooperated with Najd National

Schools to draw up educational trips that are

part of the students’ curricula. Our aim has

been to make the exhibits and workshops

as hands-on as possible. For example, we

have one workshop on the evolution of

mosque architecture. Through this program

the children can actually build the Prophet’s

mosque using clay, palm fronds, and other

traditional materials. We are all for encouraging

dialogue and stimulating the students through

participation,” says Dr. Al-Kahtani. “Our

aim has always been to make a school v isit

to the National Museum enjoyable rather

than just a day off school,” she adds. “When

children are enjoying themselves they absorb

more information and will want to learn.

Additionally, we’ve wanted to make what

we have on display here relevant to thei r

classrooms, so that it will have a practical

benefit for their studies. We’ve been inspired

by the enthusiasm of the students, especially

the girls who have visited us and we’ve also

learnt a good deal as to how we can improve

the National Museum as an educational

resource from the students themselves.”

In addition to working with schools across

Riyadh, Dr. Al-Kahtani has also reached out

to universities based in Saudi Arabia’s capital.

The National Museum has organized discussion

forums with the Department of History at

Princess Nurah bint Abdur-Rahman University

to promote research between the two bodies as

well as providing assistance to women studying

related disciplines at an undergraduate level.

“The National Museum has a role to play for

everyone in society. We are constantly looking

at how we can diversify our reach and provide

suitable interaction and experiences, to attract

people to visit. Hand in hand with that, we

need to attract Saudi female professionals to

continue what we have started. We regularly

welcome scientific and research delegations

from abroad, who have supported us in terms

of training our employees. We believe that

our work with universities will help us make

Saudi women aware that there is a careerin this sector, a career that is rewarding in

so many ways,” enthuses Dr. Al-Kahtani.

Looking ahead, future plans include the

establishment of centers of education in

museums across Saudi Arabia, the provision of

educational material to schools for classroom

learning, and more programs designed for Saudi

nationals with disabilities. “We want to expand

our geographic scope to ensure that all children

in the Kingdom know of and get to visit the

National Museum as part of their education,”

explains Dr. Al-Kahtani. “Learning about their

culture should be central to their education.”

Having celebrated her first decade at theNational Museum, what does Dr. Al-Kahtani

want to do next? Today she is a recognized

author and authority on Saudi antiquities,

traditions, and culture, and she has received

numerous awards from the Saudi government

for her efforts, both in promoting the

Kingdom at home and abroad as well as

pioneering the role of women in the field.

What does she now want to achieve next?

“We still have much to do if we want to

ensure that Saudi Arabia’s history is recognized

for its true worth,” states Dr. Al-Kahtani.

“There is so much to see in this country.

Look at Mada’in Saleh and Diriyah; they have

been recognized as world heritage sites by

UNESCO. Recently we have discovered sites

in the Kingdom where communities lived

9,000 years ago, domesticating animals and

using horses before anywhere else in the

world. There are many other places in the

Kingdom just as rich in history and culture.

We are blessed by our culture and history and

we should never stop working at highlighting

what we have in Saudi Arabia. It ’s our duty to

ourselves as well as to future generations to

educate and teach about our rich past.”

RIGHT: DR KAHTANI IS A PUBLISHED EXPERT IN THE FIELD OF ARCHELOGY




_ INDUSTRY

/ HERITAGE WORKSHOP

Al-Khabra heritage town hosts traditional building workshop

Traditional skills

re-established

The Saudi Commission for Tourism

and Antiquities (SCTA) branch

in Qassim recently organized a

workshop entitled “Empowering

local communities to rehabilitate

and construct using traditional

materials”. The workshop, aimed at imparting

knowledge about traditional building methodsand the renovation of historical buildings,

was another move to highlight opportunities

related to the country’s urban heritage and

the important role it can play in developing the

lifestyles and economies of rural communities.

As general interest in the heritage of the

ABOVE:HRH PRINCE SULTANBIN SALMAN BIN ABDUL AZIZPRESENTS DR ABDULMOHSENAL HIJJI A SETA JUDGE WITH AMEMENTO OF THE EVENT




_ INDUSTRY

/ WORKSHOP

country continues to grow the increasing

number of heritage sites in the Kingdom

attracts visitors and generates tourism

opportunities. The renovation and rehabilitation

of these old sites, using traditional building

methods and locally sourced materials, has

the potential to add considerably to the

cultural, social and economic development

of the areas in which they are located.

The practical workshop attracted engineers,

contractors and craftsmen interested in

developing these traditional skills for use in

the renovation of heritage buildings. There

were also a number of academics, students

and their instructors in attendance, as well as

amateur builders interested in the background

and theory surrounding the traditional

skills and building methods. Government

agencies involved in the preservation of the

country’s heritage and the maintaining ofartisan skills also sent representatives.

Organized in association with the General

Organization for Technical Education and

Vocational Training and a number of other

partners from municipalities and contractors

working in the field of rehabilitation of historic

buildings, the activities of the workshop

included both theoretical and practical sessions

which were staged in the Al-Khabara heritage

town and at the Technical College in Unaizah .

Sadiq Al-Mash’hour, a consultant with SCTA

and a specialist in the restoration of heritage

buildings, presented the five-day workshop

which covered the complete construction

of a small building. The first day outlined the

importance of preserving archeological and

heritage sites, the theory of restoration, and

key issues in dealing with construction using

stone and mud. The second day involved the

practical construction of foundations for a

small house, including trenching and fencing,

using recycled stone dating back decades.

The walls of the property were built on the

third day via traditional methods using brick

and mud. On the fourth day, the roof was

constructed using natural materials collectedfrom local vegetation, and wooden joists were

placed across the walls onto which wooden

lathes were laid at right angles before being

covered by a layer of mud to form the roof. On

the fifth and final day, the outer walls of the

building were finished with mud rendering.

36 / Saudi Voyager / Summer 2011



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_ PEOPLE / INVESTMENT

Investing in

the futureHilton Worldwide aims to open nineteen newproperties in Saudi Arabia over the next three

years, including 6 for the Jabal Omar development.Saudi Voyager spoke to Essam Abouda, vicepresident of operations, Arabian Peninsula and

Indian Ocean, about Hilton Worldwide’s investmentin Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism market

KSA is proving to be an attractive

market for Hilton Worldwide as it

provides an opportunity to grow

and develop across all five of the

Hilton Worldwide brands present in

its Middle East and Africa region.

Bolstered by the Kingdom’s oil trade and one of

the most robust economies in the region, the

Kingdom’s move to diversify its economy into

industries such as real estate, manufacturing

ABOVE: ESSAM ABOUDA IN CONVERSATION




_PEOPLE / INVESTMENT

and tourism, in addition to a number of large

infrastructural projects around the country,

is resulting in a hike in the number of business

travelers. This is good news for the hospitality

options offered by the various upscale and

mid-market brands of Hilton Worldwide.

Essam Abouda, vice president of operationsfor the region explains, “As home to two of the

holiest sites in Islam – Makkah and Madinah

– the Kingdom attacts thousands of pilgrims

on Umrah or Hajj visits year round, and when

linked to increasing numbers of of business

travelers and KSA’s growing leisure tourist

segment the combination makes Saudi Arabia

a very attractive propositon for the hospitality

sector. As the country works toward establishing

niche business segments such as cultural, eco

and adventure tourism in addition to its strong

business and religious tourism segments, we

hope to actively support the development of

KSA’s tourism industry by providing globally

recognized brands that inspire trust in travelers”.

KSA strategy

Currently, travel and tourism accounts for three

percent of the national GDP of KSA, and its direct

contribution is expected to reach SR68 billion

by 2021, as reported by the WTTC KSA country

report. Hilton Worldwide’s growth in KSA is a

good example which illustrates the potential

of the local market as well as the geographic

scope for development. Over the past two years,

the group has established a development plan

which includes 19 properties spanning Riyadh,

Makkah, Al Khobar and Al Jubail and including

6 properties in the Jabal Omar development in

Makkah, overlooking the Holy Mosque. Abouda

continues, “Once our properties in Jabal Omar

come on line we will have established all five

brands that we offer in the region - WaldorfAstoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels &

Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree

by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn: Saudi Arabia

will be the only country in the region where we

will have achieved this. From our current six

hotels, the planned development represents

200% growth – significant by any standard. It’s

also worth noting that we will be hiring 9,000

employees to work in the new properties”.

Hilton Worldwide's existing six properties

in Saudi Arabia include two in Makkah

(Makkah Hilton and Towers), two in Jeddah

(Jeddah Hilton and Qasr Al Sharq, (under

the luxury Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

brand) and one each in Madinah (Madinah

Hilton) and Riyadh (Hilton Garden Inn).

Four more properties, due for completion

over the next two years, are currently

under construction in Riyadh: Hilton Garden

Inn, Al Muroj (2012), Hilton Riyadh, King

Saud University (2012), Hilton Residence,

King Saud University (2012) and Hilton

Riyadh Hotel & Residence (2013).

A further 13 properties are in the pipeline,

including the 6 in Makkah’s Jabal Omar project:Conrad Makkah, Hilton Suites Makkah, Hilton

Bab Makkah North, Hilton Bab Makkah South,

Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel, and DoubleTree

by Hilton. It is hoped that all will open in 2014.

Hilton Worldwide will also be debuting in

the Eastern Province with two properties in

Al Khobar: Hilton Al Khobar Hotel & Residence

(2012), and DoubleTree by Hilton, Al Khobar

(2012). In addition, it will open its first property

in Al Jubail – the Hilton Al Jubail, in 2014.

There are strategic development agreements

in place to establish a number of Hilton Garden

Inn properties in locations such as Riyadh,

Dammam, Al Jubail, King Abdullah Economic City,

Taif, Abha, Tabuk, Hail/Buraydah and Yanbu.

Targeting local investor partners“During the time we have been in the Kingdom,

ABOVE: JABAL OMAR ARCHITECTS IMPRESSION

GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED BRANDS THAT INSPIRE"

OF KSA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING

"WE HOPE TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT




_ PEOPLE / INVESTMENT

we have fostered strong relationships with

investors and it is a mark of Hilton Worldwide’s

position that investors frequiently choose

us above other operators as a partner when

they take their first step into the hospitality

industry. We, in turn, benefit from their position

in the market and their expert knowledge

of local operations.” states Abouda.

Hilton Worldwide manages properties on

behalf of six local owners in the Kingdom

and has collaborated with a number of major

development organizations regarding the

forthcoming developments. These include,

amongst others, Jabal Omar Development

Co., General Organisation for Social Insurance(GOSI), King Saud University Endowment and

Obeikan Real Estate Investment Company.

Abouda believes that investors working with

Hilton Worldwide benefit from the group’s

93-years in the industry, while operating

over 3,750 hotels across 85 countries has

also allowed the group to develop a wealth

of experience and extensive networks. For

a developing market like Saudi Arabia which

attracts visitors from all around the globe,

“the breadth of our experience is a definite

advantage,” comments Abouda. “We have

established standards and have incorporated

industry best practices at all our hotels; wehave proven training systems in place that

ensure Hilton Worldwide team members provide

consistently high quality service and represent

the best in the industry,”Abouda explains.

The group has been operating in the

Middle East for over 50 years and has a good

understanding of the local requirements and

preferences. “We have a stake in the local

community and actively promote a career in

the hospitality industry among young Saudis. In

particular, we have established a groundbreaking

education partnership with Prince Sultan

College for Tourism and Business to develop a

hospitality curriculum and qualification specific

to Hilton Worldwide, encouraging young Saudis

to enter the industry,” affirms Abouda.

In additon, Abouda emphasizes, “Quality

assurance and service training are two

essential staples within our hotels. We havea longstanding, highly successful customer

satisfaction program which involves all Hilton

hotels worldwide. We have also recently launched

a management development programme,

tailored to the KSA market, which is designed to

cultivate talented local individuals and fast-track

them for key hotel management positions”.

Brand differentiationand segmentationAbouda stresses the use of market research in

optimizing brand focus and delivery. He says,

“Our pricing, position and service orientation

depends on the brand as opposed to the region.We believe we have a brand to suit most target

segments, so rather than revise the brand

proposition, we conduct a thorough study of the

local environment and, in consultation with the

owners of our properties, we choose the most

appropriate brand. Sometimes, in the case of

large-scale developments like Jabal Omar, we get

the opportunity to introduce multiple brands to

cater to travelers with varying budgets or needs.”

With regard to current properties, Makkah

Hilton & Towers and Madinah Hilton cater

primarily to pilgrims on Hajj or Umrah. Qasr Al

Sharq in Jeddah belongs to the Waldorf Astoria

Hotels & Resorts and, as such, caters to guests

looking for a luxury premium experience, whilst

situated in the commercial centre of Jeddah. Next

door to Qasr Al Sharq, Jeddah Hilton, an upscale

property, attracts a mix of international and local

tourists on business or leisure trips. Hilton Garden

Inn Riyadh Olaya is a mid-market brand that

caters specifically to business travelers to Riyadh.Abouda believes that their time in the market

has fine-tuned the art of Hilton Worldwide’s

service delivery. Travelers to the company’s

properties can be assured of a high standard in

the quality of service and facilities offered, and

guests also have a range of choice to fit their

budget. Abouda stresses, however, what really

sets Hilton Worldwide apart from other groups

is its team members: all properties are staffed

by experienced and well-trained personnel

who can assist guests, not just with their

in-house needs but also with advice on the local

environment and culture. “We aim to make each

guest’s stay as comfortable and easy as possibleand our team members play an important role

in achieving this. Every market has its unique

features and requirements and we develop that

knowledge and as part of the local community,

we respect any specific, local sensitivities. In

an emerging market like KSA, travelers tend to

look more to the hotel to provide local advice,

so it is essential that all our team from the

bell-boy through to the general manager – are

knowlegeable enough to accurately inform

and advise the guests”, qualifies Abouda.

The Kingdom’s hospitality industry is

developing at a rapid pace and investor interest

is high. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and

Antiquities (SCTA) is working hard to develop,

upgrade and enhance the tourism sector and

the infrastructure required, which will provide

an important foundation for both the sector and

its future growth. There still remain significant

opportunities related to the Kingdom’s rich

heritage, dramatic landscapes and thousands

of kilometers of Gulf and Red Sea coastlines.

The potential for domestic and international

tourism is indeed boundless and it is evident that

Hilton Worldwide is well-positioned to play a key

role the future development of the sector.

BELOW: JEDDAH HILTON'S FIVE STAR PROPERTY

I M A G E : H I L T O N / Z O Y A M A L I K




_DESTINATION / AL-AHSA

Al-Ahsa

historical getaway I M A G E : R O M E L C U I S O N




_DESTINATION / AL-AHSA _DESTINATION / AL-AHSA

There’s a place in every country that you’ve been

told about and yet for whatever reason haven’t

managed to visit yet: work’s not allowed it, clash

of dates or the journey is too far. It’s probably

for this reason that Al-Ahsa is not on everyone’s

to do list, despite having been nominated as

one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Officially

the world’s largest oasis, Al-Ahsa – or Al-Hasa as it is alsoknown – is actually not a city but a region. The city proper

that you will have heard of is Hofuf (although signposts

sometimes mix and match the names) but don’t worry

you’re going in the right direction Due to the abundance of

fresh water, Al-Ahsa has been inhabited for five millennia.

The literal meaning of the Arabic word Al-Ahsa conveys

its importance in an otherwise arid desert and translates

to rocky land or earth that holds rain water. Travelling

around Al-Ahsa you will be struck by the sheer number of

oases and farms which makes for a pleasant contrast to

the never-ending desert of the country’s central region.

For visitors travelling from either Riyadh or Dammam, a

trip to Al-Ahsa can be made in a single day. From Dammam

it is only around 130 kilometers from Dammam’s King Fahad

International Airport while the driving time from Riyadh

is just over three hours. As always, ensure you fill up on

gasoline before you set off to avoid running dry (it happens).

You’ll know when you’re getting close to the region

mainly due to the change in vegetation. Al-Ahsa could

be called the bread basket of Saudi Arabia; with over

10,000 hectares of agricultural land Al-Ahsa is known

for its fruit and vegetables. The area is best known for its

dates. Al-Ahsa exports 60,000 tons of dates worth over

30 million dollars annually thanks to its three million palm

trees. There are plans to establish the world’s first stock

market for dates in the city itself with a complex that

would include two auction courtyards, a date shopping center and new

hotels. If you enjoy your dates, and being in Al-Ahsa that ’s a prerequisite,

ensure that you get to sample some of the famous Khlass variety.

Unsurprisingly for a city and a region with such a long and varied

history there’s plenty to see and do in Al-Ahsa. The region shares

a common history with neighboring Bahrain and several times Al-

Ahsa came under the suzerainty of rules based in Bahrain, most

notably the Jabrid tribe who ruled most of Eastern Arabia duringthe 15th and 16th century. However, the region has a strong

sense of identity borne out of a number of historical movements

which were founded in the region. Al-Ahsa gained notoriety for

declaring its independence from the Abbasid caliphate of Baghdad

under the reign of the Qarmatians in the 10th century.

Much of the town’s architecture dates back to the Ottoman period;

the Ottomans controlled the area from 1550 onwards. There are

several well-preserved castles and palaces dotted around the city itself.

Located in the center of the town, in the district of Kut, Ibrahim Castle

pre-dates the Ottoman period. The castle served as the Ottoman’s

administrative and military headquarters as well as a prison. A garrison

was based here and you may be able to make out the remains of the city

walls which surrounded the city of Hofuf. The castle is open for visitors

in the morning and afternoon. If you want to take a glimpse inside then

call ahead on 035802639 to check on timings and ask for a guide.

While Ibrahim Castle is the best preserved monument to the Ottomans

in Al-Ahsa, there are a number of other places to visit to get a sense

of the region’s historical importance. Built in 1805, Khozam Castle

was built during the first Saudi state and used as a military station

by the Ottomans after they retook Al-Ahsa in 1871. The Castle is

another good example of traditional architecture and is only a couple

of minutes drive from Ibrahim Castle in the city’s Roqaiqa district.

While there are a number of forts that you could visit and explore,

such as Sahoud, Muhairis, and Waziyah Castles, we instead headed

into the heart of the city to explore a number of merchant houses

and markets. The most famous souq in Al-Ahsa and a must-see for





visitors is Al Qaisariyyah. Situated in the center of Hofuf,

Al Qaisariyyah is one of the oldest markets in Arabia.

The architectural style of Al Qaisariyyah is unique toAl-Ahsa and you can find spices, dates and other local

products here. Today’s Al Qaisariyyah is a replica of the

original structure which was burnt down in April 2004.

For those interested in reliving more of the past, Al-Ahsa

has two beautiful merchant houses that are well worth a

visit. The first is Mullah House, which was where King Abdul

Aziz Al Saud stayed after he conquered Al-Ahsa in 1913.

Mullah House has been preserved for visitors and includes a

number of displays for tourists, including a traditional kitchen

from the turn of the 20th century as well as a weapons

room. Over one hundred years old, the Sa’ad bin Jalawi

House encompasses traditional Arabian designs including

an open-area courtyard. Both are centrally located and

Mullah house is a stone’s throw away from Ibrahim Castle.

One of the highlights of any

trip to Al-Ahsa is a landmark

for the country’s education and

development. The city was home

to the first school supervised by

the Saudi government. Designed

and modeled on traditional

Islamic architecture, Amiriyah

schooled many of the Kingdom’s

princes, ministers, and merchants

following its opening in 1949.

The building itself has been remarkably well preserved;

each school room displays different items such as books,

wooden writing tablets and writing materials. The Amiriyahof today would have looked the same as the school that

hosted the Kingdom’s elite sixty years ago. Even the

ceilings are still covered with palm leaf thatching and date palm trunks.

The challenge with reaching Amiriyah is its location. The school is

located in a commercial district, and as it isn’t well known by many

locals you’ll need a guide to show you the way to get here. There’s

a modern school by the name of Amiriyah which you will doubtless

be given directions to if you do find yourself lost in Al-Ahsa. Take my

advice to avoid going in circles and use a guide to get to Amiriyah.

Another of Al-Ahsa’s treasures and a place which should be much

RIGHT: MOSQUE AT IBRAHIMCASTLEBELOW LEFT: MULLAH HOUSEINTERIOR

BELOW: IBRAHIM CASTLE




better known in Islamic history

is the Jawatha Mosque. The

first mosque which stood at this

location 1,400 years ago was

one of the first in Islamic history.

The original was built by theBano Abdul Qais people after

their conversion to Islam. The

new mosque is modeled on the

original and is still used by the people of Al-Ahsa for Friday prayers.

If the above buildings and historical sites have you eager to

know more about the customs and traditions of Al-Ahsa then try

one of Al-Ahsa’s two largest museums. The Al-Ahsa Museum is a

veritable treasure trove of antiquities and historical documents.

There’s also a number of documentary shows and videos about

the region’s heritage. The Al-Ahsa Museum is open weekday in

the morning and evening, and can be reached on 035802639.

If you’ve ever wondered but haven’t had the chance to peer

inside a traditional Saudi house, then you must visit the Waleed Al

Najim Traditional Museum which contains over 10,000 items. Youcan explore a variety of different rooms and settings, including the

bride’s room on her wedding night, the majlis room for the men of the

household, and the kitchen. The museum also sells a range of hand

made products from the Al-Ahsa region. If you do plan on visiting,

please do call the owner ahead of time on 0555921616 for direction

as the museum is located in the town of Al Jafer outside of Hofuf.

If you have spent enough time inside and you’re yearning to explore

the great outdoors the first places to visit must be one of Al-Ahsa’s

markets. You can choose from Al-Ahsa’s famous date market, its go ld

and brassware markets where you can purchase Saudi coffee pots, or the

Bedouin market where hand-made tools and foods are sold mostly by

Bedouin women. Most of the markets are in the city center, near to the

Al Qaisariyyah. For something more out of the ordinary why not head to

the camel market. Al-Ahsa’s camel market is the largest in the Gulf and

attracts buyers and sells from Qatar and the UAE. If you don’t fancy going

home with a camel why not have a look at the sheep, goats, horses or

donkeys. The camel market is outside of the city, on the road to Riyadh.

Whichever direction you drive towards

Al-Ahsa you will see mountain ranges.

The most famous of these is twelve

kilometers outside of the town, and is

named Gara. While only 150 feet high,

the Gara mountains were formed from

sedimentary rocks and have often been

used a refuge for villagers from the

surrounding area during the hot months.

TOP LEFT: AL–OGAIR FORTRESSABOVE RIGHT: A DISPLAY ATTHE AL–AHSA MUSEUMLEFT: AMIRIYAH SCHOOLRIGHT: GARA MOUNTAIN CAVES A

L L I M A G E S : M A R K C A R R E O N





Gara Mountain is known in the region for its caves which

offer welcome shade. Don’t miss out on visiting Nagha,

or camel cave. Inside is a small hole named the Freezer

thanks to the cold air blowing through the rocks at that

specific spot. Another mountain worth a visit is Moshaggar,

which was the home of the kings of the Kindah tribe.

Between the Gara Mountains and the city is the famous

Al–Garash Dougha or Pottery Factory. This workshop has

been passed down from father to son for generations andis renowned for its traditional pottery handicrafts. The

pottery making goes through several stages. First the mud

is gathered from the Harra Springs, then mixed with red

and white mud and left to ferment for four days. Then it

is spread out to dry and sprinkled with fine white sand.

Al-Ahsa is also famed for its natural waters; over 160

wells fill a number of springs across the province. The easiest

to get to is Najem, which is west of Mubarraz. Najem is

popular with people who suffer from joint pains due to the

high levels of sulphur in the water. The facilities at Najem

are both modern and extensive. Um Sab’a spring, to the

north of Mubarraz, is also popular with tourists. Baraber

is said to be the best of the pick, due to its sweet, hot

waters. Baraber is east of Hofuf near the Taraf palm farms.With so much to do in and around the city where do

you start? One good tip is to make the most of your

time by having a local show you around. While Al-Ahsa is

small enough not to get too lost in if you’re mobile, your

best bet is to use a tour guide especially to get to places

like Amiriyah and other locations out of town. One of

the best tour groups is Al-Ahsa tours, who can arrange

a day-long itinerary for you based on what you want

to see and do. Call Abdulmohsen on 0508493533.

If you’re planning on spending a night in Al-Ahsa and make

a weekend of the trip there are a couple of international

hotels to choose from. Both the Al-Ahsa Intercontinental

and the Coral Plaza Al-Ahsa are rated five star and are

located in the center of the city – you cannot miss the

Intercontinental which towers over everything around it.

Room rates can range from just over 400 Riyals a night

at the Coral to around 750 at the Intercontinental. Even if

you’re not planning on staying the night then at least pop in

and grab a map of the area as well as a tour guide printed

by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

So whatever you may be looking for, be it history,

nature or shopping, Al-Ahsa has an abundance of things

to do and see. While you can visit the place in one day, to

do Al-Ahsa and the wider region justice why not come

down for a weekend (or longer) and enjoy everything

the city and the countryside have to offer.

THIS PAGE: AL–GARASH DOUGHA OR POTTERY FACTORY

A L L I M A G E S : M A R K C A R R E O N




_DESTINATION / HEJAZ RAILWAY

It is still possible to visit the remains of theHejaz Railway in theKingdom and experience firsthand the outstanding achievement and

colorful history of over a century ago. James Nicholson tells SaudiVoyager about the background to the project and how to get there

An extraordinary railway

In 1900 the British consul in Syria, W. Richards, wrote

to his ambassador in Constantinople about a scheme

to build a new railway for pilgrims between Damascus

and Makkah. Richards excused himself for not having

previously informed him of the project, explainingthat “the venture seemed to me and others so widely

improbable, not to say fantastic that I refrained from

reporting on it to your Excellency”. Eight years later, in

defiance of all the obstacles that stood in the way of a

construction project through some of the most inhospitable

terrain on earth, the inauguration ceremony for the new

line was held amidst great celebration in Madinah.

For nearly a century the Hejaz Railway has been known

in the west for Lawrence of Arabia’s celebrated desert

campaign, in which he fought alongside the bedouin in

the First World War. Yet perhaps the reputation that it

truly deserves is for the epic story of its construction, a

monumental feat of engineering, demanding enormous

breadth of vision, skill and determination. Today the remains of the

original 1,300 kilometers of track and rail embankment, some of

which is available to visitors in the Kingdom, stand as testimony

to the success of the grand project, conceived in the dying days

of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the nineteenth century.A unique characteristic of the railway was the way in which it was

financed. In 1900 Abdulhamid II, the Ottoman Sultan, called upon

the Muslims of the world to support the project with donations.

Six large volumes in the Prime Minister’s Archive in Istanbul attest

to the success of the campaign, with more than 20,000 names

recorded as having subscribed to the fund. Contributions could not

meet the full cost of the project and a range of special taxes had

to be levied to make up the shortfall. However, the fact that there

was no western investment enabled the ownership and the control

of the railway to remain wholly in Ottoman hands. The donations

campaign also allowed ordinary Muslims from all parts of the world

to feel that they were participating in a great religious enterprise,

facilitating the movement of pilgrims to the holy city of Makkah.

BELOW: S.L.M. (SWISS LOCOMOTIVE & MACHINE WORKS) 2-8-0 STANDING BY THE LINE THREE KILOMETRES SOUTH OF WAYBAN STATION




_DESTINATION / HEJAZ RAILWAY

ConstructionBefore construction could begin, an Ottoman engineer,

Mokhtar Bey, was sent on the overland pilgrimage to

survey the route and produce plans and a detailed map.

It quickly became clear that major advantages could be

gained by following the traditional Hajj road. As camels

have difficulty in traversing mountains, the pilgrims

from Syria had been forced to find the flattest possible

route, making it also the perfect terrain for a railway.

Construction began at Muzeirib in southern Syria and

6,000 military conscripts were drafted in to carry out

the basic labouring work. The first year of the project

was beset by problems. Supply routes had not beenproperly established, an outbreak of cholera struck the

workers’ camp and ill treatment of the conscripts led to a

mutiny. Matters only improved when a dynamic German

engineer, Heinrich Meissner, was appointed to oversee the

project. Under his direction, conditions for the workers

improved and 600 skilled foreign artisans were brought

in to undertake some of the more complex areas of construction.

With none of the modern facilities available today to desert workers,

the living and working conditions of the workforce were extremely harsh.

They lived in small, tented camps that were constantly moved forward

to keep up with the progress of the work. Far from home and with no

recreational facilities, they suffered from all the hardships of the land -

the extremes of temperature, sandstorms, an unreliable water supply

and inadequate diet. Their food consisted of bread, rice and biscuits, and

the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables led to a high incidence of scurvy.

Even more serious was the threat of cholera, the greatly feared killer

disease of the age. Medical facilities were virtually non-existent, with

any sick worker simply being sent back up the line on an open wagon.

The construction work was divided into three areas. The earthworksinvolved the making of the embankment and any rock cutting or

leveling of the ground. The masonry work included the construction

of bridges, tunnels, stations, repair sheds and water towers.

Finally, the building of the actual line consisted in the preparation

of the track bed, and the laying of the rails and sleepers.

As well as extreme physical hardships, the railway workers had

to contend with many difficulties of a technical nature. Perhaps the

greatest of these was the scarcity of water. While there were some

natural resources along the route of the railway, these were not

sufficient to meet the huge requirements of the construction project.

A number of new metal cisterns therefore had to be installed at

stations. Water towers were also built alongside many of the stations

to store and distribute water and another common feature on the

railway, which can still be seen today, was the windmill pump.It is ironic that while water was extremely scarce for most of the

year, one of the main problems from an engineering point of view

was flooding. During periods of heavy rain, water quickly drained

off the steep sides of the wadis and violent rock-strewn torrents

would surge across ground that had been dry for years. Another

difficulty faced by the construction teams was drift sand, which was

exacerbated by the scarcity of trees and bushes to act as a natural foil.

VOYAGER TIP

For visitors wishing to go to the

railway stations at Madinah and

Medain Saleh, permission must be

obtained from the Department of

Antiquities located at the National

Museum in Riyadh. Only Muslims

can visit the station in Madinah,

as it lies within the boundaries

of the holy city.

The easiest way to obtain a

permit for the Hejaz Railway station

at Madain Saleh (as part of the

wider Nabataean antiquities area)

is through one of the hotels in Al

Ula. Arrangements for this can be

done when making a booking, but

ensure that at least a week’s notice

is provided. Two suitable hotels in Al

Ula are the Madain Saleh Hotel and

the Arac Hotel. Al Ula is 22km from

the antiquities site and both hotels

can provide tour guides.

Off-roaders wishing to explore

the length of the railway in Saudi

Arabia, can carry out the expedition

in two stages – the southern section

from Madinah to Al Ula, and the

northern section from Al Ula to

Tabuk. There is now a paved track

on the northern section, which runs

alongside the remains of the old

railway line.

Access to the southern section can

be made by following the Tabuk road

(Route 15) out of Madinah. Take one

of the turnings left onto Route 8040.

This road follows the railway track at

various points and also passes some

stations. Continue on Route 8040 as

far as waypoint: 25° 11.2788’ 38°

49.2300’. Leave the tarmac road

here and follow the tracks to the

right to Abu Na’am Station (approx

5 kms). The rail embankment runs

along the east side of valley. Abu

Na’am Station is at waypoint: 25°

13.6002’ 38° 49.3998’.

From Abu Na’am Station continue

northwards, following the remains of

the embankment of the old railway

track, which provides an excellent

guide all the way to Al Ula. If at any

point you lose the sight of the railway

embankment, simply retrace your

steps until you pick up the track again.

The off-road section is about

270km long and can be enjoyed fully

by taking at least one night’s camp

on the way. To exit the off-road

section, continue until Zumurrud

Station at waypoint: 26° 10.4874’

38° 25.1868’.

A track just north of this station

leads back onto the tarmac road

(Route 375). Al Ula is about 65km to

the north.

RIGHT: PIECES OF WAR-DAMAGED ROLLING STOCKCAN STILL BE SEEN ALONG THEREMAINS OF THE OLD LINEBELOW: GERMAN-MADEHARTMANN 2-8-0 AT BUWAIRSTATION, 90 KILOMETRES NORTHOF MADINAH




The Line AdvancesBy 1906 the line had reached Tabuk and the following year

Al Ula. At Medain Saleh, where a good supply of water

was available, a major depot was constructed. Situated

close to the old pilgrimage qala'a (fort), it comprised 16

buildings including a large engine shed, lodgings, barracks,

repair workshops and a double water tower. The station

was restored in the 1980s as part of the Nabataean

antiquities site, and visitors today can see an original

German-built Jung 2-6-0 locomotive in the engine shed.

The final section between Al Ula and Madinah was

completed in a single year. By this time the conscripts

were skilled in their work, and as well as 2,000 Ottomanreserves were drafted in from Baghdad and 1,800 men

from the garrison in Madinah started construction from

the southern end. The whole project had taken just eight

years to complete. Although an intended extension to

Makkah was never built, the inauguration ceremony

at Madinah on 1 September 1908 celebrated an

accomplishment of monumental proportions, confounding

the skeptics who had written off the building of the

railway as “a widely improbable and fantastic” scheme.

First World WarThe Hejaz Railway was only to run for six uninterrupted

years before war engulfed the region. During this

period the numbers of pilgrims making their way toMakkah from Damascus increased dramatically. In 1909

quarantine facilities for the railway were established

at Tabuk. Capable of processing up to 4,000 pilgrims

at a time, the center was financed by a special tax

on tickets. Although conditions on the trains were

far from comfortable, the railway represented a vast

improvement on the old 40-day overland journey.

During the First World War, Sherif Hussein and the tribes

of the Hejaz rose up against the Ottomans. Supported

by some British, French and Arab regular troops, they

carried out raids against the railway, the stations and

the telegraph line. T.E. Lawrence was to become the

most famous of the officers fighting in Arabia, but there

were several others engaged in similar operations. The

campaign against the railway was a strategic success

with as many as 25,000 Ottoman troops having to

be posted to its defence - men who would otherwise

have been sent to the main battlefront. The Turks were

pushed back through Palestine, Jordan and Syria, and in

October 1918 with the surrender of their armies to the

Allied forces, the railway passed out of Ottoman hands.

The Railway TodayAfter the war the railway was split into three separate

sectors: Syria, Transjordan and the Hejaz (later to become

part of Saudi Arabia). By 1921 the track was repaired and

through services restored to Madinah. In

the winter of 1925 torrential rain caused

extensive damage to the track and rail

embankment and the southern section

finally became permanently impassable.

The railway still operates as a passenger

service between Amman and Damascus,

while in the south of Jordan it is used to

transport phosphates via a new railway

that connects the Hejaz line with Aqaba.

In Saudi Arabia the stations of Medain

Saleh and Madinah have been carefully

restored, using original building materials

to preserve their authenticity. The spectacular desert mountain

scenery, together with the occasional derelict locomotive or wagon,

provides an unbeatable destination for tourists and intrepid off-

roaders. Standing very much as they were abandoned by the Turks

at the end of the war, the deserted halts and stations still bear silent

witness to a fascinating piece of Middle Eastern history and one of the

shortest lived and most extraordinary railways the world has seen.

James Nicholson is the author of ‘The Hejaz Railway’ (published

2005, by Stacey International) and was a consultant for the BBC

World Service’s four-part ‘Heritage’ series on the railway in 2006.

COORDINATES

There are two guidebooksavailable for those

planning a visit to the

Hejaz Railway in Saudi

Arabia:

Desert Treks from Jeddah

by Patricia Barbor,

published by Stacey

International, 1996.

Off-Road in the Hejaz

by Patrick Pierard and

Patrick Legros, published

by Motivate, 1998.

TOP LEFT: A BRIDGE SPANNING THE GREAT WADI HAMDH. IN WINTER, FLASHFLOODS COULD EASILY SWEEP AWAY LONG SECTIONS OF THE TRACKBELOW: THE DESERTED HALTS AND STATIONS STILL BEAR SILENT WITNESS TO ONEOF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY RAILWAYS THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN

A L L I M A G E S : P R O V I D E D



_ DESTINATIONS / THE BIG PICTURE


WADI MAHAR, UMLUJ

The coastal areas of the governate of Umluj, located 35Km south of Yanbu are

unique in their diverse mix of terrain which includes beaches, sand dunes and

mountains. Offshore there are more than 100 islands, making it an ideal spot

for scuba diving on a diverse range of coral reefs. Al Hasi Tourist Village is a

good starting point and is well-known for its beautiful, white sand beach and

rocky shoreline.

I M A G E : A D E L A L - E L A T I

_ DESTINATIONS / THE BIG PICTURE






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_LIFESTYLE / HERITAGE

Evidence of horse domestication in KSA nine millennia ago uncovered

Roots ofpurebredArabianhorses

A major archeological discovery in a remote area of central

Saudi Arabia, between Tathleet and Wadi Al Dawaser,

has unearthed significant new evidence concerning the

knowledge of human achievement in the region. The find,

about 40km from the town of Gayirah in the province

of Tathleet, was originally made by a Saudi national, who

discovered archaeological items scattered on the ground while another

Saudi reported tem to the Riyadh Governorate, who in turn referred

the findings to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. They

contacted the collector, who handed over the archaeological items and

guided the officials to the site.

In March 2010, SCTA along with invited experts from King Saud

University and the UK’s Oxford University, began exploration of the site,

which is located at a junction between the Najd Plateau and the edge of

the eastern mountains. The area of the site comprises small hills with a

_LIFESTYLE/ HERITAGE





number of valleys between them, one of which is quite major

and once had a river running westward that carried water to

the west of Al-Magar, creating fertile land along both banks.Man lived in this area before the last desertification,

when the drastic climatic changes resulted in hot and dry

conditions that led to the development of deserts. The

artifacts discovered show that the inhabitants practised

agriculture and animal husbandry. On the surface, a broad

range of objects was found scattered over a wide area,

including arrowheads and precisely-made stone scrapers

similar to those used during the Neolithic period. The main

site is surrounded by other smaller sites, extending over a

wide area, where similar objects were found, some of which

were again connected with agricultural activities.

Not far from the site is the historical trading route linking

south-western Arabia with the central region, leaving the

lifestyle of the early inhabitants of the area open to the

imagination. It later became a main trade route between

Najran and Al-Fao. The site has been named Al-Magar

Civilization in recognition of both the community that

settled there and its location.

Several stone statues and carvings, conceivably of

domesticated animals, were found that could

perhaps have been part of the daily lives of

the inhabitants. These included sheep, goats,

salukis, ostriches, falcons, fish and horses.

Large statues of horses, together with

Neolithic artifacts and tools, make this an

important archaeological discovery within the

international arena, especially as previous studies had indicated that the

domestication of animals was thought to have happened for the first

time some 5,500 years ago in Central Asia (Kazakhstan). The Al-MagarCivilization site demonstrates that horses were domesticated in Saudi

Arabia long before that, while nearby there are other sites that appear to

be even older than Al-Magar, dating back to the mid-Neolithic period.

The discovery of the horse statue, comprising neck and chest, is nearly

100 centimeters tall, which could make it the largest equine sculpture

ever found from this period. The features of the animal are similar to those

of the original Arabian horses, which are characterized by a long neck and

a unique head shape. However, what makes the discovery particularly

interesting is the clear evidence of a bridle, confirming that the inhabitants

of this early settlement domesticated horses in this early period.

To ascertain and confirm the age of the artifacts, four

samples of burnt organic material from the site were sent

to a laboratory in the US, specialized in C-14 dating. The

results revealed that the items date back 9,000 years.

All statues were made of the similar type of stone found at the site, and

it seems that the statues had been set in a building at the center of the site

on the southern bank of the river, before the mouth of the waterfall. It is

hypothesized that this building may have played a major role in the social

life of the community living there. Indeed, caves near the building had been

ABOVE: CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES, KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDUL AZIZ BEING PRESENTED ARTIFACTS DISCOVERED AT AL-MAGAR CIVILIZATION

DURING THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD OF SOME 9,000 YEARS AGO

INDICATING THE EXISTENCE OF A DEVELOPED CIVILIZATION

MORE THAN EIGHTY ARTIFACTS WERE COLLECTED, CLEARLY






used as graves, with the remains of buried skeletons as well

as other graves covered with mud and hay being present.

Burial methods including mummification were traced to theskeletons: a technique that is considered advanced.

In addition to stone tools, such as arrow and spearheads

and scrapers for leather processing, other objects were

also found of a domestic or agricultural nature. These

included stone grain-grinders and pestles for pounding

grains, gravitation stones used in weaving looms, a stone

reel for spinning and weaving, and

soapstone pots decorated with

geometric motifs and stone. This

all reflects a developed knowledge

and advanced skills in handicrafts.

In addition to the above-mentioned artifacts, a stone dagger was

found at the site, bearing similar features and shape to the Arabian

dagger currently used in the Arabian Peninsula. This artifact is an

important cultural component, as the dagger is one of the most

important cultural and traditional elements among Arabs, and according

to this evidence, dates back several thousand years, surviving to the

present day. Undoubtedly the presence of stone daggers at this site from

more than 9,000 years ago adds a new dimension to the history of the

Arabian Peninsula.

Dr. Michael Petraglia of the UK’s Oxford

University stated, “The Al-Magar site is a

significant and impressive archaeological site,

important to the prehistory of Arabia, as well as

to global history. It can reveal information about

the relationship between humans and climate

change, how populations became sedentary,

how they interacted with natural resources on

their landscape, and how they set into motion

the domestication of plants and animals,

including horses.”

He goes on to say, “The Al-Magar

site is a large prehistoric settlementthat clearly has different activity areas,

including potential house structures,

burial sites and workshop areas.”

One significant stone piece found at the

site bears small cut lines along the edges. The

parallel lines are set in groups, perhaps for

accounting, calculating numbers or for timing

purposes. While it seems that the piece played

an important role nine millenia ago, its precise

use is still to be ascertained.

Rock drawings were also found in an area

adjacent to the Al-Magar site. The petroglyphs

were created by deep chipping and engraving

on the darkly patinated rock surface. Images of ibex, ostrich and otheranimals, as well as human figures, including a warrior riding a horse, are

carefully depicted. One shows the hunting of an ibex with five hounds

surrounding the ibex. Other rock drawings found among the remains

of the large central building at the site include drawings of horses and

human figures.

More than eighty artifacts were collected from the surface of the

Al-Magar site, clearly indicating the existence of a developed civilization

during the Neolithic period of some 9,000 years ago. This particular

civilization could be considered a revolution in human knowledge,

skills and handicrafts. Considering all the information known, it can be

concluded that this particular community was not confined just to this

site, but that it may have moved around the

Arabian Peninsula. This may be confirmed by future fieldwork and

comparative studies of the artifacts uncovered, and from other findings

from other sites, both inside and outside the Arabian Peninsula. A team

of experts has been put together comprising local and international

researchers, who will carry out further research and studies with the aim

of understanding the secrets of this civilization.

As Prof. Ali Ibrahim Al Ghabban, vice president of SCTA’s Antiquities

Department stated, “The Al-Magar Civilization site embodies four

significant elements of Arabian culture, of which Arabs can be rightly proud.

These include horsemanship and horse breeding, hunting with falcons,

desert hounds and the origins of the Arabian dagger as part of the Arabian

dress. These impressive discoveries reflect the importance of this site and

of the civilization that lived there. It is also the earliest known example of

the domestication of the horse, as early as the Neolithic period.

BELOW: THE AL-MAGARSITE WAS LOCATEDWITHIN A FERTILE REGIONGIVING RISE TO A RICHAGRICULTURE-BASEDCOMMUNITY

ABOVE: STATUES AND TOOLSDISCOVERED IDENTIFY A WELL-DEVELOPED COMMUNITY




_DESTINATION / TAROT ISLAND

While Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region hasbecome known over recent years as the

birthplace of the country’s oil and gasindustry, the area also has a rich historyspanning several thousand years.TarutIsland is a prime example, learned Alex

Malouf when he visited in his quest todiscover more Saudi heritage

Laid back

and relaxed W

ith convenient land and sea connections

for visiting tradesmen, the east coast

has a colorful and cosmopolitan

heritage, and Tarut Island offers visitors

great insight into how life was before

the oil boom came to Saudi Arabia.

Situated east of Qatif, around 40kms north of Dammam,

Tarut Island lays claim to a piece of Saudi history, being

part of the ancient Dilmun civilization. Dilmun was a trade

partner of ancient Mesopotamia, growing rich by supplying

copper to Babylon. As a result, Tarut has been inhabited for

several thousand years with indications of an even longer

history dating back as far as 5,000BC. I’ve been told by

locals that the island is named after the Babylonian goddess

of love and war, Ashtaroot. However, ‘tarout’ also means

beauty in Semitic and I think I prefer this explanation.

Research suggests that the island’s original Canaanite and

Phoenician inhabitants worshipped the beauty of the place.

Since then, the island has understandably gone through

its fair share of changes, although, according to my

guide on a recent visit, there are still traces of Dilmun

burial mounds scattered across the island. The mounds

can be found in as many as 15 locations, each housing a

chamber in which bodies were buried along with select

I M A G E : B Y R O N A . B U E N O





Tarut attracted the attention of the Portuguese when

they colonized the area over 500 years ago, also leaving

indications of their presence. The island is the second

largest in the Gulf, occupying 70 square kilometers.

Naturally sheltered due to its situation between Qatif,

Dammam and Ras Tanura, this bay either became a base

for the Portuguese, who established a presence here, or

a buttress against European expansion further north into

the Arabian Gulf, depending on whom you speak to.

In the center of the island is the old town. Here you’ll

find traditional houses built from a stone and mud

mixture, named juss in the local dialect. If you take the

time to walk around the houses and the narrow streets,

which were built before the age of the automobile,

you’ll get a glimpse into how life used to be in Tarut.

The houses surround what is the most imposing

structure on the island: the Portuguese Fort. It was built

in the early sixteenth century and, despite its age, still

represents the largest building on the island. Currently,

visitors are only able to admire the building from the

exterior as the structure is undergoing repair works as

part of a heritage renovation project, but if you were to

peek inside you’d see a typical Arabic-style courtyard

with a well at its center and rooms leading off. The fort is

possessions, such as pottery, ivory decorations and copper and

stone jars, which it was thought would be useful in the afterlife.

Tarut has proved to be a veritable treasure trove for archeological

finds over the years, and history buffs will relish the chance to visit

the sites on the island where discoveries have been made. Some of

the most famous of the island’s relics, such as the Tarut statue, have

been uncovered during organized digs; other items have been stumbled

upon by chance, with numerous stories of accidental discoveries. One

such tale describes a group of automobile repair shop owners who,

when renovating their workshop, found tombs dating back to 2000BC.

Another recalls a farmer who discovered precious stones and jars when

he was working on his land. further, in 1959, a janitor discovered rocks

engraved with the ancient Sheba language while cleaning some waste

land alongside a busy street, while in the 1970s, burial mounds that

dated back to the middle of the third millennium were uncovered in a

plam tree grove. These mounds contained a considerable number of

Mesopotamian ceramic vessels and metal objects. The most famous

discovery made on the island must be the Statue of Tarut. Carved from a

single piece of limestone, the statue is almost a meter tall and depicts a

man standing in a pose of prayer and reverence. Its similarity to statues

found in Babylon and other Mesopotamian cities suggests that it does

not originate from Tarut itself, but rather was brought here. This unique

piece of Saudi history is now on display at the National Museum in Riyadh.

Offering an ideal location for a port in the heart of the Arabian Gulf,

_DESTINATION / TARUT ISLAND




impressive, but to see any artifacts related to it you will

need to visit the Dammam National Museum or the RiyadhNational Museum where they are on display, including

one of the fort’s cannons dating back to its origins.

The fort towers above the heart of the old town, today

known as Al-Dera, and just below it is Ain Tarut which

in the past, was the main source of water on the island.

Only a stone’s throw away from A in Tarut there was once

a traditional bath house

named Hamam Tarut which

unfortunately no longer

remains. Instead, you will

find a number of charming

restaurants where locals

while away the hours playing

cards and sipping tea. The

best place to relax and sample some of Tarut’s fabulous,

fresh fish is the buffet restaurant just below the fort. The

place offers simple, tasty food which will set you back

no more than a couple of dollars while also providing a

great people-watching spot, allowing you to sit back

and imagine the myriad origins of Tarut’s inhabitants,

with obvious descendants from all corners of the globe

contributing to the multi-cultural mix of today’s residents.

Apparently the center of the town originally

had a significant landmark in the form of a donkey

bath. Situated several hundred meters from the

fort, visitors would wash and refresh their weary

donkeys at a special equine bath before taking to the town on

foot. Unfortunately, the attraction was demolished many year’sago, before its historic relevance was appreciated. Older locals will

be able to direct you to the spot where man’s best friend (before

the automobile) would rest after a good scrubbing down.

Moving away from the island’s center, another place which deserves

a visit is the fish market. Situated only a kilometer away from the fort

itself, the market comes to life when auctions begin around mid-

morning. All types of local

specialties freshly caught

in the Arabian Gulf are sold,

from the ubiquitous hammour

to safI, chanad and sobaity.

As one of the oldest

ports in the Arabian

Gulf, Tarut has long had

an affinity with fishing. Most of the island’s 80,000 residents are

employed either directly or indirectly by the fishing industry. As you

head towards the shore, there are many fishing boats parked along the

side of the road and a few signs of an historic boat-building industry

for old traditional dhows. Tarut’s fishing community resides in the

villages of Sanabis and Dareen, where there have been seafaring

communities for nearly 200 years, but you’ll have to be up early if

you plan on watching them take to the seas as they generally leave

before dawn. It is easy to imagine the escapades of early villagers using

these coastal villages for clandestine trips between Tarut and other

Gulf sea ports. The idea of pirate adventures may have proved more

appealing to many rather than putting to sea with a line and bait.

THE LARGEST BUILDING ON THE ISLAND

AND, DESPITE ITS AGE, STILL REPRESENTS

BUILT IN THE EARLY SIXTEENTH CENTURY





After Sanabis, Dareen is the village most associated with

seafaring and trading. According to villager’s, Dareen’s

port dates back over 2,000 years and was a trading post

for goods shipped on the silk and spices route between

Arabia, India, China, and East Africa. it is reminiscent

of other old souks in the region, where you could oncefind musk, perfumes, spices, silk and precious stones

from India, China and Indonesia and ivory from Africa.

A particular item prized by merchants was the pearl.

Before the discovery of oil much of the wealth of the Arabian

Gulf was generated by the region’s pearling trade. While the

pearling industry was hard hit following the introduction

of synthetic pearls in the early twentieth century, you can

still find evidence of the trade in and around Dareen. One

of the largest buildings of its time, Sheikh Mohammed

Abdulwahab’s castle was a meeting place and pearl trading

hub. Built in 1885 by the famed pearl trader, there are

still traces of the castle which a guide can show you.

While it’s not surprising that Tarut has one of the largest

fishing communities on the Gulf coast, what is striking isthe number of farms also found on the interior of the island

and the diversity of the fruits and vegetables grown. The

area of Al-Rabea is famous for its farms and its produce,

especially tomatoes, limes, dates, figs and papayas. If you’re

looking for fresh, local produce for a picnic you can find

fine examples on the road side stalls around Al Rabea.

For souvenirs and traditional bargains, Tarut has one other

‘must see’ attraction: a market held in a different part of

the island each day of the week. Visitors to this travelling

market can buy local food, clothes, books, and any variety

of knick-knacks at very affordable prices. Bargaining and

bartering hard is an essential part of the fun! The market

is held in the center of Tarut on Sundays and Tuesdays, but

if you’re visiting any other day of the week, ask a local and

they’ll point you in the direction of the market’s location.

If you’re in search of a slower pace of life, of a life

which still remains true to old customs and traditions

- then visit Tarut. The island is on ly an hour’s drive

from Dammam or Al-Khobar and you can easily idle

away a day here exploring its ancient history, visiting

the Portuguese fort, enjoying the coffee shops and

restaurants or simply sitting on the dock and waiting

for the boats to return to port. Whatever you decide to

do, know that you will be welcomed both as a friend and

honored visitor by Tarut’s laid back community: Just don’t

forget - you’ll have to leave the place, eventually. A L L I M A G E S : B Y R O N A . B U E N O




_ INDUSTRY

/ MAPPING

A chance meeting atop theMakkah escarpment to the

south of Riyadh led to the

reinforcement of my belief that

there are many hidden riches

and areas of natural beauty in

this fascinating country. Sitting in the shade

of our vehicle enjoying the late afternoon

sunshine, my husband and I were waiting for

friends to return from a walk when over the

ridge appeared a lone hiker. During a brief

exchange of pleasantries, it soon became clear

that we were in the presence of someone with

an unusually deep knowledge of the rural areas

of Saudi Arabia, especially when he explained

that he had been exploring the Kingdom since

he was a child. He explained that his passion for

the great outdoors had been instilled in him at a

young age thanks to his father and grandfather,

who regularly took him out on hiking and

camping trips. They educated the youngster

about the animals and plant life indigenous to

the region and, in addition to an appreciation

of his natural surroundings, also passed on

a love of astronomy and Saudi history.

These interests became deeply rooted

in Abdullah Al Sayari, and even during a

distinguished, 32-year career with SaudiArabian Airlines, he continued making forays

into the desert and remote areas of the

Kingdom to explore and map areas of interest.

This commitment to recording the details

of the Saudi landscape ultimately led to the

establishment of a business where today he

shares his wealth of knowledge and experience

with others who have a love of the countryside.

From aerial photographs sourced from the

Internet and utilising GPS software, Abdullah

treks to a different location every weekend.

Then, using special equipment, he enhances the

images of the chosen site by adding the sort of

useful details that help travellers and tourists,

such as the locations of roads, service stations,

towns and villages, hotels and heritage sites.

After several years compiling a library of

these special maps and seeing the interest

they generated amongst his friends, Abdullah

realised there was a commercial opportunity

for the maps as there were no other sources

of detailed information for the type of location

he was visiting. In 2002 he sold his first

map through a relative, and from that small

beginning his business grew to such an extent

that in 2008 he opened a dedicated store,

Desert Maps, in Riyadh’s Industrial City 2.Now, after nearly a decade of mapping,

Abdullah has an extensive catalogue of

maps covering the length and breadth of

the Kingdom, which provide an excellent

reference for all those intending to make

an excursion to the less visited areas of the

country. Whether the interest is in identifying

a unique picnic spot on the outskirts of a major

city or, for the more adventurous, a camping

trip to a new territory, the maps certainly

make any trip easier to undertake. They are

available in digital format for use in GPS

devices or as SD cards for mobile devices.

When asked to identify his personal

favourite spot in the Kingdom, Abdullah

admits that he rarely visits the same place

twice, as every weekend is devoted to

mapping a new location. However, he does

express a special fondness for Madain

Shu’aib, otherwise known as Madyan-

Maghabir Shu’aib or the Caves of Shu’aib.

Named after one of the Prophets mentioned

in the Quran, Shu’aib was a preacher of the

Midian civilisation which prospered in the

northwest of the Arabian peninsular for many

centuries. Despite Prophet Shu’aib being a

A surprise meeting in the rugged terrain of Riyadh’s southernescarpment has led to an appreciation of one Saudi’s special skills.Sharon Dunn tells Saudi Voyager of the passion of Abdullah Al Sayari

Mapping the future




_ INDUSTRY

/ MAPPING

Midianite, Madain Shu’aib is primarily known

from the Nabatean trade route and as an

agricultural settlement that prospered centuries

later, from 100BC to 550CE, until a 20-year

drought forced the population to resettle inthe Fertile Crescent. The Nabatean’s success

was due in part to their engineering skills,

which were amongst the best in the ancient

world, which were demonstrated in their clever

harnessing of the area’s water supply utilising

a network of ditches and channels, some

of which are still in use today. Whilst Petra

and Madain Saleh are well known Nabatean

archaeological sites of these ancient people,

Madain Shu’aib was a much smaller settlement

comprising just 30 well-preserved tombs.

Spread over three mountains, the tombs

range from simple, unadorned cave-like

rooms carved into the rock face to some with

several rooms and displaying more elaborate

facades. Indeed, the design on one tomb in

particular is a unique example of the marvellous

architectural talents of the Nabateans, with

fleur-de-lis adorning either side of the tomb

and bundles of reeds, or flowers decorating

the band over the doorway. Above some of

the tombs is a deep water cistern carved into

the rocks. The Madain Shu’aib site is under the

protection of the Saudi Commision for Tourism

and Antiquities,Department of Antiquities:

it is guarded when open to the public and

permission must be obtained prior to visiting.

Madain Shu’aib nestles in the Nisma Mountain

range in the oasis of Al Bad and is surrounded

by established palm trees, with the mountains

forming a beautiful backdrop to the remarkable

location. The area can be reached by flying into

Tabuk, which is about 220km from Madain

Shu’aib and is an excellent base from which to

explore the site. There are a couple of routes

from which to choose to drive to the site, butperhaps the most scenic, and striking, is down

the escarpment road and along the Red Sea

coast. Depending on your preferences, you may

be either pleased, or disappointed, to know that

no off-road driving is required for the journey.

As you leave Tabuk, the scenery is

predominantly brown, eroded hills but as the

road continues west the hills become darker,

more volcanic looking, and the desert sand

turns to coral red. Some of the rocky outcrops

along the way have unique shapes. One

example, about 50km from Tabuk, is called

‘Safina’ and resembles a dhow, the traditional

Arab sailing vessel. Descending the escarpment

always provides spectacular scenery, and this

route is no exception: majestic mountains tower

above the landscape, stretching out as far as

the eye can see until the beautiful aquamarine

waters of the Red Sea come into view.

For the final part of the journey signs

will help guide you to the site, so it is not

difficult to find. Guards will ask to see your

permit before allowing entry: once inside,

you will find paths and steps which have been

constructed to allow easy access to the tombs.

It is easy to understand why this site is a

favourite of Abdullah’s, although he also speaks

highly about other places to visit in the vicinity

of Tabuk or en route to Madain Shu’aib.

He and his shop are a great source of

information for those interested in getting

out into the countryside of Saudi Arabia, and

Abdullah is pleased to share his knowledge

and enthusiasm for his topic and to advise on

the best routes to take for a trip. He will also

happily discuss the many options for places tovisit in the Kingdom or to find a journey that

will appeal. He may even be able to help with

equipment, as he stocks a range of camping

and hiking gear. From time-to-time he also

arranges accompanied trips that are sure to

take you to new places to discover and learn

about. He has an engaging style, easy-going

nature and excellent sense of humour that

makes him an ideal travelling companion.

He and his accumulated knowledge are

indeed a unique resource and, thanks to

Abdullah, my passion to explore this great

country has grown even stronger.

VOYAGER TIP

Permission to visit Madain Shu’aib

can be obtained by contacting:

Director General of the Dept of Antiquities

The National Museum of Riyadh

PO Box 3734, Riyadh 11419

Fax: (+966) 01 404 1391

Desert Maps

Tel: (+966) 01 417 6665

Fax: (+966) 01 417 6664

E-mail: [email protected] :

Website: www.desertmaps.com

Coordinates: N 24 34 213 / E 46 36.86

I M A G E S : A B D U L L A H A L S A Y A R I




_LIFESTYLE / GOLF

Capital golfConsidering golf has a reputation as being thebest way to spoil a good walk, its growingpopularity may surprise some, however, alongwith other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia hasseen an increase in golfing facilities. SaudiVoyager reviews golfing options in the capital




_LIFESTYLE / GOLF

Fans of spoiling a good walk by the hitting of a small ball around

the countryside now have four courses to choose from in the

capital. In the early days of golf in the Kingdom, golf courses were

constructed in desert areas with fairways of graded sand and

greens, referred to as ‘browns’, made of compacted, ultrafine sand

mixed with oil and rolled smooth to allow the ball to roll smoothly.

Players of these courses carried a small square of Astroturf from which they

would tee off. While these sand courses have largely been phased out, one

or two still exist in the Kingdom providing occasional entertainment for a

few traditionalists.

Today, Riyadh’s four golf courses compete with the best available

anywhere and are located at Dirab in the Tawfiq valley, the InterContinental

hotel in the town centre, the Arizona housing compound north of the city

and there is Riyadh Golf Courses beside the Qassim road twenty minutes

from the city center. The courses are all well-appointed and, although not

necessarily competing for a place in the record books against the greatsof the world’s golf courses, each has its own unique challenges for players.

Indeed, it may be hard to match say, the world's highest course (14,335 feet

above sea level at Tactu Golf Club, Morococha) or the one with the largest

green (28,000 square feet at the International Golf Club, Massachusetts).

However, it would be perfectly feasible for Riyadh to achieve say the

longest hole (909 yards, par 7 at

the Satsuki Golf Club, Japan) and it

wouldn’t need a very creative mind

to come up with a course design

that competed successfully with the

world's largest sand bunker (Hell's

Half Acre at the Pine Valley Course,

New Jersey).

Located on the N65 Qassim roadout of Riyadh, Riyadh Golf Courses

was originally a sand course before

development of the facilities in

1997 when HRH Prince Faisal Al

Saud made a long-term investment

in the club to turn it into a premier

golfing facility. A grassed nine holes

course was opened in 2005 and a

back nine in 2007 making the total

7,503 yards one of the longest courses in the Middle East.

The par-72 official Championship Course boasts four lakes

integrated into the overall design by a system of streams and

landscaped grounds of beautiful fairways and lush vegetation,

making it a pleasant golfing experience. The course has

several challenging holes including the longest, a par-5 of 739

yards bordered by bunkers and a narrow approach plus the

intimidating par-3 of just 162 yards guarded by water on al l

sides. Visitors are able to book a round either at the weekend –

SR350, or mid-week at SR250 while golf clubs are available to

rent. The club also offers a number of casual dining options.

Dirab Golf and Country Club is the other grassed, 18-hole

course in Riyadh. Located an easy 40 minute drive south

of Riyadh, the par-72 Championship Course and the 9-hole

Academy Course are both open to visitors. Weekend green

fees are SR450 and just SR100 during mid-week, with a fullset of G10 clubs available for rent at SR150 for a round of 18

holes. Golf carts may also be rented. Nestled in the picturesque

Tawfiq valley and with tree-lined fairways, manicured greens

and pleasant club facilities, Dirab makes for a pleasant out-

of-town destination. The back nine holes are floodlit so it’s

possible to play an after work round in the evening.

One of the capital’s two 9-hole courses is located at the

Arizona residential compound located north of the city on

Airport Road, just behind the distinctive Sabic building. Very

much a domestic attraction, the course has no floodlighting and

tee times are between 5am and 5pm. Visitors are able to book

a round at SR165 at weekends and SR110 during the week.

The other 9-hole course is the attractive city center course

attached to the Riyadh InterContinental hotel, the Palms GolfCourse. The short par-3 course is attractively landscaped and

floodlit allowing tee times from 6am until 7pm for 18 holes and

8pm for 9 holes. Green fees for visitors are SR175 for 18 holes

and SR135 for 9, which include an attractive offer on the rental

of a set of clubs.

So, with these attractive options, there’s no excuse for not

getting out in the fresh air to enjoy some exercise in a pleasant

environment. Just remember, no matter how badly you play

golf, it‘s always possible to get worse.

BELOW: RIYADH GOLF COURSE

VOYAGER TIP

Book a round of golf in the capital:

Dirab Golf & Country Club:

+966 1 812 6671

[email protected]

Riyadh Golf Courses+966 059 231 5787

[email protected]

www.riyadhgolfcourses.com

Arizona Golf Resort

+966 1 248 4444

Palms Golf Course

+966 465 5000


I M A G E S : S H U T T E R S T O C K / R I Y A D H G O L F C O U R S E S




_ LIFESTYLE

/ WILDLIFE

The story of the now extinct ostrich of the Arabian

peninsular is well known. The birds, which had

evolved to survive in harsh desert environments and

appropriately nicknamed ‘camel birds’, disappeared

to subsistence hunting by the 1940s. The Houbara

Bustard, a favorite quarry of falconers, is being brought

back from the edge of a similar fate, thanks to the extensive efforts

of Saudi Arabia’s National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC).

For thousands of years, the hunting of Houbara has been deeply

embedded in the Arabian culture, being depicted in rock drawings and

often referred to by Arabic poets and storytellers. Originally a migratory

seasonal visitor, when Houbara arrived in northern Saudi Arabia in large

numbers from Central Asia, falconers used to take to their camels

and carry their falcons to hunt what was traditionally considered the

Almighty’s compensation to those who endured the summer desert heat.The shy and nervous birds inhabit sandy and stony semi desert

areas and have evolved to exist in arid conditions where there

is little shrubbery or greenery. They feed on invertebrates,

small vertebrates and any green shoots they can forage.

In their natural habitat, they are stimulated into breeding by the

growth of grass following seasonal rains, typically laying two to four

eggs in a small, scraped hollow on the ground, which unfortunately

leaves both the eggs and young vulnerable to ground predators.

The majority of Houbara Bustard arrived from Central Asia,

Turkmenistan, China and Mongolia to winter in Saudi Arabia. In 1997,

the National Avian Research Center (NARC) in Abu Dhabi in the

United Arab Emirates fitted satellite transmitters on visiting Houbara

to study their migratory movements and found that the birds made

their way as far as the northern Chinese province of Xinjiang, coveringmore than 6,600km in just 54 days, crossing Iran, Turkmenistan,

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Eight months later, the tracked birds,

following the same route, returned to Abu Dhabi.

Since the advent of four-wheel-drive vehicles, it has

become easier for people to pursue Houbara, even into

the most inaccessible desert areas. Once an elite sport,

hunting is now widely affordable and increasing in popularity.

Regrettably, there are also some undesirable deviations from

traditional practice, such as extending the usual hunting

season of October till March, all of which has impacted

the breed’s ability to recover its numbers. The birds are

also illegally trapped to be used in the training of falcons.

Compounded with habitat loss and degradation of their

environment as desert areas are developed for agriculture

and infrastructural projects, populations of Houbara are

seeing a frightening decline. Although there is no reliable

data for the rates of decline, figures as high as 40 to 50per cent over the past five years are mentioned, and given

the substantial threats, declines are likely to continue to be

significant. Studies of the number and distribution of breeding

birds in Saudi Arabia have reflected this steep decline.

Characteristically, the Houbara bred in areas from the

Jordanian border in the north, extending south in a broad

band encompassing the northwest and eastern regions of

Saudi Arabia as far as the Rub-al-Khali. However, the Houbara

is now an uncommon breeding visitor, mostly restricted to

the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, specifically the

Harrat al-Harrah, al Hammad and Al Nafud protected areas.

Unfortunately, over the last five years, even here there have

been losses recorded and the poaching of Houbara continues.

As part of an international initiative, conservation andbreeding projects have been established in several of the

birds’ traditional regions, including Morocco, Pakistan and

The Houbara Bustard has been under threat of going the way of thenow extinct Arabian ostrich. It is hoped the extensive efforts of the

Saudi government to re-establish these shy desert birds in the Kingdomwill have a positive outcome. M. Zafar-ul Islam, manager of the

reintroduction program tells Saudi Voyager of progress to date

Saving the

Houbara Bustard

I M A G E S : M . Z A F A R - U L I S L A M




the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, the National Commission for

Wildlife Conservation and Development now Saudi Wildlife

Authority (SWA) established in 1986 to ensure habitats are

properly managed to overcome the threats faced by the

birds in this region with a captive breeding and reintroduction

program introduced to avert the risk of local extinction.

Captive breeding and reintroduction program

By the 1980s, the breeding population of Houbara Bustard

in Saudi Arabia had virtually disappeared and it was decided

to launch a captive-breeding program, along with a program

of reintroduction and the release of captive-bred birds.

Between 1986 and 1988, fertile eggs were collected

under government permit from resident populations in

Baluchistan in Pakistan. These were managed through

a program of artificial insemination by the NWRC. Theprogram achieved a significant level of success. With

careful management and the application of artificial

insemination techniques, in the 1990s, there were enough

Houbara chicks available to replenish losses in the breeding

unit and also to be able to release birds into the wild.

Reintroduction sites in Saudi ArabiaTwo sites were selected in Saudi Arabia for the reintroduction

of the Houbara, Mahazat as-Sayd and Saja Umm ar-Rimth.

The Mahazat as-Sayd protected area is in Makkah

province and comprises about 219,000 hectares of fairly

level, sandy plain at around 1,000 metres above sea level. It

has a few rocky outcrops and was originally set up in 1988

as a special nature reserve for the reintroduction of theArabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Red-necked Ostrich. Located

about 175km northwest of Taif and south of Al-Muwayh,

it is 550km from Riyadh and 300km from Jeddah.

Another reintroduction site established as an extension

of Mahazat as-Sayd is Saja Umm Ar-Rimth in the area

of Jabal Barah about 5km east of the Zalim-Afif road.

In Mahazat as-Sayd during the breeding season, most

of the females make a nest on the open area, avoiding

vegetation, but males are seen in the vegetative cover

which consists of moderate or sparse perennials, primarily

grasses, herbs and shrubs, and sometimes including

larger bushes and trees such as Acacia. The birds have

also been recorded foraging in the green vegetation

in wadis and small depressions while roosting in the

elevated boulder fields at night. Similarly, in Saja Umm

Ar-Rimth, Houbara are regularly seen in more open

areas, but also seen resting in the shade of rocks or

shrubbery during the middle of the day in summer.

The nesting season of the Houbara at Mahazat, which

is the only reserve in Saudi Arabia where large numbers

of the birds breed each year, is from February to May.

Nests are found close to sandy wadis, in areas of small

basaltic boulders and in good vegetation cover. Sometimes

nest sites are selected in areas where there are a large

number of ant colonies. This could be because of the

easy access to food for females and their broods.




_ LIFESTYLE

/ WILDLIFE_ LIFESTYLE

/ WILDLIFE




Reintroduction of HoubaraThe reintroduction of Houbara was started in Mahazat

as-Sayd in 1991 and since then, more than 1000 Houbara

have been released with an almost equal sex ratio. After

shifting the birds from captive breeding to the reserve,

the birds are kept in long, tunnel-shaped cages in

predator-free enclosures to become acclimatized to the

natural environment. During this time, predators such

as foxes and cats are trapped and moved away from therelease sites, and after three to four weeks the birds

are gently released by opening the tunnels in the early

morning. Water and food pellets are provided around the

enclosures for a couple of weeks to aid their transition to

the natural environment. The current population of the

Houbara in Mahazat is between 300 and 400 Houbaras.

In Saja Umm Ar Rimth, the reintroduction

program of Houbara was started in 2003,

and around 200 Houbara Bustard have been

released, again with an equal mix of gender.

Houbara monitoringNWRC has implemented a program of equipping Houbaras

with radio transmitters for monitoring and research

purposes. The birds are tracked and monitored on the

ground from vehicles fitted with radio receivers, while

missing and migrating birds are tracked from small aircraft.

In April 2011, three wild Houbaras were caught in the

northeast of Saudi Arabia by a falconer, who gave the birds

to NWRC for research purposes. The birds were fitted with

satellite transmitters and two of them have moved and are

currently resting near the border with Iran and Iraq and every

second day NWRC receives their GPS locations via email.

Although research and monitoring of the Houbara Bustard

has been undertaken in the Kingdom for more than 20 years,

there remains a need for more information and for public

awareness of the threats faced by

this icon of traditonal Arab life in the

Kingdom. The NWRC

is involved in a comprehensive

program of activities and lobbying

among both the government and

public to highlight these issues and to

educate everyone involved.

Public AwarenessPublic awareness and educational

programs have been launched by

NWRC as a key component of their

conservation activities, focusing on

the region around the reintroduction

sites. The programs are aimed at

informing and educating citizens

about the biological and historic

significance of the Houbara, in

addition to other wildlife, in order

to encourage their participation

in the conservation programs.

This information campaign

brings together school pupils, college students and the general public

with faculty from colleges and universities and specialists in the

conservation programs; indeed, anyone who wants to play a role in wildlife

conservation. The campaign include exhibitions, slide shows and lectures

and in-house wildlife films that inform the general public about wildlife

conservation in general and specifically the Houbara protection program.

Plans are being formulated to extend this program to major cities around

the Kingdom to make everyone aware of the fragile existence of the

Houbara Bustard. It would be an unfortunate irony if, due to the growth

of the historic Arab recreation of falconing the trend in decimation of

Houbara numbers is perpetuated, eventually leading to a total collapse of

the species and the loss of an ancient Arab tradition.

CHALLENGES INCONSERVATION

Conservation of natural

habitat; avoid encroachment

Effective implementation of

national legislation to protect the

Houbara and other bird species

No illegal hunting in or around

reintroduction sites

Hunting must be banned

during the breeding season

General public should respect the

protected reintroduction sites

Falconers should participate in

NWRC conservation programs

Conservation awareness

programs should be continued.

More areas are required as

Houbara release sites

SAUDI VOYAGER TIP

Access to the reintroduction sites

in the company of a NWRC ranger

can be arranged by writing to the

Secretary General of the Saudi

Wildlife Authority with a copy to

Director of NWRC:

Secretary General

Saudi Wildlife Authority

P.O Box 61681, Riyadh 11575

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel : (+966) 1 441 8700

http://www.ncwcd.gov.sa

General Director

National Wildlife Research Center

PO Box 1086, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Tel: (+966) 2 748 1252,

748 1271, 748 1307


OPPOSITE TOP: HOUBARA IN FLIGHT OPPOSITE BOTTOM: HOUBARA CHICKS IN THE WILD ABOVE: HOUBARA BUSTARD EGGS IN THE WILD

I M A G E S : M . Z A F A R - U L I S L A M




_RECREATION / REVIEW





We live in an age where information

travels the globe in milliseconds,

where what happens in one part of

the world is picked up in another

seemingly almost instantly. What is

today’s new and improved provision

is tomorrow’s standard. There are many examples that

we can all call up. Having been travelling recently, in-flight

entertainment comes immediately to mind. A few years ago

this was a loudly promoted unique selling point for only one

or two international airlines. Today even budget airlines are

moving away from their ‘no frills’ positioning and have started

adding this once-distinctive service. Another example is

butler service: originated by a few elite, Far Eastern hotels,

today any aspiring serviced apartment operator advertises

a variation on the theme. Optional extras on cars provide

another example where the originators soon lose the

advantage as new gadgets become expected equipment.

In a commercial environment, this speed of uptake

means it is virtually impossible to maintain a competitive

edge or even an element of uniqueness for very long.

Any newly conceived service, product or facility launched

in say Australia, France or the US today will be known

about, scrutinised and replicated on another continent within a matter

of weeks or months. Of course it is not always replicated with the

same degree of expertise or panache that the creators managed, but

nonetheless the exclusivity and potential USP can be very quickly lost.

That is why it can be the little things that make a difference between

success and failure, why the memorable experience often results from

small individual points of difference that make a positive and enduring

impact on clientele. One such unusual and striking thing about the

new Sofitel Al Khobar is the very attractive smell permeating the

reception as you enter. It is a simple but effective idea that provides

a pleasant and welcoming aroma that generates a smile and a feeling

of confidence for newly arriving guests. In a region of the world

where fragrance matters it is, as the saying goes, ‘a good thing’.

The attention to detail in the reception area extends to the comfortably

furnished and nicely laid out lounge with floor to ceiling windows which

create a nice bright lounge for guests to relax and unwind in. Indeed,

it soon becomes obvious that the hotel is well-designed and has an

interesting structure. As you glide upward in one of two glass elevators

from the reception area towards the accommodation you catch a glimpse

of several more relaxing internal lounges of varying sizes as well as

external seating areas, each with their own distinctive character. As you

ascend, you pass a large glass feature wall that reaches up nine storeys and

affords panoramic views across Al Khobar, most attractive after dark.

Small points,big difference

In the age of the Internet and inter-

connected world it can be challengingfor any business to try and stand outfrom the crowd. The Sofitel Al Khobarmakes a good effort to do so. Barry Grayreports on the results





In itself, the architecture of the hotel is interesting

but, combined with the unmistakable interior design and

fittings of the French Sofitel group, results in a chic and

fashionably comfortable ambiance. This is a hotel for thediscerning traveller – for those who enjoy a relaxed but

well-ordered environment, where comfort is not sacrificed

for price and where it is evident that people have carefully

thought through every aspect of their offering.

On reaching the accommodation the tastefully furnished

rooms won’t disappoint. While not large, they are well

proportioned, have a large picture window with great city or

sea views and have all the expected accessories plus a few that

are not – including a very upmarket Bose Wave music system.

However, I’m not sure many guests get to fully experience

the system as, disappointingly, the hotel does not offer a

facility for renting or buying CDs to try out the system.

The beds are a feature. They look inviting, comprising

a feather mattress and the finest French bed linen andduvet, decorated with scatter cushions. Sofitel are so

confident of their beds that there is even a

brochure in the room from which the well-

heeled can place an order for the very same

item to be delivered to their home including

all the pillows, bed linen and duvet.

For once the in-room TV was able to

be comfortably watched from a rather

nice and surprisingly comfortable chaise

longue: a great improvement on the short-

backed and rigid armchairs that many

hotels provide – which would be more at

home in an office reception than to relax

and unwind in. It’s another nice touch.

It’s a great shame that the property, which

is so tantalisingly near to the sea, doesn’t have

access to either the beach front or even a

garden which would transform it into something

really special. Even so, the sea facing rooms

offer a panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf

right across to the Causeway making the Sofitel

Al Khobar an unusual combination of city center hotel and sea views.

As you’d expect from a hotel group headquartered in the home

of gastronomy, the food selection in the hotel’s only restaurant, the

grandly named Café Chic, is good. There is an open buffet virtuallythroughout the day with a selection of dishes standard to the region.

These are well-prepared and nicely presented with a price indication

of SR185 per person, including taxes, for lunch or dinner. Regrettably,

for those unable to resist the temptation of a full buffet, there is

no one-course or soup-and-salad option. However, there is an à la

carte menu available as an alternative. The restaurant is spacious,

comfortably furnished and has nice views over the Arabian Gulf.

A welcome point here, again setting Sofitel apart, is its strict

no smoking policy in the restaurant. In a region which has only

recently started to appreciate and react to the harmful effects

of smoking and the socially unacceptable imposition of second

hand smoke, Sofitel’s uncompromising no-smoking rule sets a fine

example that many others would do well to take on board.

There are alternative dining options: for those that book a Club Floorroom, these come with all-day access to a comfortable, seventh-

floor lounge offering a light buffet and refreshments throughout the

day. Also, on the first floor there is the Chocolate lounge which offers

refreshments and a snack menu and special pastries and desserts.

Once you have enjoyed the fine cuisine on offer, the extremely well-

equipped – and under-utilized – gym is available to work off some

of the calories. In addition to the work-out room, the attractions

also include a sauna and steam room, jacuzzi and a small outside

swimming pool. Alternatively in the evening, a nice walk along the

adjacent Corniche will enable you to also enjoy the sea air.

The overriding feeling engendered by the hotel is that it has been designed

and is being run by an organisation that cares. The staff are attentive and

well-trained and appear truly happy to provide you a service, another

small but important point of differentiation. The Sofitel Al Khobar goes

out of its way to attend to the small points that make a big difference.

Barry Gray stayed at the Sofitel Al Khobar in

September 2011 as a guest of the hotel.

THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

ITS WAY TO ATTEND TO THE SMALL POINTS

THE SOFITEL AL KHOBAR GOES OUT OF





Traditional tastes

of Saudi ArabiaNajd Village provides a sumptuous experience of the Central Region

No trip, no vacation or visit is complete

without sharing a culinary experience with

family or friends. This is especially true in

Saudi Arabia where providing refreshment

and sustenance to travelers remains an

integral part of original Bedouin culture.

While authentic Saudi food is hearty, richly spiced and

full of flavors, the challenge can be to find a restaurant that

offers traditional Saudi cuisine. Fortunately, in the capital

Najd Village restaurant (Quria Najdia in Arabic) is the best

choice for those who want to sample the Kingdom’s cuisine,

particularly dishes from the country’s central Najd region,

in an ambiance that reflects earlier days in the Kingdom.

The restaurant has two branches in the capital – the

first is located centrally on Al Takhasosi Road. The larger

of the two branches and the most family friendly is on

Abo Baker Sadiq Road opposite Prince Sultan University.

Both are built and decorated in the style of traditional

Najd housing with colored external walls with painted

decoration around the main architectural features

and the buildings border an open, central courtyard in

the style of traditional Arab houses. Adding a feel of a

bygone era, outside the Abo Baker restaurant you’ll find a number

of 1950s vintage era cars, including GMCs and Chevrolets.

Inside expect more of the same historic feel. There’s a myriad of antique

pieces inside the restaurant where there are displays of coins, jewelry,

watches, and even some weapons from decades past. A centerpiece

is a well with traditional rope and bucket and winch wheel to draw up

the water. To top it off, inside the roof is of palm fronds and the walls

are decorated to appear as if they’re made from mud. Surrounded by

the modern metropolis that is Riyadh, the theme of being hosted in

a bygone era certainly does take your mind off the chaos outside.

In keeping with the time-honored style of entertaining in this region,

you eat sitting on carpets on the floor at Najd Village. The men’s section

is open so while there’s a two foot wall around your sitting area you

will be able to look across the entire length of the restaurant. In the

family section you will be seated in your own private room, which

affords more privacy to your group. The restaurant will bring spoons

and forks, but eating with your hands can also be part of the fun.

As an honored visitor, on arrival you’ll be welcomed with copious

amounts of small glasses of Arabic coffee or tea (there’s a tea room

just to the side of the main entrance) which allows you time to choose

from over 50 different dishes. House favorites include Kabsah, a rice

dish with your choice of lamb, chicken or shrimp. There’s also Magloba,






a dish of meat or chicken on a bed of lamb and vegetables

which is turned upside down before serving. A favorite

is a rice and chicken dish from Saudi Arabia’s Western

Region which is cooked in milk known as Saleek.

Reflecting Najd’s farming tradition, the list of wheat-

based dishes is extensive: there’s Jareesh which is barley

cooked in yoghurt, or order goursan which is a mixture

of dry thin brown bread with mixed vegetables and

lamb. With the world’s largest region of date cultivation

on the doorstep, it is no surprise that there’s also date

dishes such as Henainnee, a mixture of dates and brown

bread sautéed in butter, or Afees, traditional brown

bread combined with seedless dates and butter.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous why not

order camel meat Kabsah or Hashi Badya, a camel-

meat dish topped off by a layer of jareesh, a layer of

goursan and a layer of rice. For those lucky enough

to come during the truffle season (yes, you can find

truffles in under desert scrub) then order a side dish

of truffles cooked with rice. You won’t regret it.

The main dishes are served on large platters to be shared

between all the guests and in keeping with local habit, each

main course is to be tried by all present. The main coursesthemselves are generous so if you’re unsure about how much

to order ask the waiter. The rice dishes are bursting with

the flavor of the meats but you can also taste the spices,

onions, raisins, and lemons that are added to add extra taste.

The side dishes can be eaten

as starters, but you’re best

pouring the yoghurt and pepper

salad over the rice and mixing the flavours.

If you’re looking for something lighter,

the restaurant’s specialty Barley soup will

hit the spot, served with copious amounts

of freshly baked bread. A favorite bread is

sabeeb: you can choose from salty sabeeb

which is small bread slices served in a tomato

sauce or sweet sabeeb which is bread

drizzled with honey. Both are scrumptious

and will leave you always reaching for just one more bite.

Service at Najd Village tends to be very quick and efficient with waiters

bringing your order in only a few minutes. So, to savor your dinner over

the course of the evening, you can order your dishes in small amounts,

such as salads and starters, followed by main courses and later desserts.

Unfortunately, for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu is

a little limited but there are some traditional dishes such as sweet

sabeeb, Henainnee, ghafees, mohalibiya and for the health conscious,

water melon. The tea selection alone is worth a trip to Najd Village.

There’s a delightful range of teas to choose from and which are

flavored with a wide range of spices including cardamom, cloves,

ginger and saffron. Having eaten well, you can digest your meal and

while away your time sipping tea and enjoying conversation. Just

don’t forget that sooner or later you’ll have to leave Najd Village.What’s most surprising about Najd Village is the price. While the

quality of the food is excellent, you’ll be hard pressed to pay more

than 60 Riyals a person for a three course meal with drinks.

The restaurant opens from noon till midnight, staying open later

on Wednesday and Thursday, so timing is no handicap if you plan

to sample the delights on offer at Najd Village, but do call ahead if

you’re planning to visit at the weekend to avoid a long wait.

BELOW: THE ARCHITECTUREOF NAJD VILLAGE RESTAURANTREFLECTS THE BUILDING STYLE OFTHE CENTRAL REGION

VOYAGER TIP

Najd Village

Al-Takhasosi Road

(+966) 01 464 6530

Abo Baker Sadiq Road

(+966) 01 225 0034




_LIFESTYLES

/ MY FAVORITE PLACE

I have completed three postings

in Saudi Arabia: initially as Consul

General based in Jeddah (1987-

–1990) and twice as Ambassador

(2000–2003 and 2010–2011).

Overall, my stay in the Kingdom was

of about nine years and I have also

worked in other GCC countries as

well as in the US and South Africa.

During my tenure here, I have

travelled to a lot of the smaller

towns that exhibit the rich cultural

heritage of the Kingdom. The focus

on tourism is a recent development

in Saudi Arabia, which will be helped

by the excellent national road

network that has been built to a

very high standard. As increased

facilities such as hotels, motels

and service areas are added to the

network it will be further enhanced.

When we were first in the

Kingdom, our twin daughters were

with us and went to school here,

but they are now pursuing their

own careers and my wife and I have

been living in Riyadh by ourselves.

We have a rich social and cultural

life due to the number of events

of interest to the Saudi, diplomatic

and expatriate communities. These

have included our participation in

the Riyadh Book Fair, a major art

exhibition showcasing the works

of prominent Saudi and Indian

women artists, an international

film festival, and cultural shows

depicting Indian costumes and

folk and classical dance and music.

In our leisure time, we read a

lot, from political and historical

non-fiction to light thrillers.

My wife and I have been lucky

enough to travel extensively by

road across Saudi Arabia, and

these tours have appealed to our

combined interests in the history,

culture and economic development

of the country. We have visited

most of the major museums

including the National Museum in

Riyadh and regional museums in

Al-Ula, Hail and Najran. We have

also visited the historic sites of

Najran, Madain Saleh and Madinah.

The holy cities of Makkah and

Madinah are central to Islamic

history and culture, so a visit to

the various historical sites in these

cities, with a qualified guide, can be

most enriching. The same applies

to Jeddah, which has a number

of sites of considerable historical

value. I also enjoyed my three visits

to Madain Saleh, seeing the remains

of the Nabataean civilization and

the railway station of the Hejaz

Railway that was destroyed in

the First World War. We have

also enjoyed the historical site

at Najran and the rock carvingsoutside the town on the caravan

route to Riyadh. On reflection, my

favorite places in the Kingdom

are Al-Ula and Madain Saleh. The

traces of the old civilizations, the

ruins of the ancient settlement,

the remains of traditional lifestyle

and a thousand years of history

are all very intriguing for me.

The development of Saudi Arabia

as a holiday destination, even for

residents has started quite recently

and with the way it’s moving

ahead it is likely that the Kingdomwill develop quite an interest.

Of course, the tourism industry,

which is quite new, will need to be

developed further, especially in

the rural areas, to help the country

become more ‘tourist friendly’,

but the people of Saudi Arabia are

very proud of their history and

traditions and welcome people who

are interested in their culture.

Approaching the country with an

open mind and a sense of adventure

will reap rewards for those

interested. The Kingdom has a lot to

offer of both religious and historical

value from pre-historic, pre-

Islamic and the Islamic periods.

The intrigue of historyHis work took HE Talmiz Ahmed, the Ambassador of the

Republic of India to all four corners of the Kingdom. He tellsSaudi Voyager of his particular favorites prior to his departurefrom the Kingdom on completion of his tour of duty

I M A G E : W A L E E D A L M A R H O U M

BELOW: AMADAIN SALEH




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

SLEEPINGin Saudi Arabia

Hotel options in Saudi Arabia

are extensive and rangefrom magnificent five-star

properties to charming local

and family-run hotels and

self-catering apartments. In

one of its regular features,

Saudi Voyager reports on

a range of options that

will meet the needs of

the most discerning oftravelers to the Kingdom.

Whereveryou are there is a

perfect place to sleep in Saudi

Arabia. Hotels and inns here

are some of the best in the

world and standards nationwide

continue to improve. On-the-

job training as well as post-

graduate and university coursesare helping produce world-

class catering and hospitality

facilities that will dazzle the

most demanding traveler.

Many major hotel chains

have significant properties

in the kingdom, including

Marriott, the Four Seasons,

Hilton, Holiday Inn, andSheraton, and many are

expanding their presence.

This all bodes well for those

in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality

sector and for visitors eyeing

options in one of the world’s

most interesting destinations.

Overlooking the Holy Haram Mosque and the Kaaba, the Hilton Makkah hotel

is set in the heart of Makkah. Whether the guests' prerogative is to dine out in

the 7 restaurants and cafés or do business in one of the 6 meeting rooms for

3 to 300 persons. The propoerty also boasts two 10,000-seater prayer halls

and an onsite shopping mall. The hotel has newly renovated rooms with direct

access to Haram, wireless Internet access, Caffè Cino and a well-equipped

business centre.

Web: www.hilton.co.uk

Phone: 00966 (02)537 3800

HILTON MAKKAH HOTEL

With more locally trained staff and increasing focus on quality service,accommodation options across Saudi Arabia are getting better and better.Saudi Voyager highlights some of the favorites

AREAS OF INTEREST

Saudi Arabia has 13 Administrative Provinces.

All have extensive accommodation options

Province name City name

Al–Baha Al Bahah city

Northern Border Arar

Al–Jawf Al–Jawf city

Al–Madinah Al–Munawara Madina

Al–Qassim Buraidah

Ha’il Ha’il city

Asir Abha

Eastern Province Dammam

Al–Riyadh Riyadh

Tabuk Tabuk city

Najran Najran city

Makkah Al–Mukaramah Makkah

Jizan Jizan city




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

Overlooking the Holy Mosque and just one hundred meters from the King

Abdulaziz Gate, stands Le Méridien Makkah. It has a striking lobby with a

stepped ceiling and an ambiance of traditional Arabic hospitality. The hotel’s

eye-catching exterior promises a world of elegance in its fashionable interior.

The hotel features 255 guest rooms and suites elegantly decorated and

furnished with attractive, rich fabrics. One Royal Suite, two Diplomatic Suites,

31 Executive Suites, and 221 elegant guest rooms provide luxurious comfortand an impressive view of the Holy Mosque nearby.

Web: www.starwoodhotels.com

Phone: 00966 (02) 575 1111

NOVOTEL DAMMAM BUSINESS PARKLE MERIDIEN, MAKKAH

The hotel enjoys a convenient location just 25 minutes from Dammam

International Airport with direct access on the Al Khobar - Dammam

Highway and close to the heart of a large business park.It is an ideal

stopping point for a business trip to Dammam or Al Khobar or for a leisure

break as a family. The hotel offers modern and spacious rooms as well as

10 meeting rooms for business seminars and conventions.

Web: www.accorhotels.com

Phone: 00966 (03)845 5555

Fax: 00966 (03)814 3551

Le Méridien Al Khobar, is an oasis of relaxation in lively Al Khobar, once a laid

back city of small shops but now featuring a multitude of contemporary malls

and boulevards. The surrounding area offers a glimpse of traditional stone

structures and Arabia as it once was. The hotel includes 15 meeting rooms that

can accommodate up to 600 guests, a sun-drenched outdoor pool, a fitness

center and tennis courts. All 330 guestrooms feature beautiful Gulf sea views.

Web: www.starwoodhotels.com

Phone: 00966 (03) 896 9000

RAMADA GULF HOTEL, RIYADHLE MERIDIEN, AL KHOBAR

The Ramada Gulf is located in central Al Khobar, a three minute drive from

the Corniche and overlooking Prince Saud Bin Jlewi Park. It features a well-

equipped gym, massage services and panoramic elevators.

Rooms have a spacious layout and modern facilities, including free

Wi-Fi and 32 inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, bathrooms with

bathtubs and most with a kitchenette.

Guests can enjoy traditional Arabian specialties and international classics

at Le Jasmine restaurant. Momento Café serves light snacks and drinks or

as an alternative there is attentive room service.

Web: www.ramadagulf.com

Phone: 00966 (03) 899 1010

Fax: 00966 (03) 1616




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

Villa or apartment accommodation is available in Abha, Al-Habala, Al-Souda, Al-Qara’a and at the Abha Exhibition and

Resort Center near Abha airport. A total of 500 modern villas with one to five bedrooms are available year round.

For those traveling on a smaller budget, inexpensive rooms are available at the Syahya Airport Motel and the Al-Wadi

Motel in new Abha, where there are also 114 one-and two-bedroom apartments

The contemporary Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya hotel is centrally located

in the heart of the business district with all major corporations within walkingdistance or a short taxi ride away. Riyadh International Airport is just a

30-minute drive, which makes it an ideal hotel for business travelers.

A busy restaurant and business-like reception makes it an ideal meeting place

and there are three flexible meeting rooms, and complimentary 24-hour

business center.

Web: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com

Phone: 00966 (01) 293 5533

Fax: 00966 (01) 293 5185

MADINAH HILTON HOTELHILTON GARDEN INN, RIYADH

Madinah Hilton is cnveniently located a short walk from the Holy Mosque

and in the heart of Madinah's shopping district. The hotel also boasts itsown ground-floor shopping area and prides itself on the Lobster Thermidore

available in the Madinah Restaurant. The hotel has views of the Holy Mosque

and is just 25 minutes away from the Prince Mohammed Airport.

There is high-speed Internet access in the 24-hour internet café and all the

hotel rooms and suites have high-speed internet access. Deluxe Rooms have

a separate seating area.

Web: www.hilton.com

Phone: 00966 (04) 820 1000

Fax: 00966 (04) 820 0557

SLEEPINGin Saudi Arabia




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

AL-FAISALIAH HOTEL

King Fahd Road, Olaya

P.O. Box 4148 Riyadh 11491

Tel: +966 1 273 2000

Fax: +966 1 273 2001


Website: www.alfaisaliahhotel.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

Kingdom Center

P.O. Box 231000 Riyadh 11321

Tel: +966 1 211 5000

Fax: +966 1 211 5001


Website: www.fourseasons.com/riyadh

AL-KHOZAMA HOTEL

Olaya Main Road


Tel: +966 1 465 4650

Fax: +966 1 464 8576


Website: www.al-khozama.com

RIYADH INTER-CONTINENTAL HOTEL

P.O. Box 3636, Riyadh 11481

Tel: +966 1 465 5000

Fax: +966 1 465 7833


Website: www.intercontinental.com

NOVOTEL AL–ANOUDKing Fahd Road-Olaya


Tel: +966 1 288 2323

Fax: +966 1 288 2424


Website: www.novotel.com

RADISSON BLU HOTEL

Al–Mubarakiah Plaza King Abdulaziz St.

Old Airport Road


Tel: +966 1 479 1234

Fax: +966 1 477 5373


Website: www.radissonsasblu.com

SAHARA AIRPORT HOTEL

King Khalid Int’l Airport

P.O. Box 12120, Riyadh 11437

Tel: +966 1 220 4500, Fax: +966 1 220 4505

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers


Tel: +966 1 454 3300

Fax: +966 1 454 1889


Website: www.sheraton.com/riyadh

RIYADH MARRIOTT HOTEL


Tel: +966 1 477 9300, Fax: +966 1 477 9089


Website: www.riyadhmarriott.com

HILTON GARDEN INN

Olaya Main Street Building 8951,

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 12611

Tel: 966-1-293-5533

Fax: 966-1-293-5185

Website: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN, RIYADH, OLAYA

Olaya Street, P.O. Box 69112 Riyadh 11547

Tel: +966 1 461 2000,

Fax: +966 1 461 2595


Website: www.holidayinn.com/olaya.riyadh

RIYADH

VOYAGERplaces to stay

R I Y A D H



68 / Saudi Voyager Autumn 2011

_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

JEDDAH HILTON HOTEL

North Corniche Road

P.O. Box 128428 Jeddah 21362

Tel: +966 2 659 0000

Fax: +966 2 659 1111


Website: www.hilton.com

JEDDAH MARRIOTT HOTEL

Palestine Road corner PR Fahad St.

P.O. Box 6448 Jeddah 21442

Tel: +966 2 671 4000Fax: +966 2 617 5990


Website: www.jeddahmarriott.com

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, JEDDAH

Al–Hamra – Al Corniche Road


Tel: +966 2 661 1800

Fax: +966 2 661 1145



LE MERIDIEN JEDDAH

Madinah Road


Tel: +966 2 663 3333

Fax: +966 2 663 2333


Website: www.lemeridienjeddah.com

GOLDEN TULIP JEDDAH

King Fahd St. Old Airport Road


Tel: +966 2 631 2201

Fax: +966 2 6311350


Website: www.goldentulip.com

KANDARA PALACE HOTEL

Airport Road


Tel: +966 2 631 5444

Fax: +966 2 631 0042

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL

Al Corniche Al–Hamra


Tel: +966 2 661 1000

Fax: +966 2 660 6326


Website: www.crowneplaza.com

HOLIDAY INN JEDDAH

Jeddah Al-Salam

King Khalid Street


Tel: +966 2 631 4000

Fax: +966 2 631 7605


Website: www.holidayinn.com

PARK HYATT JEDDAH MARINA, CLUB & SPA

Southern Corniche Al–Hamra District

P.O. Box 5863 Jeddah 21432Tel: +966 2 657 2737

Fax: +966 2 657 2747


Website: www.jeddah.park.hyatt.com

RAMADA CONTINENTAL JEDDAH

Palestine Street P.O. Box 7584

Jeddah 21472

Tel: +966 2 667 0777

Fax: +966 2 667 0666


Website: www.ramadacontinentaljed.com

JEDDAH & WESTERN PROVINCE




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

RED SEA PALACE HOTEL


Tel: +966 2 642 8555

Fax: +966 2 642 2395


Website: www.redseapalace.com

SHERATON JEDDAH HOTEL

Corniche RoadP.O. Box 14315 Jeddah 21424

Tel: +966 2 699 2212

Fax: +966 2 699 2660


Website: www.sheraton.com/jeddah

THE WESTIN JEDDAH HOTEL

North Corniche P.O. Box 51991

Jeddah 21553

Tel: +966 2 658 8200

Fax: +966 2 658 8201


Website: www.westin.com/jeddah

AL-BILAD MOVENPICK

Al Corniche Highway


Tel: +966 2 694 4777

Fax: +966 2 694 3737


Website: www.albiladhotel.net

RADISSON SAS

Medinah Road


Tel: +966 2 652 1234

Fax: +966 2 651 6260


Website: www.jeddah.radissonsas.com

JEDDAH TRIDENT HOTEL

Mina Street, Jeddah

P.O.Box 17466, Jeddah 21494

Tel: +966-2-6474444

Fax: +966-2-6474040


Website: www.trident-jeddah.com

SOFITEL AL–HAMRA JEDDAH

Palestine Street, P.O. Box 7375 Jeddah 21462

Tel: +966 2 660 2000, Fax: +966 2 660 4145


Website: www.sofitel.com

SANDS HOTEL

Al–Andalus Area, P.O. Box 7030 Jeddah 21462

Tel: +966 2 669 2020, Fax: +966 2 660 9971


Website: www.sandsjeddah.com

OBHUR HOLIDAY INN RESORT

Al–Malik Road, Corniche


Tel: +966 2 656 3030

Fax: +966 2 656 0110

MERIDIAN AL-HADA (TAIF)

Al–Hada Ring Road, P.O. Box 999 Taif

Tel: +966 2 754 1400

Fax: +966 2 754 4831


Email: www.meredianhotel.com

QASR AL–SHARQ WALDORF

ASTORIA COLLECTION

P.O BOX 7079 Jeddah 21462

Tel: +966 2 659 9999

Fax : +966 2 659 6666E- mail : [email protected]

Website: www.qasralsharqjeddah.com

DURRAH BEACH RESORT

Red Sea Coastline

Po Box 430,Jeddah Saudi Arabia

02 618 0211

Tel: +966 2 6180211

Fax: +966 2 6180210

Website: www.durrahbeach.com

J E D D A H A N D W E S T E R N P

R O V I N C E



70 / Saudi Voyager Autumn 2011

_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

MAKKAH AND MADINAH

AL–SHOHADA HOTEL AKMC

Ajyad Street P.O. Box 10056 Makkah 21955

Tel: +966 2 574 4401, Fax: +966 2 574 9422

Email: reservation@ akmc-alshohadahotel.com

Website: www.alshohadahotel-akmc.com

AL–HARITHYAH HOTEL

Abu Obaida bin Al–Jarrah Road

P.O.Box 7714 Madinah

Tel: +966 4 820 6164

Fax: +966 4 820 6333


Website: www.alharithyah.com

SOFITEL ELAF TAIBASaad bin Moaz Road P.O. Box 7540 Madinah

Tel: +966 4 818 0050, Fax: +966 4 818 0030


Website: www.elafgroup.com

DAR AL-TAWHID

INTERCONTINENETAL HOTEL

Ibrahim Al–Khalil Street,

P.O. Box 2728 Makkah

Tel: +966 2 541 1111

Fax: +966 2 541 1112


Website: www.ihg.com

ELAF AJYAD HOTEL

Ajyad Main Road

P.O. Box 3917 Makkah Al–Mukaramah

Tel: +966 2 572 2200

Fax: +966 2 572 4043


Website: www.elafgroup.com

SHERATON DAMMAM HOTEL & TOWERS

Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Road,

P.O. Box 5397 Dammam 31422

Tel: +966 3 834 5555

Fax: +966 3 834 9872


Website: www.sheraton.com/dammam

RAMADA GULF HOTELP.O Box 79016 Khobar 31952

Phone : +966 3 899 1010

Fax: +966 3 889 1616

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.ramadagulf.com

DAMMAM PALACE HOTEL

P.O.Box 1591 Dammam 31441

Telephone: + 966 3 805 6060

Fax: + 966 3 805 6385


Website: www.dammampalacehotel.com

AL-AHSA INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

King Khalid Street, HafufP.O. Box 25 Al-Ahsa 31982

Tel: +966 3 584 0000

Fax: +966 3 584 0400


Website: www.ihg.com

LE MERIDIEN AL-KHOBAR

Corniche Road

P.O.Box 1266 Al-Khobar 31952

Tel: +966 3 896 9000

Fax: +966 3 898 1651


Website: www.lemeridien.com

AL-GOSAIBI HOTELPepsicola Road

P.O. Box 3006 Al-Khobar 31952

Tel: +966 3 882 2882

Fax: +966 3 882 2321


Website: www.algosaibi-hotel.com

TAIF INTERCONTINENETAL HOTELHawiyah Street, Taif

Tel: +966 2 750 5050,

Fax: +966 2 750 5040



AWALIV INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Algaish Street

P.O. Box 9933 Taif 21944

Tel: +966 2 737 5555

Fax: +966 2 737 3555


Website: www.awalivhotels.com

MERCURE GRAND UMM ALQURA, MAKKAH

Al–Masjid Al–Haram Rd end Hojoun Bridge

P.O. Box 964 Makkah 21955

Tel: +966 2 570 2212, Fax: +966 2 574 4034


Website: www.mercure.com

MAKKAH HILTON & TOWERS

Ibrahim Al–Khalil Street, P.O. Box 844 Makkah

Tel: +966 2 534 0000, Fax: +966 2 536 7500


EASTERN PROVINCE




_DIRECTORY

/ HOTELS

ABHA AND ASIR REGION

ABHA INTERCONTINENETAL HOTELAl–Souda P.O. Box 14447 Abha

Tel: +966 7 224 7777

Fax: +966 7 224 4113

Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com

ABHA PALACE HOTEL

New Abha Resort

P.O. Box 1100 Abha

Tel: +966 7 229 4444

Fax: +966 7 229 5555


Website: www.abhapalace.com.sa

MERCURE KHAMIS MUSHAYT

P.O. Box 892

Khamis Mushayt

Tel: +966 7 223 3466

Fax: +966 7 222 0828


Website: www.mercure.com

RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES

Prince Majed Street


Tel: +966 3 899 6111

Fax: +966 3 899 6777


Website: www.ramadaalkhobar.com

HOLIDAY INN AL-KHOBAR Old Airport Road


Tel: +966 3 858 8000

Fax: +966 3 858 1266


Website: www.holidayinn.com

CARLTON AL-MOAIBED HOTEL, AL-KHOBAR

Dammam Alkhobar Highway


Tel: +966 3 857 5455

Fax: +966 3 857 5443


Website: www.carltonalmoaibedhotel.com

PARK INN HOTEL AL-KHOBAR

King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Road

P.O. 2408 Al-Khobar 31952

Tel: +966 3 810 0800

Fax: +966 3 810 0600


Website: www.parkinn-al-khobar.com

DHAHRAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

King Abdullah Airbase

P.O. Box 32428 Agrabiah 31952

Tel: +966 3 330 5000

Fax: +966 3 330 5550


Website: www.dhahotel.com.sa

AL-JUBAIL INTERCONTINENETAL HOTEL

Jubail Industrial Area

P.O. Box 10167 Al–Jubai 31961

Tel: +966 3 341 7000

Fax: +966 3 341 2212


Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com/aljubail

DAR AL–HIJRA INTERCONTINENETAL HOTELKing Fahad St., Central Area

P.O. Box 20201 Madinah

Tel: +966 4 820 7777, Fax: +966 4 820 7788


DAR AL–IMAN INTERCONTINENETAL HOTEL

Off Sitteen Street, P.O. Box 20205, Madinah

Tel: +966 4 820 6666, Fax: +966 4 820 6677


DAR AL-TAQWA, MADINAH

Northern Central Area

P.O. Box 20944, Madinah

Tel: +966 4 829 1111

Tel: +966 4 829 0611


MADINAH HILTON HOTEL

King Fahd Road

Madinah 3936

Tel: +966 4 820 1000

Fax: +966 4 820 0557


Email: www.hilton.com

MADINAH OBEROIP.O. Box 1880 Abizar Road

Madina Al–Munawara

Tel: +966 4 828 2222

Fax: +966 4 828 2020


Website: www.madinahoberoi.com

MAKKAH GRAND CORAL

Al–Hapaya – Um Ul Qura Street

P.O. Box 4384 Makkah

Tel: +966 2 530 1234

Fax: +966 2 537 4055


Website: www.coralhotels.com.sa

E A S T E R N P

R O V I N C E

A B H A & A S I R R E G I O N




_INDUSTRY

/ MICE

Marketing communications

sector gathers in Riyadh

I M A G E : S H U T T E R S T O C K

Saudi's capital Riyadh hosted a

number of top-tier events this

summer, focused on developments

in the marketing communications

industry. The three conferences,

which headlined regional and

international speakers, highlighted

the Kingdom as one of the most

attractive locations in the region

for the marketing industry.

The first of the three events

was the second annual Arab Social

Media Forum. Launched last

year in Amman, the event is the

Middle East's largest gathering of

professional working in online and

digital marketing. In its move to

Riyadh, the forum was held under

the auspices of Saudi Arabia’s

Information and Culture Ministry

and focused on how social media

can be best used by marketers in

Saudi Arabia and outside of the

Kingdom both for marketing and

commercial communications.

Two weeks later, global media and

marketing services firm Mindshare

held its first ever Media Summit in

Riyadh. The conference brought

together advertisers, marketing

experts, ad agencies to discuss a

broad agenda which covered topics

from digital to outdoor advertising,

print media and television.

The summit was opened by

Dr. Riyad Najm, assistant deputy

minister at Saudi Arabia's Ministry

of Culture and Information. In his

opening address, Dr. Najm shared

with the audience the country's

plans to develop a regional radio and

television industry in the Kingdom,

as well as the aim of his ministry

to support the development of

more content in the Kingdom.

“While Saudi is the most important

market in the region, much of the

material broadcast in Saudi Arabia is

developed outside of the country,”

explained Dr. Najm. “ We’d like tosee more material created here,

to support our media sector and

also to better reflect the culture

and customs of Saudi Arabia.”

Also staged was the Saudi

Branding and Communications

Summit 2011, which brought

together communications

specialists from the Middle

East to raise awareness of

communications as a discipline

among Saudi-based companies.

Over two days, international

marketing managers fromcompanies such as Nokia, Toyota

amd Proctor and Gamble joined

with Saudi-based practitioners,

including the Saudi Commission

for Tourism and Antiquities' vice

president for marketing and media,

Abdullah Al Jehani, to discuss

a host of issues ranging from

crisis communication to internal

messaging, corporate social

responsibility and how to reach out

to youth through communications.

In covering similar areas of

interest, the three events drew

attention to the potential the

Kingdom holds for the marketing

industry. Saudi Arabia, the largest

audience and the greatest media

spending market in the region,

is well-positioned to become a

regional hub for the MarComms

and entertainment industries,

stated one Saudi speaker.

“You have to understand your

market and communicate your

company and product values so

that your audience relates with

you and your products,” said Saudi

communications and marketing

consultant, Said Baaghil. “We’ve

got to think less about the means

of communicating and more about

the substance of what we’re trying

to say. There's no doubt that

we've come a long way in terms of

marketing as a discipline in Saudi

Arabia. However, we still need more

home-grown marketers, more

people who understand how to

communicate with an audience and

culture they understand and know

intimately as they have grown up

with them,” Baaghil explained.

With the relevance of the topic,

the attractive local and regional

audience, and growing industry,

Saudi Arabia can expect to see

increasing activities in this sector.

Saudi Arabia set to establish itself as an events hub for the marketing and communications industry




_RECREATION / RIYADH SOUQS

W

andering through the souqs of Riyadh offers you a

colorful journey. While meandering in and out of the

maze of passageways, each lined with traditional

old shops and stalls piled high with a variety of

goods, visitors are provided with a glimpse back into

the tradition and history of an almost bygone era.

Modern life may have transformed shopping habits and driven shoppers

into modern, air-conditioned malls, but these ancient outdoor markets,

lined with simple stalls and a colorful range of wares, are still an appealing

place to shop, barter, and discover another, more relaxed, side of life.

Riyadh has been a center for commerce for many centuries. Diriyah,

outside Riyadh, was the first Saudi state and a key trading point within

the central Najd region, being well placed along the north–south caravan

route and attracting itinerant traders who stopped over on route to

Makkah. As a consequence, a market was established in the area hundreds

of years ago and became a focal point at the center of the community.

Markets were central to the local society, regardless of the size of the

Located at the center of historic traderoutes, Riyadh has a fascinating cross-section of traditional markets. JackieLeger outlines some worthy of a visit

Sightsand

soundsof the

souq



population, and often evolved adjacent to mosques where

people congregated for Friday prayers. After prayers,

and at other times of the day, the souq became a hub for

socializing, as well as a place to buy ingredients for the day’smeal, household items, or replacement tools. In old Diriyah,

the early shops were mere mud brick alcoves, closed with

decorative Najd doors. The market was enclosed within the

old city walls and remained so until the 1930s when a new

area, Bathaa-Jiri, was created as Riyadh expanded south

around Musmak Fort, which today is Riyadh’s oldest building.

Regrettably, Diriyah old town was razed in 1818 and today,

the story of Riyadh’s souqs begins at Thumairi Gate. Suwayda

Market, located south of Musmak Fort, has shops dating from

the 1950s. The hawkers here sell vegetables, inexpensive

household items, foods, and bric-a-brac. The sweet smell

of roasted sugar peanuts permeates the air—a small bag

costing just SR1.00 provides you with a smell and taste of

traditional Arabia as you wander through the passageways.

On the other side of Musmak Fort, visitors can find shops

producing prayer beads known locally as Musbaha. The

making of these personalized strings of beads is a popular

local craft originating from the Al Madinah region. Each

Musbaha has 33 or 99 beads, each used as an aide-memoire

for an individual prayer and being made in a vast range of

colors, materials, and textures. Instead of cheap plastic beads,

the materials used by the talented craftsmen include bone,

coral, amber, carved wood, and polished stone, turning the

prayer beads from a functional item into a work of art.

Crossing Thumairi Street, the multi-cultural Tourist

Souq sells a range of inexpensive tourist trinkets. Carved





_RECREATION / RIYADH SOUQS

wooden camels, miniature painted holiday ornaments, metal ashtrays,

and a variety of keyrings are in evidence. There are also handicrafts

such as metal ornaments, coffee pots, and replica jewelry.

Further up the street the Gold Souq can be found. Although there is a

wide selection of readymade gold trinkets on display, the gold craftsmen

here will also make personalized pieces of jewelry to order, with or without

precious stones. They will also repair broken gold chains or reset precious

stones in rings. The gold shops make way for many antique sellers who

have, older, more traditional pieces of good quality and at affordable

prices. But don’t be too proud to haggle. This is a pre-requisite of souq

shopping, and you wouldn’t want to disappoint your trader would you? As

a general rule, counter any initial price suggested by a shopkeeper with

a counter offer of no more

than half the asking price.

A tall white and green clocktower near the souq acts

as a striking landmark for

another market, the Souq Al

Adl, which is one of the most

traditional markets in Riyadh.

This market specializes in

traditional Saudi male attire

and there are a multitude of corner stalls and elegant shops. The Bisht,

or cloak, is probably the most distinctive element of national dress.

Custom requires men to wear a top covering over everything else when

at a formal or public event. The Bisht is made of high-quality fabric

with elegant gold braiding along the edge. Thobes, the standard white

garment, and gutras, the red and white checked headscarves, are sold in

numerous qualities and sizes. Lined up along shop walls you will also findan enormous assortment of sandals or N'aal, made of high-quality leather

with embroidered stitching with no two pairs ever seeming the same.

Continuing down the maze of passageways, you will find the most

fascinating marketplace in Deira, the Antique Souq, which is a small covered

plaza with pointed tent roofs and housing traditional Saudi handicrafts.

There is a wide choice of stylishly painted Najd doors with aged locks, and

shutters salvaged from the demolition of old mud houses stacked high.

Traditional Arab daggers, etched with engravings, or swords

in leather scabbards are displayed aplenty. But the most

traditional and recognized icon of Arab hospitality available

here must be the Dallah, the traditional ornate Arab coffee pot.

The pots can be bought individually, or as part of a set together

with coffee-making utensils and small finjaan coffee cups in

metal or china. But beware, if you plan to try making Arabic

coffee at home, the process is more difficult than you think

and you will need more than just coffee beans and cardamom!

However, you will certainly find all the traditional coffee-

making accoutrements in the Antique Souq, including coffee

grinders, charming leather coffee bean sacks and wooden

bean boxes, brass mortar and pestles

for grinding, bellows, roasting pans,

and stirrers—everything that turnscoffee-making into a ritual and an art.

Nosing through the small rooms in

the back of the shops may also turn

up old musical instruments such as

traditional drums or even a rare rubaba.

For women, a wide selection of Bedouin

jewelry made in silver, bone, and stone

hang from pegboards. Braided silver belts decorated with

small rosettes, wrist bracelets and armbands, earrings, and

headbands have all their origins in the history of Saudi Arabia.

Turquoise and coral necklaces, or classic silver neckpieces

with amulets that open to hold verses of the Koran, are great

display pieces. Silver beads can also be purchased by weight

if you’d like to try your hand at creating your own pieces.To experience the exotic smells of the orient, the Incense

Souq is a must. Fragrances play an important role in the

lifestyle of the people of the Arabian Peninsula—while

frankincense and myrrh are well known, oud is really the most

valued commodity. Oud originates from agarwood harvested in

Cambodia, India, Yemen, Oman, and the sub-continent. When

burnt inside the home in small containers it gives off a unique

perfume. The scented smoke, called bukoor, is used to perfume

everything from the general home to clothing and even the

hair. Incense burners can be bought in metal or wood decorated

with traditional patterns or mirrored glass. Oud is also available

as oud oil, which is a pungent perfume known for its medicinal

properties and a scent that strengthens the body and mind.

Continue down the walkways to the traditional Souq Zal or

rug market. The vendors are well versed in the long tradition of

rug-making from around the region, and the market provides

an insight into one of the region’s oldest crafts—weaving. Rugs

come in all qualities, sizes, and prices, and for the sharp-eyed,

even ones with Saudi Bedouin origins can be found. Usually

woven in strips for use as runners, wall decorations, or as

flooring in tents, the rugs are made of goats’ or sheep’s wool

dyed in the traditional colors of orange, burnt red, and black.

For a contemporary city with many modern icons,

Riyadh’s souqs can certainly provide visitors with a

fascinating insight into a traditional lifestyle that has its

origins dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years.

YOUR TRADER WOULD YOU?

AND YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO DISAPPOINT

IS A PRE-REQUISITE OF SOUQ BUYING,DON’T BE TOO PROUD TO HAGGLE. THIS




_PEOPLE

/ DAY IN THE LIFE

From humble beginnings

Starting out as a concierge at Riyadh’s Hotel Al Khozama, Mamdouh Al-Arafshah has built up an enviable career in the hospitality industry, spanningmore than 25 years. He tells Saudi Voyager how he spends an average day

I M A G E : S U P P L I E D

Saudi national, Mamdouh Al-

Arafshah started his working life

as a bell-boy in the well-known

Riyadh hotel, the Al Khozama, before

working his way upwards through

various positions until, in 2000, he

was appointed to the position of

Revenue Manager with the opening

of Al Faisaliah Hotel, a sister property

jointly managed by Rosewood Hotels

& Resorts and owned by the Al

Khozama Management Company

(AKMC). Later, he worked with the

InterContinental Hotels Group for

five years, developing his knowledge

in the area of room reservations

and sales, again working in several

different positions within the hotel.

He returned to AKMC in August

2009, taking up a position in the

Business Development Division

that owns and manages properties

in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.

“I start my day with Fajjer prayers

followed by a light breakfast

along with my family before

dropping the children at school

on my way to the office,” says

Al-Arafshah. “This routine helps

ensure I get to the office punctuallyeach morning,” he explains.

8:00am

“On arrival at the office the first

thing to do is to review follow-up

actions from the day before, and

to make diary notes for any future

follow-up actions required from

the previous day’s activities. I

also attend to any emails that

may have come in overnight and

respond to them appropriately.”

10:00am“AKMC owns two hotels in Riyadh

and also manages a 5star star hotel

in the holy city of Makkah and we

will shortly be managing two more

hotels in Madinah,” states Al-

Arafshah. “The Al Khozama Hotel,

Madinah is scheduled to open in

the last quarter of 2011 and the Al

Faisaliah Hotel, Madinah is due to

open in the second half of 2012.

So we are all very busy working

towards these new openings. It is

an exciting time and as a member of

the business development division I

spend much of the morning sourcing

leads for the new businesses and

attending group meetings to discuss

opportunities and how we can best

manage these,” says Mamdouh.

1:00pm

“Around lunch time, I may be

needed to meet with visitors to the

company’s headquarters located

in the Al Faisaliah Tower, or to

conduct tours of the AKMC-owned

facilities in Riyadh, which include Al

Faisaliah Tower, Al Faisaliah Hotel,

Hotel Al Khozama, and Al Faisaliah

Mall,” explains Mamdouh. ”In

between I manage to find myself

a quick bite of lunch,” he says.

Al-Arafshah’s responsibilities also

include supporting the business at

the AKMC-managed Al Shohada

Hotel in Makkah from his base inRiyadh. So he schedules time to

make regular promotional visits to

potential business targets identified

in Riyadh, and explains special

packages and room rates available to

them. In 2011, the AKMC-managed,

Al Shohada Hotel in Makkah

secured the Highly Commended

trophy in the Best Domestic Hotel

category of the inaugural “Saudi

Excellence in Tourism Awards

organized by the Saudi Commission

for Tourism and Antiquities which,

Mamdouh states “has contributedto my sales story when meeting

clients.” The hotel has also received

recognition at the World Travel

Awards as the Leading Hotel in

Makkah for the two consecutive

years of 2010 and 2011.

4:30pm

“In the late afternoon when work is

finished for the day, I sometimes go

to the Saudi Equestrian Federation

as I am a member of the panel of

judges evaluating participants in

jumping competitions. “I start to

wind up my day at around 7pm

when I get home to spend time

with the family and to help the

children with their homework,” says

Al-Arafshah. “The hospitality

industry has given me a good

career with the opportunity to

meet lots of interesting people

and I am pleased to be playing a

role in the development of the

Kingdom’s tourism industry,”

Mamdouh concludes.





Documents

Saudi Arabia _Voyager